Xavier S. Talvela is a life-figure and photography model who employs story-telling elements and a knowledge of classical art in his practice. He holds a BA in Communications, an MA in Philosophy and an MA in Art History. In addition to modeling, he has worked in a psychiatric hospital and as a personal trainer, and has a deep interest in art’s therapeutic value when dealing with grief and loss. A member of the Naturist Society Foundation, he advocates body positivity and an end to body shaming. Photo credit: Lights On Studio, Lansing, MI