The Lady of Many Hair Colors, Arwen is not only a fantastic model but
also probably a future Burlesque performer! Let's all admit that she can't
go wrong in that career path!
1) Of course, we just have to know where does your passion for alternative photography comes from?
Modeling was never something I planned on doing. I still have difficulty referring to myself as a model. I became friends with a local DC fetish photographer who encouraged me. I wanted to explore beyond just fetish, however, so I joined Model Mayhem. All of this is simply an exploration. That's not to say I don't take it seriously, but I model for myself, to explore other facets of my personality and open myself to new experiences. Hence, I don't limit myself to certain genres.
2) Do you have a background in drama? Or do you exploit a natural talent in portraying different kind of characters when modeling?
I prefer shoots that have an element of fantasy, whether it be in the clothes, the location, or the concept. I like to explore myself, but as someone else or in another time or place. I did a little bit of theatre back in college, but not much. I actually worked more behind the scenes, building and tearing down sets. So I wouldn't say I have a natural talent. I'm still learning a lot about modeling and what poses work for my body. Being so short and curvy, I have no angles.
3) Since you’re quite petite and curvy, what are your views on the "thin, underfed & pale" model stereotypes still active on mainstream runways?
I do find the cookie cutter models from the mainstream fashion industry to be rather boring, but it keeps being pounded into my head that there are actual reasons why fashion models are extremely tall and thin. I'm more concerned that the mainstream modeling world seems to heavily influence the alternative modeling world. The girls can be shorter, as long as they're still thin. Alt fashion designers also have a preference for thin models. It's disappointing because the alt modeling world should be about breaking away from the mainstream, not following it.
4) On your Model Mayhem page, you mention Louise Brooks. What models/actresses still active or not still inspire you?
I cite Louise Brooks merely as reference for people to understand my hairstyle. I also cite Romulans and, in fact, the latter probably has more inspiration for me. I'm a sci-fi/fantasy geek, but I'm not much of a fan girl. There are maybe only a handful of models that inspire me. Razor Candi is my all-time favorite alt model. I can only dream of being as creative as her. Wednesday Mourning is another favorite. She has such a classic gothic look, like she just stepped out of a silent film. Others who inspire me are those that have succeeded in opening people's minds to more voluptuous models, such as Xanthia Pink and Kerosene Deluxe. I have no problem with models being pale, however. I freak whenever I tan even the slightest little bit.
5) Do you attend lots of fetish events? What for you constitutes an ideal evening for such an occasion?
I haven't attended that many fetish events, but I'd like to. My ideal evening would consist of beautiful, friendly people in beautiful fetish clothes having fun while looking at art and performances that make your eyes pop out of your head. Really, as long as I'm enjoying myself, it doesn't matter.
6) So how many hair colors did you have in your career/personal life? You seem to follow a specific path (pink to turquoise to?)...
I've been dying my hair since high school. There are so many colors besides brown, black, etc. I don't really follow a specific plan. It's just whatever mood hits me. For the past few years I've been dying my hair black and jewel tones, so now I'm moving to brighter colors. I've been wanting to go turquoise for awhile. I guess I have this overwhelming urge to look like an Easter egg.
7) So for film work, you already played a "zombie" and a "party-goer"… are we wrong in presuming that you’d like to do more? What would be the ideal part for you?
Acting is not something I'm actively pursuing. Both of those roles were opportunities that just kind of popped up. Many things that have happened in my life were planned, but as I've gotten older I've become more open to things just happening. Much of what I do is simply to have fun, to experience something new. There's no plan or future ambition behind it. On the other hand, I am very interested in entering the world of burlesque and am actively trying to make that happen. I've been going to a lot of shows and meeting people in the scene in an effort to learn the craft.
8) As photo work given you more confidence in personal play? (of course by this, we want to know if you are kinky in your intimate life!)
I'm afraid I'm going to give a disappointing answer here. Yes, I do feel more confident, but I have difficulty meeting like-minded others who are interested in exploring. I don't connect easily with others and don't put myself out there much.
9) You are going to FetishCon in August? Tons of Sirens will be there (readers take note)! What do you expect from that event?
This will be only my second year attending FetishCon. I'm not sure I'm expecting anything more than having fun. If I can take some amazing photos on the side and meet more awesome people like I did last year, then that would be even better.