Sunday, July 1, 2012

The Body in the Pool: Eric Block by Gordon Nebeker


I know, The Body In The Pool sounds like the title of a Hardy Boys novel but bear wear with me, a mystery was actually solved. Although the striking face of model Eric Block has never appeared on FH before, his incredible physique has...a number of times.


Over the past year I have done a couple of small features on Salt & Water, photographer Gordon Nebeker's photo exhibition featuring his underwater work as well as images taken at the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was one of Gordon's shots of Eric underwater that became the image which represented the shows, and one I posted several times on the blog. The image was one of my favorites from Gordon and was always curious who the model was in that beautiful image.


Eric has an incredibly strong and unique look. The Pennsylvania model maintains his body through sports and working out and is a certified Personal Trainer. Eric's face is beautifully distinctive with his strong features, olive skin and piercing hazel eyes. Some of my favorite shots from Gordon's work with Eric are by far the some of the truly stunning portraits.


Eric's look has caught the eye of many and he has been a favorite featured on other sites and blogs. In my research, I found on one message boards, viewer comments comparing him to a Greek God, Michelangelo's David come to life and that his incredible face should be on an ancient Roman coin. Although only modeling a shot time, Eric's look has already helped create a variety of work opportunities.


Gordon Nebeker is one of my favorite artists to work with. Not only does he provide breathtaking imagery, he is also keenly aware of my desire for story to accompany them. Instead of just providing info, Gordon took the time to sit down and interview Eric directly for FH. Below, Eric shares a little more about himself and his modeling work! Thanks to both Eric and Gordon for sharing their work, and time with FH! Check out more of my features on Gordon on the blog HERE:


Gordon: Thanks, Eric, for talking with me this morning. I know you are a busy guy right now.

Eric: Yes I am getting ready for a body building type competition which is tomorrow night but happy to talk with you.


Gordon: I know you are not a small guy! How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

Eric: I am six feet tall and for the competition, I weigh in at 195 pounds but normally I'm about 205.


Gordon: Were you always like this or what happened to make you want to hit the gym?

Eric: I guess it started in middle school and has continued on with my involvement in athletics. My main sports are football, indoor track, and lacrosse.

Gordon: I know when I show your photographs to people, most of them think you have an Italian/Roman looking face (which they like a lot!) What is your background?

Eric: East European and German background mostly with a few other European genetic strains thrown in there. No Italian, though.


Gordon: And how and when did you decide to start modeling?

Eric: My mother was encouraging me to give it a try and she has been very supportive. I guess I first started modeling about a year and a half ago just shortly before you and I did our first shoot in May of last year.


Gordon: I know you have had some good commercial success with it over the past year. Can you tell us what clients you have worked for?

Eric: Yes, I have been doing fitness related modeling mostly. I’ve done some work for N2N Bodywear and several other fitness wear companies and last fall I shot a campaign for Nike’s new football inspired clothing line. Those ads have started to appear this year on billboards and in magazines. In addition, I am a Flexx Appeal sponsored athlete (dietary supplements) and, after the competition tomorrow night, I become a Men’s Physique Competitor (NPC).


Gordon: Any humorous or interesting experiences in your modeling work?

Eric: None that I can think of at the moment. Each one has been different and my work has gotten me to some cities and locations I wouldn’t have seen otherwise which has been interesting.

Gordon: All of this and finishing up school as well. Very impressive! What have you been studying and what do you hope to do with it?

Eric: I complete my B.S. degree this August and I have been in a pre-physical therapy track in school. I would like to work for a professional sports team organization doing training/therapy but my long-term dream is to start my own fitness related or fitness product company.


Gordon: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start modeling?

Eric: Yes! Have thick skin!! It’s tough out there (competition) and you have to realize that you are a brand. And, as with any brand, someone may like the look you have to offer and some will not. You have to learn quickly not to take rejection personally.


Gordon: Thanks for talking with me. To say it has been a pleasure to work with you over the past year would be a large understatement! You are among the best out there in every way. Good luck with your competition tomorrow night!

Eric: Thanks!




3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brilliant!

Anonymous said...

Would love to bury myfacein that beautiful buttocks! Gluteal maximus!

Anonymous said...

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