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.

The latest issue of FRONT has divided opinion in many areas of its readership. Not least of all in my own thoughts. It’s been described as the long awaited redhead issue, which I must disagree with wholeheartedly. Granted there are two redheads on the cover, and the surrounding cover space is largely crimson. But that’s where the red haired bonanza stops. Surly if and when FRONT eventually do a redhead special, they’ll feature ladies with rouge locks in every area of the magazine. This month we only see “copper tops” on the cover, and one of those is newly so in Hannah Martin.

Lets get started and talk about the cover shall we. With the redhead special always on my mind, I was extremely excited when I first glimpsed the cover of issue 166. Not only due to the abundance of red hair and backdrop, but because at a quick glance, Hannah had the look of a certain Jessica Weekley. On closer inspection I was a little disappointed, as I’m seriously craving the return to modelling of the wonderful Weekley. However I was very pleased to see Hannah back, and against popular opinion, I actually thought her red hair looked pretty fantastic. Now some FRONT aficionados and people I respect a whole lot say her dye job is pretty poor and the look doesn’t suit. For me though it gave her a dynamism and a fresh appeal. Unfortunately for me, Hannah’s new red do and her positioning in the foreground slightly, made me kind of overlook the stunning Lucy on the right. Utilising the quickly becoming “classic” FRONT twosome pose of one model’s hand on the others bottom, there wasn’t much that was memorable about this cover shot I must say. The surroundings and typography were reminiscent of FRONT’s previous dabbling in the occult, and the 80’s psychedelia that is currently everywhere at the moment. I wasn’t drawn in at all by it.

But you know I bought it because it’s FRONT, and I couldn’t miss an issue. Plus it’s rarely just about the cover girl, or girls in this instance. So turning the page I was hopefully of a stand out Alt Girl or Full Frontal feature. The first thing that caught my eye was in the top right hand corner of the welcome pages. I had no idea they actually made “Duff” beer, and that FRONT got sent a case was awesome. I know you can buy it at firebox.com now, but I’m hoping after this plug they’ll send me a case for free as well :) The letters pages disappointingly still featured that Peter Mueller bloke. I don’t see why FRONT are wasting the ink. Just put him somewhere meaningless on the cuntdown and be done with it! I liked the “comics special” to the right of the letters, but I felt it would have been better as a few pages, if FRONT could have generated the material to fill them that is. The readers’ shit page was nothing to write hope about really. I’m not one to criticise as I couldn’t match the skills on show, but I will say the Rosie Jones drawing looked very Asian to me.

On to page 14 and the start of the Full Frontal feature. This month it is with the double-entendre inducing Rebecca Bone, a lady I was not aware of previously, but FRONT always amaze me with their unknown starlets. Rebecca’s first shot on 14 is fantastic. It’s got socks and tattoos, which are two things I love, but more than that, the body positioning is pretty special, her hand on her left hip is perfect and her expression would be at home in any fashion magazine in my opinion. On page 15 we have a upright Rebecca, showing off the tattoo under her left breast wonderfully. Throwing in a cardboard cut out from the film “Despicable Me” made no sense to me, and seemed like it was just chucked in for a laugh. We’ve seen psychedelic leggings a few times in FRONT recently, and the chains and anchor designed ones on Rebecca in this issue were too reminiscent. I was hoping they wouldn’t feature prominently, I was happy to see they didn’t.

Pages 16 and 17 were a triumph for Rebecca, whose eyes and features demand the reader’s attention. Her coy look over the right shoulder on 16 is delightful, and the kissing motion she’s doing is a lovely touch. I also have to say how terrific Rebecca looks in the suspenders influenced undies. As much as I don’t appreciate the repetition of the style of legging on the previous page, these type of “suspenders” are a new garment on me, and I love how Miss Bone looks in them. There is a classy quality to the photographs on pages 16 and 17, but Rebecca’s playful side comes out on 18. The injection of colour with the turquoise beads helps, but the smile and dimples on display ooze enjoyment. It’s always nice to see a model having fun on camera, and the introduction of Rebecca’s ink is very welcome. Page 19 is the final shot, and a classic FRONT photo featuring model on her back looking up into camera. Rebecca makes it her own with the crossed legs though, and it’s this ingenuity that may be subtle, but makes the images shine. It’s a true test of FRONT contributors when the nudity on show takes a back seat to the craft of posing and producing pictures. This is a marvellous first FRONT showing for Rebecca, her personality jumps off the page, and she expertly creates a mood that echoes what must have been a great atmosphere on set.       

