Mat Orrock

When I first met Mat, I knew to expect someone built apparently like a *Brick Shithouse*. I was also told he was rather attractive. What I actually did expect was a stocky, short rugby type with a gob of cheek to make up for his stature. I expected arrogance, utter self adoration and not a great deal of comradeship.

Instead- I met the guy to your left.

The rather unfortunate thing about his entrance was the fact that I was getting some promotional headshots taken at the time, which entailed bare shoulders and therefore no clothes up top- it was a rather awkward moment shaking his hand… Thankfully, my meagre busom is squishably hidden under one arm alone.

Mat was in the studio for a photoshoot, for use as studies for some of my artwork. It was immediately apparent that he was comfortable in himself, and exceptional and natural model, and it also emerged rather quickly that his character and nature actually exceeded his charming good looks. It took minutes to book him for a second shoot.

Mat appeared on the cover of ScotsGay with me, in a feature that included images and artwork of himself and Natasha Copland. The shoot for that cover was an absolute hoot- Mat easily makes the transition between hamming it up in moments where focus is not required- sometimes when it is, hitting us all with cheesy grins beaming brighter than the studio lights… creating an atmosphere of relaxation for all within the studio. It takes nanoseconds for him then to switch on the moody, trademark angsty expressions I so adore working with.

Mat does go the extra mile- he attended informal meetings between myself and the editor of ScotsGay, and he also made the trip to be at the opening of my November exhibition to chinwag with the old dears and uppercrust of Helensburgh.

As a model- I cannot recommend him enough.  I am proud that we are able now to combine a mutually respectful working relationship, with an emerging and rather strong friendship.  It has stopped surprising me to hear random proclamations from people of “Oh- you know Mat too?”…. seems this man is as popular amongst his friends and acquaintances as he is on walls and easels and studio floors.  A bad word about this man cannot be found… he is FUCKING funny, self deprecating, charming and helpful, and equally adored amongst men and women, straight, gay or otherwise.

I have to agree with Kat. Mat is one of the nicest guys I have met. He brings so much more than just a body to a shoot, and the results show this.
I have worked with Mat a couple of times, and have a lot of fun in the process, and I guarantee I will be working with him more in the future.
Well done Mat for the spotlight, and well done Katriona for choosing one of the good guys.
John Virtue, Photographer

Since first getting into modelling just over a year ago, I have I have had the opportunity to work with several professional photographers and models to bring my portfolio ever closer to the standard and variety that I am aiming for. I aim high and want to be involved in every medium in the business, wanting to experience every type of shot and format I can get myself into. Having no inhibitions allows me to work with anyone in any situation to get the best for me and the best for those I am working with. It’s been a great ride so far and I’m always looking forward to the future and going into unknown territory.
When I found out I was going to be working with Katriona, I got very excited. Always wanting to push the envelope as much as I could, this opened a door to me that I never saw coming. To pose for and be painted by someone is an experience that I would recommend to everyone, it gives a unique third person perspective on how an image can turn out and really blow your expectations. To see yourself through someone else’s mind and art through hours of toil is extremely flattering and something I am proud to be involved with.
Mat Orrock, Model