Interview With Valdyr
by Cary
How did you become interested in fetish/BDSM?
I was first introduced to the “fetish” scene through my work with the goth/industrial music scene. I currently run my own record label (Radio-Active-Music), so I spend quite a bit of time visiting and/or working with local clubs and venues. There’s a bit of a cross-over scene with fetish & goth/industrial, so I have spent some time at local fetish clubs and events, either as a DJ or a promoter. About the same time, I was introduced to several photographers who had interests in both working with me as a model and with the bands on my label – so it eventually became a natural evolution that I would expand my artistic interests and start modeling in this style.
Do you enjoy fetishism/BDSM play in your personal life, and if so what are you into?
There’s a sizable difference in my perspective for those of us who enjoy the visual aesthetic of fetish, versus those who live the lifestyle. As mentioned above, I was drawn into being a fetish model from my experience with the music scenes related to it; for me, it’s really all about the look.
Honestly, what really appeals to me is being able to have “that look” and incorporate it into my life. I’m sure a lot of individuals involved in fetish/BDSM feel like they have to hide their interest or live two different lives – I pride myself on having a career that allows me to be myself without fear of being judged. I like the fact that I have a job that lets me wear all black and dye my hair hot pink when I want to. For me, the “fetish” aspect in my modeling is really more about an expression of the freedom to look the way I choose.
(But…if you really want to know the truth, I do like to be on the receiving end of a foot fetish party. You really can’t beat getting paid to let others give you a foot rub, now can you?)
Are there any fetishes that you don't find appealing?
I personally am not “into” BDSM myself. But I appreciate the fetish culture for allowing others to indulge in their own fetishes without fear, in a safe environment.
What excites you about fetish modeling?
When I was at a show and was approached by a very well known fetish photographer and asked if I would be interested in modeling for him sometime, I was beyond flattered. To be blunt, when I was growing up I didn’t have a very good self-image, and I hid it by diving head first into a life and career that let me indulge in being a tom boy so that I could be judged on my work and not my looks. I don’t regret the outcome of that choice (I have a great career!), but since I started modeling, my life has been richer. I still value being able to roll out of bed and out to work without having to put on a lick of make-up, but I also enjoy taking the time out to dress up and enjoy being in my own skin, too. I know now that I always have a choice to present myself in whatever fashion makes me feel comfortable.
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?
Anything crazy, sexy, or edgy! You’ll see that I don’t do nudes either – again, to me, it’s more about using my body as an instrument of art. I absolutely love to go thrift store shopping, so many of the outfits you’ll see are put together with bits and pieces of crazy items I’ve found or altered from the local Goodwill. But overall, I do tend to keep a darker, industrial look to all of them.
What are your least favorites?
You will never, ever, see a swimsuit or lingerie photoshoot from me!
Do you think pinup and fetish are becoming part of the mainstream culture?
It’s almost hard for me to say, since I feel like I’m so immersed myself into an alternative lifestyle. Everything I do is in the entertainment industry, so it’s hard for me to tell you what it’s like in the “average day of the average Joe”. But I’d like to think as time goes on, that people are becoming a bit more accepting of fetish modeling or gothic culture. Instead of labeling every fetish model or goth chick as a “slut” or “satanist”, I hope society is becoming more open about appreciating and respecting the aesthetic – even if they don’t quite see the appeal themselves.
What kind of music do you like?
I mentioned above that I run a record label, and we deal with a wide array of bands that can all be lumped under the main genre of goth / industrial – which can incorporate anything from goth rock to noise industrial to synthpop. Presently, my label is home to bands such as 23RAINYDAYS, Hopeful Machines, dharmata 101, XUBERX, and Third Realm – just to name a few. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with a lot of larger (and very talented artists) such as Orgy, Celldweller, and Fluffy Starr.
What do you like to do for fun?
Fortunately, my choice in career (music & theatre) is fun in itself – which is a good thing because work keeps me very busy. But I still enjoy modeling (obviously), and my current non-work related hobby is urban exploration. For those who don’t know, that refers to visiting old abandoned buildings and taking pictures. It’s kind of like modern-day archeology.
See more of Valdyr at:
www.myspace.com/valdyr
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