Drawing Blood is a new take on life drawing to bring something entirely brand new to Sydney’s nightlife. Hosted at 107 Projects, Drawing Blood is a series of one off life drawing events created by burlesque star Venus Vamp, born out of her lifelong love of the occult.
Grab a drink from the bar and join in this occult life drawing event – ‘Victorian Séance.’
Everyone working the first ever Drawing Blood event was in full Victorian garb immediately creating the perfect Victorian séance atmosphere. Attendees’ hands were stamped with pentagrams as we entered, found our seats and pulled out our art supplies.
The room is pack. One end is set up as a Victorian Drawing room mid séance with chairs, table, crystal ball, and other decidedly gothic paraphernalia. The remainder, of the space is set up with chairs, tables, stools, and the odd church pew or two. It really is as if someone has just grabbed furniture from all over their house to allow others to witness the mystical phenomenon.
Our MC appears from behind a rich blue velvet curtain. His outfit complete with tails and pocket watch. And just like that our Victorian Séance life drawing experience begins. Music adds to the atmosphere as our models for the evening’s experience take their positions.
The event had three 30 minute sections with two short intervals. First was a series of five and ten minute poses, then a 15 minute pose and short talk from Jack Sargeant on spiritualism, séances, ectoplasm, and Victorian sexuality. The night concluded with one 30 minute poses.
Either the pipes at 107 Projects make some funny noises or we may have contacted with a spirit. Perhaps the Fox sisters were on to something…
– Lara
Lara Bendeich wishes bustle skirts would come back into fashion for everyday wear but also sees them as a personal safety hazard. Follow her musings at @elleellabee.
Follow Drawing Blood on Facebook and look out for the next event on 30 August.
