Moe: Why did you become a Toil Girl?
Martha Boschuk: I came across Les's site while I was looking for some plus size art for a nine year anniversary gift for Tony. The women on the site were so beautiful and it wasn't one of those "kind-of-plus-size" sites (if you know what I mean). These were real women and real sizes. There were apple, pear and hour-glass shaped women, not just size 12. They all had stories, they all had real faces. I knew who they were without ever talking to them because Les's art brings each one of their personalities out in every piece he creates. I decided, after viewing his site, I would start to save up the money so I could be a Toil Girl too. I would be the anniversary gift. I also wanted my family, my friends, and other people to see me, the way that I saw those women the first time I set my eyes on the website: strong, beautiful, sexy and super-sized!
Moe: What does the imagery in your pin-up represent?
Martha Boschuk: Travel no matter your size. I love adventure and doing new things. I am always planning my next trip. I don't wonder if I will fit in the airplane seat because I won't but you can't stop a big girl that needs a vacation so move over. I don't care if I am wearing a bikini and people are staring, hey, after a certain size, that "skirted" bathing suit isn't covering up anything but your own insecurities, show off what you got. Corona (my St. Bernard) is with me since he has done a bit of traveling too and people always find it funny. A big dog and a big girl out and about, around the world. He is also my personal body guard and keeps the foreign men away which makes Tony happy. Remember girls, in this country (USA) some men won't look twice but most other places (especially the Caribbean) you can't keep them off of you. I am not embarrassed to say that I love a good cigar. And vanilla and rum is my favorite treat, especially in Pina Colada's.
Moe: What has being a Toil Girl done for you personally?
Martha Boschuk: My family is starting to see me for me and starting to accept the "I am beautiful just as I am" speech I have to give to them from time to time. When they walk in my house Les's art reminds them of that and they always comment on it. And don't forget the satisfaction of being a Toil girl. When people walk into my house and ask where did you get that and how can I get one done, there is great satisfaction in saying, "Les Toil, an artist did it for me" and, "you can't, you're not big enough!" (laughs)
Moe: What do you hope your image says to other plus size women?
Martha Boschuk: Once again, travel no matter your size. Be a pirate. "Society," in general, is over-rated, start your own country and state of mind. Be happy on your terms and no one else's. Pillage and plunder to find your own place in this world. Eat, drink, be merry, and go where ever the wind leads you. You might be surprised where you end up. Savvy?
Moe: What do you hope it says to men?
Martha Boschuk: "Sorry, I am taken" (laughs) but I hope that you can appreciate that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Our fantasies can be yours come true, if you open your eyes to the true beauty within each of us. Acceptance makes the heart grow fonder.
Moe: Do you have any advice for someone thinking of becoming a Toil Girl?
Martha Boschuk: Do it now, don't waste time thinking that time and money will come. Invest in yourself and your self-esteem, you deserve it. Make sure you send lots of photos and express yourself to Les so that he can bring out your true self and beauty. He only does one portrait, so go all out, you're worth it.
Fun Stuff
Favourite Movie: The Pirate (1948).
Favourite Song: One Particular Harbour (Jimmy Buffett).
Role Model: I admire a lot of people so I will try to keep it short - Dance like Gene (Kelly), Sing like Judy(Garland), Love yourself like Moni'que, Laugh like Rosie (O'Donnell), Be Fearless like Sir Richard (Branson), Give like Oprah, and Live like Jimmy (Buffett).
Meet more Toil Girls.
