Friday
Mar252011
PIN-UP QUEEN
Friday, March 25, 2011 at 6:55PMBY JASON WIMBERLEY
PHOTOGRAPHS: PETER WERNER
I fully blame my mother for my collection of stilettos and sequins...
The woman used to blow dry my hair daily before school, and a certain "incident" before my second grade school photo would forever solidify my desire to play dress up. As the rest of the students rambunctiously waited to take their class photos, my Mother walked me to the boys room, and followed me in. Shutting the door behind us and leaning against it while rummaging through her purse, I remember an almost fear, as if I were in trouble and was about to get reprimanded. Instead she pulled out a large compact and a blush brush, and as she leaned in to apply the color to my cheeks she whispered, "Shhhh.... don't tell your Father, but you'll look better for your pictures." The rest was history.
So when Berlin based photographer Peter Werner called me to be involved with his newest photo project, Ladies and Idols, I couldn't say no. However, I was slightly confused as to why I got the call. You see, Ladies and Idols is a showcase of sorts, where Werner has photographed numerous Drag Queens throughout California. He shows the Queens as their drag persona, and then again as their female inspiration. For example, Raya Light as herself, and then as inspired by Bettie Page. Although I gladly accept my self-appointed title as a Glamazon with a penchant for glitter and gloss, Drag Queen I am not.
Since Werner was allowing me to decide who my female inspiration should be, one photograph kept popping into my head. Marilyn Monroe, naked in bed. Partly because I didn't want to wear a bra or dress, and partly because I just like being naked. The following photos are the result of another afternoon playing dress up with a camera following me around. First as myself, but then channelling Marilyn.
And as I've just begun creating my first burlesque cabaret show, Wimburlesque there will be plenty more afternoons in stilettos with my bum in the air soon. Keep an eye out for Wimberlesque, and shhh.... don't tell Father.
