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Poetry Meets Modeling With Richmond’s Tiffanie Brooke

S. Preston Duncan | March 19, 2020

Topics: art, instagram, modeling, photography, poetry, richmond va, RVA, RVA 39, Tiffanie Brooke

RVA #39 is on the streets now! Here’s another article from the issue, in which artist and poet Tiffanie Brooke reflects on modeling, writing, and the power of the human body in self-expression.

“We are more than the skin we crawl around in.” 

Let’s be honest: among the self-styled “Instapoets” of the world, often there isn’t more behind their words than vaguely-poetic interpretations of fortune cookies and phrases from motivational posters. And while it is wildly popular, whether or not it is authentically poetry could be up for debate. Exceptions to this generality are somewhat rare, but Richmond’s artist and poet Tiffanie Brooke is undeniably one of them. Her writing is both accessible and well-crafted, a refreshing combination in the literary world of stuffy academic writing and pandering to popularity.

Brooke is an alternative model and a deeply candid poet. Her work is evocative, both in front of the camera and on the page. It’s her juxtaposition of imagery that defines who she is as an artist, and it provides a window into her expressive dynamic of strength and unique vulnerability.

RVA Magazine’s R. Anthony Harris had a chance to talk with Brooke about her work, and explore the ideas that sparked her artistic beginnings.

PHOTO: Tiffanie Brooke by Charles Long, RVA 39

R. Anthony Harris:  How did your modeling begin?

Tiffanie Brooke:  I had a very negative outlook on my body when I was a teenager; I was super thin, I didn’t have a chest. My cheekbones jut out. My nose goes off in one direction. I consistently beat myself up… One day I came across America’s Next Top Model, and I became obsessed. I was seeing women that looked like I did, and they all had something about them that matched my “weird.” 

RAH:  How long have you been writing? 

TB:  I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. My brother and I were advised to write in those god-awful composition notebooks by counselors when we were very young. We grew up in a very confusing environment for two small children; I did not come from a communicative family. Writing was, and still is, my form of communication, though this non-direct writing has given me a safe way to express myself. 

RAH:  When did both of these ideas start to intertwine? 

TB:  They intertwined when Instagram became popular, honestly. I thought it was the perfect way to give my work a visual; to further push whatever I was writing about at the time. I wanted to give “selfies” another form, and transform how the imagery in my writing was supposed to look. Why not try to capture a visual of how I feel when I’m “in it,” versus a photo of something else entirely? After all, I’m writing about an experience and how it affects me.

RAH:  What writers do you draw inspiration from?

TB:  James Kavanaugh, Kris Kidd, Louis Gluck, Claudia Emerson, Jayne Pupek, and Richard Siken are a few that I obsess over when writer’s block settles in. Each one is immensely different in their writing types and points of view, but I sympathize with a lot of them. They all seem to capture the vastness of my personality traits.

RAH:  What about photographers?

TB:  I don’t have many photographers that I draw inspiration from, really. I enjoy Jason Lee Perry’s works — I read over a particular piece, and envision it as a movie with me in the middle of it: “What would this scene look like?” 

RAH:  Do you see modeling as a way for people to read your writings?

TB:  Modeling in itself is a form of communication, so absolutely! Saint Jerome said, “The face is the mirror of the mind, and the eyes, without speaking, confess the secrets of the heart.” Modeling and writing are both forms of expression, so it made sense for me to combine the two. Tacking onto what I’ve said before, we’re conditioned to choke down how we physically handle our emotions. I try to capture those emotions visually.

RAH:  Is your body a weapon or a tool?

TB:  Tough question. I am consistently working with, and against, my body. I think we all are, in some shape or form. 

RAH:  Is it a problem when trying to be taken seriously as an artist? 

TB:  There is a very fine line in the public eye — of owning your body, and being sexualized for exhibiting confidence — and that has nothing to do with being an artist. It’s hard being a woman in any industry. Shit, it’s hard being a woman, period. Most of my modeling used for my writing is nude. It’s not an attention thing at all, but more to push that vulnerability of here I am, in all that I am. Clothes are character-building, and we aren’t entirely truthful with ourselves until the veil of that day-to-day character is removed. Unfortunately, because of my comfort in that, I am often looked at as an object… and it stops there. 

