MAY LINDSTROM

Photo © David LeBeck. Bend

John LeKay:  Can you please tell me about your background, your Cherokee ancestry, and how this has influenced your outlook on life?

May Lindstrom:   I come from wild, open, free flowing, amazingly brilliant and wonderful parents. I was born at home -  a one room red barn on eighty acres of forest and daisies deep in the countryside of northern Minnesota. Coming out, I was early, backwards and not breathing... I make up for it now. I was raised to see the see the beauty and have ultimate respect for human and animal life,  the planet I was born onto,  and my own existence.  I was brought up with few boundaries and with an expectation to constantly grow and challenge myself on all levels. 

I am Cherokee on my mother's side.  I am also Swedish, French, English and Norwegian.  I partially attribute my innate connection to the earth and my inclination towards an alternate way of living to my native American roots.  There is a part of me that "feels" my Cherokee blood.  There are times, particularly caught in images, where I see it come through as my dominant physical look.  As far as influencing my life - my background serves as a reminder to stay in tune with myself.  It reminds me that my history and that of my family and their story is diverse. We are all important and we are all connected.  I believe that is the most important lesson of all.  It is not about being a Cherokee woman.  It is about being in this moment right now - alive, open and evolving.

JL: When you say there is a part of you that feels your Cherokee blood, how would you describe that?   Is it to do with your spirituality, connection to nature, the earth, or is it something else?

May Lindstrom: I am not sure I can entirely describe this feeling - it is a sense of knowing.  I experience this in a similar way to how I react to my mother or my father. I know that I come from them - I feel it.  Their energy connects with mine in a way that nobody else's does.  It is an intangible thing but very real.  You could call it my spirituality or my connection to the earth, etc., but that is all the same to me.  Spirituality encompasses how I see and feel life, it is a perceived sense of connection to all things.

Photo © David LeBeck

JL: When and how did you become an artist's model? Is it something you always aspired to do?

May Lindstrom: I am a painter.  My subjects have always been  women.  There is an intense beauty that comes across when people are in their most natural state, nude.  As an artist, this provided constant inspiration.  My career began as an accident.  I would use other painters, photographers and sculptors as subjects for my artistic endeavors and in exchange, I would then pose for them.  It was a wonderful way to share creative energy and produce art without boundaries.  I never dreamed that I could have a career being a muse. 

I was actually in the process of becoming a chef.  When I realized I did not have the time to balance both insane kitchen hours and art modeling as a hobby, I decided to take both a risk and the offers of a handful of artists up on their desire to pay me on a regular basis to model for them. 

Once balancing a schedule was no longer an issue, I had the freedom to expand my circle to encompass what is now literally hundreds of photographers and artists of all mediums. I quit my job four years ago and have been traveling all over the world on an artistic journey ever since, inspiring and being inspired...

JL: Do you have to be in a certain mind set, or do you tend to just work very spontaneously, naturally?

May Lindstrom : Modeling comes very naturally to me.  I like to work in a way that is spontaneous, where I can be open to exploring my own self as well as the photographer's vision.  It is a simultaneous journey ideally. 

JL: How different do you find it from doing fashion photography?

May Lindstrom: The majority of my nude images show me from the inside out - a woman on a personal journey, an introverted explosion of self. Clothed images tend to bring out a voyeuristic feel, a dance with the viewer, a show that is far less about me than it is about the energy in the space between you and I.

May Lindstrom:  Fashion specifically is an entirely different world.  For the most part, fashion photography is about the clothes - selling a fantasy, a lifestyle, a kind of ideal that I don't naturally identify with.  I have a bit of discomfort in this kind of work and in a way, that is why I love it.  I like to leave my comfort zone, challenge myself, explore sides of  me that are not always apparent.  In fashion, there is adrenaline and an energy that excites me.

JL: Who are some of your favorite fashion or art photographers?

May: I have recently discovered  Bettina Rheims whose work I adore.  I also love Ellen von Unwerth, Peter Lindbergh,  Richard Avedon, Mario Testino,  Steven Meisel, Guy Bourdin, Laurent Elie Badessi, Jock Sturges... so many others. 

JL: What about painters; are there any painters who inspire your own 
paintings?

May: I generally do not seek direct inspiration from other painters.  I find that when I do, I am prone to wanting to do exactly as they do and I lose touch with my own vision.  I like to work from people or images that spark an idea, a waking dream in my mind and not from a literal source.

