Always wanted to write for a magazine...

Massive thanks to all my new followers for showing their support, really chuffed that people are responding to what i’m sharing on here. Thanks also to Rachel Nicole and everyone that has sent messages of appreciation following her feature on this blog. She was a real joy to work with, and i’m humbled that her words and images adorn my page.

I’ve got some exciting new additions on the way, including an interview with a vampire (more on that to come) and some of the most kick-ass alternative atists around. I’ll also be reviewing FRONT issue 171 in a post that goes live tomorrow, not to mention plugging some exciting projects from around the internet. Lots of work on right now, but i’m sure you’ll all enjoy. Thanks for continuing to read, and i’d love to hear from new and old followers if you have suggestions or questions.

For everyone i’m in the process of interviewing, i PROMISE i’ll be getting in touch soon.

All the very best for now.

Q: I began this piece talking about your modelling, due to the fact that
it is how I was introduced to your creative world. Further
investigation though reveals quite the artist within. Have you always
been an artistic person Rachel? Do you have any idea where this side
of your personality comes from, or where it developed?
R: It definitely developed from my father. He was a hobbyist
photographer when he was younger. And I’ve always been into art. I
took it VERY seriously in High School. I was in AP art and pretty much
all I ever did was work on pieces and sleep. I didn’t even eat in the
cafeteria… I lived in the art room. I can give a super big shout
out to my AP teacher. She pushed me to develop my art into something
different and unique. She was straight up about weather something was
good, finished, unfinished, overworked, shitty; whatever. She would
tell us flat out if it was good or not. I LOVED that about her. No
other teachers have ever given me as “real” of a critique as she did.
I may stop modelling someday, but I will NEVER stop creating art. It’s
just part of my being.
Q: You have a particular passion for photography, and I think your self
portraits are very special indeed. You seem to treat yourself as a
resource expertly, again, it may be hard to answer, but how do you
view yourself as the model, when you are the photographer?
R: I just see myself as someone I can mould directly into what I’m
thinking of in my head. Or at least try. Sometimes they come out
great, sometimes not so much… but that’s the joy of self portraiture
- you never know. I like the gamble.
Q: May I ask what photographers have inspired you n the past, whose work
do you enjoy personally?
R: Anna Gaskell was a huge part of my initial inspiration as a
photographer. I got hooked on everything she produced. Her work is
mesmerizing and stirred something deep inside me. Especially because
her photos were in colour!! Ha-ha I had only worked with black and white
film at that point. Philip Warner is a close second. He portrays women
in such a way that is dark, but soft and sexy at the same time. Miss
Van, Jeremy Fish, Sylvia Ji and Stuntkid will forever be some of my
favourite artists as well…

Q: What sort of a photographer are you when working with other models? Do
you like to give direction if you have a strong idea in mind? Or do
you like models to bring their own ideas and improvise?
R: Both. If they are new to modelling, I try and work them into just
being themselves. Movement is a HUGE passion of mine. A lot of models
just stand still, but I love it when girls just let themselves go…
throw some music on and let them sing and dance. I’ve gotten some of my
favourite shots just from that alone. I also love to hear any ideas
from anyone else as well. I have so many going through my head constantly
that I really try and take a break from them whenever I can and just
let the model come up with something. I did that recently with a
model. We were going to wrap her in wire and she had this giant pine
cone in her car! She said we should put it on her head. I fell in love
with her after that.
Q: Have you got any projects in mind that you are particularly looking
forward to indulging in? Is having this artistic streak running
through you a good outlet for ideas or themes that you might not
necessarily want to feature in yourself, but create from behind the
scenes?
R: YES! I would love to create a series of some kind. I have many ideas
but I’m trying to really dig deep and make it worth something, as well
as be unique. I’m probably going to be using more film than digital as
the year goes on. I’m so tired of digital. Plus I’m not good at photo
shop so I just like to capture and image and leave it. With digital
there’s always that idea (for me anyways), that, “oh, that would look
better if I just did __”. With film, I’m usually much more satisfied
with the initial result.
Q: Speaking of art, I couldn’t interview you without mentioning your
unique and ever so interesting tattoos. Please forgive me, and I won’t
dwell on them as I’m sure you always get asked to explain etc. But
your pieces are extraordinary, and some of the most intriguing designs
I’ve come across. Could I ask who your chest and your key in
particular?
R: Oh it’s fine. If a day went by without someone asking about my
tattoos it meant I didn’t go into public that day. The key was done
when I was 18 - it’s from a Lamb song, “Cotton Wool”. The lyric says,
“If the key fits, just open the door”. It’s kind of an inspirational
thing for me to remember to keep going if it feels right and to follow
your heart. My chest piece is my favourite. Tom Yosenick at Fine Line
Tattoo in Garland, TX is the artist. I became obsessed with Phi when I
was in high school and ended up getting a nautilus with the Fibonacci
Sequence (or Golden Ratio) permanently on my skin! Weee! There’s a
really cool video on youtube called “Nature by Numbers” that sort of
explains it in a nutshell. There’s much more to it than just that…
but it’s a start.

