A well-known player on the Los Angeles fetish scene, Vena recently found herself temporarily in Michigan -- where she promptly took up residence doing the shows at Detroit's Mephistos and became part of Chaos Productions, Detroit's most established agency for alternative acts -- fetish models/performers, fire performers, tattooed strippers and go-go dancers.
That should have surprised no one; one of the organizers of the Bondage Ball and a performer at many goth and fetish clubs as well as a model for fetish and transgender fashion, Vena shows no signs of slowing down even when heading East, and finds as fruitful a scene in Detroit as in LA.
This busy model, performer and event organizer recently took a moment to chat with Eros Zine.
Eros Zine: You've been involved in the fetish scene in Los Angeles for some time. Any observations on the scene there? Is it really as hopping as it looks from the outside?
Vena: In a word, yes. The fetish scene in Los Angeles has never been healthier. But it's not just in the clubs and at parties. Over the past few years, we've been really seeing elements of the fetish scene infiltrate the mainstream through television shows and in fashion. We're also seeing celebrities in many of our events now. A few years ago this might have been considered a taboo act but the mainstream is finally discovering how sexy and fun the fetish scene is.
Eros Zine: You recently moved from Los Angeles (temporarily) to Michigan, where you've been working at Mephisto's and are part of Chaos Productions. Can you tell us a little bit about each of those projects?
Vena:Chaos Productions is Detroit's most established rep for alternative acts like fire performers, fetish models/performers, and go-go dancers. They're one of the main groups behind Detroit's Dirty Show and for six years promoted Hellbound, a big fashion show for Noir Leather.
My first time out in Detroit was last month at Mephistos, one of the more popular Goth clubs. Coincidently, the Chaos group happened to be performing there and the owners, Ally and Eric, introduced themselves to me. We spoke for a while that night and two weeks later, I was the house Domme at the Fetish Night in Mephistos. Since then, I've committed to performing at least once a month for Chaos. That's typical of how quickly things have evolved for me since I arrived in Michigan.
Eros Zine: What's the biggest difference between the L.A. scene and other scene's you've observed -- in Michigan and elsewhere?
Vena: I've always believed that almost every major city has some kind of scene if you dig hard enough. On the surface, the LA and Michigan scenes are really similar. The people in Michigan have been wonderful and extremely welcoming. It's very much like how I felt when I first started getting involved in the scene in Los Angeles. But I'd say the biggest difference is that the people in Michigan are genuinely intrigued with the fetish scene, whereas the crowds in Los Angeles are growing dangerously jaded.
Eros Zine: What do you think of the crossover between goth and fetish that has become de rigueur in recent years? Is it a marriage made in heaven, hell, or purgatory?
Vena: Anytime you're able to expand your circles, it's not a bad thing. Goths are attracted to the dark and sinister, and on the surface, fetishists can appear that way. I can't imagine that blending the two groups hasn't gained a few new kinksters. As far as style goes, the Goths found a way to incorporate the best of fetish wear such as corsets and spikes, and let's face it a few years ago a lot of fetish wear was in serious need of some style!
Eros Zine: You're also involved with the Bondage Ball, one of Los Angeles' regular bondage/fetish events. How did your involvement there come about and what's the event like?
Vena: Because of my background, I was originally asked to help with the fashion show at one of the Bondage Balls. The promoters, Courtney and Matthew, also had some other projects like Fetish Disco and Kink up their sleeve and pretty soon I got involved in many of the other areas.
The Bondage Balls are absolutely amazing and I find it incredible that we manage to hold them several times a year. It's one of those nights where the LA fetish community and alternative club scene really come together. Our parties also give most people a good reason to release any inhibitions and express themselves. To a first timer, it could potentially create sensory overload because there are fetish performances and fashion shows, multiple DJ areas, two levels of dance floors and public play areas, vendor booths and several lounges with bars. I'm always shocked at how much effort some of the people put into their outfits. It's also the ultimate in eye candy with all those fetish models and just plain beautiful people having a great time everywhere you look. But despite all that we offer, we really believe that it's the guests who make Bondage Ball the huge success it is.
Eros Zine: What's your favorite thing to find in a photographer you're working with?
Vena: Vena the Model is just a persona whom I can mold into different characters as I see fit. It gives me the freedom of pushing things to the edge because I know that at the end of the day I can return to my life of recluse. I'm also considered extremely "exotic" which I'm just now beginning to realize is one of my major assets. So naturally, I love it when I can work with photographers who can also think out of the box while not losing sight of the goal, whether it's meant to shock, arouse, or just intrigue.
Eros Zine: Is it more important to have spontaneity or a well-thought-out plan to create a great photo shoot?
Vena: I think they're both very important, though if I had to choose one over the other, I'd pick spontaneity. The reason is that things rarely go as planned, yet some of my best work came out of adaptation. I'm not suggesting that I prefer an unstructured photo shoot because having a concept to work from and a goal to work towards is vital. But there have been times when I'm on a roll and the ideas are just flowing so quickly that everybody's lost track of time; that is magical.
Eros Zine: You've worked in a number of different styles and genres of modeling -- what is your absolute favorite? If you had to pick just one type of modeling, where would you be happiest?
Vena: Modeling is really like a role playing game to me, which in itself is my favorite part. And because of this, it doesn't matter what I'm doing. Whether it's flirting with the camera lens, or owning the runway, I'm always having a great time. One of my best friends, Mistress Genevieve, put it best: "Vena wasn't a real person in the beginning and she has no limits as to where she can go and what she can do because of that."
