CG: Obviously, that form of the medium is not going anywhere soon, so, do you get to watch any television, and do you see a value in reality TV?
JS: I do not own a TV and I haven’t had one in years. I find it to be very addictive. The value of reality TV might be that we get off on living vicariously through characters we normally would not meet.
CG: Are you still surprised or humbled by the accolades and the appreciation of so many, whether in fashion or media?
JS: I think when I was modeling full-time, I didn’t think of the impact it would have on people. I was just doing a job. Now, as I’m approached by people and they tell me stories of relating to me and feeling accepted by my pictures, it really shows me how important visibility is. You never know who you’re going to affect when you’re in the public eye. I still am humbled by these stories and it makes me so grateful that I could be a part of someone’s story, without really knowing them.
CG: What is art to you? What inspires you?
JS: Art to me is anything that inspires another human being to feel something or do something. I’m inspired by people, places and things everyday and I respect anyone who puts themselves out there and shares their art with others.
I’m inspired by human spirit. I love watching people do things that they thought they could never do.
CG: What are your creative outlets?
JS: My creative outlets would be writing, being inspired by art in fashion and museums, and always trying something new once a week.
CG: Are there any current models or entertainers that you are impressed by?
JS: I’m impressed by anyone who succeeds in this business and manages to keep sane. I have so much respect for Ellen, Portia and people who generate inspiration and goodness.
CG: Obviously, as a Californian, you experienced Proposition 8 and its recent reversal firsthand. What are your thoughts on the subject? What do you think it's going to take to move away from the “us vs. them” mentality in the United States?
JS: I’m really happy for the whole Prop 8 situation. It gave us a reason to go out and protest in a peaceful way. It gave our community something to stand for in unity and I believe peaceful protest is something everyone needs to experience at some time in their lives. It will change one’s way of thinking, more of “we” than “me.”
I’m not sure about the “us” vs. “them” mentality changing soon. We are born and bred on differences here. All we can do is be visible, and responsible when we are visible. (continued on next page)
