Edward:  Hey Andre, welcome to Connex247 family!! Nice to have you here with us! tell us about yourself.

Andre:   I’m from California. My father is Iranian and my mother is American. I love to be outdoors, playing basketball, or just doing something physical in nature: hiking, swimming, you name it. I love photography and writing, both of which my blog, www.launchpad.typepad.com, is dedicated to.

Edward:  How, when and how did you get into modeling world? How was your first shooting?

Andre:  My first shoot was for DNA Magazine in March of this year. I was working as an assistant to photographer Lewis Payton. In March I decided I wanted to travel around the world for as long as possible. I was in Australia sailing the Great Barrier Reef, and Lewis asked me if I wanted to do the shoot in Bali. So, I went from being a sailor to a model in a matter of days.

Edward:  What is fashion for you? What do you think about modeling world? Do you believe nowadays IMAGE worth more than a WORDS?

Andre: For me, fashion is wearing something that works for you. It’s completely relative. The modeling world is pretty competitive with a lot of pitfalls. You always have to be conscious of what you’re doing. It’s a pretty unforgiving world. As for images and words, I think to a large degree, people respond more to images than to words. An image ultimately allows for much more free interpretation by the viewer.

Edward:   What do you like most when you work with a photographer? I´m sure u might have some funny/unusual backstage moments. Share some of them with us.

Andre:  A photographer who can make you feel free and comfortable to be yourself is a great one. If there isn’t that trust to be yourself it will definitely come through in the end result. I had a lot of fun doing the DNA spread. Lewis Payton and I had some great laughs. Since the photo shoot was in Bali there were some awkward moments whenever I needed to change attire, or strip down.  To see the looks of shock and smiles on people’s faces when we were shooting was hilarious. They obviously were not accustomed to such overt displays of nudity. The weather during the shoot was hot, I was sweating like a pig. Every twenty seconds, I needed to wipe down.

Edward:  Are you a fashion guy? What do you like to wear when you are not working as a model?
 

Andre:  Although I like certain fashion trends today, I prefer comfort over style. That doesn’t mean I just wear over-sized sweatpants and t-shirts all day. I do like to wear clothes that both look and feel great. But at the end of the day I’m very much a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy.

Edward:  What would you say is the key of the success? In your opinion, what are the upside and downside of a modeling career?
 

Andre: I think there are basically two keys to success. The first is to take time to ask yourself what you are really passionate about in life. When you discover what that is, the next step is to go for it – make the dream in your head and heart a reality. And stay positive – ALWAYS. I’ve noticed that when I approach life in this way, the doors of opportunity swing open wide. Is the glass half full or half empty?

Edward:  I checked your blog and it seems you really love to travel around the world! Share with us some cool moments in those fascinating places u´ve already been. And what about the cultural and political aspects u´ve have faced in these countries?

Andre:  There are a lot. I’ve ridden camels in the Sahara desert and elephants through the jungles of Thailand. I’ve worked as a deckhand on a ship, sailing the south Pacific. I’ve backpacked Mexico, coast to coast, celebrated New Year’s in Argentina and lived in Spain for a year.

As an American, it’s especially entertaining to travel. Everyone has an opinion about the U.S. and its citizens. I love the discussions that I’ve had with people from all over the world regarding American foreign policy, culture and society, even morality.

I find it is an opportunity to see my own country as an outsider sees it, as well as offer insights to others about what it is like to be an American. A lot of times I feel that people forget that we are all one. No one is truly a foreigner.

Edward:   If you could select most important things for your life, which ones would you choose and why?

Andre:  Friends, family, a positive attitude, great food, and the beach! I think the world is always taking steps forward. If you take a big step back and see the big picture, I think we definitely live in a better world. With that said, however, there is still much room for improvement.

Edward:  Andre, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. Before you leave, tell us about your current and future projects

Andre: I just moved back to LA, and have signed with an agency here. I’m going to pursuing acting, writing and photography. This is the time to explore anything and everything creative. I’m very excited.

An unforgettable moment: I forgot. ;)

Your main motto: “What is the meaning of life? Anything you want it to be.”

Your stats:
 
Chest- 38
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Waist: 32
Age: 24
Shoe size: 12

Info contact:
email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
website: www.andrebolourchi.com
blog: www.launchpad.typepad.com

Photos by Lewis Payton http://lewispayton.com copyright 2007