Category: Interviews & Conversations

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Interviews & Conversations

An Interview with Amsterdam Sex Worker:
Candy Tricks

I emailed Candy after I added her zine to The Softer Sex. She agreed to answer my “20 Questions” and here they are…

Is your attitude towards your work responsibilities and clients endemic to Amsterdam, considering that it has a longer history and acceptance of prostitution than many other places in the world (that is where you work, right?) or do you feel it is unique to your self?

I want to be clear from the outset in answering these questions that my experience of sex work is purely my own, I can’t speak for other sex workers. Although having said that, I don’t think there’s anything about me or the places I’ve worked that’s especially ‘unique’ or unusual. Ditto for Amsterdam – I actually started off working in Australia, and my experiences in terms of clients and work responsibilities were very similar in the two contexts, even though the legal framework for sex work is different. 

In your experience with other women in your field would you say that the high majority have been exposed to the same kinds of rights and options as you have? There are so many stereotypes about your industry and the concept of “choice”. In general, in your knowledge, how much say do sex workers have when it comes to working hours, attire and services, etc? What is dictated by pimps/managers of the brothels/clubs?

Like I said before, in my experience I don’t think there’s anything that’s especially unusual about my experience as a sex worker. And I’ve worked in a whole bunch of different places, in different countries, with people from different backgrounds. In general I think how much say sex workers have over things like working hours, attire and services really depends what section of the industry they’re in, and who they’re working for. I figure that people that have no ‘boss’ probably have the most say, because they’re running their own business (which could mean sex workers who work privately, or in the windows of Amsterdam, or on the streets). But that’s not my experience as I’ve mostly worked for managers/owners in brothels or strip clubs. I’d say I had a lot of say in my working conditions. Firstly, I would choose a workplace with services that suited me (e.g. if I didn’t want to offer full service I could do stripping or massage instead), and also shop around for places to work that suited my style. Like, some bosses are stricter about what you wear – ‘high class’ places that I’ve worked at often insist on particular ‘classy’ looking dresses (whatever that means!), and that you wear stockings (for some unknown reason they think bare legs are ‘tacky’). I’ve worked in a whole bunch of different places, and the places I’ve had the most freedom to choose what to wear/when to work have actually been the more ‘seedy’/’low class’ joints. But really it all comes down to who’s in charge – like any workplaces, some bosses are jerks. The good thing about sex work is that I’ve found I’ve had a lot of choice in where I can work – so if I don’t like the boss or the conditions, I’ll just go to another brothel or strip club, and I can start working in another place that day. 

I thought quite a bit about the customer to service provider relationship after reading your zine. There certainly are very warped ideas about this in retail which have always seemed bizarre to me as well; “The client is always right” … What else do you have to say about this?

Like I wrote in my zine, this was a HUGE difference between retail work and sex work – and also was completely the opposite to all my assumptions about the industry. I realize that before I started sex work myself, I’d bought into this idea that sex work was “selling your body” – that a booking would mean letting a client do whatever they wanted in the allocated time. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, my interactions with clients are negotiated from the get-go, and there are clear limits on what can take place. Like for example, often I don’t kiss, though I might allow kissing for an extra payment (which I can decide based on the client – if they’re pushy, or have bad breath, I might decide not to offer that service). It’s actually really funny because this perception is out there, yet I feel so much more empowered in sex work than I have in any of the free sex I’ve had with men for fun. At work, and since working, I feel much more able to speak up about what I’m okay with, and what I don’t like, or do want. It’s really ironic because it took sex work to make me really understand (and get really good at) knowing how to advocate for myself sexually, how to stop putting up with mediocre (or bad) sex, and how to be really open and honest about what I’m into. 

Coffee & a danish or Tea & a crumpet?

Can I take coffee and a crumpet? Or if I MUST choose in the given groupings, I’ll take coffee & a danish, even though I don’t like danishes (but coffee is my queen!)

On an off day what would you do in your city?

Hmm hard to say… I think I’d do something that was completely unrelated to the city I was in – but something bloody wonderful like going to see a movie in the afternoon, or taking my cute dog for a walk, or doing some sewing, baking or gardening. 

On a Sunday afternoon I love to….

Same as above – although also hanging out with friends. And in summer, I love the beach and/or afternoon drinks at the pub or in the park. 

Favorite hairstyle? (your interpretation of “hairstyle)

My favourite hairstyle is ever-changing. As exhibited by the fact that I change my hair about once every 3 months. I get bored so easily!

Cycling with a skirt or Jeans & sneakers?

Hmm I tend to cycle in jeans and sneakers, even though cycling in a skirt looks hella sexy. 

Favorite food?

Pizza. PIZZA!!

The piece of my body I love best is…..because….

My butt. I think it looks good. 

Do you have savings and or financial plans for your future?

I’m saving at the moment which is really great. Not sure what I’m going to do with the money though? Maybe I’ll travel, although I really should pay off my student loan instead!

