Erotic Etching (Sweet Scarlett/New Brand)

[Sweet Scarlett]

Marisa

For Marisa Campione, it always had to be three dimensional. It needed to have depth. And to be able to touch it and be tangible. Sculpture was much more than a visual art. That what the 37 year old brunette loved so much about it. But it also had to be about people, the aesthetics of the human form more than anything too.

Her studio, built as a huge extension to her house, was often her sanctuary or temple as she frequently called it. It was not uncommon to see the sculptor working with a range of materials, whether it be stone, metal, ceramics, wood or even a combination of paraphernalia. Equally it could be in carving, carving, modelling, molding, casting or assembling by welding and other means.

Most of her unique creations were in her younger days that had provided her with a comfortable life. Marisa was fairly well-known but mostly to just art circles and connoisseurs. A lot of her work though had dried up in more recent years. Rather than retiring though she sought for something new. An inspiration was required, perhaps even a new muse.

One departure had been back to the world of academia, carrying out talking tours of universities and art colleges, including run the occasional workshop. With a couple of failed relationships long behind her, there was still something else missing from her life. Not that she would ever admit as much, even to herself.

 

[New Brand]

Adrian

​

Adrian Charbeaux was the third son of Philippe Charbeaux, the vintner and force behind Charbeaux Champagne. A name known to few, but those in French royalty, it was like no other - fruity and tart – at the same time, whose pin-point bubbles inspired a ballet, as they danced on the tongue of the beholder.

The other two sons, brothers Robert and Peter, were being groomed to run the business, and the vineyard, and it was hoped that – because son Adrian was endowed with the the “look” of celebrity, that he would “stand up” or be the “face” of Charbeaux Champagne. While Philippe, Robert and Peter were of French merchant class stock, Adrian was of a much different “vintage” being the product of Philippe’s marriage (his second) to Ariel Hilgier, the actress. Philippe’s first wife, Marielle had died in a car accident. As "family" went, Philippe was content with his two sons, but Ariel “needed to have a child” and made it a condition of their marriage. Because of her youth, she easily conceived during her courtship with Philippe.

Adrian drew much from his mother’s gene pool, and - early on - held himself as far from any occupation that required industriousness, as possible. He immersed himself in the arts and humanities and all things foreign to the four letter word: work. That was Adrian’s true talent: his ability to insulate himself from any kind of physical toil.

In an attempt to try an extricate Adrian from the life of a jet-setter, and bring him closer to reality, Phillippe and Ariel enrolled him in Caulfield University - an educational “experiment” devised by the philosophy department at Cambridge. While - to his parents -it looked good on paper, Caulfield was probably the wrong choice for Adrian – because it only reinforced his bad habits.

Interestingly, out of the blue, he was solicited by the art department of Caulfield University - because of his “look” being gender neutral – the current “Flavor of the Month.” "A modeling job in the art department. What could be easier?” he thought.

He had heard that Artist Marisa Campione was coming to campus to do a Master Class, and had always admired her look, and that it seemed she had a successful career as an artist. Adrian may not have realized it, but Ms. Campione had many shared physical features with his Mother, which may have provided a sub-text to his admiration.

 

[Sweet Scarlett]

Patroclus Personified

Patroclus, the awkward young Greek prince in the age of heroes, was the title of the painting that attracted the attention of Marisa as soon as she entered Caulfield University. The depiction on the canvas was of a blonde youth draped behind a mesh curtain. It made the 37 year old sculptor hesitant and catch her breath. It was the work of true beauty.

Visiting the college, Marisa was due to give a presentation of subtractive sculpture in the Ancient Near East. It was the first part of a short series she was giving under a unique sponsorship from an anonymous benefactor. It was a new divergence for her, being more associated with the Renaissance era of mainly young virginal maidens in meditative poses.

"Must be the same model, I presume. Cute with it, do you think." The sculptor confided to her agent and close friend, Alyissa, as they came across a portrait at the end of the corridor that led to the main lecture theatre. Again she paused to have a closer look. "Such potent eyes, sensuous lips. Fascinating. I wonder if he is resident here?"

Once inside the auditorium, Marisa walked over to the laptop that had been prepared for her Power Point slide show. All she needed to do was insert her USB Memory Stick. The open-planned hall was distinctive and new as indeed was the university, which had only been especially built during the past few years. The presenter was wearing a beige evening coat hanging over her shoulders and tan-coloured overalls.

 

[New Brand]

Adrian

Caulfield, being an “experimental” university, prided themselves in designing individualized programs for its students. Like all students, Adrian was required to take the usual entrance tests : the results of which broadly classified him as a humanities major, though – being - essentially - a Sybarite, it could be said that Adrian’s true major was himself.

Responding to the modeling solicitation, he waited a day – not to appear eager – and brought himself to the Studio Arts Department offices to get the details. Despite he being technically a humanities major, he was not registered in any of the arts classes, and the department made it a requirement of his employment, that he attend Visiting artist Marisa Campione’s lecture series. since her was going to be modeling for sculpture classes, they thought this would be a quick way to bring him,“up to speed” on the aesthetics, the approach and the overall attitude necessary to be a serious model. He balked at this requirement, but the department was adamant, feeling that : for someone with no arts background this would be appropriate. So the die was cast.

Since he had to go, he thought: maybe he’d meet someone who might be interesting to talk to. As usual, he had the whole event planned out in his mind – even to sitting in the last row of the lecture hall to minimize how much attention he’d have to pay to Ms. Campione's lecture.

