![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Victoria Koelkebeckinterview
An interview with the beautiful and inspiring model Victoria Koelkebeck, and this fantastic pictures captured by the talented photographer Spencer Allred (from Jumping the Green Productions instagram.com/jumping.the.green), enjoy!
Know more about Victoria at instagram.com/Viktoria_Koelkebeck
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
Thoughtful, erratic, romantic
How long have you been a model?
Give or take about 4 years
How did you get into modelling?
I walked off the stage at my high school graduation, and my first thought was, I should get a tattoo to celebrate, so I went downtown to book my appointment and I met Colin Smallwood, a local artist and one of the raddest humans I’ve met to date. He tattooed a sailboat on my ribs from a Tristan and Isolde story and gave me one of his business cards along with aftercare instructions. A little while later, we met up and I modeled for a painting he was working on. The painting was for an absinthe bottle label and I got the role of an absinthe fairy. One of my favorite parts of the painting was that he added a little glowing caterpillar on my leg. I’ll never forget how beautiful it was to see myself turn into a painting.
How was your first shooting? Tell us a bit about that first experience.
My first shoot was pretty amazing, although I was terrified and probably moving like a robot when we wrapped up, the images were perfect. To me, I felt like what I was doing was becoming more than a finite image, and instead, a timeless work of art. The shooting was both inspiring and addicting. In my experience with the arts, I would describe myself as artistic, but I’m not especially skilled in any particular medium so modeling is my best attempt at actively creating visual arts.
What does modeling mean to you?
Modeling is being able to transcend singularity and become greater than yourself. Yeah, I warned you I was romantic. But when you are modeling, you are: art, inspiration to others, a representation of an idea or lifestyle, and you have an obligation to choose concepts you believe in and want to contribute to your community. Modeling is an opportunity for someone to become a medium for positive change and influence in an overwhelmingly negative societal climate.
A model you particularly admire?
Torrie Blake, she’s reinventing the “tattooed model” showing people that we’re not all Suicide Girls and biker chicks, not that there’s anything wrong with that genre of model, they are absolutely stunning, but that we all don’t have to fit into a certain category because we have tattoos. Women with tattoos can be soft and feminine, and/or daring and edgy, but they don’t have to adhere to a prescribed “look” because of their tattoos. We all just want the freedom to choose how we present ourselves. Normalizing tattooed models is a monumental step for this industry, it’s models like Torrie Blake and Ashley Graham that basically say, “fuck your beauty standards, the world is ready for this” and the response is incredibly motivating for models like me.
If you could choose, where would you like to shoot?
Hmmm. Anywhere in the desert. Doesn’t matter where, just as long as I can marvel at cacti and maybe see some lizards during the shoot.
What is your dressing style in everyday life?
I’d like to think how I dress is an expression of my multi-faceted personality. Some days I’m in long bohemian- looking skirts and dresses, other times I’m in all black with bright red lipstick. It all depends on my mood and what side of myself I’m embracing at that particular moment.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I have an immeasurable amount of faith in where my life will take me. That being said, I’ll know my forever home when I see it.
What is happiness?
Happiness is true peace with yourself. The ability to be content in your own skin, thoughts, and aspirations, with nothing else to prompt you to be happy is my version of real happiness.
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
Probably out dancing or at a concert. Maybe both. Or neither. I could just be getting some quality cuddle time with my dog, Mr. Fox.
What’s your next goal?
My greatest goal is getting my publication, Devoid Magazine up and running. I enjoy modeling, but I’ve always viewed it as an exercise in marketing myself. When I’m ready to devote more time and energy into my magazine, I want my audience to be familiar with my voice as the editor, I want to be established as a credible source and have a foundation of people interested in what we are presenting. Devoid Mag is going to be a unique approach to the art of journalism. We will challenge all aspects of traditional reporting and deliver cohesive articles about what inspires and drives us with an emphasis on creativity for each piece.