THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

So tell us Maria, how long have you been modeling and what got you into this business?

I have been modelling around 3 years although I also did some modelling in between my degrees too. My life as a model started by accident! I had no intention of becoming a model at all, but after completing my undergraduate degree I worked for a short time in London as house model for top London designers Bellville Sassoon and Zandra Rhodes. I went on to mainly focused my modeling around art work and had a great time! However, after a year or so I went back to University again to do Postgraduate studies. I did a Post Graduate Certificate in Education which led onto Qualified Teaching Status and I taught Science for high school pupils (ages 11-19) in Biology, Chemistry and Physics whilst simultaneously completing a Masters degree. I knew teaching wasn’t my ‘calling’ after a few years and returned to the world of full-time modelling in 2009.

It is very apparent that you are extremely comfortable with yourself and body. How did you get this sense of self confidence?

I would say that your question is merely a perception of how you think I feel from looking at my work. I meet many people who have preconceived ideas of who I am and what I must be like by looking at my work. However, this may not, and usually is not, the case. Al I can say is that I just try my best. That is all anyone can do with any job they have. I have bad days as all people (especially women) do, however, over the years I have come to know that whatever happens I am a good person and underneath everything that is all that counts.

It is without a doubt that you are extremely beautiful and I feel that calling you ‘sexy’ is an understatement. How do you maintain your physique and what do you feel is the most important thing in maintaining your beauty?

Well thank you very much D. – I feel very flattered! I think here I have to come back to the previous answer – that is inside what makes you beautiful so I maintain my beauty through being receptive to others and non judgmental as possible. I am very lucky when it comes to physicality’s that I don’t exercise and eat what I want. I thank my parents every day as it boils down to genes. However I admit that I eat a completely balanced diet. I listen to what my body tells me it needs and follow that.

Are you married, single, seeing someone? If so, what is their involvement with your modeling career and how do they feel about your choice of modeling?

I’m not married and not at liberty to give details. I try to keep my private life away from my work. My family and friends have always been very supportive of me and I would never be in a relationship with anyone who didn’t support my career whatever that may be.

Not a problem. That is certainly understandable. There are a lot of opinions concerning nude modeling and it’s definition. What is your take on the situation. Is it art or pornography?

I think art is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I also think the difference between art and pornography can be light. I honestly think a lot boils down to that. A girl can be completely naked, with her legs wide open, but if the light doesn’t catch her most intimate areas, and the shot appears dark and mysterious coupled with the fact that she isn’t looking at the camera - how can anyone call that pornography? At the same time one can browse so called ‘art’ websites and wonder where they see art. However, as I said previously I open to peoples interpretations and accept that this is what they prefer or see beauty in.

That’s a very interesting perspective on the subject. Thanks for your answer. Of all the styles of modeling you do, which is your favorite and why?

This is such a difficult question to answer as I like and loathe for different reasons and a lot depends on whom you are working with as to how much you enjoy a particular job. Catalogues and TVC’s are difficult as they are often very long, hard days. I like a lot of the art work I do as it is mainly centered around nudes in the landscape therefore I get to see amazing scenery. However I also like a lot of the magazine jobs such as for Playboy and FHM as you get a great crowd of staff so you have lots of fun and of course like most girls, I like dressing up in sexy clothes and lingerie with all my hair and makeup done!

You have accomplished so much in your career so far. What is next on your list and where would you like to see yourself when you are finally done?

I am looking to go more into TV hosting and this is something you will hopefully see very soon as I am negotiations with a few companies right now. I enjoy talking (ha ha) and the skills I attained whilst teaching often separate me from other models meaning ad lib (unscripted) work is enjoyable to me. I am also beginning to write several articles for a few magazines around the world, and I am really enjoying the diversification my modeling career has brought me so far. I have no idea where I will be when I am finally done as I am a very ambitious person and one never knows what is around the next corner!

Describe your happiest moment in your modeling career? What led up to that moment and how did it impact your future?

These questions are so hard D! Ha ha….I have enjoyed so many moments for different reasons again! However if I was forced to pick just ONE it would be when I was chosen as Playboy Playmate in Croatia. Not only was the shoot fun, the photographs amazing, but I also fell in love. You can take home from that what you like but this was a deep rooted love of varying degrees which made me question life in a good way. Croatia is an amazing country and I met some of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. The result of this shoot ended with some of the simplest yet most meaningful times I have ever had and indeed may ever have. This also impacted my career as being made a Playboy Playmate in Croatia meant I was invited to the Mansion in L.A., I was hailed one of Playboys Top 100 Sexiest Women for 2010 and since then… well…I’ve never looked back.

Who are some of the industry individuals that you look up to and how have they helped guide you along your path?

There are several models and photographers with whom I admire. However I can honestly say that it has been close friends that have helped guide me. The same goes for my agents as they really have worked hard to get me the best deals and help direct me towards the life I know lead. I have never been one to follow the crowd and try to simulate another models style or career path. I just do what I want to do and do it to the best of my ability.

What is the biggest misconception about you?

There are many I would think. I think many people believe that because I am a model and a Playboy model that I am stupid. I also think (and this is what many people have said to be) that from looking at my photographs and reading my resume I am going to be rather stuck up, however I am probably one of the most down to earth people you could meet.

What are something’s in this industry that you will not do not matter the pay?

I will not ever do hard-core porn, pose with real fur, shoot with anyone or anything I think goes against my morals or beliefs.

If someone is looking to work with you or use you for a project, how do they find you and what types of terms do you accept?

Through my agent. Speak to her. Ha ha…. If you want me you will be able to find me.

Maria you are an amazing model and I am so happy that we had a chance to have this quick chat, is there anything else that you would like to share or add?

Thank you D – I’ve don’t have much to say except watch this space and keep an eye on my website – www.maraieriksson.com - for more of my latest work.

I will be appearing in the first edition of Playboy South Africa (out April 2011) and am guessing that this will be on sale by the time this goes to print so please check it out!

Best wishes to you and good luck in the future Nine5Four Magazine…… Maria xx