Page 26 is our next stop and the news that Kevin Smith is due to appear in his very own reality TV show. Normally I don’t endorse reality TV as the majority of such programming is tosh, but a show with Smith, set in a comic book store can’t lose can it? Swiftly I must move on to pages 32 and 33. The feature with “Lights” was very cool indeed, mainly due to the beauty of the lady in question. I’ve never heard of her to be honest, and I’m no authority on Metal or Electro, but I was drawn in by the visuals and stayed for the entertaining answers. She’s a very attractive woman of course, and the paint party theme is a winner for me. But the answers given and the personality shown in doing so really endeared the artist to me.

Page 37 is another place I had to stop and pay homage to awesomeness. Alysha Nett appears in an advert for “Creep Street” clothing. Alysha has been in FRONT many many times over the last few months, and it’s always fantastic. There’s no fear of getting tired of seeing this wonderful model, and even though FRONT doesn’t have any input on adverts, they must be happy to see Alysha every time. In this image of Miss Nett, we see her resplendent in the sun. Fantastic hair and massive sunglasses creating such a cute visage. The “Creep Street” clothing also plays its part in making this advert notable. The cropped t-shirt allows Alysha’s midriff ink to be seen poking above her underwear. The underwear itself is memorable for a different reason all together. As I’m sure it is intended, the placement of the words “eat me” are quite provocative, but at the same time humorous.

Alt Girl time, and this month I was excited to see it was the lovely Ally Tindsley. Ally is a lady who is a bit of an enigma amongst fans of FRONT and the whole ethos of the magazine. She’s got quite a following of salivating support on tumblr and the like, and with good reason. Those who do follow her blog will find a magnificent collection of bare breasted photographs, along with humorous insights and personality laden comment. So there was quite a back catalogue of individuality to draw upon while enjoying these pictures provided by the immense Scarlett Studios. Pages 52 and 53 are a triumph right off the bat, peppered with images of Ally in various stages of undress. Working the green bottoms she’s sporting wonderfully, there’s a story being told in Ally’s expressions as well as the shedding of clothing. It’s a very personal shoot, set in a bedroom, but the communication between model and audience perpetuates this, and that’s largely down to Ally’s talents. Her exquisite figure is featured on page 53, as well as a peek at her wonderful foot tattoo. It’s a beautiful image set against the light filtering through the window behind.

On the final pages the playful nature of the shoot continues, as well as a smouldering picture that graces both pages, page 55 has some engaging pictures of Ally wrinkling her nose and drinking (sort of). These last two pages really tell the tail of a talented individual. Able to convey sex appeal as well as entertainment and humour in the same set of photographs. I always want more from the Alt Girl section of the magazine, but this month I really wanted more, an extra page at least just to enjoy Ally’s work for longer. But alas it wasn’t to be.

I was pleased that FRONT continued the three pages of Alt Girl DIY pictures. A welcome addition to last months issue, and I hope this means it’s going to be a regular thing. A much better integration between the first two pages and the last one this month, a better chosen advert worked perfectly, and the last page didn’t feel as separated as it did in issue 165. As for the ladies featured, it was yet another good offering. Having said that, after reviewing the three pages I was left feeling a little bombarded with so many images and characters to take in. I know I may be expecting too much from the DIY section, but I didn’t connect with any of the girls this month, and they kind of washed over me. I had my favourites for sure, but there didn’t seem to be much care and attention paid to the delivery. Too much of a good thing maybe? I think it’s evident that FRONT get a lot of applications, and if they were to spend more time on the DIY section, it would benefit the reader vastly (rather than the struggle to fit in as many as possible). Maybe even theme the section from month to month? Surly they have enough imagery to satisfy a monthly theme at FRONT, something like socks one month, or “rock chicks” the next? Just a thought. As mentioned, my favourites from this months offering were; Roxanne Ambrose, who worked wonders with her camera, and created real intrigue and appeal entirely with implied nude shots. Sophie Coady was another lady who rocked the implied nude, and I think she’d be fantastic in a full shoot, or at least more than two pictures. A little mention for Portia who has been on the forum since her appearance, and Cozmic from Essex who looked wonderful and I think could offer the magazine more in the future. I have to congratulate all the women who got featured though, truly terrific.

