I was immediately intrigued by the concept of this project when Anastasia had told me about it. At the time, we were acquaintances who had both volunteered at The Red Poppy Art House. I hadn't seen any of her photography, but that didn't matter. What attracted me to 'Nothing But Light' was the fact that Anastasia, the photographer, was interested, more than anything, in revealing people's souls. I hadn't known of any nude photographers who were more interested in revealing the soul than the physical form.
I had modeled several times in the past for style blogs and magazines in Johannesburg, South Africa. Although, occasionally it was fun, there was always a fleeting thought in my mind, a fear, that made me feel most uncomfortable, that the clothes I was wearing were unflattering for my form. I did not, in my mind, embody the ideal model physique. This perception was justified by various modeling agencies who had, rather bluntly, suggested I would be better off at a talent agency because I didn't fit within the required measurements.
Part of what motivated me to be a subject in Anastasia's photographs was that I didn't have to possess any physical attributes to be a 'qualified' subject. All I had to bring was my natural, naked self - the self that I loved the most. I feel happiest when I'm naked. I don't have to worry about clothing not flattering my form or skin tone - it's just me.
I feel most attractive when I am naked and being part of Anastasia's project and looking at myself bloom throughout the shoot was empowering. Being photographed also made me feel vulnerable. The idea of my body being sexualized for the world to see was not the point of these photographs, but it inevitably entered my mind, and I inevitably acquiesced to the idea. I am not uncomfortable with the idea of sex or sexualization - but I am more uncomfortable with the way mainstream media perpetuates the idea of an ideal, sexualized human - especially women.
I am proud to be able to share this part of myself with you