Hi Slybird,
I really respect your thoughts regarding integrity and character. I look around me and I see so much beauty in the world. Simple, pure nuggets of true beauty are all around us but they constantly clash with what the media and society claims to be beautiful. Mainstream America pushes us to strive for ideals that aren't even realistic. It tells us to keep reaching for something that is never obtainable. Too often we forget to be grateful for what we already have.
It is totally understandable why someone who doesn't know me might rush to assume that my calendar contains your run-of-the-mill trash just because that is so typical in today's world. You might assume these are your typical big breasted women in high heels leaning over a shiny, expensive sports car, looking back at the camera with their "sexy eyes" and pouty lips. That crap is designed with the intention of making you focus on the things you DON't have which can be really toxic and unhealthy. That is not at all what I stand for. The spirit of our project is the exact opposite of that.
What elevates our photography series is the intention behind it. I can not accept body shaming as a declaration of superior morals. My heart and mind are in the right place. I believe that when people look at our art without any preconceived notions they can see the beauty that lies within.
One of the many reasons I love these compositions is that the models were such a diverse group of strong and confident women. Real women of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. They are all grateful and unashamed of the body that God gave them. I think that is a very very beautiful thing. To be comfortable in your own skin. To be able to say "I am OK with who I am. This is me." If I ever have a daughter, I pray she is able to say the same and that she is able to love herself. When I looked at my models in the eye, I saw a light shining within them. Beautiful.
What's also interesting to me as an artist is what I refer to as the "nudity parallax". Nudity is a symbol of confidence, yet at the same time it is a symbol of vulnerability. Two completely opposing concepts. Nudity requires us to put down our armor and then gives us the option to stand or cower. As an audience, we can relate to vulnerability as each and every one of us has our own fears and worries in our lives. Often our fear of the things that make us vulnerable block us from reaching our true potential. Think of all the awesome things we could accomplish if we knew we wouldn't fail. I don't want to generalize and I cannot speak on behalf of all individuals who are living with ALS, BUT I have heard so many people with ALS comment that we need to all just seize the day. Don't put things off. Stop being scared. Be confident and go for your dreams. You never know what tomorrow brings. I admire anyone who chooses to stand behind their dreams instead of their shields.
No matter what, Slybird, I will always respect you and I really admire that you are an attentive Father, raising a family with high standards. I love that your kids aren't texting on their phones all day. I feel warm inside to see you write about your wife with such admiration. I can't comment on Andy Griffith because I avoid watching TV, but I do know my parents really love that show too. You seem like a person of high integrity and I hope to one day meet you in person. Do not rush to judge me and my of volunteers/supporters. We all have much more in common than you realize.
With all that said, if you would like to help people who are affected by ALS but the calendar is not your style, you can donate to Compassionate Care ALS directly on their website,
ccals.org After all, that is our true goal here. To be a positive force in this world and to raise money for this wonderful charity.
Have a great day everyone!
Sincerely,
Angela Schumacher
Here are some samples of art from the masters. Just because they are nudes doesn't mean they are dirty.
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