Nude Power Portraits with Emmy-Koos
Emmy-Koos is an artist from Amsterdam who makes and sells art, commissioned illustrations, power portraits, illustrated intentions, and teaches inner art workshops. Her goal is to intimately connect people with their authentic selves, through creative expression. I feel very connected to her and the work she is doing so happy to share our talk with you.
Describe yourself in five words?
Brave, sensitive, free, loving, artist.
How would you describe the relationship with your body?
The relationship I have with my body is a very loving and intimate one, more accepting and pleasurable than it ever was. It feels like the body of a creator, being a woman, but also in the way that it is strong and practical, with hands that can make beautiful things. My body loves dancing and yoga. Warming, nurturing meals. And after showering, my smooth skin demands I slather it in oils and body cream, especially during the winter. I like keeping track of my cycle, by noticing the little differences, like tender breasts. Turning inwards, turning outwards.
My body is a piece of nature. And it is the vehicle of my soul. When my body did not feel safe - when I did not love my actions, thoughts, and feelings - I did not love the way I looked. But working on myself from the inside has made me so grateful for this body. This life and all its greatest pleasures, like sex, food, dance, art, and connecting with others, is all thanks to this wonderful body of mine.
You provide ‘Nude Power Portraits’, why did you start with this?
Someone I know asked me to draw her nude portrait in the summer of 2020. Before that session, I had drawn nude models plenty of times, but this time was different. This time, instead of mainly focusing on the drawing I was making, I became aware of how much the process meant to the woman I was drawing. The impact it made on her to be looked at with so much love and attention, without any expectations or judgment. It felt freeing, empowering, maybe even healing. After the session, she walked away with the feeling she could take on the world. And I knew that this was something I had to do more often.
How does a session work? And how do people react?
Before the session takes place, we have a phone call to discuss your motivation behind the session. I ask about your reasons, expectations, and wishes, and about your relationship with your body. We make an appointment for the session, which usually takes place in the warmth of my living room. I can come to your home if you like, but most people prefer coming to mine because it can be easier to relax when you are the special guest.
We start the session by checking in with your body. Are you present? How do you feel? When it comes to taking off your clothes, I like to do a little exercise. With every piece of clothing, you take off, you name something that you are proud of. It makes the ritual of undressing a bit more mindful instead of awkward. Then we start looking for the first pose, I ask you in what positions you feel comfortable, and we try some out. In about 5-15 minutes I draw a pencil sketch. I make a couple of different sketches before we decide on one. It is always a collaboration. You are not just a pretty, empty vase, you are the star, both the muse and the master. I give suggestions, but in the end, you decide on the pose, style, materials, and colors.
The most nervous moment is before undressing, and the first pose is usually a bit awkward. All of a sudden you become aware of your limbs and any insecurities you might have. But those feelings quickly fade away as we talk and I sketch. For me, every single time is exciting too, as I don't know either what exactly is going to happen. Often people say they feel more comfortable because I am not afraid of being vulnerable. As we go, I can see them sinking into the experience, starting to enjoy it. People tell me they felt soft and strong, free and powerful, and worthy of celebration.
How do you think art can help with accepting and loving your body?
From my personal experience and from teaching classes and workshops, I know that making art can be therapeutic and can help you build skills and new insights to nurture a more peaceful relationship with yourself and your body. Also, seeing bodies like yours being represented in art makes it easier to accept and love your body the way it is. This is why I strive to be authentic and inclusive in the art I make, and in my commercial illustrations. And by making power portraits, I can help people see that their body is a work of art.