The Guardian: Look away, straight male gaze! How life-drawing became more inclusive

Article by Jenny Valentish. Photograph: Katy Marks.

“It’s not about the typical male gaze,” says Twyford-Moore of the models. “And I also like to find people who appeal to the queer gaze.”

NAS alumni Bligh Twyford-Moore, an illustrator and a roadie, thought a life-drawing club would be a “cool throwback idea”. He took inspiration from clubs he’d seen in Melbourne, both in terms of having themes (Gladdy Drawing Club has covered Wonder Woman, Hulk and Wolverine) and booking models who have reputations in their own right.

“They’re exactly the vibe I’m after – queer-inclusive, models that look different to each other,” he says. “Even in life-drawing, Sydney is stuffy and conservative.”