JL: When did you start painting and do you work from photos or primarily from models?

May Lindstrom: I've been painting as long as I can remember, since childhood.  I love working with models since I can play off of their energy, but I end up working primarily from photographs out of convenience.  My next series will be self portraits based on photographic images of myself.

Photo © Larry White

JL: Does being a muse also help you with your own paintings in some ways; seeing things you usually would not see?

May Lindstrom: Absolutely.  Musing ideally goes in both directions.  When I inspire others, I am inspired myself by the results of their passion and expression.

JL: Can you please tell me about your creative process?  How you work, what exactly inspires you to make a painting etc?

May Lindstrom: I am inspired by beauty, passion, drive, emotion, color, flavor, LIFE.  My work is spontaneous.  I may have vague ideas spinning around for months but when I decide to start, I am committed and will not leave a painting until it is completed.  I cannot work on the same painting for days, months or years at a time as many artists do.  My creativity comes in bursts and once I am flowing, I don't stop.  I will paint from start to finish in one sitting.

JL: Can you send me some images of your paintings? Would really like to see them?

May Lindstrom: I wish I could. I have a hard time holding onto my originals. I have actually given away every piece I have ever created.  I think art should be shared and appreciated.  Hopefully in the coming months I will find some time to get back into my painting mode and will make sure to photograph the finished works before they find a home.

 

JL: Look forward to seeing your new work. You remind me quite a bit of Angelina Jolie by the way. You have the same kind of authentic rebel, renegade kind of look and spirit.  I think she is also Cherokee.

May Lindstrom:  Thank you.  Angelina is strong, smart, charismatic and driven in a way that you do not see often in celebrities.

JL: Yes, I also think it has a lot to do with some of her other work with UNICEF.  Audrey Hepburn had that same magic. I find charisma fascinating. Where do you think this sort of charisma comes from?

May Lindstrom: Charisma comes from having something going on inside that opens you up and reflects your magic outward.  When I look around a crowd, I see a lot of bodies and not always a lot of souls.  I think a lot of us are so out of touch with ourselves and where we come from that we are like hollow shells.  Angelina and Audrey embody something we all strive for - power, beauty, intelligence, empathy, warmth, self awareness, drive and dedication. They are both personalities that are full of vigor.  They live, fully.

JL: Do you have a particular cause that interests you?

May Lindstrom:  Myself.  I am a work in progress. I am continually striving to grow as a person. I think if we all dedicated energy towards connecting with who we are, we would then have the capacity to fully connect with each other and our planet and as a team we could accomplish anything.  There would be no cause too big, no goal unreachable. 

JL: Have you done any acting or films by the way?  Bet you would be great on the big screen?

May Lindstrom: I originally went to school for acting.  I have not done a thing with my training in five years or so, but would love to if the right project came along.  I am open to anything.

JL. Is it because you were too busy with your other work that you did not pursue acting or another reason?

May Lindstrom:  I studied acting intensely throughout high school and also a very focused two year program.  My goal was far more one of self awareness and confidence building than it was of future Hollywood status.  I am very quiet by nature. I am an introvert.  Finding my voice is a challenge for me, but an important one. 

When I finished school, life took me in other directions than the stage.  My background in acting influences my every day interactions with people both personally and professionally.  I carry the confidence that I gained into every room I enter, every conversation I have the composure to broach, every relationship I have the strength to be myself in.  I am more than open to acting again and would embrace the opportunity on a professional level.  My other passions are a current priority, but if the right project came along, I would absolutely welcome a reunion to the craft

JL: What directors would you like to work with, and what are some of  your favorite films?

May Lindstrom: I will admit that I do not follow film on a very large level.  I have spent less than four years of my life total with a television in my house.  I tend to like independent films.  I watch for entertainment, to challenge my mind, make me laugh, cry or reminisce.  I watch movies as an excuse to cuddle up with my dog, popcorn and a pint of Ben and Jerry's.

JL: These David LeBeck photos are really quite stunning. Like the way you have incorporated yourself into the landscapes and the formal compositions with the rocks. Something about these brings to mind Ana Mendiata's Silueta works in Mexico. The way she worked with the earth and her body.

Whose concept was it to use the rock formations and how did these images come about?