RAH:  What does objectification mean to you? 

TB:  Taking something at face value, without intent to find out the inner workings of an individual. 

RAH:  Do you objectify other people?

TB:  Not all the time, and not on purpose. Sometimes I have to force myself to. I am a very deep person; I spend a lot of time in my head. If I didn’t push myself to draw a line with someone that is bouncing around too much mentally, I’d be miserable. We all have individual ways of processing relationships with others, and sometimes it comes down to what we find works best for us. I have a tendency to switch off my feelings for someone completely, and that’s typically where I end up objectifying. 

RAH:  Is it demeaning, or are people just looking for a quick way to understand another person? 

TB:  When I write about a specific person, I don’t use names as to not intentionally hurt or demean someone. I always give individuals code names, and honestly I think it makes some pieces more mysterious and puzzling. I like that about poetry. That said, resonation is such an important factor in any type of writing — we are all looking to be understood in some way. Music and writing are excellent ways to fill that void of alienation.

RAH:  I have to ask about the Yoda tattoo. Do you love his wisdom, or are you just a super nerd? 

TB:  The Yoda tattoo began as a tribute to my relationship with my dad. There aren’t many positive memories attached to him when I think back on my childhood, except for our shared TV time. He got me into Star Wars when I was really young, and we’d watch the series over and over, weekly. Maybe for him, it was one of the few things we could do together that I wasn’t talking his ear off, but that I walked away from with an adoration for a fantasy world I wanted to find myself in. We didn’t expect there to be sequels, but it’s a relief to have something we can continue to connect on.

RAH:  What do you hope people understand about your work? 

TB:  I am so much more than a “half-naked girl on Instagram.” There is always more than meets the surface; everyone is where they are because of an experience that set them there. If we all took a little more time to understand each other at more than face value, we would come to know that we are more than the skin we crawl around in. Writing is free, and always available. Whether pen-to-paper or in the notepad on a cell phone, the ability to set our inner workings out in one way or another is incredibly healthy — and important. You never know how much your experiences can aid another person’s until you make yourself vulnerable. 

Intro by S. Preston Duncan. Interview by R. Anthony Harris.  

Hate Bird Scooters? This is for You

John Donegan | October 5, 2018

Topics: bird scooters, Caligula, Cities, Dockless, instagram, Lime Scooters, Nest Egg, richmond, ride share

If you live in one of the handful of cities where dockless scooters have landed, you’ve probably either come across one, ran into one, or had one run into you. Whether this has come in the form of a brainless college student zooming along at 15mph through the River City’s rickety streets, or lead to a broken leg like some residents, we’ve all been affected by the Bird. 

Unlike other ride share programs, Bird scooters require no docking station; the scooters are collected at night by chargers (other locals who charge them in their own homes), and returned to a “nest egg“ by 7am. 

And while the intention of the scooter service — alleviate traffic, cut down on pollution, and give the city a proper reason improve sidewalks — means well, the Santa Monica-based company (already reportedly valued at $2 billion) is seeing considerable backlash. Not just from the expected margin: middle class suburbanites with readily available transportation, a hefty subreddit inbox, and few hindrances on their plate. Complaints are filing in from locals across cities where Birds have landed, and for cities who have not already expelled the scooters, their presence continues to choke local news headlines. Yet non-Bird enthusiasts have found another outlet for their scooter seething, beyond the local evening broadcast: Enter the amazingly debauched Instagram account, Bird Graveyard.

This account channels the dockless scooter hatred, and provides a coping mechanism for those who need to see a rage-filled documentation of the Bird. 

The videos and photos from around the country supply viewers with a Hostel-esque parade of scooter tortures since their arrival in 2017. From shameless decapitation to high balcony-drops, under-tire destruction, and burning at the stake, the online community has once again proven the only logical step in disagreeing with a product is to document its destruction. 

