Interview with Kate Beth Brennan — Creative imagery artist and Model
Kate Beth Brennan is a 23-year old model residing in Sacramento, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Kate. I spent the majority of my life in good ole’ Sacramento, California. That makes me the kind of kick-butt Cali girl… who can’t surf.
I’ve always had a passion for creativity, be it singing or art or remaking useless items into something beautiful. I grew up singing and performing, painting, and everything else, but it wasn’t until recently that I allowed myself to branch out and be seen.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I remember wanting to model like so many other girls during high school. I did a few shoots with a friend in the photography business, but going beyond these was unthinkable. For one, I was incredibly shy and self conscious. And secondly, my parents had watched me wrestle throughout my youth with eating disorders and horrible self-image. The last thing I needed was to be told to go lose ten more pounds. So modeling had to hit the shelf for a while.
In 2013 the desire to step into modeling as an artistic expression re-arose. This time, I was much healthier and had a solid foundation. However I never thought it feasible to actually do it. After mulling it over, I found myself dreaming about it. And yet I was too afraid. I was now twenty-two, only 5’5, and not exactly a size 1 anymore. While out with a group of friends, I was approached by a guy I had only talked with a few times prior, none of the conversations having anything to do with modeling. He openly stated how he’d had these pictures in his mind, of me modeling and working in the industry. No one had known I was thinking about it. I opened up with friends and was encouraged to put the fear aside. So I jumped!
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My goals are simple: To create art, in any way possible, using physical expression to provoke and inspire. And to represent healthy beauty. Through modeling I’ve had doors open to act, sing, dance around in front of cameras and meet incredible people. I’ve gotten to share my personal story of fighting eating disorders, mental health and ongoing physical health complications and a dozen other “problems” that should have ended my life, or at least rendered it as obsolete by now. But here I am, living and loving life. My goal is to continue doing just that, and help others to do the same.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model whenever I can, as I also work with kids. This past week, that meant two separate gigs. Much of my time is spent doing fashion and lifestyle work, however I have recently conquered my first body painting show and am branching into acting!
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I’ve modeled for boutiques, fashion designers, conceptual work, body painting… and couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried. Although, I myself tend to lean more towards the creative conceptual side. Meeting so many different individuals has been beautiful! I did however have one experience while working with my friend and fellow model. Let’s just say, it was disastrous. I ran around like a mother hen taking care of crying models and infuriated designers, while my friend who was still dressed in the designer’s clothes was held by the venue’s security and accused of sneaking into the event. I’ve also had men try and get me to come to their place. I’ve learned a new level of how to hold my own. Intelligent and strong is way more fitting for a women than being told she looks good half dressed in my opinion.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I’ve waded through an ice cold river in the rain in a long black dress to get the desired shot, and have embraced being pinned into a gown using large metal clippers the size of my forearm. Nope, nothing out of the ordinary!.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
Yes. I’m big on promoting healthy beauty- good nutrition, pursuing physical strength, and finding a weight that’s adequate for your frame. It drives me nuts to see how many models are sick and struggling with eating disorders. If you have a small frame, then a lower weight is healthy. That’s fine. But seeing young women walking around at 80 pounds is horrible. Most young women don’t even know how to define healthy to begin with, and as someone who has taught Health and Wellness, this kills me. Young 14 year olds wearing barely-there clothes and posing like Victoria’s Secret, not OK. What happened to childhood? And in the modeling world I have learned you’re either petite, or plus sized. I have a small frame. But I’m not 105 pounds nor will I ever be again. Change is needed, and I intend to do my part. I won’t allow myself to become underweight and overworked to fit into a box.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I love sports. I’m not afraid to get dirty. I studied dance throughout high school. I love to kayak and hike with my dogs. I dress super girly, but there’s a tomboy in there!
I eat a ton of fruits and veggies, and foods like nuts, seeds, and fish. Nutrition is especially important for me after wrestling with health problems my whole life, and a disease that makes every day life a battlefield for the last 8 years. I skip the processed foods and rarely eat out. Although, chocolate is my greatest weakness.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’ve been to Australia, India, and most recently El Salvador working with the local people. I love culture. It’s my desire to use art to serve struggling youth both locally, and internationally.
I also have a fetish for all things extreme sports. I’ve skydived three times, and want to add bungee jumping, hang gliding, and spelunking to the list! I’m single, and my prerequisite for any guy interested in pursuing me would be that he has to have a heart for other nations, and be willing to try things that are a little crazy!
Would you change anything about yourself?
I have a tiny chest and total soccer legs. But I guess someone’s got to represent other body types than just the slim and tall. So no, no changes necessary.
What is your favorite thing to do alone?
Paint! But not just paint: Finger paint. Or organic paint- using the pigment from flowers to create my own ink. I love it. I actually do most of my painting without brushes. Because of my illness, my hands ache horribly when I write and hold brushes or pens. For someone who loves to create and write, that’s a problem. And for a while, I allowed the pain to keep me quiet.
Now, I use my fingers and hands to paint for the most part, rather than avoiding what I love because holding the brushes is so painful. And I love it! It adds a uniqueness to my painting that is exactly what I was always hoping to express. And I’m always practicing my dance skills in the kitchen. What better place for sashay and arabesque?
Visit Kate Beth Brennan ‘s website for more photos and information
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