Finally on to the fiery haired twosome of Hannah and Lucy. Their feature started on page 84, and had a lot to live up to following sterling efforts from Ally and Rebecca. It’s funny, but I was not moved to check this shoot out based on the participants alone. Don’t get me wrong, they are both stunning models, but the partnership didn’t excite me really. The main hype for me about the feature was Hannah’s new hair colour, which I had not seen previously. Someone I won’t name, just in case she doesn’t want me to, made a good point about Hannah. She is largely used as part of a double act for FRONT, and it’s becoming her “thing” now. There’s a danger of her not being seen as an adequate solitary cover girl, and that can’t be good for the future no matter how much she enjoys the duo role.  

The first image from this shoot sees Hannah and Lucy embracing with Lucy looking into camera. It’s a expertly done “come hither” look from Lucy, and it invites the reader to turn the page. Hannah being arguably the more established girl is left with her face obscured by hair, and largely gets ignored. On 86 and 87 we have a “line-up” or sorts, which FRONT utilises from time to time. At a quick scan both models aren’t easily differentiated between, which isn’t good for either of them. The images on their own are up to the great standards set previously by FRONT features, and Hannah does what she does best, and her much seen cherry tattoo is extrapolated with cherries adorning the pages around the pictures. Lucy is radiant in her predictably red Dr Martins, and counteracts Hannah’s more flirtatious pictures with sultry glares and looks.

Pages 88 and 89 continues the playful and sultry juxtaposition with Hannah on 88 and Lucy on 89. Hannah is in a grid of four, working with hats and t-shirts and smiling out to camera. It’s pretty much what we’ve come to expect from Hannah after so many appearances in FRONT. One particular picture in the bottom left of page 88 I’m sure I’ve seen her do before. Lucy conversely on page 89 sits completely naked apart from her DMs, sucking a strawberry so seductively. It’s the best picture of the bunch as far as I’m concerned, and Lucy looks ravishing!

The double page spread on 90 and 91 picks up on a subtly from the shoot. The fact that both models have very interesting nail polish on. It’s a facet of the shoot that is an interest, but not enough to hold me unfortunately. Here we see Lucy’s fingernails above her breasts in a picture that does little except showcase a sublime pair of boobs. Which might be enough for many :) On 92 and 93 there seems to be a lull in the motivation behind the pictures. Both Hannah and Lucy don’t do much in these shots, and both pages are pretty flat.

94 and 95 brings my favourite Hannah Martin shot from the set. She’s engaged in a tug of war with Lucy over some red laces, using only their teeth. It’s a good idea from photographer or models, whoever implemented it. Hannah’s face carries the fun happy expression she sports regularly. You can tell both ladies are enjoying this pictures and it looks a lot of fun. 96 is a little bit of a shame as far as I’m concerned. Both models lie on their backs surrounded by sweets. I’ve seen Jessica Weekley do this same pose numerous times with various partners as well as solo. In fact it is this image that reminds me of Jessica and Hannah’s shoot from ages ago, a reminder that tarnishes this set a little actually.

The last picture finishes as a double page spread on 98 and 99. We don’t get to see either model’s face, but the idea is new, fresh and ends the set on a high note. Long socks and pert buttocks are (pardon the pun) cheeky, but the tone of their backs, especially Lucy’s shoulder blades, are unique. I’m sure you can tell from my words that I wasn’t enamoured with this shoot at all. I love both models individually, and have enjoyed their work previously. But together there didn’t seem the spark, excluding a few pictures here and there. It was a miss for me unfortunately, but I hope others out there had a different view.

Yet another offering from FRONT that I’ve shared a few views on. I hope these thoughts are appreciated, but I do stress they are only my opinions.

 

 

Picture was pinched from FRONT’s tumblr.