Navigating the new normal in times of isolation has been an adjustment to say the least. It was an abrupt halting of work that spurred on model and photographer Josie Musgrave’s latest project for RUSSH. Be sure to see our catch up below with Georgia Fowler, Cal Fernie and many more model muses on their creative inspirations, cherished rituals, and life in times of solitude and social distancing.
Introducing Part II of our model home shoot series.
Georgia Fowler
My isolation looks like…
I’m currently staying at my sisters home in Sydney with her two little girls, so our days are busy entertaining little enquiring minds. I’m so happy to be here, with family, space, good weather, and away from the epicenter which I currently reside. I likely never would have been able to take this amount of time off (at least guilt free), so I’m really enjoying being back here and able to spend this time with my nieces who are growing up far too fast, as well as getting regular sleeps in the same time zone.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
I’m currently watching the new season of Westworld; reading Normal People by Sally Rooney; and listening to (probably too many) current affairs podcasts, I love being kept up to date with The Daily by NY Times and Today, Explained by Vox, but have also recently loved the Goop podcasts, as well as Seth Godin.
What are your most cherished rituals?
Following a morning snuggle from my nieces, I always start the day by making my bed, and going for a walk-with a podcast, and proper coffee in hand, so I feel ready to take on the day. But my favourite time of the day is finally sitting down for dinner with one of our home cooked creations perhaps followed by a board game.
What are you making?
Thankfully my boyfriend is an amazing cook so we’ve been spending the evenings trying out new things in the kitchen. I would have gotten realllllly sick of my eggs by now! But we’ve been trying different cuisines, recently we’ve made a delicious Lentil Dhal, a Green Curry Salmon, and Pesto Gnocchi.
I’ve also been making a few mood boards, and trying to use some of this time to brainstorm projects I’ve been wanting to explore for a while.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I love exercise, not only because I love feeling physically strong, but it really helps me to center mentally. In this current period of uncertainty and stillness, I think we need to move and gather those endorphins more than ever.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I’ve really come around to loving at home workouts, I love doing Fluid Form pilates online, Nike training app workouts with Kirsty Godso and Joe Holder who happen to be some of my best friends, and have even been creating some of my own routines for my followers.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
Family, and facetime.
I miss...
Working, the freedom to travel (even though I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else), but mostly mum & HUGS.
Cal Fernie
My isolation looks like…
Watching Masterchef with mum and dad on the couch.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
Not a big reader as such, always been more of a visual sort of person... with that being said, I have been re-watching the Pirates of the Caribbean films on Disney Plus.
Through these kinda rough patches (you could say), I've been listening to a mix mash of tunes to get me through this. From uplifting 70s Zamrock and 90s Detroit House, to a more somber Bon Iver and CCFX, it varies.
What are your most cherished rituals?
My most cherished rituals would have to be staying active everyday.
What are you making?
Not so much making, but a lot of learning. Time to sit back and soak things up.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I stay healthy through keeping a constant routine of running and working out outside for 6 days a week and always face-timing friends. Keeping positive.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I mean, we are lucky enough in Sydney to be able to have time to exercise so I don't take that for granted.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
Family of course.
I miss...
Regular life.
Tayla Shaw
My isolation looks like…
A time to realign, refocus and be creative!
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
Anything and everything on sustainability. As an Environmental and Molecular science graduate, I’ve been immersed in research articles and documentaries such as A Plastic Ocean and Our Planet that detail the impact of pollutants and climate change on our Earth.
What are your most cherished rituals?
Enjoying every last sip of my iced matcha while soaking up the morning sunshine.
What are you making?
After a month of isolation, I think I’ve tried almost every creative outlet possible in my home. From painting to playing guitar and photography (with the little DSLR camera I got for my 13th birthday). Rediscovering my sewing machine has also opened a whole new door for upcycling old clothing and designing new pieces.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
It can be tricky to stay motivated during isolation with no specific plans or commitments. Creating a routine and setting ISO goals for fitness, creativity and education has helped keep my mind busy and active, as well as my body.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I grasp any opportunity I get to be outside either bike riding, running or walking! I’ve also been loving online zoom Pilates classes. It’s almost like the real deal except I can wear my pajamas and be in the comfort of my living room.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
Spending time with my family. I usually live away from home so I’m making the most of singing karaoke in the car with my sister and the morning wakeups from my dog.
I miss...
Spending warm summer nights watching the sunset with friends, going out to our favorite brunch spots for a chai, experiencing live music and working in person with amazing creatives.
Simon Deng
My isolation looks like…
Big brother is watching you (Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell). Because every time I try to go the mall the police always have way too many questions to ask.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
To be honest I’m watching anything I can find on Netflix but it’s getting dry at the moment. But I’ve watched Medical Police, Dare Me, I am Not Okay With This, Thor: Ragnarok, Ozark, etc.
What are your most cherished rituals?
Playing games such as Fifa, 2K and listening to lots of music on daily basis.
What are you making?
I’m currently just making up my mind on who am I, my values and my destiny and purpose of life.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I do various of things to stay healthy. Mentally I love to sing, especially when there’s no one around because I believe I don’t got a voice or I’m just not that comfortable singing around people. Or phone calls to my friends or relatives. Physically, going to the park or going for a walk.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
When I wanna move my body I dance to any type of music I hear around me or do push ups and sit ups.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
I'd appreciate if the government can hurry up and find a solution so we can get our normal life back.
I miss...
I miss going out to malls, catching up with the boys, and I miss the freedom when you can individually choose to go out or not.