Q: I’m forever fascinated with different people’s relationship to tattoos
and in particular getting them done. You have very distinctive
placement of your pieces, is there a certain reason for that? Would
you briefly tell us a little about what the experience of sitting in
the tattooist’s chair is like for you Rachel?
R: I do enjoy getting tattooed but I got all of the ones I have before I
was even 20. Honestly, I’m probably going to be covering my back
tattoo of the lotus. It will have to be a special day before I’m ready
to go into that project… But honestly, I didn’t even know
where I was going to get the key. Just kinda happened and I’m very
pleased with the result. And my chest piece - I didn’t feel like it
fit anywhere else on my body besides on my chest… I dunno. They
kinda just pick their own places. Its subconscious I think too.
Q: Do you have any plans for more art work being added to your body?
R: I am going to get the back tattoo covered. Other than that, I really
don’t know. I’m really for thinking through my tattoos and as much as
I want to get something goofy I just can’t bring myself to do it…
which is kind of strange considering how goofy I am… I have been
kicking around the idea of getting the planet that was bullied out of
our solar system, Pluto, with RIP under it. I realize they still
call it a dwarf planet, but it’s still kinda funny to me.
Q: I was wondering if you could shed a little light on some of your other
creative influences also. For instance what music are you enjoying at
the moment, or is there a particular book, movie or anything else that
is grabbing your attention right now?
R: Music is my life line. I really don’t think I could have survived
this long in my life without it… I listen to LOTS of different music.
Right now I’m really into Sea Wolf, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Pinback, Dandy
Warhols (because I’m about to see them soon!), PANTyRAiD, Depeche Mode
(always ha-ha), Primus, John Lee Hooker… there’s so many more too. I
can’t just stay on one thing for long…
Q: It’s only my opinion, but I think the standard of work you produce is
inspirational and aspirational for others in the industry. I know it’s
very different from person to person, but have you got any advice for
aspiring models today? What do you wish someone had told you starting
out, or what advice has served you the best in your career?
R: Thank you! Advice I have… be on time, communicate, be positive,
have fun, and let go! Art is about letting yourself go, I think. I’m
super good at that when it comes to a pencil and paper, but I’m going
to start working on that with my modelling as well.

Q: Before the questionnaire, I appreciate so many of your shots Rachel
and would love to own some to display. Is there anywhere people can
buy prints of your work? Or will there be in the near future?
R: I don’t have any for sale really right now except for at the GreyDUCK
Gallery in Austin, TX - there are prints from William Hundley and
Hector Hernandez’s show FUGUE STATES. I’m going to be working on an
edition soon. Although if you just message me about any you’d really
like, I can probably talk to the photographer to get a print for a
price they are comfortable with. You can also buy prints from these links:

Fox Harvard:

http://foxharvard.pixu.com/

http://foxharvard.pixu.com/photo/49891
Brian Hilson:

http://funkywhiteboy.tumblr.com/private/25325886059/tumblr_m5scy9MKWj1qczixw
Finally, could we please finish with Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire?
What is your favourite word? Carcass or banshee.
What is your least favourite word? Hussy.
What turns you on? A good sense of humour.
What turns you off? Someone trying to be dominant when they just aren’t.
What sound or noise do you love? I’m going to be cliché and say the
rain or the ocean.
What sound or noise do you hate? People grinding their teeth in their sleep.
What is your favourite curse word? Fuckhead.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Psychology and/or printmaking.
What profession would you not like to do? Nurse.
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive
at the pearly gates? I really don’t know… He’d probably be speechless
that I was even there in the first place.

