Always wanted to write for a magazine...

The sheer gravitas evident in my next interviewee’s photos both drew me to contact her, but also made me cautious in doing so. I’m talking about the incredible Rebecca Bone, and I’ll explain that last comment in more depth. I first came across Rebecca’s work in FRONT magazine issue 166. She produced a magnificent shoot that I waxed lyrical about in my proceeding review of that issue. I endeavoured to find out about and see as much of her work as I could, and came across her tumblr page. Picture after picture was a pure joy to behold, and it was obvious that this was a model serious about her craft. This application made me slightly cautious about interviewing Rebecca, and I hoped I was up to the task. As it transpired, my concerns were totally unfounded. I did come across a dedicated and committed individual, but she is also totally down to earth, warmly insightful, and wonderfully funny. I hope you’ll all enjoy this next piece, and learn a little more about this talented lady.

 

Q: Welcome Rebecca, it’s wonderful to have you feature on my blog. How are you doing today?

Rebecca: Thanks for inviting me. I’m very well thank you, hope you’re too!

Q: If we could jump right in and talk about your exquisite modelling work. Starting at the beginning, where did you get your break into the business?

Rebecca: I did a very small amount for my friend’s clothing company ‘Built for Sin’ a good 3 or 4 years ago. I didn’t really see myself taking it anything further than that. Just an experience and helping out a friend.

Q: Before you began your modelling journey, did you have an ambition to model, or did you have any inkling about what the industry was all about?

Rebecca: When I was a little girl I used to think that Cindy Crawford was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen, I found super models so romantic and serene. Now I’m not saying what I do comes close to that kind of work, but I had emotions connected to it. You don’t see women like her anymore.
For me personally I always wanted to be someone in science, I still do and still practice it, I always will. Modelling just fell in front of me and I take it as it comes.

Q: Your photographs are always full of attitude; you have the uncanny ability to inject soul into everything you produce. Do you think a talent like that is learnt, or can models achieve it from practice and experience?

R: Thank you. Some models do it off the bar and can inject soul into their work straight away, others grow into it. I think it’s a natural thing that just comes from being comfortable in your situation and yourself and in a lot of cases that does bloom from experience.

I feel it can also depend on how you have been brought up and how you react to your surroundings and people.

Q: Alternative modelling is a vast field with many styles. You’ve dipped your toe into alt modelling, but also produce wonderful fashion pictures and can work a more mainstream look expertly. What is your favourite type or style of modelling you’ve engaged in? Are there any particular shoot ideas you’ve enjoyed, or would like to attempt?

R: I like to have a vast amount of different styles, I really enjoy looking different from one shoot to the next and sometimes one style or photo to the next.
Modelling can be so enjoyable because of the different styles and ideas you practice and the people you meet who have unique views. I will always love the Nathan Pask shoot because of the style and what we produced, it was so clean and the shots were soft.

Q: You’ve worked with some impressive photographers already in your career, are there any in particular that stand out for you? I also always ask models that have worked with the wonderful Gemma Edwards about their experience shooting with her. She’s a very talented lady isn’t she?

R: Again, Nathan Pask - his photos came out beautiful but we also made a connection that can rarely happen. Jordan Green photo shoots are always fun, we get on well.
Gemma is lovely, I had a great day shooting with her, we’re still in contact and there are some ideas floating around to make some more magic.

Q: Another subject that I am always interested in talking about is FRONT magazine. You shot with the guys over there for issue 166. What was that like for you?

R: It was great - nice easy going and fun day.

Q: Could you tell us a little more about that shoot? Where did it take place, and what was FRONT regular photog Jay Mawson like to work with?

R: It was in London in this flat which was a home to creative types, it would seem. It had this friendly cat there which had thumbs, rad huh?
Jay was great, he knew what he wanted and when he had captured the right image, very nice to work with, professional.

Q: In that FRONT shoot, you exhibit a number of different looks. From long socks and leggings, to a beautiful set of black suspender style tights. FRONT do like to mix things up on their shoots, were you a fan of the magazine before you were a part of it? Do you have any particular favourite sections in the mag?

R: Yes - I loved the mix up, I am a fan of that.

I’m not really a magazine reader, I like FRONT otherwise I wouldn’t of featured…I like the mag but I visit their website a lot more. You can usually tell when a photo is from a FRONT shoot, with that in mind my favourite part will always be the shoots, opening up and seeing what’s been created for that issue.

Q: Another aspect of your look that was highlighted during your collaboration with FRONT was your tattoos. You have a very eclectic range of ink, with beautiful script pieces in perfect positions. Could you tell us about your tattoos, and the choices you made when getting them?

