Avante Garden | Erotic Life Drawing

ABOUT

Life Drawing - Avante Garden by Embodiment Rope Space

Join us for a relaxed evening of creating artworks inspired by bodies, eroticism, and the occasional rope bondage/shibari. We want to create a space that does not only exhibit art that exists on the fringes but also provides the opportunity for you to participate and create works of your own in this realm.

Complete beginners are totally welcome - you need not have ANY experience in art! This is a judgment-free, chill space to create.

We will have our own model/s present and will kick the event off with some quickfire sketches just to get everyone in the headspace to create. Remember to respect the models. Any creepiness will not be tolerated. No photography. 

The rest of the evening will be split into some ice-breakers, diving a bit deeper into your chosen medium and exploring creating works from different poses. A strategic break will also be included so you can rest your limbs and so our model/s can recoup a bit.

We encourage you to bring along your own art-making materials (and potentially snacks if you need any) but we will also have some basic supplies available for use. Note this is not a full-all-inclusive material supplied zone! So be sure to stock up on your favourite mediums and items ahead of time.

Description 

Embodiment Rope Space is a welcoming and safe(r) space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We practice rope communally and host occasional workshops for upskilling the community. Rope is never safe, there are only ways to do it more safely. Even though this event will not strictly be rope-centric, we still ask you to respect our rules and ethos as a space.

Events start promptly at 19:00. Please DM us via Instagram if you are running late. Doors open at 18:40 and are closed at 19:10. We will be strict about this because late-coming can be very disruptive to those in the space. Pre-booking is essential (cash on the night is available by arrangement via Instagram DM). Please have your tickets ready to be scanned on arrival. 

We have limited treated rope from Sudo Jute for sale and safety shears. Non-alcoholic drinks (Coke, water, tea, coffee) will also be for sale. 

Come dressed comfy and ready to create!

About Us

Embodiment Rope Space is the love child of a group of volunteers from different walks of life coming together to actualize something we think the world needs: a queer safe(r) space for exploring kink as a healing, connective force. 

You can follow us on Instagram here: 

@embodiment_ct 

@desirelinesbondage (she/they)

@vroeteldier (she/her)

@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)

@rope_fu (he/him)

@hotsqueak (they/them)

@wcalviex5o (she/her)

@vrishti_1618 (they/them)

@charliefrench_za (she/her)

Rules 

1. Don’t be late.
2. Respect the space. Leave no trace - whatever you bring, take it back with you. 
3. Ego has no place here. Learn and share with humility. 
4. Ask for people’s pronouns and use the ones you are given. 
5. No shoes. Keep underwear on at public events. Nipples may be free. 
6. Do not make unsolicited comments about anyone else's body.
7. Do not take any photos of anyone in attendance without consent. 
8. Do not post photos without the consent of EVERYONE in the photo. 
9. Do not reveal the identity of anyone you meet in the space once you leave. Many people prefer anonymity. 
10.  Be mindful of making noise in the space when others are tying around you, this includes loud talking and laughing. 
11. Be discrete when moving through other parts of the premises. Clothes are optional in the space but not outside the door.
12. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
13. This is a sober space. Please do not use any recreational drugs or alcohol before coming or while on site. We will make an exception for this event - we feel comfortable with attendees enjoying a light drink before/while creating their works but we will not tolerate drunkenness. The subject matter at hand is still loaded and part of consent is ensuring that you are in the headspace to do so.
14. Acknowledge and accept that you are participating in high-risk behavior at your own risk.
15. No suspension is allowed unless you have been given permission, please message us beforehand via Instagram DM to tell us about the suspension you would like to do. This is not applicable to this type of evening, but that being said we will not allow anyone who is not pre-arranged to tie or suspend for our Avante Garden evenings. Please attend or Suspension Club, Rope Jam or workshop events to experience and use rope first hand.

FAQ

What is Shibari/Kinbaku/Bondage? 

The art of binding the body of a consenting adult. 

Is rope always sexual?

Rope has many benefits and practitioners outside of the sexual paradigm. For some, it is about pushing their bodies not unlike engaging in strenuous exercise or extreme sports. For some, it is a way to reclaim their agency after trauma. For some, it is a way to experience a connection with others without the scripts and expectations associated with genital contact. As long as what you are doing is consensual and intentional, we consider it healthy and valid.

What should I wear?

Come dressed comfortably and ready to create! Depending on your materials, we encourage you to wear clothes that you feel comfortable wearing in an environment where they could get dirty/paint/other materials on it. We do have heating in the space for colder months but we do recommend packing in a jacket or a coat as Cape Town has unpredictable weather.

What is Avante Garden? 

This is a space where we hope that art and expression in eroticism can be explored beyond just the craft of tying/being tied. Think of it as an art jam, a space to draw or sculpt. This is a fairly new space that we will be holding and we are looking to continuously improve on it. Feel free to give us candid feedback on your experience!

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