Mixing multi-artistic activities like modeling and dancing, this
performer coming from England is a fascinating talent to discover!
1) Tell us about your diverse ethnic background (1/4 Ghanaian, Nigerian, English & Spanish) and how these cultures affect your photographic work and personal life.
Despite having mixed origins, the cultures never played a massive part in my being. I was exposed to my Ghanaian and English heritages, which influenced the respect I gained for difficult cultures and ways of life. I've always had a fascination with Africa as a whole. The richness in colour, naturalistic rhythms, tropical climate, jewellery, garments, everything really. African dance as well as traditional Indian dance really captures me, with the freedom of movement and natural movement that flows alongside dramatic drum beats. As a dancer, I like to incorporate these influences. I've also recently tried to incorporate these styles into my imagery.
2) How did you came to be a model? Was it an ambition from your childhood and did it just happened by "accident"?
Well to be honest, it came from a kick up the ass. A friend of mine at sixth-form college was doing a lot of fashion shoots and we got talking about modeling. She kept telling me to get into it as she thought I'd be able to create dynamic images. I never thought of myself as the "modeling type" so I brushed it off. Until one day curiosity got the better of me and I arranged my first shoot. The rest is history, I guess.
3) How does fetish rate in your photo interests? Is there a line that you won’t cross for these kind of projects?
I only began exploring fetish style shoots in October of last year. I was intrigued by the strong contrast and bold captures you could create. I couldn't say I'm a fully-fledged fetish model, but I have enjoyed the concepts I've recreated so far. I'm not too keen on the feeling of being restricted, especially full restriction... so I think there are many boundaries already in place for me. Yet I still want to capture emotive poses and expressions.
4) You seem to have a perfect face for any elaborate & colourful make-up jobs. How is your own expertise in applying colours to your face?
I tend to do my own make-up and styling at shoots unless stylists are arranged for a particular project. This for me is a plus in a way as I enjoy creating my own range of styles and looks to suit the theme and myself. It's awesome when I get to go completely mad with make-up and create bold black lines... just generally looking quite crazy! I always try to invest a part of myself into the image, so I like to do the same with my appearance.
5) How do you predict where will you be career-wise in 10 years from now?
Wow... what a slap-in-the-face of a question! I've been asking myself the same thing quite a lot recently. It's hard to say for certain, but I'm hoping my almost finally accomplished degree will not have been in vain. I'm currently attending university, studying psychology. I believe the mind and human interaction is one of the most fascinating subjects there is. It is so important for development so I know my career move would have to be in some way connected to this area of research. I feel drawn to Clinical psychology in particular as it holds many controversies and explores areas that aren't easily explained. I think I'm generally more focused on the now and awaiting for the future to become present.
6) Can you elaborate more on your interest as a "horror fanatic"? Would you take a chance in having a part in a horror film, for instance? And any favourite titles?
I guess the term "horror fanatic" is too vague... it can mean anything from 1950's Dracula movies to snuff films. I'm basically intrigued by movies exploring human suffering and people's perception of suffering. I think it all ties into the whole psychological aspect. I like thought-provoking horror/psychological thrillers over pure gore fests. As a kid I often sneakily watched classic movies such as Hellraiser, Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, etc. I felt drawn in by the disturbed images and depictions of pain, although sometimes it scared me half to death! Now I'm older I can question this curiosities and explore the reasoning.
I think suffering is useful, it helps us differentiate the good times from the bad. I think it also gives you an appreciation for life. As much as I would like general human suffering to decrease, I think it's necessary for people's development in terms of character building... but of course... this is just my opinion.
7) Do you ever attended a fetish event? If so, any special memories? If not, is this something that would appeal to you?
Unfortunately, I haven't yet, though I have seen a number being advertised that I would love to attend. I think Torture Garden is definitely one for the "places to go" list.
8) What is the worst misconception that the general public still holds towards professional models, in your view?
That models are "bean polls" that don't think for themselves and go around screwing photographers. You'd think this misconception would have melted away by now, but you'd be surprised how many people believe this. It's sad that false criticisms are made about creative and talented individuals who collaborate to create an artistic end product. This is sometimes linked with a resentment for their own, more mundane lifestyles... like in many other scenarios.
9) How does your experience as a dancer helps you for modeling assignments? And how about vice-versa?
Dance enables me to create aesthetically pleasing shapes within the body that can either compliment or break up the space. I always try to incorporate this into my modeling, finding new ways to portray myself as a dynamic stimulus. It also helps me work out how I look in relation to the camera, so I can make small adjustments here and there to make the image.
10) We were very taken by a photo set of you wearing red latex, a purple wig and see-through platform shoes (and the hat!). So we just had to finish on a lighter tone… you must really cherish those lazy Sunday morning in sweatpants and t-shirt, don’t you? :)
You know, I really really do! It was fantastic being kitted up in all the latex and rolling around, but when I am not shooting or doing anything in particular, I tend to kick around in baggy jeans, my raver/pixie-like hoodie, strap top and dread hat. What can I say... I like to be comfy :D
Photos in this set by
Juninho, Marco Vallentin, Shaun Hodge, BobtheBoulder,
Mark Ronin & Victor Kurzweil