Caligula would be most proud.

While the cost of a ride is around $.15 per minute, the admins of Bird Graveyard are concerned that the cost of no regulation would be far graver. In an article published in July by VICE, they summed up their reasons behind destroying Birds in the following statement: 

“Smashing scooters is just funny,” they said. “It’s amusing when people come to the page and do not get why it’s funny. If you can’t laugh at a ride-share scooter being lit on fire at a house party, that’s a problem with you. There’s nothing in the Constitution that says we all have to respect and love brands.” 

RVA Mag collected some of the more tasteless images of wanton scooter destruction provided by Bird Graveyard. So consider this your warning: From here on out, the moral interpretation is left up to you. 

Be mindful next time you consider destroying one of these dockless devices. With the rise in AI capability, we’re only one program code away from these simple gizmos acquiring the knowledge to take up arms against us in spirit of their homonymic brethren — as Hitchcock’s birds once did — descending upon the earth.

And when that day comes, we’ll be there to post a video of it. 

Some of the best Instas of Bird Scooter destruction from Bird Graveyard can be found below:

Oh, The Humanity. Good Boy!

Eventually, We All Die Alone.

Scooter Destruction as Modern Art

1,000 Years From Now

How Dare You?

You May Take Our Lives, But Not Our Scooters…

Our Favorite Richmond Instagram Accounts Right Now

R. Anthony Harris | December 3, 2017

Topics: @_BRANDENWILSON, @CUISINEBYKB, @EARL_MACK, @FLAVORHEAD, @NIQKO, instagram, richmond, RVA, VA

With so much going on in the River City, it is hard to keep up with it all. Luckily, we have Instagram, the premier social media network, and the multitude of perspectives that come with documenting Richmond from every angle. We wanted to share a few of the personalities that we are following right now (your feed is only as good as who you follow) whether it is for their portraits, eye for scenery, sense of fashion, or a just different perspective on the place we all live — they are all good for the right reasons.

#Muse @dolphin_titties #Mua @thefabfaced #painter @mixedmediahq

@NIQKO
24.4K FOLLOWERS / 7460 FOLLOWING 

When looking over this account there is no doubt #blackisbeautiful and traveling photographer Dominique Murchison is doing his best to bring that to light locally by creating with a sense of high art combining fashion and street smart sensibilities. Follow this account to see the future of the new school Richmond style.

“Money Is No Object” manipulate found photo montage 2016.

@FLAVORHEAD
941 FOLLOWERS / 1838 FOLLOWING 

Local artist Todd Hale has continued to evolve but remained true to his exploration of media and the symbols around us. Using traditional painting techniques, modern technology and the power of the internet, he has created a fresh line of work with his lacquered coated canvases and cut up collage portraits. It’s worth taking a minute to scan his account and explore with him.

Earl Mack’s World

@EARL_MACK
5356 FOLLOWERS / 593 FOLLOWING 

Part of the youth movement hitting our city, Earl Mack has his hand in all aspects of Richmond culture right now. From his involvement in The Pinkbox, Field Mobb, Chilalay and plenty more we have no idea about — this diverse artist out of VCU is a designer that knows all the right people. This account gives a slice of what’s happening on the changing Broad Street Arts/Fashion District.

Happy Halloween 😈

@_BRANDENWILSON
2047 FOLLOWERS / 880 FOLLOWING 

If we were to title this account, it could be ‘The Curiosity of Branden Wilson’. This young photographer has taken it upon himself to see what our current reality has to offer from our city’s music and events, appreciating his friends, the expansive scenery from around Virginia and his contributions to RVA Magazine. If you are looking for a Richmond lens to peek through — this is good one right here.

Mojo Pork Bowl [Organic Millet, Pulled Pork, Black Beans, Lentils, Jalapeños, Sweet Potatoes, Pickles & Fresh Avocado] $10.99

@CUISINEBYKB
754 FOLLOWERS / 1568 FOLLOWING 

Last, the food scene in the city has been on a steady upswing for years now and there is no limit to the accounts that talk about it. So much food, so little time really — so go to someone who can help you find what you are craving. Well done curation along with short reviews on the cuisine from all over town makes for a solid resource when you can’t decide on dinner tonight.

