Interview with Paraseau Bear — Fiery Phoenix w a Heart of Gold
Paraseau Bear is a 25-year old model residing in Los Angeles, Callifornia.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi I’m Paraseau. I’m an image and sound maker residing in Los Angeles. I love telling stories.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I became involved in modeling when I realized I’d get jealous of the girls auditioning for roles on the music videos and other projects I was making that I to wanted to be a work of art, an object of art as well as a creator of art. Jealousy I quickly transmute to inspiration and motivation and began pursuing a career in front of camera.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
In five or ten years, I’d love to be gracing magazine covers, touring the world to sold out stadiums, collaborating with the most amazing designers, tour managers, costume designers, producers, and directors. My idols will become my creative family and I’ll start a family of my own. I’ll be proud of the woman I’ve become and what I’ve contributed to the world one day at a time through full surrender to the greatness bursting through me.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
Fashion, swimsuit, lingerie, editorial. I also act commercially and theatrically.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I’ve only had good experiences. I’ve learned so much about myself how to best support and express myself, take care of myself, how to collaborate creatively and artistically with others and how to be a living, breathing, moving work of art and grace.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
There are always embarrassing moments in set, trying to give the photographer what she or he wants, doing quick changes in odd places. It’s definitely an exercise in fully accept myself and owning my power and knowing every outtake just helps build laughter and relationships. Like I used to do this funny growling face that I thought was fierce until a photographer showed me what it looked like and it just looked… Weirdly demented. I had to laugh it off and find another look for the moment. You gotta be able to laugh at yourself, be easy, and relax into your happiness for the camera.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I think it’s great. I’m really happy that more sizes and shapes are being embraced. I’m curvy and have such striking features like red hair, I often thought about modeling but thought I wasn’t the “right type”. Turns out the industry recognizes beauty as beauty. Simpler than the voices in my head at the time.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I have been a student of yoga most of my life, and lately I’ve been running in the hills around my house several times weekly. I also took up ballet and hip hop. I love the discipline and the freedom, respectively. I also love that it’s a fluid moving art form and I get to be the embodiment of that art form.
I’m vegan and gluten free and all that other stuff that being in the industry in LA lends itself toward. It feels good in my heart and body to eat clean.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
Although in a red head with light skin, my family grew up in and around Native American reservations most of my life due to my parents’ careers. So that culture and the spiritual practices of the tribes we lived with are very much a part of who I am.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I would maybe be a little less stubborn, but it’s a family trait and a lot of beautiful things have come out of the tenacity of it as well.
I would also maybe be a little more trusting of the Universe and not feel like I need to work hard at things and instead love in grace a little more.
If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you do?
If I was the opposite sex for one day, I would make love to the most beautiful and kindest woman I know, I would wear the best business suit and walk into a meeting like I owned the place, and I would pee standing and write obnoxious things in the snow with my urine, I’d pull the move that the dude in American psycho does during sex and watch myself flex muscles in the mirror, and then I’d finally take a kid or a grandparent or both out to ice cream and pick up the kid and toss them in the air a few times. I might also dress like a girl and just see what kind of looks is get from people.
Visit Paraseau Bear’s website for more photos and information