Beautiful

BeautifulMag Week 22 - 23

There is something magic in creating, and how that can tight things together. Creation can happen by planning it and finding the resources. Or by meeting people and become inspired and touched by an idea or concept. It is like weaving loose threads into a tapestry. It is a process that can create bonds and strong friendships. Jeff Brewster is someone who knows all about that. There is not one model in his rich portfolio who hasn’t become a close friend.

Creation can also happen as a result of a need. A need to find something that isn’t there. Yet. Often that is the foundation of creating a product and a brand, and often it is also the foundation of success. Creation can be found everywhere and at all times. So this already rules out that you have to be a ‘creative’ to be creative. Because everybody is, in one way or the other. Everybody has that little weaver in his or her head, pulling the threads together and making that beautiful tapestry.

BEAUTIFUL | EVERYTHING THAT IS

Super Trouper John Kilar

WITH HIS MEDITERRANEAN COLORED SKIN, LEAN ATHLETIC BODY AND DREAMY LOOK IN HIS EYES, JOHN KILAR IS WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF THE NEXT GENERATION TOP MODELS. A FRESH BREEZE ON THE RUNWAY AND THE BILLBOARDS, NOT IN THE LEAST THANKS TO CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY WONDER ERIC SCHWABEL.

Long hair, short hair. Jeans, swimwear or slip. It doesn’t matter. John Kilar is a chameleon and no matter what he looks like, he looks damn hot. About a month ago we introduced you to this up and coming super model in a series shot by Eric Schwabel, in which he portrays John in a vintage kind of style. A reminder of the early seventies, both in styling and execution. Today we show you John in a very different kind of light. A spot light.

Let us remind you. John is 21 years old origins from Orange County, California and lives currently in Hollywood. That last fact might as well have been the concept of these original photographs by Eric Schwabel. The setting is a bit bizarre. A backdrop of wooden panels that makes you think of a backstage environment, supplemented by a luxury leather couch. The photos seem untouched and sometimes you can even see some spontaneous attributes in the corners. And John is just John. Casual and sexy, dressed in nothing more then jeans, underwear and super trouper spotlight. And that seems to be the personification of the photographer himself as well. Sexy, no-nonsense and unexpected.

If you are in the area of Venice beach this weekend, be sure to visit the Venice Art Festival. Eric Schwabel is part of it and will open his studio where he will be doing photos all day long for charity. Eric will have some pro bodybuilders in tiny Speedos waiting for you to be taken with you on photo, so this is your chance to actually model for Eric Schwabel –B-

ERIC SCHWABEL | BEAUTIFUL
JOHN KILAR  | BEAUTIFUL

DR-NYC

In Bed with Michael Biserta

FAME CAN HAPPEN TO YOU AT THE MOST UNEXPECTED TIMES AND IN THE MOST INCONVENIENT WAYS. AS NEW YORK FIRE FIGHTER MICHAEL BISERTA EXPERIENCED LAST YEAR. WHAT WAS ONCE AN INNOCENT THING TURNED OUT TO BE SOMETHING THAT TURNED MICHAEL IN ONE OF THE MOST SEARCHED AFTER SUBJECTS IN THE INTERNET. FAME CAME TO HIM WHETHER HE LIKED IT OR NOT. AND MIKE? HE IS WHAT HE IS. A DOWN TO EARTH GUY, AND A PASSIONATE FIREMAN.

When Michael Biserta took off a bit more then just his shirt in a small video back in 2004, he probably had no idea it would make him one of the most popular guys on the net only three years after. For those who have no idea what we are talking about, here is a quick update. Michael Biserta appeared in a short episode of Guys Gone Wild, a video that enjoys immense popularity and not just because of Mike’s pretty face. But most people would probably not even have heard about this clip – let alone seen it – if it hadn’t been for the fact the New York Fire Department decided to pull the plug on their annual charity NYFP calendar project (featuring Mike on the cover) when they learned about his earlier camera experience. Result: no more calendars but a glorious modeling career for Michael. Or not?

