Onyksi
The Pixie
Photographer: Perfect Photograpic
Tell us, do you come up with the ideas yourself or is it a collaborative effort between you and the tog?
It depends on the shoot, sometimes photographers come to me with ideas they’d like to shoot and other times we come up with concepts together.
How long ago did you start strutting your stuff in front of cameras?
I did my first photoshoot towards the end of 2011.
What are your hopes and dreams when it comes to being an alternative model in South Africa?
I have a full time job, about which I am extremely passionate, so modelling isn’t my main focus.
I’d just like to get to work with more amazing photographers and makeup artists to make more pretty pictures.
Who is Onyksi? What makes her tick? Tell us a little about yourself.
Onyksi is a city-dwelling pixie who attends as many music festivals as she possibly can and is remarkably good with children.
What do you consider the criteria to call yourself an alternative model?
Well, I’m no expert on the matter, but I suppose if you are an alternative type of person and you are producing quality photographs that people really enjoy, you can call yourself an alternative model.
What kind of challenges do alternative models have that mainstream models don't have?
I don’t know much about mainstream modelling, but it’s certainly harder for alternative models to find paid commercial work due to the fact that most of us are
>>> unorthodox in our appearance.
What do you like most about being a model and on the flip side, what do you least enjoy?
I really enjoy photo shoots. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some really awesome teams, and we always have tons of fun preparing for and executing the shoots. Also, I get lots of lovely pictures of myself!
One downside to being a model with an online presence is the dealing with messages from creepers, but luckily that’s a relatively minor problem.
Tell us about a favourite shoot you've done.
It’s hard to select one favourite as I usually have a great time shooting, but if I really have to pick, I’d have to choose my winter sunrise shoot last year with Jes Hunter Photography and makeup by Franki Jean. We woke up at 3am in the dead of winter for Franki to do my makeup before embarking on a little road trip to the Free State. We shot mostly on the side of the road with the sunrise and factories behind me, and I have honestly never been so cold in my entire life. It was incredibly fun and awful all at the same time, but the photos we produced were absolutely worth nearly losing my digits to frostbite!
How has modelling changed other aspects of your life?
I have met a lot of cool people through modelling who have become personal friends, which I think is pretty awesome. I have also been getting recognised in public for my modelling quite a bit recently, which is a very strange and exciting experience.
If you could shoot with any photographer who would it be and why?
Since way before I ever started modelling, I’ve always wanted to be shot by Elena Kalis. She is the most incredible underwater photographer and her photos make me so happy. I think everything is so beautiful and otherworldly underwater, and she captures that perfectly. She is magic.
Do you mind sharing your view on posing nude? Some call it art, others call it pornography...
Depends on the photographs, I suppose. Nudity can be artistic and tasteful or it can just be a nekkid person being nekkid.
Who or what inspires you?
Colours and magic.
How would you describe the clothes you wear in daily life?
Interesting.
I don’t really have a set style of which to speak. I just get really excited by things that are colourful. Shiny things are also nice, as are things that feel cool. I also like to wear leggings as pants because I’m THAT girl.
Any upcoming projects we should look out for?
I have recently shot “Path to Aevum” with Portia T. Photography and Webbed Sin Makeup, which I am very excited to see the results of. I am also working on a little summin summin with Jossie Ayame and Jes Hunter Photography for the 7th Emalyth Arts Expo, which takes place at Wolmer Bush Lounge this June. I will be displaying and selling prints of my work at this festival, and I am terribly excited!
What advice do you have for aspiring models?
Find good photographers and makeup artists to work with when establishing your portfolio! You can be the most incredible model, but if you are working with a bad team, your photos will never portray that.
MEET THE COLOURFUL