All About Aprella, Renaissance Woman

We've had a crush on the lovely Aprella for several years now. But what with her busy schedule of modeling, performing, appearing in video games, and speaking out for Amnesty International, and our busy schedule of, uh, watching porn, it's been a little hard to schedule a sitdown with her. Finally, though, after years of lusting after this multitalented powerhouse, we were able to grab her attention and get her to answer some questions. Our interview--as well as a gallery of photos so you can better understand exactly why we've been crushing on her all this time--after the jump.

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Fleshbot: Back in 2005 we named you one of our Top Ten Hotties of the year. Has your life changed much in the years since we honored you--and if so, what's changed?
Aprella: Yes you did, and I'd like to take the time here to say "Thank You!"

My life is always changing and evolving. In the past three years I've worked all over the world from doing runway shows in France and screaming backup vocals in Italy to doing Fashion Week in LA and swinging high on aerial swing in my home town NYC. I like to keep my career and life moving. In 2007 I worked at least one week of every month out of the country. I love life on the go.

FB: You've been an artist's model, a nude model, a dancer, a singer, an actress, an activist, and probably even more things that we forgot to list. How do you make time for it all?
A: I just follow my heart and try to make the best choices I can for myself. Unfortunately I don't get enough sleep. The usual is 4 hrs or less a night.

FB: Where did you get your start as a model? Did you start as photographer's model and branch out into other areas, or did you follow a different path?
A: I was always interested in the art of photography. While snooping about camera equipment one day a photographer asked to take a test shoot of me. He then turned it over to an agency and it turned out that I was a look they needed. I was then booked for fashion runway shows and fashion editorial shoots. As I got more involved I discovered the world of couture high fashion and have since been hooked.

FB: How did you decide to model nude? Is the experience of nude modeling substantially different from modeling with your clothes on?
A: I strive to create more artistic looks with my work. I wouldn't call myself a nude model having almost never done a fully nude shoot. When I have done fully nude I am almost always covered with body painting giving the illusion that I am clothed.

With my modelling work I'm trying to create images that cause an inspired reaction be they nude and covered in body paint or beautiful high fashion. If I look at a photo and see nudity before I see creativity it's a nothing photo for me. I'm far more turned on by art clothed or not.

FB: Do you have any favorite stories from your years of modeling? Any photographers you love working with?
A: One of the funniest moments I've had as a model has to be when I was working with Gene Simmons of Kiss fame. Gene and I were in Times Square on top of The Hard Rock Café to do press for his show "Gene Simmons and The Family Jewels" Gene out of nowhere took my hand and made me grab his ass while he looked all coy with his finger over his lips for the cameras. Then the next day it was all over the celebrity gossip television show "EXTRA."

Every photo shoot and runway show carries its bag of fun memories for me. I love the people I work with and I have to mention one of my best friends, photographer River Clark as being my favorite person to do a photo shoot with.

FB: If you had to choose just one of the many areas you work in to focus on, what would it be?
A: I really wish I could pick just one thing to focus on. I'm always so jealous of those that have that one thing they love to do and they stick to it. Like my partner David Stoupakis. He's good at everything he attempts in the art world but he's known since he was a kid that he wants to be a painter and that's what he focuses on every day. For me it's just not that easy; in fact I'd say it's impossible for me to pick one area to focus on. So I guess I just focus on following my heart for a living.

FB: Do you have any upcoming projects Fleshbot readers should know about?
A: Zillions! I'll be home in NYC this Summer doing art sittings for Dr. Sketchy's and Runway shows with some local NYC lines. This autumn I'll be back on the road and am doing a ton of touring all around the world in 2008. You can keep up with me via my Events Calendar at aprella.com. See you guys soon!

· Aprella (aprella.com)