That’s it for now, even though there is a lot more out there — make sure to stay curious and follow your fellow Richmonders on Instagram and take the time to follow us at @RVAmag. Until next time, have a great Sunday afternoon.

The Virginia Travels of Photographer Ryan De Neff

R. Anthony Harris | August 9, 2017

Topics: instagram, phtographer, richmond, RVA, ryan de neff

“I am a photographer based out of Richmond, Virginia who specializes in adventure/travel photography. Cityscapes and landscapes are my favorite subjects to shoot but I also like to shoot portraits of people and objects. Some would say my style is a little bit different than most in Richmond but that’s what I like. Most of the time I like to go for the darker/moody style but I do like to incorporate different colors as well. I’ve been behind a camera since about 12 years old. That’s when I got my first camera and I fell in love right away. Some of my inspiration comes from the photographers I follow on Instagram but most of it is in my surroundings and the people I have the pleasure of working with. Photography is definitely my passion and I have no intentions of stopping now. I learn something new about my craft everyday and I think that’s important for anyone out there who is trying to pursue their dreams. If you have a talent, put it to use. Make something out of it and make your passion your job.”

Check out more at @r_deneff

This was taken in the Blue Ridge Mountains right on the border of West Virginia. I was on a job and took my drone up to find this road perfectly open for me to take a quick picture. Pretty much an accidental find.

This is my roommates dog, Bailey. She’s the sweetest. I honestly was just really happy with how this edit came out. Her eyes were the main focus to begin with so that’s why I decided to make them stand out more.

I love driving places and just taking in the scenery so when an opportunity presents itself like this, I always stop and take out my camera. The mood of this scene was pretty dark so I kind of wanted to keep that intact.

I’m obsessed with the sky, especially stars. I went out last year around November I think with Jude Dizon(Photo buddy) to Raven’s Roost. It was my first time being up there and it was the coldest, most miserable night of that winter by far. We were dealing with freezing rain and terrible wind but the Milky Way was completely visible. Probably one of my favorite photo memories yet.

I was on the way to another job this day and this storm was coming in fast. I looked up to see the clouds getting darker by the second. I immediately pulled over by the wheat field and snapped a quick photo. It started down pouring the minute I got back in my car.

Fellow photographer Spencer Steel and I went out for the sole purpose of catching sunset. But instead of getting the typical sunset photo everyone else gets, we decided to get above the city for this one.

 First time hiking Old Rag was amazing. It was a sunset hike and on the way up the weather changed for a second to give off this moody feel.

Catching the last glimpse of sunset that we had left on top of Old Rag and I really wanted to go for that “distant” feeling here.

It’s hard to imagine being in another city. Richmond has presented so many opportunities for me and has given me the freedom to create stuff that no one else is creating in this area. The angles, the people, the architecture. It’s all there, ready to be captured in a whole new light. I just hope that my style inspires others to be different and take risks as often as possible.

If you would like to be featured, tag us on instagram @RVAmag

‘Every dog has a story’: Dogs of Richmond Instagram vows to tell them all

Lana Ferguson | July 17, 2017

Topics: dogs, dogs of richmond, humans of new york, instagram, richmond

“Who let the dogs out?” has been a question asked for decades. The new question is “Who put the dogs on Instagram?”

For those of you wondering this about the new Dogs Of Richmond account, it’s Will Wright.

The account is like Humans of New York for pups. Each post features a dog Wright came across while exploring Richmond.

Welcome to Dogs of Richmond! RVA'ers love their dogs and their city. Dogs of Richmond explores the relationships between concrete, fur, humans and best friends. Every dog has a story. I met Charlie in The Fan near Strawberry Street and he is the definition of a hunk. He kept looking at his little human making sure all was well. That didn't stop him from rolling around on the sidewalk and grinning from ear to ear the entire time.

