“I’ve had the pleasure of participating in two Muses of the West events—the first in New Mexico in 2024, and more recently in Portugal in 2025. Both experiences offered something unique while maintaining a consistent sense of thoughtful curation and creative openness.
Both incredibly memorable in vast desert backdrops, rustic settings, historic atmospheres, and quietly surreal locations create a beautiful foundation for fine art work, allowing for a kind of immersion that felt both expansive and introspective.
What continues to stand out to me across both events is the collaborative spirit. The environment encourages genuine creative exchange between models and photographers, offering space to experiment while maintaining a strong sense of respect. As a model, I felt supported in bringing my own perspective into the work, rather than simply fitting into a predefined role.
The organizers themselves bring a strong and admirable work ethic to everything they do. There is a clear intention behind the way each location is chosen and prepared—the landscapes are not only beautiful, but thoughtfully curated as backdrops that elevate the work being created. Their dedication shows in the flow of the experiences and in the care given to both models and photographers. It’s also worth noting that they are highly talented models in their own right, which adds another layer of understanding and depth to how the events are run.
Beyond the photography, connecting with other artists in these environments adds a meaningful layer to the experience. It feels less transactional and more like a shared creative space.
Overall, Muses of the West has provided me with two distinct and enriching experiences, and I’m grateful to have been part of both.”
St Merrique