10 Months after the ‘scandal’ BeautifulMag decided to get in touch with Michael Biserta to see what happened with him over the last year, what keeps him busy and where he wants to go, and had a nice conversation with this true to his heart and super sexy New Yorker.

Michael, although we have seen a lot of you, we don’t know that much about you. Can you please introduce yourself?
Michael: My name is Michael Anthony Biserta, I’m Italian by way of Staten Island New York. Born and raised. I’m 23 and I’m a New York City fireman… absolutely hands down the best job in the world. I live home currently with my mother and father and I have a 21 year old sister who is away at Seton Hall University. I have a girlfriend of 3 years named Danielle who is the best woman I’ve ever met.

A New York fire man... Was it a young boys dream to become one?
Michael: Yeah, I always wanted to be a fireman, ever since I was young. When it happened it was a dream come true. I have two uncles who were "on the job" and I took after them. I love helping people, and there is nothing more exhilarating than walking into a fire building.

Really? So what is it that attracts you so much in this kind of work?
Michael: I guess it is my desire for adventure and danger. I was always the crazy one out of my friends when we were younger. I was the kid who would do anything. I guess the danger suits me. I like not knowing what lies ahead when I go to work.

Michael, you became known all over the world thanks to your appearance in the Guys Gone Wild video. What made you decide doing this video?
Michael: I was in Cancun on Spring Break and I "happened" to drop my pants ☺. Someone from the video company saw me and asked if I wanted to be involved. I walked into a room with five girls… my clothes couldn’t get off fast enough – ha ha ha. Let’s just say I was young and I have no regrets about it.

How did your direct colleagues and firemen partners react after the video was released? 
Michael: You know, the firehouse is a tough place… a lot of ball breaking goes on when you’re with 10 other guys for 24 hours at a time. The guys were supportive when it looked like I might get into some trouble. It was only once we realized I was safe from that the jokes came out.

How do you feel about the decision that was made after the video became public, to stop publishing the FDNY calendar?
Michael: I think its ridiculous, bureaucratic bullshit. It’s a charity project and it raises money for a good cause. If they start looking into peoples past's I’m sure they will find worse stuff than whipping your cock out. But I don’t make the rules ya know.

So tell us what happened with you after all the commotion.
Michael: I got a few porn offers which I turned down, a few modeling things, and then I signed with Red Model Management in NYC. I’ve had a few jobs but it isn’t any big deal. It’s a tough industry to break into I guess. After all, I am not a model. I’m a fireman.

Still, you did and still do model sometimes, and from fire fighter to male model… It’s quite a step. Are you happy where you are now?
Michael: I wish I could do a little more model work. Like get a big campaign. But I’m happy right where I am. I love my job and if I make a few bucks on the side then that’s great. If not... f*ck it. ☺

So is something going on right now?
Michael: It’s kinda quiet. If you know anyone, hook me up - lol.

Now Michael, let’s try to get to know you a bit more personal:
What do you wear in bed?
Michael: I can’t have much clothes when I sleep. But if I do, they are boxer briefs... not a tighty whitey kinda guy.

Which is the first CD you listen to when you come home at night?
Michael: I’m more of a iTunes kind of guy. I throw on a playlist. Something like Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, Gin Blossoms. When I go out I need to hear something I can dance to though... Hip Hop, House… Anything I can move to.

Do you like to cuddle?
Michael: Not really a cuddle guy. When I sleep I need I like to be cool and spread out - lol.

What do you think is the biggest invention in human history?
Michael: Electricity I guess...the automobile...and the blowjob. Not necessary in that order.

And the biggest mistake?
Michael: this whole watch-what-you-say-or-you-might-offend-someone attitude that America has taken in the past ten years. Everyone has to be careful what they say or do because you might offend some pain in the ass liberal, or hybrid car driving, dolphin saving asshole.  I’m from New York. I don’t get that bulllshit. I say what I want when I want.  F*ck that.

What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?
Michael: vibrate ☺.

