Babette La Fave Talks to CoCA

There's Nothing Sketchy about Babette

Artist’s Model, Burlesque Performer and Cabaret Dancer: sounds like you are busy. You modeled at the CoCA Dr. Sketchy event and they had you go through several wardrobe changes so the artists could practice drawing you with different outfits. You displayed several intriguing looks. Is your wardrobe from a specific era of Burlesque?

"I try to keep everything as vintage as possible. The circus outfits are basically Vaudeville 1920's and 30's, the Burlesque costumes are basically 1950's era. Go-Go outfits are from the 60's," Babette says.

What is it like having all those artists staring at you to draw you?
Babette: “I model at 4 different art schools, so having people stare at me is nothing new!”

Isn’t it difficult to hold poses for a long time? Do you have a specific training regimen to help you prepare?

“I took meditation classes which were amazing. . . I can now put myself in a sort of trance-like state where I have this ability to disconnect from my body. It helps a lot,” Babette says.

How did you like modeling at CoCA? I also noticed the production crew from Venus Flytrap Productions was filming you for a documentary, congratulations!

Babette: “The night I modeled for Dr. Sketchy's was a blast!!! I have worked with Ernie before and it's always a scream. Shilshole Bay Beach Club is gorgeous! I’m very glad that Dr. Sketchy's was finally brought to Seattle. Seattle has a HUGE Cabaret/Burlesque community, and there will never be a shortage of models that's for sure.”

When she is not modeling, she performs her New Orleans style “Bump and Grind” Burlesque show with her group “The Atomic Bombshells” under the stage name “Ivy St. Spectre”, http://www.theatomicbombshells.net/ every Sat at Columbia City Cabaret, the oldest Vaudeville Theater in Seattle, until the end of November. In fact KPLU radio called them “The New York Yankees of Burlesque” and you don’t get any better than that! She will also be dancing in a Cabaret version of “The Nutcracker” this Xmas at The Triple Door on Dec. 18th, 19th, and 20th. http://www.thetripledoor.net/default.aspx I am sure it will be fun.

Dr. Sketchy: Booze, Babe & Burlesque

Cabaret meets Art School

CoCA artists had the pleasure of welcoming the Dr. Sketchy Troupe http://www.drsketchyseattle.com/ yesterday to Cabana night at Shileshole to host their most ribald event of the season. Babette La Fave (also of “The Atomic Bombshells” Burlesque performance group) http://www.theatomicbombshells.net/ posed throughout the evening for an audience of 53 skilled artists armed with sketch pads, drawing pencils, watercolors, easels and paintbrushes and ready to capture her fanciful, colorful outfits and provocative poses.

Making sure we knew how many minutes the poses would be held for was the Master of Ceremonies, “Ernie Von Schmaltz”. Ernie called out the poses, entertained the audience with jokes and conducted the prize contests.

Babette opened the show adorned with a pink head-dress, diamond-like necklace, and white with pink striped corset with pink feathers strung around the sides of her waist. Her striking blond hair and bright read lipstick finished the effect while “Ernie” called out how long the pose would be held so artists would know how fast to draw.

Although there was plenty of beer and wine available to stir the creative juices, most of the artists were focused on the opportunity to draw Babette who held perfectly still in various poses and costumes throughout the evening.

Over 60 guests and members watched what has become a popular event in 38 cities around the world. Originating in New York City but landing in Seattle in May of this year, Liz Panelo, “Headmistress” of Dr. Sketchy Seattle attributes the explosive growth of the format to the “Anti-Art School” no rules format, basically artists just have fun. What’s the secret? She hires unusual models: beautiful burlesque models and bizarre circus performers all dressed in ribald outfits. For $10 bucks admission it’s the best show in town.

Dr. Sketchy holds sessions on the 3^rd Monday each month normally holding meetings at the Rendezvous Theater http://www.jewelboxtheater.com/main/Who normally attends? “Architects, Housewives, Graphic Artists”, Liz says. "Essentially, it’s open to anyone who wants to draw."

James Greer was the first among several contest winners and won a gift certificate. Will CoCA decide to hold this event again? Several of the artists felt it was a more suitable space for the group because there was better lighting and more room for easels and sketchbooks. We'll see what happens.

Want more photos? Check out CoCA's photo's of the events!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cocaseattle/sets/72157602191644763/