Eros Zine: Have you done runway or fashion show work? What was that experience like?
Vena: I'm rather tall at 5'10" so I get quite a bit of runway gigs and each time I do one, it becomes my favorite... until the next one! The bigger shows can become a long tiresome process of fittings and rehearsals, particularly if you're walking in choreographed groups. But the backstage energy can be quite exciting and the rush as you hit the stage in front of a couple thousand people is exhilarating.
Vena: Some of the most fun I've had was in the small shows with little or no rehearsal and where the stage manager has that beaten and confused look on her face. And that's when it gets really fun because we just make it up as we walk onto the stage. I had a chance to coordinate a fashion show last year and the experience made me appreciate all the hard working people that make the shows happen.
Eros Zine: Are there photographers you haven't worked with that you would love to?
Vena: Hmm… this list could be quite long. Holger Maass is the first name that comes to mind. He really encompasses all the areas that I love: Exciting use of makeup and wardrobe, unique backgrounds, innovative compositions, vibrant colors, and perfect post work. The same could be said of Pierre et Gilles. They're really good at pushing the envelope of traditional photography into fantasy. David LaChapelle's work has always amazed me as well. And some of Annie Leibowitz's works will always stand the test of time. To me, these photographers are all capable of doing typical fetish photography but they choose to push it far beyond that, which is where I see myself next.
Eros Zine: When modeling, do you get a thrill from the costumes, poses, etc -- the act of modeling -- or are you most focused on producing a great finished product?
Vena: I really get a thrill out of immersing myself into the character that I'm playing for the camera. Unless I'm shooting for a catalog, the costumes, makeup and poses are merely part of what makes the character. I'd better not be thinking much about modeling, or of posing. The end result, when I see the finished product, is also a huge thrill. But like most other models, that merely appeals to my vanity because let's face it, despite what some models might try to convince you, and despite what the media tries to dramatize, modeling is not brain surgery. Naturally it takes a lot of commitment to stay thin and fit, and having a high level of resiliency to rejection and criticism might be a requirement as well. But modeling school diplomas don't really count for much in the real working world do they?
Eros Zine: You've also done go-go dancing at clubs; how does that compare to doing modeling or fashion work?
Vena: Well, in 2006, I was the resident go-go dancer at Club Hell, most of the Liquid City events, and at a few other clubs and events around Hollywood. There are the obvious similarities: You're pretty much on display, cameras are on you quite often... so hopefully you're wearing something sexy! As a go-go dancer at a club, you're also somewhat of an ambassador to the club much like a model might represent the clothing line she's wearing.
I started out go-go dancing as a really fun way to stay in shape. Since I already work out at least four times a week, why not get paid to do it while listening to great music. That always seemed like a great deal to me, and I've also met some of the nicest people this way.
Eros Zine: Who are your favorite designers? Who would you most love to have a piece by in your personal wardrobe?
Vena: I'm a sucker for the dramatics of Gaelyn and Cianfarani. Lloyd Klein and Manish Arora have some of the most beautiful designs as well. And for lounging around, you just can't beat Patricia Field. For fetish wear, there's nothing that quite compares to latex and I've been really impressed with the stuff coming out of Lust Designs lately.
Eros Zine: Is there one item in your wardrobe that you just couldn't live without?
Vena: I'd say my boots. I have this pair of boots that I wear everywhere. They're the most comfortable boots in the world and I wear them whenever I'm dancing. The problem is I've worn them so much that they're starting to wear out so I have to start looking for replacements pretty soon. Some people have a shoe fetish, I think I might have a boot fetish!
Eros Zine: Are there other artistic areas you're involved with?
Vena: Since I moved to Michigan, I've started painting again. I found some old canvases but didn't have paints or brushes so I adapted. My first two pieces were done with old house paint and brushes that I bought at a gas station. To me, it's not so much about the finished piece. It's the process that I enjoy. There's a real sense of quiet and calm relaxation, and at the risk of sounding cliché, almost a Zen-like experience. It's quite the contrast from my club or modeling persona, especially when I'm painting in my bunny slippers and a faded t-shirt. I also unpacked my music equipment but I've yet to hook everything up. Right now it looks great sitting in the corner but there are still hours of work involved in connecting everything and making sure it works. I'm excited about it though.
Eros Zine: What upcoming projects would you like our readers to keep an eye out for?
Vena: Well, I've been offered a lead role in a movie where I'll be playing the sexy villainess/assassin. I've been offered roles in the past but I've always turned them down usually because of a moral dilemma with the characters I've been asked to play or that it's never going to be seen. The director on this one had been looking for somebody with my versatility for quite some time but had no luck. He stumbled across my website and contacted me about the role immediately. I still haven't read the screenplay but according to his description of the character, there's a surprising twist in the end that's definitely going to appeal to conspiracy theorists.
Eros Zine: Any last projects you'd like to let us know about?
Vena: I have a few fashion shows scheduled in and out of the country. Then there's Club Hell and possibly another Bondage Ball in February. Perry Gallagher and I have also been trying to coordinate our schedules to do a shoot forever so hopefully we can make it happen then.
Aside from that, I'll likely be performing regularly at Mephistos and several other venues around Detroit with Chaos.
Eros Zine: Thanks, Vena! Readers can keep up with Vena's many appearances at www.madaboutvena.com.
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