Ticket in hand, Adrian strode over to the new Seeley Lecture Hall only to find every seat taken, save one – second row center. as there was no way to fake it, since the tickets were scanned, he begrudgingly made his way to row two, and then trekked over and around scores of knees, book bags and assorted box lunches - stored at the feet of those who seated themselves prior to his arrival. He wasn’t seated but for a minute or two when the Head of the Department walked to the podium to introduce “Visiting Artist Marisa Campione” nodding toward Marissa. Following his gesture, Adrian looked over to see Marisa and her manager sitting in the very last two seats of the first row of the side section. Accepting the Head of the Department’s acknowledgement, she stood, and walked to the Podium, Adrian’s eyes following, intrigued.

 

[Sweet Scarlett]

Marisa

"It is not just the current generations who have relished to use new and unique forms of art. Artists of the near and far east like to play and experiment with different materials." Marisa did not pretend to be a lecture as she was not trained nor indeed really articulate enough. Inside with the aid of her slide show, she tried to be clear, with just enough detail for explanations. But she had improved with practice.

Just before starting, it was Alyissa who pointed out that the model in the two works of art was sitting in the second row of the Seeley Lecture Hall. As she continued her presentation, she found her eyes keep returning to the blonde boy who was even more exquisite in the flesh. He seemed to have caused a bit of a commotion by his late arrival.

"Particular features from their time included the attention that was given to the colour and textures of their magnificent art works. They seemed to enjoy using precious metals and gems that were in abundance." Why was this resident muse, if that was who he was, so captivating for Marisa. She felt sure that he must be aware of her keep looking towards him throughout her one hour or so address.

"The messages given out were of power, divinity and skill, like so many other treasures from the era.." Much of the rest of her presentation were not only of the actual artifacts that survive but especially the various materials used in their sculptures. At the end, the 37 year old brunette courteously said she would welcome any questions if she was able to answer them.

 

[New Brand]

“Thank God, it’s over.” Adrian thought. It was a packed house so, being in the second row, it took him a while to exit the Seeley Lecture Hall. He debated whether to go to the reception or not; he had no interest in seeing anyone there. But it WAS hors d’oeuvres and champagne - so why not? Though Hors d’oeuvres and champagne notwithstanding, he was still torn between putting up with the pretense of the appropriate small talk that would be necessary, or playing Fortnite or Minecraft with one of his buddies from Japan on the internet.

His mind was made up for him when the Head of the Department literally bumped into him in the atrium of Seeley saying: “Of course your coming to the reception? I’d like you to meet Marisa Campione the lecturer. Actually she’s going to give a hand’s on class tomorrow, and I’d like YOU to be the sole model in her Master Class. As you heard in her lecture, Ms. Campione’s focus is on the strength and power conveyed in the sculpture of the Greek's, and to my eye, your carriage, body type and facial features would serve her well in this class. Just so you know, you MAY not be clothed, but only partially covered with a robe or length of pleated fabric. I hope you won’t mind. This is an excellent opportunity, to work with a listed sculptor.”

“It was a job,” he thought and.... doing his best to croak out the words he was expected say, he continued: “I loved the lecture and would be honored to meet Ms. Campione, and model for her class. Thank you for the opportunity. “That’s wonderful, Adrian,” replied the Head of the Department. “Let me escort you to Ms. Campione, and introduce you..

The place was buzzing with excitement. Adrian thought: “It’s too bad SHE wasn’t when she was giving the lecture." As they approached her, for a moment Adrian reflected on his fleeting prurient thought. He still felt that while she was an accomplished sculptor, she radiated there was something missing in her life, or she was somehow unfulfilled. Adrian was too young to know about real heartbreak and disappointment, but still he felt a certain sadness in her demeanor.

The Head of the Department pushed through the crowd with Adrian in tow. “This is Adrian Charbeaux - the model I was telling you about, " he said as he introduced Adrian. "Is he not as I described? Would he be not the perfect model for your Master Class?" Adrian was charmed by the display of gratuitousness. It was clear that the Head of the Department was gushing – proud as a peacock – to have an excuse to strut his stuff and “offer” Adrian to the Visiting Artist. Adrian, bowed his head toward Marisa, saying in his French accent, "I’m pleased to meet you Ms. Campione. I so enjoyed your lecture."

 

[Sweet Scarlett]

​

More than anything, it was his height that surprised her the most when she met the resident model face-to-face. Marisa was not that short herself at 170 cms but he must have been almost 20 cms taller than her, quite a bit more than she had imagined and compared with the way he seemed in his paintings and when he was in the auditorium. He was quite lean though not scrawny with broad shoulders that corresponded with her line of vision.

How young he also seemed when the 37 year old sculptress was formally introduced. From his impeccable complexion and silken skin, she wondered if he was even old enough to attend college. But there was no doubts about his aesthetics as she took his hand so cordially. Her eyes lit up when she spoke. "He is indeed a perfect model."

All had seemed like a series of uncanny and dreamlike coincidences since seeing Adrian's portrait on canvas when first entering the Art Faculty. The most agreeable culmination was as if he was being offered to her like a sacrificial lamb on an altar. Furthermore there was the exquisiteness of his French accent. He had to be hers.

"You're so kind. I think it may be me who is privileged though." Such a specimen, she could not help but think. There would be much to be done before she started her short series of workshops the following day. "If you are to be my sole model, I will need first to decide on your programme. I will need to take you to my studio to start arranging immediately after the reception."