'model' thoughts

It's Wednesday, which means another episode of America's Next Top Model.

My mom can't stand it, and if you think about the content (or lack thereof) in each 45-minute episode... you could really watch the last 5 minutes and not miss a whole lot, unless you're hooked. It is true that the show treats you as if you are 15 years old and need the contestants to RE-EXPLAIN what is already happening, has happened or will happen. If someone is shown as upset or angry or happy, inevitably you switch immediately to a "confessional" of them exclaiming about how upset/angry/happy they are. The actual photo shoots go by in a blur, with fake camera clicks and flashes getting in the way of what you DO see.

But anyway.

I quite like the favorite, Nicole, whose artistic flair and quiet personality reminded me of myself. I kept wondering, though - why would someone as intelligent and downright gifted as she is in other areas (we saw footage of her paintings - WOW) be completely happy with modeling? To me it seemed a downright waste.

Until I read an interview where she outlines exactly what I find compelling about the show in general. I think she's going to be fine.


"I admire the artistry involved in the fashion industry," she said. "From designers to photographers to stylists, the industry is filled with creative, passionate people -- a world I would love to be a part of. Models get to embody an emotion and to use their bodies to convey that feeling for the camera. In doing so, you become a work of art yourself." link to interview


Elsewhere she says she'd like to be an artist/model/writer, and perhaps use modeling to finance a career as an artist. I suppose that's not a terrible day job. (Not that I would know.)

Here's hoping Nicole wins next week, because she deserves it.