A post shared by Dogs of Richmond (@dogsofrichmond) on May 4, 2017 at 8:45am PDT

Wright, who works at wholesalepet.com’s office on Monument Avenue, had the idea for Dogs Of Richmond for a couple of years now but someone else had already snagged the “DogsOfRichmond” handle.

“I only wanted DogsOfRichmond, no spaces,” Wright said. “So, I kind of forgot about it and on a whim this past April, I went and checked, the handle was available and I was all in.”

When everything was first coming to fruition, Wright was walking around town with his camera in tow every day to snap enough pictures to fill up the Instagram feed. He frequents areas in the Museum and Fan districts most often, but has gone down toward the James and across town to Libby Hill. He said he wants to continue to branch out and cover even more ground in Richmond.

Wright’s met all different kinds of people and all different kinds of dogs. He said no one he’s asked for a picture yet has turned him away. The account has even created some friendships along the way.

“I love when the owners find the account,” Wright said. “Recently, two owners who had both been featured were commenting and talking, trying to set up a play date.”

He made friends with local Richmond Instagram star Bex the Bernese.

“We met up and had a fun little photoshoot,” he said. “I hope to meet up with him again in six months when he’s bigger and do a follow up.”

Hey #RVA, can we all agree that @bexthebernese is just about the cutest puppy around? We had the pleasure of meeting him last Sunday after he took a romp around Barker Field. At only 3 months old, he was toasted from playing with the other pups. Thankfully Bexley still had enough energy to throw a pose. Even passersby couldn’t resist stopping to meet this fluff ball. Tag a friend that loves Bernese Mountain Dogs!

A post shared by Dogs of Richmond (@dogsofrichmond) on May 17, 2017 at 12:33pm PDT

For right now, Wright said the main goal of the account is to profile the dogs he meets. He’s not against expanding the cause one day, though. He said he’d love to maybe get into local shelters and feature dogs there in hopes of helping the pups get adopted.

“It’s all about the dogs,” Wright said. “Anything that can make someone smile or make someone want to adopt a dog after seeing a cute shelter dog on the profile is a win in my book.”

Wright said he’s really enjoyed doing this project and he’s improving it and learning as he goes. He said it can be tough taking pictures of dogs, but he’s got some tricks up his sleeve like bringing a squeaky toy along on his walks.

“I’ve probably accumulated 1,500 pictures since beginning this project and only a few have made the cut,” he said.

I decided on a whim last night to visit the Virginia State Capitol. Even though there would be a killer sunset, I wasn’t concerned with capturing concrete and sky. I wanted to meet some #RVA dogs and I lucked out when I bumped into Roxy and Milo at the top of the capitol steps. I took a seat and Roxy the terrier hopped right into my lap. Her brother Milo was a little more skeptical, which is typical of chihuahuas, but he couldn’t resist watching Roxy get love so we became friends too. How cute is this duo?

A post shared by Dogs of Richmond (@dogsofrichmond) on Jun 7, 2017 at 9:17am PDT

Since starting the account, Wright’s been sure to visit different dog-friendly events in the area like Ellwood Thompson’s monthly Pups and Pints and even yoga for Dogs.

“I attended a Dog Yoga (Doga) session in Byrd Park and it went just as you would expect,” Wright said. “The dogs were all over the place and more interested in the nearby ultimate frisbee game than the Doga. Everyone was laughing the whole time including myself.”

Dogs Of Richmond is just a few months old with almost 800 followers already, and Wright’s just getting started. 

“Keep your eye out in the future, I think it’s going to keep getting better,” Wright said. “I’m not planning on making a book or anything but I think the stories are going to get better and the pictures are going to get better.”

Cityscapes, nubians, live music, Nina Simone and mosh pits – our favorite Instagram photos of the past week or so

R. Anthony Harris | May 13, 2016

Topics: instagram, photo, richmond, RVA, virginia

Thank you to everyone hitting us up on @RVAmag. Here are few of our favorite photos from the past week – follow these people, they are exploring the city we live in.
[Read more…] about Cityscapes, nubians, live music, Nina Simone and mosh pits – our favorite Instagram photos of the past week or so

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