Sky- We define our beauty and worth, nobody else gets to do that for us!
Nude photos and art are powerful. Personally, I use them as a way of reclaiming power over my body. They have the capacity to evoke strong emotions which can really drive a message home. In my own creation, nude art contains messages of freedom, liberation, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. There is nothing more raw and real and that is what truly inspires. I feel this sense of inspiration boil over when witnessing individuals of varying shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities, and sexualities showcasing their nude bodies and art. It is something so natural and beautiful after all, so why hide it? Many of us have had to overcome difficulties in our minds to find the courage to pose nude. It can be such a cathartic and sacred experience when you finally let go of the doubt and take the plunge. In my personal experience, it has been empowering. I would much rather teach people that nude bodies are nothing to be ashamed of than perpetuate the idea that we should hide them in shame. We define our beauty and worth, nobody else gets to do that for us!
- Can you tell us about your roots, about growing up?
I grew up in a small rural town in Eastern Ontario. My home was built the year I was born. The backyard was 44 acres of forest and straight across the street was a lake. It was family land passed down through generations, holding great sentimental value. I spent most of my childhood playing outside, enjoying the sensations and beauty of nature. I was raised to love animals, the countryside, and to value close connections with friends and family. My spirit is like nature; there is beauty and serenity within me, born of the storms I had to endure. Like nature, I am not the easiest to tame or control. I need to be free to be myself and follow my own path as I see fit. What I have derived from extensive time spent outdoors, is that true power exists within us and within the natural world. Money and possessions are merely an illusion of true power. Take them away and you're left with nothing until the inner work is done.
- What was your childhood / teenage dream? What did you wanna become?
My parents still laugh about this. As a child, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. While everyone else listed off jobs they aspired to have, I said I wanted to be a wolf. As an adult, I still want to be a wolf. Our world needs more wolves and less sheep!
- Any idols during the teenage period?
I really felt a connection to Layne Staley, the singer from Alice in Chains and Mad Season. I suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a young teenager and struggled with triggers, anxiety, depression, as well as drug and alcohol addiction. A lot of lyrics spoke to me on a personal level regarding the inner battle I was facing. I wanted so badly to be free from the pain inflicted on me and would seek relief in altering my consciousness with substances. I admired how Layne's lyrics raised awareness about addiction and mental health. At thirteen I remember thinking "Wow, I would feel so vulnerable singing songs about these topics" and really respecting the guy for the good he was doing. It was a nice reminder that no matter what hardship we endure, we are never alone. There is always someone who understands your pain and can bring light to your darkness.
- When did you start with modeling? Can you recall your first photo session?
I started with modelling in Fall of 2016, a couple months after my son was born. On a path of self-growth, I knew I was ready to push outside my comfort zone. I wanted to start loving my new body and encouraging other women to do the same, regardless of shape and size. My first real shoot was discomforting. The photographer did not make me feel at ease and I later found out why - he simply was not someone to be trusted. However, he indirectly led me to my photographer now who I couldn't love more! I would like to count my second shoot as my first and say it was empowering, fun and playful. I rocked some black lacey lingerie, played with leather whips and got sprinkled with rose pedals :)
- Alternative model. In your opinion, what is a definition of Alt model? What do you need to have to be considered by Alt model when it comes to Alt scene?
In my opinion, being an Alt model means deviating from societal expectations. You know you aren't "like the majority" and you honour that. Instead of following trends, you opt to express yourself in your own unique way. You don't care as much about conventions and instead strive to be authentic and creative in your approach. More than a look, I see it as existing outside the norm and celebrating it with confidence. You are using your art to tear down limiting ways of doing and being and that sets you apart from the rest!
- First tattoo. What was the feeling? Meaning of your tats?
My first tattoo is a pair of cherry skulls on my right thigh. I had just turned 17 upon getting it, so it didn't have meaning and was more about aesthetic. I gave the male skull a little turquoise mohawk and gold tooth and the female is rocking a purple bow. I have so many tattoos with meaning it would be hard to list all of them - but I will give it a shot. I have vines to represent prosperity and growth. I have a wolf and frog because they were my two favourite animals as a child. I have a grey scale piece on my left forearm of a sky full of lightning, scattering into what looks like a horse skull which is an illustration from a spooky childhood story book my mother used to read me. I have runes to celebrate my Celtic heritage on both sides of the family. I have an orange Hercules beetle, dedicated to my son. When I was pregnant with Daemon I would always dream of vibrant orange beetles and I love that they are a symbol of strength and prosperity. I have many eye tattoos which indicate my sensitive and perceptive nature. I look at things from all angles and am always working to strengthen my third eye. Many see my sternum piece (with the triangle and all-seeing eye) as an illuminati symbol, but to me it represents my ability to manifest the life I desire through following my inner promptings. The bat on my chest represents transformation, my journey from darkness into light. Bat is a spirit animal that helps me navigate through dark times, shed the old and bring new light and life. I have a brain stem embracing a martini glass with an eye in it which represents drowning in or drowning out sensitivity with alcohol. I have a few snakes which represent my interest in healing, natural medicine and a metaphor for shedding old skin. As the skin sheds, it's like a mask is being removed and I am always becoming a more authentic version of myself. I have so many more, but explaining them each would take all day, haha.
