Always wanted to write for a magazine...

My series of spectrum spanning industry interviews continues today with a collaboration with a lady called Edie. An artist first and foremost, Edie has recently made her first strides into the modelling world. First appearing on my radar in issue 169 of FRONT magazine, where her Alt Girl DIY shots caught the eye. From that introduction to Edie’s pictures I was moved to get in touch about an interview, with the hope of further exploring the fledgling work of yet another fabulous FRONT find. During preparations for Edie’s interview, she became very active on the FRONT forum, and examples of other images featuring her surfaced on a regular basis. With each image being as beguiling as the last, I became fully aware that I would be showcasing a very talented and promising model on my blog. Since then news of her inclusion in FRONT as an Alt Girl proper has confirmed those thoughts, and it’s my pleasure to present this interview alongside Edie’s first bow as a featured Alt Girl. No doubt she’ll feature again in my FRONT review of the issue, and no doubt we’ll be treated to more imagery from this visually intoxicating individual in the future… 

 

Q: Welcome Edie, it’s a pleasure to have you on this blog, how are you doing?

Edie: I’m good thanks, thanks for choosing to feature me!

Q: I think it’s safe to say that you’re the newest newbie to the modelling game that has ever featured on this blog. Can I ask where the desire to model came from?

Edie: I’m not really sure where it came from, I’m a photographer myself but have rarely been in front of the camera – one day my friend and I just decided to send some photos in to FRONT for a laugh, and I got a taste for it from there really.

Q: You’ve taken to the work like a duck to water if I may say, and even though you’ve only been doing it for a while, your output thus far has been a sheer delight. What do you put this down to? Are you just naturally photogenic, or has your experience taking photographs helped you in front of the camera?

Edie: Thanks, I definitely think it comes from taking photos myself. I’m aware of what looks good in front of a camera I suppose.

Q: You’re very natural in your shots, and there’s an ease about your imagery. I would guess it’s easier to portray a style or theme if you enjoy and indulge in it personally. Would you say you’re enamoured with the “Alt” scene in your personal life?

Edie: Definitely. I wear my own clothes in all the photos on my blog, and I’d say I consider myself “Alt” (despite the lack of tattoos) ha-ha. I’m an artist and I think it shows in the way I act and dress, I’d say I’m pretty “alternative”, at least I’d like to think I’m quite unique.

Q: I first came across your pictures in a particularly bountiful Alt Girl DIY section in issue 169 of FRONT magazine. I was wondering if you could share with us a little about your relationship with FRONT, how long have you been reading the mag and what are some of your favourite sections?

Edie: I was really lucky to be featured in such a great issue, alongside awesome girls like Chelsea and Alice Cat. I’ve been a fan of the mag on and off for a while, I’ll admit I originally only bought it for the pictures of hot girls ha-ha, but when I got into reading it I really became hooked. I love the Alt Girl section as well as seeing the illustrators that are featured.

Q: Have any of the regular FRONT models influenced you at all, or are there any FRONT contributors that you particularly like to see featured?

E: Mel Clarke is a huge influence to me, so far removed from your “typical” glamour model yet hugely successful, and someone to look up to in my eyes. I also love Chelsea who’s been featured in the Alt Girl section of the mag and on the website, she’s gorgeous and an overall awesome person.

Q: From Alt Girl DIY to Alt Girl proper in so little time. I understand you’re going to be a featured Alt Girl in an up coming issue of FRONT Edie. That must have been terrific news when you heard. I was wondering if you could talk us through the process and journey you’ve been on with FRONT from getting in the DIY section to getting selected as the featured Alt Girl so soon after?

E: When I first applied it was along with a friend of mine (the stunning thedawnstone.tumblr.com). When I found out I was going to get a half page I was really pleased, and the positive response I got was great, which made me keen to get more involved. I asked about the possibility of being featured again but didn’t hear back for some time so assumed it wasn’t likely. That was until one day out of the blue they asked for some shots for the website and whether I’d be up for a full shoot for the mag – I genuinely didn’t believe it at first! The shoot was ace though, was great getting to work with Gemma and Zoe, I’d love to work with them again.

Q: You also spend a lot of time on the FRONT forum of late. It’s always awesome when new members join and have such an impact on the place. Having also contributed a mind-blowing picture set on the main website, what have been your first reactions to FRONT’s online world?

E: I really like how accessible it all is, how easy it is for the readers to get involved online and actually have a say in what goes in the mag, I think that’s great.