May Lindstrom:  Thank you so very much. The images you are referring to came from two sessions; one just after sunrise and another just before sunset.  There is nothing that comes more naturally to me than working like this.  I am the most ME with the sun on my face, my flesh against the earth and inspiration sparkling through the air.  David LeBeck and I had collaborated a few times prior to these outdoor sessions.  When he found this location, he sent me snapshots of the different lookouts and rock formations and asked if this was somewhere I might like to shoot with him.  I knew immediately we could do something very beautiful and powerful here and I think we did.  Once I am on location, it is simply a dance between me and the earth.  I play off the texture of the rock, the wind in my hair and light on my skin.  I move naturally and with grace and strength.  I am home.  It is the most intense and amazing feeling.  David LeBeck captured the magic.

Photo © David LeBeck. Soar

JL: Doing that kind of work obviously means staying in shape, especially fashion work. Do you practice yoga or meditation by the way?  How do you keep in shape?

May Lindstrom: To be quite honest, up until quite recently I have not made it a point to work on my figure.  I have good genes and in general, I feel quite strong and healthy. My curves can be a bit of an issue in the fashion world where small frames are the ideal, but I realize and accept that I will not be the perfect match for every client.  It is not my desire to be perfect, I simply want to be me, healthy and working.  Before I began modeling full time, I was becoming a chef.  I am a food girl and dieting sounds like a cruel and unusual punishment to me. 

All of that said, I am learning more and more how important it is to develop my body in a way that is positive and affirming and not take for granted the figure I have.  I would like to be stronger, more balanced and in touch with my physical self.  I can certainly see how this would help in all aspects of my life and career - providing more energy and stamina on the job as well as increasing my grace and poise.  It does not have to be a size issue. 

As a teenager, I practiced yoga and meditation for a bit.  I tend to lose focus and get caught up in the whirlwind that is life.  I would love to get back into something that brings me back to my center.  I am looking into classes right now.  And.. I actually had my first session with a personal trainer this morning with a goal of strengthening, lengthening and balancing.  I am equally sore and excited.  We have set up a fairly intensive program for the next several months so it will be interesting to see how my body reacts.  I am ready for a physical challenge, a wake-up for all my cells.  I feel invigorated and the motivation is contagious in all areas of my life

 

JL: What do you mean by "muse with a mission"?  What would you say your mission is in life?

May Lindstrom:  I have said I am a muse on a mission.  This is largely in reference to my work as a model.  To me, being called a muse is the greatest compliment I could receive.  As an artist myself, I have full understanding of how important inspiration is.  If I can provide that to someone, or to many.... what an ultimate blessing.  What makes you wake up in the morning?  What motivates you?  What inspires you?  If I can be the answer to any of this, that alone gives me purpose. My mission - to inspire both myself and others, to grow, challenge, think, share, work towards a greater good, love my planet and those who walk it, to LIVE, fully.

JL: Do you think it's difficult to "Live simply, so that others may simply live." in this day and age and what do you think Gandhi meant by that statement?

May Lindstrom:  I read this quote every single day.  That statement by Gandhi is one of the most important messages there is.  I think it's application is timeless.  It's a very concise and elegant way of reminding us to not be selfish, to think outside of ourselves, to live alongside our neighbors with a common goal,  to respect our planet and make choices that allow our Earth to thrive.  It says we are all connected.  My actions directly affect you. Yours directly affect me.  Be aware of how you live your life, your impact is extraordinary.

Photo © Rick Schamberger

May Lindstrom:  Do I think it is difficult to live by this?  Yes.  Our planet and our people are in a sensitive and vulnerable place right now and it is up to us to make the changes that will allow us to flourish.  It is not easy.  It takes effort.  There are a lot of people working very hard to bring about positive growth but the numbers that choose to ignore our very real issues by far outweighs them.  We are both lazy and simultaneously so overexposed to scenes of violence, destruction, hate, discrimination, ignorance, stubbornness and ugliness that we are blind to the vital messages that need our attention.  We are deaf to our fellow humans cries.  We have lost touch with the voice of our planet.  We are disconnected from each other and ourselves.  In a world where wars big and small are fought with continual aggressive, forceful and personal attacks, we need to find our voices and hearts and connect our hands and souls to make a change.  We need to stop pushing and start listening.

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