Interview: Model Polina Barenfeld (Israel)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m Polina, a professional model from Israel. I'm 32 years old. I was born in Russia, in the cold of Siberia, and moved to Israel 5 years ago. Now I live in sultry Tel Aviv, the city of freedom and artistic people. My first serious job was a bookkeeper, but I’ve been sewing, dancing and doing photography on the side for a long time.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I love and accept myself as I am. I’m trying to keep my mind, body and soul in harmony. But at the same time I'm always in the process of self-development and self-improvement.

How did you start modeling?

I've always been interested in photography as an art form. Ever since I was a teenager, I felt that I had a lot of potential to realize in that field. After i had graduated from high school, I went to a famous photographer in my hometown to do a nude body-art photo shoot. That was the first time I did something like this. The photos that we took were entered into a local competition, and they took first place. Still, for the rest of the 10 years that I had lived in Russia after that, it had remained a hobby for me. I only started modelling professionally 2 years ago.

What do you think of the work as a model?

I chose to work without an agent and collaborate not just with photographers but also with painters and sculptors. Each is a unique experience. Photography is dynamic and emotional, while painting and sculpting are static and meditative. I love both, and I love to inspire people I work with. I think that modelling could be more than just a job. I think it could be about imbuing the world with beauty and authenticity.

What is your beauty regimen?

My beauty regimen consists of a healthy lifestyle and healthy food: for the last 9 years I’ve been a vegetarian. Plenty of sleep and physical activity are important, too, and so is treating my body properly. It’s crucial that I get a lot of positive emotions throughout the day, and for me there’s nothing better for that than taking a walk. Drinking a lot of water also helps, and what with the climate here, it’s really a necessity.

What are your personal qualities which distinguish you from others?

Perseverance, persistency, hard work and perfectionism. I have a good camera sense and I’m able to quickly transform into another role. The choreography classes I took have developed my plasticity, allowing me to feel and control my body with great precision.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m more of a live-in-the-present kind of person. I try to be conscious about what I’m doing every day and be as effective as I can.

What are some of your favorite experiences so far?

Small miracles happen every day. It doesn’t take much to impress me, and that’s why I have a lot of reasons to be impressed and to enjoy simple things.

Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?

Do what you love to do, do it naturally and confidently! You are only limited by the boundaries you set for yourself. Cultivate a strong personality that can make this world a better place.

What do you think of the magazine?

I love it! It gives me aesthetic pleasure and inspiration. I think it’s a wonderful platform for getting to know each other, for establishing new connections and partnerships between creative people.

https://www.instagram.com/Paola_Barry_Model