A great date night is…..

Whiskey and adventures – preferably in an abandoned building. 

The book next to your bedside right now is…

“The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende

Current fav dance track?

This changes all the time, but right now it’s probably “Your Woman” by White Town. Yay 90’s revival! 

What is the best part of your day?

My morning ritual. Which is having a coffee and breakfast in bed while reading. 
Candy Tricks shows us her breakfast rirual, crumbs and all...
Candy Tricks shows us her breakfast rirual, crumbs and all…

What is the favourite part of your job?

When I was stripping, my favourite part was definitely dancing. I fucking love to dance. Now that I’m mostly doing full service, I reckon it would be getting to meet lots of really sweet people that I probably would never come across outside of work. 

Are there awkward moments in sex work?

Yes. There are definitely awkward moments! Sex can be awkward – especially when you’re having it with someone for the first time. But I find awkwardness a bit cute, so the awkward clients are often my favourite. 

Strangest request you’ve had from a client?

I find this question difficult to answer, even though it’s one I get asked all the time as a sex worker! I find it hard to answer because I think it’s all about laughing at people’s “weird” kinks. Whereas I think there’s nothing wrong with any sexual practice that’s safe and consensual. And in all honesty, the most surprising thing about my job is how FEW strange requests I get – the majority of my clients want the same kind of ‘normal’ sex. I wish I had more kinky clients!

What is your grooming routine made up of?

Hmm not very much to be honest! I’m pretty lazy on the whole ‘grooming’ side of things. From doing sex work I’ve started to embrace this a bit more – often through learning about stuff by talking with other workers. But really I’m a rough ‘n tumble gaybo that prefers not to shave my legs or even brush my hair. 

What items are always in your fridge?

Tomatoes. Soy milk (for coffee). Hot chili sauce (yum)
Categories
Interviews & Conversations Projects

Self Portrait Project: #5

The question of publishing a nude image of the self made me reflect on what I am asking many of my clients to do when I’m publishing their images on this platform. It would be a double standard, I thought if I couldn’t do the same and at the same time there is a certain sense of separateness one feels towards an image like this, it is an image and no longer “you”, it’s a body, it could be any body and its just one moment.

After working with women for so long I think I’m reasonably desensitized to nudity or the body in many respects but at the same time I think I have a heightened understanding of what exposing the body means to many normal women as well, in terms of how we curate how we are seen by others.

From this shoot there were generally many more provocative images than the one I chose in the end and the selection process surprised me.

The final image below was an accident, it was taken after we stopped shooting and I was dancing and jumping around jokingly. I decided on using this image as apposed to the more provocative ones I shot because I think that the expression of joy, movement and freedom, which are expressed in this image, are powerful statements about accepting and understanding our sensuality, the beauty in freedom and confidence as apposed to a contrived notion of it.

I shot this image using two very old movie lights which live in our studio. I covered myself in oil and donned thigh-highs for the shoot. There is still a stain on our grey studio wall which we can’t seem to get off….

Self Portrait Project 005 Leah Hawker 2014

Categories
Interviews & Conversations On other Photographers

“WOMAN” An Article by Amelia Burger

This is an article written by Amelia Burger for One Small Seed Magazine, Issue 08, 2007, pages 46 through 53.

From One Small Seed Magazine Article

Woman

SA Photographers Leah Hawker and Michelle Prinsloo are constructing  a fuller, more multi-faceted understanding of female sexuality through their personal and provocative interpretations of the female form. Amelia Burger tries to bear it all.

While both these female photographers have their own philosophy which influences their approach to their work, it all comes down to expressing all of who you are. Their work rings true for women universally, but this is certainly the work of two young South Africans breaking through the visual barriers of female photography in ths country.

Leah interprets being a woman in South Africa objectively and almost as if from a distance, addresses the communal generalisation of the female archetype. There is a “very strong compartmentalisation of our supposed gender responsibilities, be it African, Afrikaans, English or Muslim communities, we’re all so aware of what is expected of use. Women in South Africa are becoming a bit more open-minded and educated about our sexuality and gender, and I’m trying to facilitate this in some ways in my work.”

Michelle goes even further in dealing with some aspects of female stereotype liberation and is more intense, raw and personal in her approach. “I feel we have a stength within us, but we still have a lot to prove in society within these conservative constraints. We need to be ourselves and allow ourselves to be heard clearly and express ourselves as individuals…I want to provoke my viewers, I want them to have their own individual perception of the image”

This image by the talented Michelle featured in the article.
“When you reject me”- image by the talented Michelle featured in the article.

Artist and photographer, Leah Hawker incorporates concepts of beauty, seduction, gender stereotyping and restriction while working primarily with the female nude. She aims to get women thinking and questioning their own archaic, set ideas about their sexual identity. “I think that some ideas are so ingrained in our social and cultural genes that we don’t question whether they should even apply to us reasonably anymore.”