R: The scripture pieces are the only ones that have real relevance; ‘Warmest Heart’ wrapping around my ribs is reference to a ‘Have Heart’ lyric, “In the coldest world, with the warmest heart”. To me that describes my day to day living in a world which I feel is cold, where kindness is fading and our sensitivity to the environment and animals etc is dwindling, where money, cars and materialistic things are thriving. I don’t enjoy that world and seek a kinder, warmer existence.

‘What you think, you become’ is a Buddhist saying which my family have lived by for a long time. If you think about your self all the time and dwell on the negatives you will become selfish and negative, however if you think positively and help others you should live a happier life style.

Q: Away from your FRONT shoot, you’ve also appeared in Honour Over Glory ads. It’s a very cool indie clothing company, how did you get involved with modelling for them?

R: I have modelled a few times for them on and off, just through knowing Tom (owner) and being available when there were bits needed to be shot.
I just went along and took part in the Spring/Summer ‘12 shoot, we had an amazing time at the coast, the range is looking good, big fan of the direction it’s taking.

Q: On the subject of clothes, how would you describe your style in day to day life? What do you like to wear, and where do you like to shop?

R: I have a little interest in fashion I do follow it to an extent, I enjoy fashion blogs etc. However in day to day life I am quite relaxed. In the summer I like a tea dress with vans/converse. When I am not lounging around the countryside I will usually dress according to what’s in style.

However, I am a country girl so I spend a lot of time in Hampshire wearing wax coats and wellies!

Q: Your tumblr is always chock-a-block with beautiful images, of women in particular. It’s obvious you appreciate photography and other gorgeous women. It may be a stupid question, but where does this appreciation come from for you personally?

R: I just have a huge appreciation for beauty and striking images. Women are visually stunning to look at in photos in many different ways. I look up to women in my life and within social media a lot more than I do men. I can appreciate a strong, kind and beautiful woman.

Q: Finally on modelling, what is a Rebecca Bone shoot like? How do you prefer the atmosphere to be on set?

R: Relaxed and fun. I like to be able to laugh and have a good time. It’s perfect if you can all be relaxed but know what result you all want. I don’t like sitting around, I do enjoy knowing what we want and getting lots of looks.

Q: You’re a multifaceted lady of course, with many interests and influences, you’ve even mentioned an interest in surfing. It’s a sport I’ve enjoyed for years, and would love your take on it. It’s an incredible work out, especially on choppy days. Where is your favourite place to surf? Have you done so away from the British Isles?

R: It’s a great work out! It’s a lot harder than people think, especially the first, second and third outing. I surfed in Cornwall but since leaving I’ve not surfed, so it was very short lived after I started. My board is pretty lonely in the shed to be honest!

Q: What other forms of creativity speak to you? What have you been watching and listening to of late? Are there any gigs or festivals you’re looking forward to this year?

R: Buddhism and spirituality speak to me, kindness and working with animals, volunteer work and travelling. I like to write and read.

I’m watching rom coms, I love a good old fashioned rom com and any forensic shows. I’m known for my ‘bad’ taste in movies.

Listening to Refused all over again.

No gigs or festivals planned, could see me at Hevy Fest with Honour Over Glory. Hoping to catch Refused somewhere from this come back.

Q: Just before we finish Rebecca, could you tell us what projects you’re working on at the moment? Where might we see your work next?

R: I’ll be in VAR magazine (NY) in May which I am looking forward to. You’ll see my face for Honour Over Glory throughout Spring/Summer and maybe a few other magazines…

Exciting photographers will be cropping up including a couple in NY. 

Finally, could we finish with Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Ethereal

What is your least favourite word? No

What turns you on? Good manners and PMA

What turns you off? Rudeness and cruelty

What sound or noise do you love? Water, the ocean

What sound or noise do you hate? Anything in pain

What is your favourite curse word? Fuck

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Forensics

What profession would you not like to do? Animal masturbator - it’s real and very awkward!

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Come on in, put your feet up have a cup of tea. Stay as long as you like.

 

Enlightening and exciting is how I’d describe interviewing Miss Rebecca Bone. I am so proud to have a collaboration with this lady on my blog. I hope if anyone out there hasn’t seen her work, this piece will inspire you to do so. In my opinion Rebecca is supremely talented, and possesses an ambition and attitude that I’m certain will bring her success in whatever she puts her efforts towards. You can investigate Rebecca’s work at the following links:

 

http://rebeccabone.tumblr.com

http://rebeccabone.bigcartel.com

 

 

All images were taken and used with Rebecca’s permission. Photog credits in order of appearance:

Gemma Edwards, Nathan Pask, Jay Mawson, Gemma Edwards, Nathan Pask.