Jenny - Vintage and Pin Up beauty

Sometimes I find it difficult to talk about myself because it's in such a condensed context that I often fear being misunderstood. That being said, it never does stop me. I grew up in northern Massachusetts and come from a family of city transplanted farmers and was raised with a deep appreciation and love for the arts and music. My mother would take me to a record store or library when I could barely reach to see and she'd watch me find inspiration in such women as Joan Jett and Debbie Harry. I was never told not to be an attention ham. In fact, it was encouraged and what ultimately led to my start in modeling.

My first photo shoot was when I was 14 years old, which was so many years ago, but clear in my mind. I took like a duck to water and never really felt uncomfortable in front of a camera when I was the sole subject, something I attribute to my progressive and supportive upbringing.

I feel fortunate to have the ability to recognize beauty and strength in other women and derive inspiration from them. When I was growing up as a teen in typical suburban America, the courage and integrity of Queen Elizabeth and Wendy O Williams of the Plasmatics opened my eyes to a larger world and I felt any shame of my body or my strength slowly dissipate. I honestly had no life plans other than to create art, experience art in every medium opportunity allowed. That is, and always was my life's mission.

While it's difficult for me to place a particular shoot that stands out in my mind as being the most interesting, I find the most satisfaction and intrigue when working in nature and seeing where I place in all of it. Location and light play a huge role in the mood that's created. I've been fortunate to work with amazing photographers that have a talent for scouting locations and working in collaboration to tell a story in images. During a typical shoot, I enjoy placing myself in the moment and posing my body but also appreciate the feedback from whoever may be behind the lens, as we each have a different perspective. The attire I choose for any given shoot is provided by sponsors, a photographer, and often from my own wardrobe and has been carefully considered and sometimes improvised, each unraveling a surprising and delightful outcome.

As a born exhibitionist, I find modeling nude not much different than modeling with clothing. In fact, often times I'm more self-conscious in clothing because stigmas are attached to how things must fit a female body. When I'm nude, I feel it's the most honest representation of my art and produces a contradictory emotion of strength and carefully invited vulnerability in myself.
While most of my nude commissioned work went unpublished for awhile, I decided it was time to "not fuss over wardrobe" with a photographer that made me feel the most at ease. I began with a topless publish that found itself on the back cover, as well as in the pages of a well-established nude edition of a modern pinup publication. I felt extremely proud and received so much support and love from my friends and family. For this, I'm so grateful. It's only encouraged and empowered me to further my art with less boundaries.

One particular style that drew me in was vintage and pinup photography, akin to the style of Gil Elvgren's famed paintings of classically beautiful women. I've always been a lover of antiquities and times gone by, but the color, pulp, and femininity presented in the art of pinup was undeniably drawing me closer.
When I began vintage modeling, I knew very little of how to achieve retro styles, but I knew alot about the mood and was able to make exaggerated faces that didn't look too over the top most times. I have had the privilege of a stylist many times, each one allowing me to take away new knowledge and tricks of the trade which I've applied on my own with success.
With years of practice now, I've learned that I prepare for a vintage shoot the night before, using similar hair setting techniques to that of my grandmother, which minimizes the time needed to get ready. This helps a great deal when traveling a long distance for a shoot.

No matter where you travel for a shoot or who you work with, it's important to understand that it's your collaboration. Not everyone will understand it, sometimes it's better they do not. I create art because I believe I'd explode if I did not. The stigma attached to any art, particularly nude photography, is derived from insecurity. I'm not angry when someone believes my nude body is in poor taste.

My simple wish is for everyone to use the word "ugly" a lot less. There's more beauty in this world than not if you learn to accept yourself and find your inner strength. Everyone critiques their body with such scrutiny. I have scars I used to hide and more than a few freckles. Although I appreciate a good concealer, I see myself aging and have more self love than I have had in my life. I feel it's because of the supportive people I surround myself with and adversities I've overcome. Every photographer, every model, every artist I've worked with have helped me build a foundation of self trust and comfort.
Aspiring and newer models can change their entire perspective of beauty as they open their mind to projects and work in a safe environment with trusted people. By talking to other models, you can build a safe network off which to build a portfolio that is both diverse and shows your personality. You can become inspired and share ideas that will encourage each other. This isn't something that happens in a week or two, so it requires patience and a bit of dedication and imagination, but the reward is immense.

In my everyday life, I take time to relax and enjoy live music or go on a spontaneous road trip. Travel feeds my brain with ideas and gives me the motivation to share my experience or perspective through my modeling. It's easy to bring tangible art to the table when inspiration is everywhere. I've opened my eyes wide, and I'd like to show you all of what I can see.

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Posted in Lifestyle