I’m sure you all took from this piece that I was humbled to feature Rachel here. There are a handful of women that I have described on this blog as “cool as fuck” and Rachel fits effortlessly into that group. I have to thank her for working tirelessly to get permission to use all of the images you see in this piece, as well as being open and willing to answer all of my questions. She’s someone I am overjoyed to have worked with and someone with which I’ll always have a desire to collaborate with again. I wish her every success in the future. For more information and examples of her stunning modelling work, head over to the link below.

http://blackeyedbonzai.tumblr.com

All images used were taken from Rachel’s blog with permission for use sought by Rachel herself. Credits follow in order of appearance:

1)      Mr.Glass

2)      Hector Hernandez

3)      Bheard

4)      Mr.Glass

I’m so very happy to be able to bring you my latest interview this evening. It’s a piece that did take quite a lot of time to get to this point, but the ride has been an honour, and working with this lady has been a joy. Not to mention a lesson in class and professionalism. The lady in question is Rachel Nicole, and for anyone that might not be acquainted with her work, I envy you this first introduction to it. I came across Rachel thanks to her friendship with Quinn Cornchip, an alternative model and budding media mogul that I had the pleasure of interviewing a few months back. Ever since I first laid eyes on Rachel’s work I knew I had to interview her and showcase her stunning imagery if I could. Since then the process has been thoroughly enjoyable, even the setbacks. It’s given me a great opportunity to immerse myself in Rachel’s work, and revel in collaborating with such an artist. And that’s the key word when describing this lady, artist. Everything she goes into is affected by her creative influence, and I know personally that she made me raise my game. I hope I did her proud and I hope you all enjoy what we talked about…

Q: Hi Rachel. I delight in rolling out the red carpet and welcoming you
to my blog. How are you today?
Rachel: Fantastic! Finally got a second to relax! It’s been a busy couple months!
Q: I wanted to start by saying how much I’ve enjoyed researching this
interview. You have quite a stunning body of work already to your
name, but could I ask where it all began for you? What were your first
forays into the modelling industry like?
Rachel: I actually started taking pictures before I ever
even had an inkling that I would be a model someday. My father gave me
a Nikon FM SLR from the 70’s when I was about 9 years old. In Junior High
I took a photography class and actually started taking more self
portraits than anything else. I learned how to develop my own film and
photos in the dark room. Took photography all thru High School &
Community College. Then I moved to Las Vegas Feb. of 08; I met a
really good friend who let me use his house as a studio. We shot lots
of girls who had never modelled for free because we both loved
photography. One day he told me I should get in front of the camera…
I was very hesitant at first… I ended up loving it! But didn’t start
taking it seriously until the last couple years.
Q: You’ve described yourself in the past as a part time model, but you
must think of yourself as a successful part of the industry now based
on your wonderful contribution to it. What did you think about the
industry and role of “model” before you started on the path?
Rachel: I always had my friends “pose” for me in pictures. I say that very
loosely because I was really into the candid look, and most of my
friends got used to me having a camera around all the time. They
didn’t even notice when I was taking pictures of them anymore. I never
got into the industry thinking that I would be a fashion/runway model
because, well… I’m a shorty. I don’t mind though - it’s not really my
style anyways. I’m much more comfortable without clothing
personally. I never went into this thinking that I would be famous
or even noticed at all; I just love to create art and finally got a
chance to create some of the visions that I as a photographer wanted
to. I’m still not even close to being done with those visions.

Q: You may have guessed I’m a newly converted fan of yours and I love
how you do what you do. It may be hard to define, but where and how do
you think you learnt your trade? Is it a practice makes perfect
situation, is it natural ability, or is it experience and learning as
you go?
R: Awh thanks. I learned my trade just from being myself I guess… Of
course I checked out other popular models and saw how they were posing
or looking at the camera etc. Photographers that I worked with in the
beginning helped me a lot too. Then I just sort of started doing my own
thing. I used to be in gymnastics for a long time so that’s where my
posing comes from. It’s just natural for me to be dramatic in that
way. As of recently though - I’m in the process of learning to get more
into a “natural” style of modelling instead of dramatic. Not a lot of
makeup or hair products… That’s just who I am. I don’t much care for
those things. I’m a pretty big tomboy.
Q: From the outside looking in modelling seems like a lot of fun, and I
think today’s aspiring models come into the business with some
misguided ideas of what the work entails. From your experience, what
would you say are the positives about modelling? Also conversely, what
are some of the hidden negatives that often get overlooked?
R: For me the positives are meeting so many interesting and fun people.
I LOVE meeting new people because you never know what joy they will
bring into your life. I think a lot of girls come into this
industry do two shoots and then they’re “very experienced” and want
to be paid like $250/hr… I don’t even think Hustler girls make that
much…? You have to put in the time and effort. Models are a dime a
dozen, especially nowadays. You have to show that you actually care
about your art (not to mention PUNCTUAL and a hard worker), then the
money will come. Negatives to this job are flaky people. It goes both
ways - models and photographers alike. So sometimes your time gets
wasted, but it’s nothing that you can’t get over… I’ve never had a
negative experience with a photographer to where I’d say, “I’d never
shoot with this person again”. But then again, it takes a lot to make
me angry or uncomfortable. (Go figure coming from a redhead, eh?)