“The patriarchal base from which much of our thinking and actions are situated doesn’t suit both genders , so women are begining to develop more feminine approached and so balance society.” As seen in these pictures, her work is sensual but never crosses the line into explicit. It’s feminine, beautiful and celebratory.

Shooting provocative images is a starnge thing really,” she says “because in one way or another, the model agrees to play out and pose for an idea or concept which is initiated by the thinking and fantasy on the part of the photographer. I always find this fact somewhat disturbing. Maybe thats why I deal with the subject matter so conceptually and detachedly.”

Tear sheets taken from One Small Seed Magazine published in 2007
Tear sheets taken from One Small Seed Magazine published in 2007
Categories
Interviews & Conversations Women I've Shot

“The Housewives”, Nude Private Commissions:
This is Lynette

(Note: “The Housewives” was a term I fondly coined in 2006 after I started getting shoot requests from private, individual women who became my clients. Many of the women who contacted me were married and in their mid 30’s and were doing the shoots as gifts to their husbands. The folder in my archives is still called this and so I’ve stuck to it, in part just for the irony: most of these women are not “housewives” at all, but strong independent and forward thinking women who I have had the honour of documenting.

All are private commissions and the demographic has changed substantially over the years. Some I’m still in contact with, others I’ve totally lost contact with, some have become friends, some may wish not to have their real names used, others don’t mind, some may have their faces obscured for privacy reasons, others have generously shared their experiences of being photographed.)

Lynette Bester poses for a series of "Power Nude" inspired by Helmut Newton

I photographed Lynette Bester in September 2008 while I was part time lecturing in photography at Ruth Prowse Art School. Lynette is a well recognised South African artist who heads the the fine art course there as well as being a prolific creator and exhibitor of her own sculptures, drawings and prints.

We put the shoot together in two parts: The one part was inspired by Helmut Newtons “Here come the Girls”, a powerful and provocative series which we re-interpreted using the tools which Lynette creates much of her own art with. The second series of images was more sensual, lingerie based. I believe a shoot has a life of its own to some extent and I believe in leaving a certain space for spontaneousness, both in the shooting and in the post production stage.

Lynette Bester poses for a series of "Power Nude" inspired by Helmut Newton

Lynette Bester poses for a series of "Power Nude" inspired by Helmut Newton

I asked Lynette if she would put together some memories of the shoot for me, this is what she had to say:

After my first experience shooting with Leah on the Godiva project we spoke about her photographing me again, this time as one of her “Housewives” (or commercially treated commissions),  a series in which she endeavours to uncover, without exploiting, the innate sexuality of her female sitters. I wanted to feel what the women in her photographs looked like they were feeling.

We arranged a photo session at the studio at work over a weekend early in the summer. I remember having my first spray tan which was a bit strange but added to the sense of preparation. I remember doing my own hair and make-up. I remember feeling really awkward at first and then realizing everything was ok.

Leah did two photo series that day: one inspired by Helmut Newton, black and white, strong, monumental and holding my power-tools that empower me as an artist. I remember not being able to take my knickers off. I was still somewhat ashamed of my body. The second series were a set of softer, demure, reclining nudes wearing the white lingerie I had bought in London at the Soho, Agent Provocateur a few years earlier but had never worn. By the end of that series I was finally nude. I think there are two or three photographs where I am completely nude but showing nothing except my dark eyes in black and white.

Lynette poses in her Agent Provocature Lingerie

I look at them now and see an essence that Leah captured. An irreplaceable essence that is more than a nude and marks a timeless moment of self. Today, we are close friends and Leah has photographed me nude for another collaboration as well as candid friendship moments on our favourite dance floor, dinner parties and at the beach or expeditions to see a patch of local snow. 6 years after Shooting the Godiva project, in which she was involved and where we first met, I am 34 weeks pregnant and I am preparing for another photo-shoot with Leah.

Beautiful Lynette Bester poses for me for the second time

With a difficult pregnancy nearly behind me and wondering where the bikini clad self is hiding, I look forward to this photo shoot as part of finding what can so easily get lost when your body is strange to you, and that is simply being able to look at it with awe: at its shapes, it’s architecture, it’s engineering, it’s ability to create life and to be beautiful. In the coming weeks my body will be my own again, as sure as it will also be spring. Leah would have captured yet another moment when my body is strange to me just before it becomes my own again. A photograph: perhaps an integral ritual in (re)discovering the self. In the coming summer when I dare to wear my bikini again I will be able to look back at Leah’s photographs and comprehend yet another awkward moment in my own story of acceptance and awe.

This Saturday I’ll photograph Lynette again, with her round perfect pregnant belly. The process of working with women over time and witnessing her own changing sense of self and the stages of her life is an honour. Lynette, thank you for sharing your memories of this photo shoot, they are images I am still very proud to have worked on.