The beauty in model and make-up artist Alex LaMarsh isn't just found in her deep, striking eyes, her smooth, porcelain skin, her lean, flexible frame or her luscious lips. This gal has creativity to spare in every direction, and she thrives on experimenting with her ideas both behind and in front of the camera. Alex says what she thinks, stands up for what she believes in and feeds her soul with what she needs. She graciously took some time from her work to speak with us.
Eros Zine: You do a lot of work as a make-up artist for models and photographers. Did this come before or after modeling for you? How do you think it's shaped the work you do as a model?
Alex LaMarsh: Actually makeup came before modeling. I went to school for fashion design and started working in the opera and theater in San Francisco as a costumer. One of the head makeup artists I worked with decided to give me a couple of classes in the basics of makeup (being sanitary and whatnot). The rest came from years of practice and observation. Now I do a lot of freelance makeup for local photographers and models.
I've always had more of a behind the scenes perspective on modeling. To me, makeup and styling set the mood and help bring to life the character the photographer or model want portrayed. It also frees up the model so she can focus all her energy on being in front of the camera. It's helped me to have an appreciation for how much work goes into a photo shoot.
EZ: You look so young! How long ago did you start modeling?
AL: You made my month with that question! I'm 25 and I started modeling at 19, although I only did it fulltime for a few years.
EZ: You also do some photography. How did your interest in it come about how often do you play with it?
AL: I only do a tiny bit of photography. I was actually trying to inspire my boyfriend, who at the time was contemplating giving it a shot. He had always shot video, and I kept telling him that he was a natural photographer because of the angles he shoots from, his eye for lighting, and his good ideas. My point was that if I, someone who knows nothing about a camera, could do it so could he. As soon as he started I quit to focus on working with him. I enjoyed it but, it's a lot of work, maybe I'll start up again some day.
EZ: AND you do great illustrations, which used to be published regularly in the SF magazine Erotica. How'd you hook up with them and do you still sketch?
AL: I met the editor of the magazine at a bar in San Francisco. He saw one of the sketches I made for a friend's tattoo and asked if I would be interested in illustrating for their magazine. It turns out he was one of the founding fathers of Thrasher magazine (a skateboarding lifestyle mag) which was one of my faves back when I was a teenie bopper. So of course I was like "whatever you want I'll draw for you!"
It was one of my best, most fulfilling jobs ever… not to mention it paid great. HAHA. I don't feel very comfortable discussing my art for fear of sounding like a pretentious asshole but, it has always been my outlet and there are few things in life I find more fulfilling. I did just start back to illustrating, I feel like I finally have the time necessary to do it.
EZ: Speaking of things that are fulfilling in your life, how'd you get into yoga and how important is it to you?
AL: I see someone's been reading my live journal. LOL! I got into yoga because I needed a soothing activity that would keep my ass from getting fat because I do so much computer work. I wanted something that took me away from everything stressful in my life, giving me a tiny vacation for a couple of hours every week.
My boyfriend suggested I take a yoga class with a friend so I gave it a shot. As soon as I started I realized that it was right for me. It sweeps the clutter from my brain and allows me to think more clearly, for at least a couple of hours. I do it twice a week, every week and encourage everyone I know to join me. I love it, but I'm not a dirty hippy yet!
EZ: Speaking of your live journal, you do a lot of internet ranting about the modeling industry. Does it ever get you into trouble?
AL: Yeah I am always in trouble with someone, not that I care. Modeling is not brain surgery. It's not hard to figure out. People seem to forget that everyone has their own job to worry about with a photo shoot. If they would just fret about getting their job done and not sticking their nose into someone else's, things run a lot smoother.
I'm just honest in how I feel. To me it's like my very own little episodes of America's Stupidest Criminals, only with photographers and models. If you don't like what I have to say then don't read it or listen to me… no one is making you.
EZ: You go, girl! You're currently dating troublemaker and fetish photographer Kelly Lind. How often does he shoot you and how are those shoots different from your work with other photographers?
AL: Troublemakers are more fun. He spices up my life, and I need that. I get in more trouble for what he says or does than what I do. People think that because we share a bed, we share a brain. LOL
As for when we shoot… we do it whenever it's late at night and we are bored. We also shoot for clothing companies that send me yummy outfits now and then. I love shooting with him because A) I know it will come out good B) He shoots very quickly and C) He gives the model her space to just do her thing for the camera. It's always a wonderful experience, and I think it shows in the photos.
Sometimes its hard for me to go back to working with other photographers. I get frustrated when they sit there and pose me for hours. I love moving for the camera so having someone just use me as a mannequin that they personally pose is a little odd and uncomfortable.
EZ: You do a lot of sultry modeling, but only implied nudity. What's your philosophy on this?
AL: Nudie stuff is just not for me. More power to anyone who can do it, I just don't. Maybe it's because I have a very religious background or maybe I am still a little old fashioned, I dunno. I have nothing against it but I know I could never do it and feel ok about it after.
I think everyone has their boundaries, and I respect that. I set mine very early on. I feel if you choose your boundaries, you have to stick to them no matter what- there is not much point in drawing a line if you are just going to cross it.
Everyone has their niche; some need to be nekkid to do it and some don't. It all balances out I think, because I can offer the emotional availability to portray a look that some models can't. I found my niche so ima stickin' to it!
EZ: You live in LA. Where are you from originally? How involved are you in the LA fetish scene?
AL: Originally I am from the farm country and horse ranches of Iowa and Nebraska, although I've lived all over. I'm not very social so I rarely go to any fetish events. I know lots of people in the "scene" but don't consider myself a part of it.
Going to these things is more of an excuse to get all gussied up for me. I have my own life with my own group of close friends who, for the most part, aren't very involved with the scene either.
EZ: In so much of your modeling, you look sorrowful. Is this intentional? Are you drawing on something personal?
AL: Well, no one seems interested in me being smiley and happy for shoots. Personally I love smiling, especially for the camera, but I think it goes back to the ability to offer up something different for the camera. There is beauty in every emotion, but pain seems to be the strongest and most well hidden.
No one wants to show they are in some sort of emotional pain. It's almost viewed as a weakness, but I feel it's something to gain strength from. I am always attracted the darker side of individuals. I like to bring darker emotions to life so they can be seen, not hidden.
Then again, it could just be that I am still a recovering goth, who knows.
It is a nice change too for me to show some emotion in a photo. I did runway and fashion modeling for a long time and all they want is a living clothes hanger, no expression, no emotion. Either way, you won't see me complaining any time soon. ;)
EZ: So, what's coming up for you in the future?
AL: Taking over the world.
We're looking forward to watching you do it! You can read Alex's rants on her livejournal and keep up with her plan for world domination on alexlamarsh.com.
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