Q: Finally on modelling for now… Being so new to the industry, what are you hoping for from the work? Is it something you’d like to turn into a self-sustaining career? Or are you simply enjoying the ride as its happening?

E: I’m not intending to take it up as a full time career, I will always consider myself an artist more than a model; but I am really enjoying it at the moment. I’d like to do some more fashion work, and hopefully continue to be involved with FRONT - So any fans of mine please let the powers that be at FRONT know that they should feature me some more! 

Q: Would you say your experiences as a budding model have been mostly positive thus far Edie? How are you finding the industry, the networking and the organising of shoots etc?

E: I’m definitely enjoying it, but I couldn’t see myself getting too involved, it seems like a difficult industry to be involved in - I actually much prefer casual tfp work over serious “professional” feeling shoots. I haven’t yet decided whether I prefer being behind or in front of the camera!

Q: Away from modelling, I’ve picked up your penchant for photography. In a number of images I’ve seen, you’re clutching your camera with sense of pride. Is photography a big part of you life?

E: It’s a large part of my life definitely; although I don’t consider myself a photographer per se, I do use a lot of photography in my art.

Q: What are some of your favourite subjects to capture? Are there any goals you’re hoping for with photography, or is it just another avenue of expression for your artistic tendencies?

E: I love photographing people over anything else, and I enjoy the post production side of photography and the artwork that can develop from it. It comes very naturally to me; I think it’ll always be a big part of my art practice.

Q: Speaking of art and creativity, I’m also very impressed with your self titled handmade business venture (www.ediedee.co.uk). Where did this idea come from?

E: Thanks! I really can’t remember what first started it, I’ve always enjoyed making jewellery and other little items but I’d never thought of turning it into a business before. It’s a joint venture, the “Dee” of Edie Dee actually comes from my partner’s name, but I’ve come to adopt it into mine.

Q: You’re a small cottage industry at the moment, mostly selling face-to-face, but with a new website and a growing online presence, what could the future hold for the company? How often do you get the time to create such wonderful pieces?

E: I’d love to eventually put all of my time into the business, and use it to sell my art as well as hand made items. Unfortunately it’s all had to be put on hold slightly, partly due to my current forays into modelling! When I’ve more time again I’ll be creating more, and at the moment I’m still open to any requests for pieces, it’s custom orders I enjoy the most.

Q: Some of my favourite Edie Dee products are your necklaces, particularly the Gameboy and Cassette tape designs (I also think your teacup candles are inspired). What are some recent pieces you’ve been working on, and are there any plans to produce stuff for men?

E: The most recent pieces were the doll house jewellery items, like the miniature teacup rings (one of the only items that we’ve made more than one of!). As for producing things for men, well it depends on the demand - I’d like to have a go at everything at some point, it’s finding the time that’s tricky! I’m hoping to do a giveaway at some point soon of a few one-off items, so keep an eye out for that.

Q: Finally Edie, before I ask the questionnaire, can you tell us what you’ve got coming up in the near future? I understand you’ve been participating in a few shoots of late, where might we be able to see the results of those collaborations?

E: My FRONT shoot will be in next month’s issue coming out on the 12^th, and you can now see some photos up on Dollydripp.com, a lovely Reading-based clothing company I did some work for. I’ve got a few others up my sleeve so I’ll keep you posted on those too!

Can we please end with Barnard Pivot’s questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Slut
What is your least favourite word? Flesh

What turns you on? Creativity

What turns you off? Ignorance, and closed mindedness

What sound or noise do you love? Rain, I relax by listening to rainymood.com

What sound or noise do you hate? Flies buzzing

What is your favourite curse word? I don’t think I have one

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I’d love to write for a living, for a blog or a magazine

What profession would you not like to do? Anything dull/unexciting, I get bored easily

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Welcome, come in and chill out, you may now spend your time doing whatever you want for the rest of eternity…

 

Edie was so kind to take the time to answer my questions in this piece. With a busy workload that includes her artwork, photography and now modelling; it would have been understandable for her to decline my approach. I’m glad she didn’t, and while I merely scratched the surface of this lady’s talents in this interview, the piece we generated together is full of energy and intrigue. I do hope you’ll head to Edie’s links to find out more, and explore further her imagery, merchandise and art.

http://edie-d.tumblr.com

http://ediedee.co.uk

http://ediedee.tumblr.com

http://edie-does-art.tumblr.com

 

All images were taken from Edie’s blogs, and used with her permission.