The magic of Model Mayhem (well, sometimes...) got us in contact with this unique individual and we were delighted that at that time, she was living in the same city as us. A couple of quick phone calls made us decide that we were kindred spirits indeed. We still remember her first reaction to our French-speaking phone message!
1) Can you tell us a bit about your background? Do you originate from a place that supports more alternative/subversive art?
I was born and raised in California... went to high school during the amazing Neon 80's, the black bangles that Madonna wore, the avant-garde style of Siousxie. I live in a small town now with a narrower view of fashion and self expression. I'm the one on the street people stop and stare at here.
2) Did you studiously developed your photo skills in a classroom or are you completely self-taught? BTW do you judge that it’s a complete waste of time to pay for photo courses or is it something that a novice has to learned by itself?
I tend to be a "jack of all trades" kinda woman and a cheap whore when it comes to the tools of my trade. I use whatever camera I can get a hold of and my lighting is basic as hell. I use whatever the thrift store has available for backdrops. I am self taught. I think school can help develop the technical knowledge of something... but the ART has to flow through you. The vision... baby comes from my beloved MUSE yet sometimes she's a bitch and doesn't bring me the inspiration I need so at that point I just wing it! Photography is like I say one of my many skills... I think I love it because it gives me instant gratification. I don't like "instant" gratification in all aspects of life though... wink wink!
3) How would you best describe the Goth-Chic style?
My Goth-Chic style is for the funky goth bitch in me to be able to maintain a "nice" retail image that fits into "mainstream" society (hell they still stare) but it's just inside the realm. I love pushing the limits of what people expect a 40 year old sexy bitch of a mother should look like!!! Hair that makes peoples jaws drop (mohawk, shaved, colored anything striking) is the main ingredient... then the color black is the next... mix a sophisticated piece with lingerie and blend it into a goth-chic masterpiece and "strike a pose" baby!!!
4) You are very comfortable in creating self-portraits; how would you rate working with other models? Do your creative juices flow the same way with someone posing for you? ;)
Being comfortable in front of the camera didn't happen until I started taking self-portraits which has really helped me out when working with others. MODELS are people too!!! Especially beautiful alternative women that are sure of themselves. Mixing their ideas with mine and BAMMMMM we make magic and the beauty that is my muse pours the golden honey of creativity on us (hmmmmmm see she just gave me an idea for a sexy shot with honey yummmmm).
5) Of course, we can’t resist asking this question: you seem to have an endless fascination with your own hair, playing with colors and shapes. Is there anything that you still haven’t dared experiment with it?
I have one motto when it comes to hair... "Hair Grows!!!" and if someday it all falls out from the abuse... I'll rock that too. The one thing I haven't dared yet to try again is to grow it out beautiful and long... I friggen hate that in-between stage. I have wigs for that occasional need to feel Barbie like.
6) We’re curious to know what turns you on about culture; would you share some favorite books, movies, etc. Could you also mention if there are many artists/personalities that still inspires you?
Hmmmmmmm sweetie this one will go quick as far as books goes... I don't enjoy reading but I love fashion magazines simply for the pictures. If I were to buy Playboy/Playgirl it is only about the pictures (are there articles in there??? hmmmmm). Having the visual outward appearance people like to think I read Anne Rice novels, etc... but my fav book that cracked me the fuck up was "Marley and Me" hell I'm an animal lover!!!
As for movies, here is where I go classic and because that is a visual medium I can stay on this one for a bit. I love the movies from the 40's and 50's. I think the women were stunning creatures back then. The costuming skills of Edith Head and the divine beauty of women like Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, and Lucille Ball just to name a few made the cinema back in the day. Hitchcock is a fav of mine anything with James Stewart in it rocks my world. More recent movie favs are Shawshank Redemption, American History X, American Me, (yeah yeah all prison based movies... hmmmmmmm), The Patriot, and Hackers all rank tops to me.
The creative strong personality of Madonna and her reinvention of herself has always been an inspiration. Cyndie Lauper and Siousxie's amazing looks grabbed me from the beginning of the 80's.
7) What disappoints you more about the general public’s perception of female models, even alternative ones?
That their job is EASY... by no means is it. Alternative models don't get the attention that they deserve for doing what they do.
8) You have a knack for all these funky & crazy eye make-ups; is it another of your natural talent to come up with these creations?
Experimenting with make-up is a passion and a way for me to express myself for sure. Yes, it comes naturally. Make-up is such a great costume for me and is usually where I start; the outfits, etc. are secondary.
9) Were you involved at some point in creating underground events and did you ever attend any fetish festivities? How does these activities appeal to you now?
Hahahaha I have to laugh... yes I'd love to attend in full costumed beauty to a festival, but no I have not been to one yet. The reason for the laughter is if you could see where I live now "SMALL TOWN USA" there isn't even a sex shop... but by golly there is a church on every corner. I really wanted to enjoy all the alternative culture that Montreal had to offer, but as you can see I'm on the other side of the border for now. I'd love to bring some funk and fetish to where I am to show people we are not deviants just people sure of ourselves and we know how to express it!!!
10) You seem to enjoy your time living in Montreal. What made you decide to move to Canada? Did you go through many social & cultural shocks or has this new life been a positive revelation?
Montreal.. .how I miss everything about Montreal. I dropped everything and moved there to be with a wonderful man that I shared the love of photography with. My new life there opened my eyes to finding myself even more. The only thing culturally shocking was the "poutine", who would of thunk... throwing some gravy over fries with cheese on top of that. Mind you I don't speak french and in that time only really picked up the words "BONJOUR", "fromage", and good old Rosetta Stone taught me "l'homme mange"... I did a lot of smiling there waiting for the translation.
I loved the metro and listening to the endless recordings of what station we were approaching. Things in Montreal reminded me of life in Los Angeles, California... all I know it was nice to be able to walk down a main street that took more than five minutes to walk up and down and SEX SHOPS damn I didn't realize how much I missed the occasional jaunt to look for sexy fun things without having to order them on the internet. I'd be back there in a heartbeat if I could I really do miss it.
11) There’s a school of thoughts that goes: "I’ll get the shot and improve it with Photoshop" and there are others thinking: "I’ll try to get the best I can in the camera without so much digital touch-ups afterwards". Do you have any opinion on this?
I always try and take the best shot possible but I love the challenge of those that don't come out perfect. I love working it out in Photoshop. Hell I'm no size 1 model so I know how to pose to make things work but damn, my dear, there is always room for a little touch up for sure. I am not a fan of the plastic overworked look at all. I want people to see my work and be able to spot me in a crowd and see me. When all you put out there is "PERFECT -flawless skin, etc. enhanced tits and whatnot" then show up bags, zits, draggin tits... I can imagine the person you're going to work with has that "oh shit" look on their face.
12) What does Gothicjade do when she just wants to relax? Shuffle off around the house only wearing a bathrobe or sweatpants? Or are you always cooking these mad little projects in your mind? LOL
Hmmmmmmm long walks on the beach (naaaaaa...too far from here) a glass of wine (fuck it I'm a beer drinker all the way!!!). Seriously, you'll find me most likely dressing up, taking pictures, chillin' with a beer, playing with my awesome yet sometimes demanding dog, and always near my computer. I shuffle around the house in vintage slips I find at the thrift store.