- Piercings. How much pain/pleasure is there? Where that passion came from?
I don't feel there's a lot of pain involved in getting a piercing but with some I found the healing process a bit painful. My tongue, nose and nipples had the power to bring tears to my eyes when they would get bumped off something. For me, there is a great deal of pleasure in getting new piercings. I think part of me enjoys the nurturing after care and I love to change my appearance to suit inner changes I am experiencing. On a physical level, piercings add some fun sensation to kissing and foreplay, as well! a gentle tug on a lip or nipple ring always excites me!
- You are into implied nude /nude art photos too. Can you explain to our reader's nude art from your point of view?
Nude photos and art are powerful. Personally, I use them as a way of reclaiming power over my body. They have the capacity to evoke strong emotions which can really drive a message home. In my own creation, nude art contains messages of freedom, liberation, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. There is nothing more raw and real and that is what truly inspires. I feel this sense of inspiration boil over when witnessing individuals of varying shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities, and sexualities showcasing their nude bodies and art. It is something so natural and beautiful after all, so why hide it? Many of us have had to overcome difficulties in our minds to find the courage to pose nude. It can be such a cathartic and sacred experience when you finally let go of the doubt and take the plunge. In my personal experience, it has been empowering. I would much rather teach people that nude bodies are nothing to be ashamed of than perpetuate the idea that we should hide them in shame. We define our beauty and worth, nobody else gets to do that for us!
- Alternative healing. Sounds very interesting. Can you tell us more about that?
I feel that Conventional Western Medicine serves a purpose but that a more comprehensive approach is required. I seek to heal myself and others in more natural, or “alternative” way. Things that can be done without a prescription, doctor’s visit or negative side effects. A very simple start is eating natural foods, avoiding processed junk, grains and refined sugar. I push to eat organic whenever possible and ensure I get my share of herbs and spices! There are so many ways to naturally treat minor ailments, giving the body the good it needs and not having to sacrifice health like we do when using antibiotics or over the counter medications. I also love to give and receive massages and energy work. "Reiki" is the type of energy work I was officially trained in during March of 2015. It is a hands-on (or above the body) healing modality that works with the healer's intention, healing symbols, breath, visualization, and a beautiful energy transfer. It treats the individual’s aura (the place where illness and disease originate). This transfer of energy helps stimulate the individual's immune system so that they can heal themselves. It can bring wonderful results on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual plane. Aromatherapy is another great way to relax, invigorate, clear negative energy and bring balance to the chakras. I personally make crystal elixirs that I infuse with different essential oil blends. I use these as body spray to protect my aura and as room sprays in place of sage. I am also big on healing ceremonies. These come in many forms, but I am witchy and choose to do mine around the moon cycles, using fire as my element. I find it appropriate because fire represents creation and destruction. During new moons I write out the things I desire to manifest into my life. During full moons my list focuses on habits, people, attachments, patterns and fears I really want to rid myself of. In both ceremonies I read aloud what I have written with the intention to better myself, then light the paper on fire, and watching it go up in flames. There is something very therapeutic about this process for me.
- Creative expression?
I get my deepest fulfillment out of doing things that require creativity. There's the more practical side of it such as cooking interesting meals, decorating the house or getting adventurous with my make-up. Then there's stuff that's more personal like writing poetry/lyrics, painting, doing photo shoots and coming up with creative ways to teach and guide my son through life.
- What would be your advice to young girls who would like to start an alt modeling career?
Be true to yourself and do not sacrifice your artistic integrity. I love to model naked, but it isn’t for everyone. If you choose to do it, do it because it speaks to you personally on some level. If modesty empowers you, embrace it in your art. You do not have to get naked because anyone tells you to or makes you feel pressured, ladies! I would highly recommend talking to other models in your area about photographers that they would recommend. Someone who produces great content and has a fun and professional stance is so key to enjoying the experience. In the creation of content, do not worry about the popularity contest or how well it will be received by others. Do it to get your unique message across and be true to yourself. This will draw the right audience to you :)
- What kind of art, in general, do you like?
I am a big fan of new age art, surrealism and anything grotesque!
- Any hobbies?
I love collecting animal skulls I find in the forest. I get so excited when I discover or receive a new one. I soak them in hydrogen peroxide, bleach them and sometimes paint or decorate them. To me it’s not to use the animal as a trophy, but to honour the animal’s beauty and spirit beyond the physical life cycle. I also like to make jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings) using healing crystals/gems. In the past year I discovered I really enjoy and benefit from yoga, as well. When I am slacking on regular meditation, I love how yoga grounds my busy mind in a similar way. One of my more closeted hobbies is singing and writing songs. My friends who attend karaoke with me know how much I love singing but there is something very personal and vulnerable about creating my own music. I hope one day I can push outside of that comfort zone and share that part of myself with others.
Social media accounts so people can see your work.