MONET MAXWELL IS HER OWN MUSE

Before anyone else, I was my first muse. I loved playing dress up in my moms clothes. I remember a time when there weren’t many cute clothing options for fat girls. I had to get creative, I had to shop in the women’s section because juniors clothing never fit properly. The early 00’s we’re also a hard time for fashion. Looking at pics with me wearing shirts that say baby girl, it was a ugly time lol. It’s a humbling experience to be a child and having to wear grown up clothes. I’m grateful for the gifts I’ve been given because I was always able to make it work. My love for myself and fashion absolutely came from my mom.  Since a early age she always made sure I knew I was loved and made sure I wore clothes that fit and looked good. 

There was a time when I didn’t like my body, I used clothing as a means to cover up. To hide. But once I turned 17, it was over! I fell in love with myself. No one could tell me a thing. My energy was different, and I showed skin any chance I could. That teenage girl made me the woman I am today. The woman that makes sure that black fat and queer people are at the forefront of my work. That little girl that had close to no representation made sure she created work for people who weren’t being represented. I love that so much about what I do, my art is from the art and it’s for people who look like me. I also remind myself that I’m art.  I spend alot of time making people look beautiful. But I too am beautiful and worthy of being photographed in a positive light. My body is beautiful and it’s art. I will forever treat it as such. 

Photographer: Natalie Renee / @natalie_czyzyk

Model: Monet Maxwell / @monetmaxwell