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"Phoenix James is the 1st ever Male Model to appear on Urban World's Model Focus"
 We know you by two names, Phoenix James and Phenzwaan Who are you really?
Yes, I have many names and many faces, I am an extra-terrestrial...present from the afterworld. Sorry I couldn't resist...lol. No, I'm an individual primarily driven by a desire to create. Creativity and art is the driving force behind all that I do and have done to this point from birth. It has changed and changes from form to form over time but the common thread stems from the highly artistic and creative nature within me. I am ruled by the god or gods of creative freedom if you like. That’s who I am. The research is ongoing but I've gathered that much about who I am thus far. Will keep you updated...lol
Apart from modelling you're also a poet. I've seen girls going wild while you’re doing a poetry performance on stage, but then you are delivering some raunchy stuff. Tell us a little about that?
Yes, I've been a spoken word artist and performance poet for a long while now, writing for myself and others. Again it's one of my passions as is anything that gives me an opportunity to create and experiment with new ideas, new things, new concepts etc and with poetry it allows me to express verbally what is on my mind, explore language, expression and speech all of which again I have a great love for. Since I began writing poetry professionally in 1998 I've had the opportunity to delve into different areas of writing through various commissions for my work which has also allowed me to expand my abilities within the artform beyond poetry. I say artform as that’s how I view writing. Yes I've heard a few stories that one or two ladies have happened to lose their underwear here and there at my performances and otherwise over the time that I've been doing it..lol. I just express what's on my mind as opposed to what I think people want to hear and often a lot of poets, writers etc don't allow themselves to let go that much and I feel that’s part of the attraction to my work. I've been told my work is honest.
Having all this rolled into one must make you a hit with the ladies. Are you available or is there that special ONE?
Yeah I get that a lot. You see, the thing is most females automatically assume I'm taken or I must have woman already or be in a committed relationship already or I must be married and so most don't even approach me and that’s like the majority of women. So you have all these fine women around who most of would probably make a great companion..potentially and they're not even looking my way. On top of that, contrary to popular belief..lol I'm actually quite shy when it comes to approaching women, I need to have like a clear sign that she's interested in me or I don't even go there...totally. I have a whole piece I wrote about it in my new manuscript. It’s not out yet but the piece is called Rescue Me. No I'm single. I'm still on the look out for the ONE. I haven’t given up yet I'm still searching. Ladies, anyone who sees this I'm single!! If anyone sees my future wife please please please tell her I'm looking for her, I need rescuing and she needs to come and save me and provide me deliverance from my promiscuous and whorish ways...lol
How did you get into modelling?
I started modelling at 16 and did so for a couple more years until my writing etc started to take off and I went touring and recording and travelling etc. That was my first introduction into modelling. One of my first shows was a men’s modelling competition sponsored by Chupa Chups. As you can imagine it’s great to come back to it now as one of my passions and to have it work out as well as it has done since I've made the return with my most recent award and magazine cover feature in the US etc. People think it’s been years but it really hasn’t been that long it’s only been months. I just had a desire to return to it as another creative field I started off in when I was younger that was at the time cut short. How I got into it back then was pretty much the same thing again; a desire to be creative and express myself.
Whats your stats?
Neck 42cm, Chest 40-42, Waist 32-34, Inside Leg 31-33, Shoe 9. I wear most things. All designers etc feel free to get in touch.
Who you'd like to model with?
I think I'd enjoy modelling with absolutely anyone male or female who is a great model whether famous, recognised or otherwise as long as they're committed and dedicated to it whether as a profession or as an art form or both. I'd like to model with any great model who generally has a love for modelling as well as fashion and photography or at least an understanding or desire to understand those aspects additionally to just being a 'model'. I like modelling with models who push the boundaries, who are also not afraid to experiment and are always aiming to improve on everything they manage to create.
What do you think of the current UK urban modelling scene: Males and Females?
I think the UK urban modelling scene like everything else has a place. It's a growing and ever developing and expanding scene. There have been considerable breakthroughs and improvements over the past 20 months. It has a movement of its own and brings its own creative edge to other aspects of the modelling industry that are not considered as urban or were not present before in terms of creativity and ideas and style. I came up as part of the urban scene doing my first ever shows and shoots etc so of course I will always work well in that arena as well and always have an affinity, respect and love for it as well as that which I have developed for all other areas within modelling and fashion culture.
Anything else that you'd like to add?
I think that’s it for now. If anyone wants to reach me they can locate me online via facebook, myspace etc just search 'Phoenix James' or 'Phenzwaan'. In fact I have a facebook and myspace for both. All stalkers welcome..lol..and ladies i'm single!!..incase you all missed that part earlier...rescue me lol.
Oh and one of my favourite quotes is by Willie Mays...
"In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept destructive criticism. Without 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this."
This interview is for Urban World and can be located on the official Urban World website at: http://www.urbanworld.co.uk/fashion
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