Public anxious to be London art project

LONDON, April 26 (UPI) -- Some of the nearly 10,000 applicants seeking to be part of a public art display in London say they are ready to pose naked for the sake of art.

Glass artist Rachel Elliott said if she is selected to be part of the Trafalgar Square art project being organized by sculptor Antony Gormley, she plans on incorporating her art and her body into her posing assignment, The Sunday Times of London said.

"I'm planning on making some glass beads with my blowtorch whilst I'm up there, although, as a former life model, I'd like to perform naked," Elliot, 27, said.

Gormley is seeking individuals to pose as part of his London art project that has entered its first week with more than five weeks to go.

Mark Ashworth of Colchester, Essex, said he would have no problem posing semi-nude as a tribute to the famed sculpture "The Thinker" if tabbed for the project.

"I'll get as close to the original in dress terms, although I don't quite have the physique of your typical Greek sculpture," he told The Times.

A police spokeswoman said officers would only intrude on the exhibit if requested or if the display disturbed the peace.