It's a great honor to welcome Joan V to these pages, we feel very humbled to count someone with such quality accomplishments as part of the family.
1) Can you share with us a bit about your background and any info about your ethnic heritage?
I was born in Winnipeg , Mb, Canada, to a father who is a second generation Japanese-Canadian. My mother is very traditionally Japanese , as she was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. They met in Yokohama, during WW2. Mom came from a very old aristocratic family, as well as my dad. Since I was born in Canada , I was raised mostly as a Canadian, but I am very proud of my ethnic and family heritages. I retain both upbringings and values. I guess you could say I am a 2.5 generation Japanese- Canadian! ; )
2) When do you recall being fascinated by all things gothic / fetish, etc.?
I recall becoming very interested in the Gothic culture, especially its music, when I was about 15 years old! For me, this grew out of a real love of old school Punk Rock. I not only fell in love with both genres of music, but also with the anti-fashion movement that started to really flourish in the late 1970's and 1980's! I would say that Fetish is less of an interest, as I express myself in this way only from a fashion point of view. I think that somehow Goth and Fetish became somewhat intermixed, but I see them as completely different genres.
3) How much do your asian roots influence your creative work?
I think that my style aesthetic does comes strongly from my Japanese cultural upbringing. I often incorporate a sort of simplicity and straightforward approach in my work. Since I am proud of that heritage, I try to employ various aspects of it into my photo images. This aspect of artistic expression is called "Shibui", in Japanese. It is about being at peace, and having a balance between all aspects of one's Art.
4) So you started modeling at a young age, took a break and came back... how much has the business changed during your time off? Do you find that the use of new technology is a blessing in creating art?
I took quite a long term break from modelling, from 1995 to 2007! I would say that technology has greatly influenced my art! We now have digital everything, and that has made things so much easier and faster to process! Also, much more convenient! I love Photoshop, and all it can do , but I try not to lose the "human" quality of my images. By this I mean not overusing editing programs, so that you end up looking like a wax mannequin instead of a human being! As for the Net, I think that utilizing various applications and social networks are great ways to get exposure out there, and to market yourself. On the down side, it also opens one up to nasty and hateful comments from cowardly individuals, using the Net as an anonymous weapon to express their negativity towards models and their work. For me, modern technology has been both a blessing and a curse.
5) Is it difficult to be an asian alternative model and live in Winnipeg? How is the photo scene over there?
Both yes and no. Winnipeg is a very small rural-based city in Canada, and so there are less opportunities to work with local designers, and alternative artists. I have to take myself out of the local scene on many occasions, and use the Internet to seek out the people I wish to work with. On the up side , there is a very active and open-minded arts scene in my city, so there are many talented photographers, MUA's, etc., available to me to work with and produce photo images and videos with. The photography scene is very active in Winnipeg, and the variety of photographers to work with is quite impressive! Being of Asian descent is also beneficial and challenging. Many artists like the fact that I have a very unique look. I obtain a lot of work because of this. The flipside is, unfortunately, not everyone out there is open-minded, and do I dare say this? I've been told that I couldn't possibly be considered Goth because I was born a visible minority! I find that completely outrageous and discriminative!!
6) At 46 years of age (!!!), you are still very active. What keeps you going with your career with such enthusiasm? And are there cons about your age sometimes? What keeps me going?
My passion for Alternative Modelling, my good health, slow ageing genes from my parents, the support of my fellow artists, family, and fans, and a positive attitude! To me, age is relative. As long as I look good and feel strong, I'll keep on doing this until I can't. Then, I'll make the decision to retire.
Yes, people do discriminate against my age sometimes, but others also love the fact that I've been modelling for this long, and still getting published regularly. Many people in their 40's and over find my modelling inspiring, as it shows that your age does not mean you are no longer viable, nor valuable in our society. It is very challenging to go against our media- brainwashed programming that only youth and youthfulness are valuable. I come from a culture where age equals greater respect because of life experience and the attainment of wisdom. I hope this shows in my work!
7) You have so many credits that it's mind-blowing! But what would you say is the most satisfying personal artistic accomplishment that you have done to date?
Wow! That's a really tough one to answer, as I've done a ton of work! I would have to say that a recent shoot I had in an old, decrepit train caboose was very memorable! It was the whole project that really struck me: the cool venue, the shots taken, the eerie old atmosphere, the make up, lighting, everything! This was the first real horrific shoot I did and the results were phenomenal! The team I worked with were all on top of things that day, it was quite spontaneous, and was a ton of fun to work on! We called the Set, "The Eternal Train Ride", of which some of those photos taken are ones I have included for this Feature! Also, I have been invited to shoot with some top alternative photographers in London, UK this coming April! I am really stoked about that, and can hardly wait to get there!
8) What can you tell us about your Zazzle store?
I set up my Zazzle.com store last year, as I was getting requests from my Fans to create and market my Alternative Modelling merchandise, so I did just that! I try to keep the prices reasonable, and there is a wide range of products - from coffee mugs to fashion apparel! I also had my first hard cover photo book published, and a new 2012 Wall Calendar created by Lulu.com. I am in the process of re-vamping my Zazzle store: removing some items, while creating new ones for this year! Of course, I'll always keep the most popular items in stock, and ready to ship!
You can purchase items from both online stores at: Lulu Calendar, Lulu Photobook, and Zazzle.
9) How much importance has music been in your life? Is it true that you're a musician yourself?
Music has been a very important part of my life since I can remember. My father enrolled me in piano lessons by age four, and I studied classical piano from ages 4 to 18. I also took up the pipe organ, harpsichord, and electronic keyboard music at University, from 1984 to 1988. Today, I still write music, and do some performing, but my modelling seems to take up most of my time right now. I hope to get back to performing live again in the near future! I love the thrill of live performances!
10) When admiring your photo work, it's interesting to note that you seem to have created a macabre fantasy world where you rule over all... so how carefully do you cultivate your own image?
I plan every shoot very carefully, from beginning to end. Every detail needs to be worked out, tested, and then executed. I also do leave room for improvisation, but I always stick to the vision, concept, or theme that I have in mind. I have a strong personality, and believe in speaking my mind, so I get my point across clearly. People tell me that this shows in my work. I have a doll-like face and features , but there is a powerhouse underneath it all! I am also very careful to be true to myself as an artist. I don't follow any so-called "trends" in Alternative Modelling because I believe that is called selling-out. I have often been asked to dye my hair this or that colour; or do this style of shoot because it's so popular right now. I don't listen to these "trend talkers" because I believe in expressing myself as an individual; not a carbon copy of someone else's work/idea.
11) You would be absolutely perfect for movie work... how come Tim Burton didn't call you for his remake of Dark Shadows? But seriously, can you tell us which are your favorite horror movies?
Thanks for the compliment there! : ) I have done work in Film as an actress, locall , and had a ton of fun with it! I have loved horror movies since I was a small child! My favourite ones would have to be Alien, Aliens, Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Hunger, The Exorcist, Nosferatu the Vampyre, The Others, and the original Lost Boys!
12) Would you ever be interested in visiting us in Montreal to work with the Cult Sirens crew? ;)
I would LOVE to visit you all in Montreal and work with the Cult Sirens crew! It would be a true honour! Any time! :)