Bent
Natasha Phoenix King, a New York based artist, actress, and contortionist, has made a name for herself from the stages of Broadway to the pages of Vogue. Her unusual talents have been featured in film and on TV (on shows such as TODAY, Law & Order SVU, Orange is the New Black, and Crashing). King has been a creative consultant for Vogue and performed for Cirque du Soleil, Madonna, Beyoncé, Givenchy, Ted Baker, Bacardi, and Cartier. She can be seen globally in ad campaigns for Yeezy, Jaegermeister, and Galeries Lafayette.
Bodysuit + Gloves by Renee Masoomian
Shoes by Dr. Martens
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Bodysuit + Gloves by Renee Masoomian
Painted White Pumps by Eugenio Lara at Patricia Field ARTFASHION
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Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Polka Dot Heels by Hollywould
Left:
Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Sneakers by Stilts Shoes
Right:
Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Shoes by Fini Shoes
Left:
Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Heels by Teresa Costa at Flying Solo
Right:
Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Shoes by Fini Shoes and Rebook
Left:
Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Shoes by Stilts Shoes and Dr. Martens
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Bodysuit by Renee Masoomian
Heels by Beautisoles
Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?
I spent the first few years of my life in Madrid Spain, a time of play and idyllic snapshots, before moving to Long Island, New York. I was raised Jehovah’s Witness, a religion I found repressive to my spirit and alienating from my community. Shame was ingrained in my psyche, for my body, my sexuality, my humanity. I would later discover my body as my tool for expression and would reclaim it for my art. I have an older brother who is autistic but was never diagnosed in childhood. I always looked up to him but struggled to understand the complicated dynamics of his reality. Not having a support system for his autism created misunderstanding and loneliness. My experience propelled me deeper into my own mind and launched me towards creative expression.
You are a very talented and artistic woman. What made you interested in contortion and how did you become a contortionist? Was this something that you have always wanted to do?
I have always been drawn to the weird or the rare. I played harp growing up. I poured molten bronze in art school to create goddess deities. Now I bend my body in strange and unusual ways. I was flexible as a child. I began ballet at the age of 4 and continued until 17. I was also captain of my cheerleading squad and loved getting tossed in the air. The first time I saw a contortionist on television I remember thinking, “Wow this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! I wish I could do that!” It turns out I could but did not test my limits. I didn’t discover the true extent of my flexibility until I was 22, when my coach Serchmaa Byamba, folded me into a chest stand for the very first time.
What are you doing now?
At 14 I dreamed of being a model but was always told I was too short. It was surreal to see myself on a billboard in Times Square and to realize a dream. Now that I’ve satisfied my 14-year-old self, my focus has shifted. I’m more interested in my identity as an artist than a model or muse. I have begun to see myself as a collaborator in the creative process and am producing new works with multimedia artist Laura Kimmel. We had our first art show in Los Angeles this past month and another opening in New York. To see myself truly as an artist, to channel creative forces and birth my truth, and to be able to support myself with that work, is magic to me.
What has been your biggest life lesson so far in your career? What has it taught you?
My biggest life lesson has been to value my art above all else. Relationships come and go. Work comes and goes. The only constant I’ve found in my life is that thread of creation. For me, the artistic process is spiritual and sacred. If I can keep my faith and integrity in my art everything else seems to fall into place.
What do you do to prepare yourself for a performance?
It’s been so long since I performed! I miss the spontaneity of performance, the improvisation of it all, and the energy of the audience. My preparation comes with stretching and meditation beforehand, but, as for the performance itself, my movement tends to be in the moment and a reaction to the room.
You’ve taken on many roles, from being the lead in “Cosmic Opera” to touring as the heroine in the EDM experience “FANTAZIA” to being featured in films and shows like Orange Is The New Black and Law & Order SVU, what has been your favorite experience so far?
My favorite TV experience was doing Law & Order SVU. It was my first time on television, and I loved the excitement of it all. One of my most memorable live performances was Madonna’s birthday party. We had a big top tent and put on a circus show for her and her closest friends. It was an absolute blast!
What has been the best advice you have received in life? Do you have any advice for people pursuing a career in this industry?
The best advice I’ve received in this business is to fake it until you make it. Incredible things happen with belief. Self-doubt is the biggest killer in this industry. I’ve spent much of my career not believing in myself, and the moment I shifted that big things began to happen. My advice to new artists and performers is to be yourself. It’s literally the only way to be unique.
What is one goal you have this year? What are your hopes for the future and what is next for you?
My goal for 2021 is to find healing in my life. 2020 was all about working on my mental health and finding a support system. I’ve struggled with complex PTSD for the past 5 years and the pandemic forced me to face the reality of that. I work daily to find healing both with healthcare professionals and through my art. My body is my paint and palette. Movement my medicine. I would love to see myself traveling in 2021 and continuing to show new work. A long-term dream of mine is to have a family and create a home full of love and art.
What is your motto in life?
I like Jessica Rabbit’s motto, “I’m not bad. I’m just drawn that way.”
What are your socials?
My Instagram is @bendybombshell
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Photographer & Producer: Mike Ruiz
Model: Natasha Phoenix King
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Luis Guillermo Duque using Oribe
Makeup: Deney Adam
BTS Video: Angelina Arena
Assistant Stylist: Maya Wilson
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Sarah Tota, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: YourSpaceNJ