Q: Versatility is a word that screams out at me when I look through your
images, and it’s an important trait for a model to possess. You’ve
worked a number of different shoots, in various styles. Where
does your heart lie when it comes to being photographed? Is there a
genre of modelling you enjoy most, or think you are better suited to?
R: I think I’m most suited for the lifestyle/art side of modelling. I
really enjoy being a sexual person as well. It’s just who I am. So I
see the body as a work of art as well as something beautiful to be
celebrated! Some people may think I’m a “floozy” or something like
that… but I don’t really care. They can think anything they like. I
know who I am and I’m comfortable with my body. I really do enjoy
modelling for Heels and Candy as well - it’s really the only “glamour”
stuff that I’ll do anymore.
Q: I love the beautiful almost ethereal quality you achieve in some of
your photographs, especially in your previous work with the likes of
Brian Hilson. You ooze serenity in certain shots, and they have a very
calming influence on me. Do you have a process when it comes to
creating different looks or moods on shoots? For instance is it
necessary for you to have a peaceful mind internally to create a
peaceful image externally?
R: The photos I shot with Brian were the result of an incredibly special
time in my life. He was definitely my best friend for a while and we
loved to create art. I finally found someone who loved shooting
strange and different things as much as I did. Sometimes we were
drunk on his amazing home-made wine, or other times we were just
incredibly laid back. I believe this is when I realized that the
modelling I wanted to do didn’t really take a ton of effort. I used to
get stressed about what to wear, makeup, blah blah blah. But with
Brian, we would just go out and shoot. And a lot of times we came back
with some awesome stuff! He also had a room mate at the time that was
learning how to take pictures so we shot quite a bit. When I have a
quiet mind and open myself up to just being me, sometimes I end up
with photos I adore.
Q: I also have to mention your incredible work with Quinn Cornchip.
You two have produced some stellar shots together, and it’s clear
you’re close away from the gaze of the lens. I particularly adore a
recent Fox Harvard shot with you and Quinn “On the Porch” in Florida.
What’s it like working with such a force of nature, and how has she
impacted your work?
R: Quinn and Mr. Glass have helped me immensely in my career. They are
fantastic, hard working people and I love hanging out with them as
well as shooting photos. Quinn has become one of my best friends over
the past year. We took a trip to Florida recently and stayed with
Coach Moon and Fox Harvard. I had such a blast being out there and
meeting them (as well as David Hilton). All such kind hearted people.
I’m so happy that Quinn introduced me to them and let me tag along with
her on that trip. I was sad it was short, but that just means I’ll
have to go back soon!

Q: Finally on your modelling Rachel, you’ve had an amazing start to 2012
in front of the camera, and are collaborating with some impressive
individuals. What have been some of your highlights thus far in your
year? Are there any people you’d love to work with in the future?
R: My highlights have easily been Fox Harvard, Coach Moon, Art T,
William and Jessa Hundley, and Hector Hernandez. Recently,
was the opening of William Hundley and Hector Hernandez’s
collaboration exhibition, FUGUE STATES in Austin, TX at GreyDUCK
Gallery. I am so incredibly thrilled to be a part of their art. I
would consider myself a HUGE art nerd. So the opening was quite
surreal when I saw myself printed in their soft cover magazine, as well
as through out the gallery! I know we’re scheduled to take more
pictures soon, so I’m still enthralled that I’ll be working with them
on the reg. I would really love to work with a handful of people this
year (I’ll cross my fingers on many of these): Rabbits, Fox Harvard
(again), Chase Lisbon, Corwin Prescott, Teknari, Nettie Harris, J.
Caldwell, Grand Bizarre, Echo, Henry Gaudier-Greene, Photominimal,
there’s more too. I just need to get serious about travelling… It’s
difficult without a reliable car though…

All images used were taken from Rachel’s blog with permission for use sought by Rachel herself. Credits follow in order of appearance:

1)      David King

2)      Bheard

3)      Brian Hilson

4)      Fox Harvard