Nabila Leunig
My isolation looks like…
Cycling to the beach, watching murder mysteries and hanging out with my family.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
I am catching up on The Darkest Minds book series, watching Death in Paradise and listening to Lorde's album, Pure Heroine, on repeat.
What are your most cherished rituals?
Having long late night chats with my twin sister before we go to sleep about everything and anything.
What are you making?
I've been cooking Thai chicken and cashew nut and our family recipe of chocolate muffins.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I keep in contact with my friends online, tune into the The Happy Broadcast Instagram account and go cycling with my family.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I learn TikTok dances and sometimes jump on my old trampoline at home.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
I appreciate my amazing family and our dynamic. I am also so grateful for the place I live in, Perth, and the fact that we have all worked together cooperatively to bring the number of new cases of COVID-19 to zero.
I miss...
Travelling, seeing new places and hanging out with my friends and / or new people. I also miss sitting on the beach watching the beautiful Perth sky sunsets. I miss my family in Indonesia as well.
Justin Bernstein
My isolation looks like…
Me, bouncing between playing Playstation, basketball, going on long walks / runs, riding a bike, always keeping myself busy.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
Currently reading The Alchemist, a book about a man on a journey across the desert in search for a hidden treasure. Watching alot of TV shows such as, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and That 70's Show.
What are your most cherished rituals?
Waking up in the morning, making a cup of tea, sitting in the sun reading a book. This is my frist thing I do to get my day started, the perfect way to wake up
What are you making?
Been messing around with some music, trying to make some beats but still figuring it out, it's pretty hard.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I've been getting into running and bike riding, these have definetely helped me majorly during these times. I'm also doing alot of streching and meditation, focusing on staying present.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I will either run, play basketball or go for a bike ride. Maybe climb a tree.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
My basketball hoop has been keeping me very busy at this time. Without it, it would definetely be more difficult. Also my brother Craig who is 10, has also been keeping me busy and entertained.
I miss...
Going out with my friends, being able to go to places without having to worry about our health and safety.
Tiama Tilbee
My isolation looks like…
My isolation is lacking excitement at the moment as there is not much to do when you cannot fill the time hanging with friends. However, I have been filling my spare time by completing my online school work and getting ahead.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
I may be guilty of watching way too many TikTok's :).
What are your most cherished rituals?
One of my most cherished rituals at the moment is making sure I do skincare in the mornings and evenings as I'm trying my best to keep my skin clear.
What are you making?
For my isolation, I invested in a sewing machine, and I've taken up the hobby of sewing and making new clothes out of recycled clothing that I have previously bought from thrift stores.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I try my best to keep healthy by making sure I eat three meals a day and doing some exercise such as a simple workout routine.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I have stayed indoors all day, I usually go out in the evening and practise skating with my brother and learning new tricks.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
Right now I really appreciate being able to go out with friends and being present in a classroom as being in isolation made me realise I took simple things like this for granted.
I miss...
I miss the beach and being able to relax in the sunshine with my friends.
Ben Kittle
My isolation looks like…
A lot of time at home with family and online uni.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
I am currently reading Atomic Habits By James Clear. Watching anything and everything on Netflix lol. Listening to a lot of Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Jamie xx and Bon Iver.
What are your most cherished rituals?
Leaving time for myself - chill, listen to music or go for a walk.
What are you making?
Music - experimental and hip-hop. I am currently studying fine arts so I spend a fair bit of time on digital-media, photo-media and drawing practices.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
I enjoy running and run at least once a day. In isolation I am sometimes running twice a day!
What do you do when you need to move your body?
Running, walking, weights.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
The time and flexibility to try new things and learn more about myself.
I miss...
I miss hanging and chilling with friends. Anything social!
Anna Kaljo
My isolation looks like…
A lot of time spent alone in my room. Most of the time I’m online with my friends, whether that's studying, playing games, watching shows or exercising together.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
I’ve been watching movie series recently, because that way you always have something to look forward to. For example I’m watching the Harry Potter movie series currently, and just before I watched the Lord of the Rings. Having small things to look forward to make the day feel more manageable.
In regards to music, Bon Iver and Unknown Mortal Orchestra are some of my favourite bands, but I’ve also been listening to a lot of different playlists. Sometimes I find a song that really inspires me.
What are your most cherished rituals?
I drink tea obsessively. I have a collection of Japanese tea which I pick from in the morning, and another collection of herbal tea for the evenings. I also uphold my skincare routine daily as self care makes me feel more like a human.
What are you making?
During isolation I’ve picked up the skill for knitting. I knit while I watch movies or whenever I’m feeling anxious throughout the day. It’s helped me stay calm and in the moment.
I’ve also started to focus on making music, so I’m always finding the time to practice my singing and ukulele playing, and writing songs too.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
Going for a walk outside really helps both mentally and physically, as staying indefinitely inside can make everyday feel like it’s morphing into one. It’s important to take time to relax and know that it’s okay to feel like your productivity has been slowed due to the crisis. We can feel pressured to be working really hard during isolation when for some of us it's unrealistic due to how isolation can affect our motivation. It’s completely natural to struggle when we’re forced out of our normal routine.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I’ve started weight training three times a week to really force myself to stay fit during isolation. I also try to make sure I’m doing some yoga in my room as it helps me clear my head.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
I appreciate being able to connect online with my friends and that my friends and family are healthy and staying safe.
I miss...
I miss being able to see my friends in person. I also miss feeling like there was a sense of certainty for the year. Not knowing what will happen in the future feels more prevalent than ever and quite scary.
Be sure to see Part I of the series here.
Special thanks to IMG models