If you couldn’t be what you are today, what would you like to be?
Michael: Marine. Those guys get my utmost respect. That’s the only thing I can think of scarier than what I do. All the armed servicemen for that matter. But marines are tough fuckers. A friend of mine - Mike Jezycki - did two tours over there and that kids the man.

Firemen or model?
Michael: Fireman, definitely firemen...even if they offered me a million dollars to model.

How do you feel about the fact that your physical appearance has turned you in quite a gay icon?
Michael: Ha ha… it doesn’t bother me...I like what I like, and that’s women. I don’t get disgusted or weirded out by the fact that 20 gay guys a day ‘friend’ or ‘message’ me on MySpace. I accept everyone. I’m not a dick like that. A good friend of mine is gay and he’s one of the coolest kids I know.

What is next Michael, where do you want to go with your career?
Michael: If I could get something big then that’s cool... if not I’m still gonna be a fireman, still gonna help people, still gonna be happy.

And personal?
Michael:… ☺

Finally, we want to give you the opportunity to say something nice or naughty to our readers, so go ahead…
Michael: Listen well and stick with nice. I want to thank everyone - guys and girls - for the support emails and messages I got when I was going thru all that shit... I hope everyone enjoys the work I’m doing and if I ever get famous I’ll know I have all of you to thank. -B-

BeautifulMag Archive for Michael Biserta: Michael Biserta on Fire | Seeing Through Michael Biserta.

Photos by Walter Kurtz | Michael Tammaro | Sean Watters.

With a very special thanks to Michael Biserta and Walter Kurtz.
Interview: R.Evers for BeautifulMag/BeautifulMedia 2008 ©.

MICHAEL BISERTA | BEAUTIFUL

Beautiful Thursday | Pedro's Parade by Joshua Gagnon

IN 1913 A JEWISH FACTORY MANAGER FROM THE CITY OF ATLANTA WAS ACCUSED OF RAPE AND MURDER DURING A TRAIL THAT BECAME SO SENSATIONALIZED, THAT WHEN SENTENCED AND TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER PRISON, THE ACCUSED MAN GOT KIDNAPPED AND HANGED BY THE AROUSED CROWD. THIS OF COURSE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH TODAY’S ARTICLE, IF IT WASN’T THAT THIS PARTICULAR STORY IS THE BASE OF THE SUCCESSFUL MUSICAL 'PARADE.'

Joshua Gagnon was in the middle of shooting a production of the musical Parade when he met Pedro, one of several actors playing an African American character in the show. Drawn by his exotic looks and knowing that was exactly what he was missing in his photography portfolio, Joshua approached Pedro, who was more then ready to boost his aspiring model career by doing something out of the ordinary. This first contact resulted in a 4 hour shoot that was inspired by the luche cliché advertisements seen on MTV during the mid 90’s, progressed forward to include what is best described as an ice aged barbarian look, including shots with the skiing goggles, touches of makeup and the Spartan-esque hat.

Pedro isn’t really American African. In fact, he originates from the Dominican Republic and stayed in New Hampshire for years before venturing to NYC to follow his dream to act, dance, model and whatever comes his way in order to gain his moment to shine. And shine is what he does in this extra ordinary set, that places showcases him as some out of control rockstar. Not at all a small accomplishment, knowing the Pedro is actually quite shy.

Joshua Alexander Gagnon – JAG – is only 24 years old and has been doing photography for actors, model and theatrical productions for 2,5 years. He started as a graphic artist which probably explains his great eye and knowledge for colour and light. He has shot many theatrical productions, including Hedwig And The Angry Inch, and has been published by many local papers – like the Boston Globe, the Union Press and the Hippo Press. It won’t be long before Joshua will appear in international press as well, we are convinced about that.

On a personal note, Joshua was born in Bennington, Vermont, and lives currently in New Hampshire. He is attracted to photography because of magic of creation and art. It is something that has intrigued him ever since he was little. Beauty inspires him, not just in his photo work but also in writing poetry. When Joshua was 16 years old, he met his soulmate and life partner. They have been together ever since and have built a little family with 3 lovely cats and a new puppy dog. –B-

JAGFOTOZ | BEAUTIFUL