Lena Artis: Candid Eye-Candy

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Lena Artis came to the States uncorrupted by its politics. So, it’s no surprise that the twenty-something year old, who relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, speaks her mind so candidly. This graduate student who is putting off her Ph.D. to make a few life changing decisions is no stranger to The Well Versed family. As we catch up with one of our favorite sexy women-ladies in the industry, Lena Artis, this week’s VENUS, talks to us about the perks in continuing education, weighs in on the BET/Nelly discussion, and wonders out-loud about the 2010 mid-term elections. Enjoy!

The Well Versed: We’ve been doing this for awhile and have yet to meet in person. Now that the Digital Age is here and in full swing — what’s been the strangest way someone online has approached you in real life?

Lena Artis: You know what?! I can say that the craziest meeting I’ve ever had was back during my undergraduate days. Someone showed me the pages that he ripped out of a local magazine that I was in. That right there was beyond crazy. I can say that Twitter is the new place of insanity. It’s funny when you meet someone off of there. I haven’t met anyone crazy or strange… yet… but when I had MySpace I met a gentleman that was a little overly touchy-feely. I was in a club in the city that they resided in. He felt that since he was my MySpace friend he guessed that he was my “man” for the night. He wanted to “talk” and get to know about me all night.

I understand that most individuals are definitely more sociable online. You have those that are shy, some that have a phobia of being around people in public, and being online is like therapy to many. The same thing goes for those who have so much knowledge online but when you talk to those same individuals in person they have nothing to say. I can say that I’ve ran into so many individuals that will converse all day long online, but when they meet you in person, they can’t seem to open their mouth. They feel comfortable behind that keyboard!

TWV: As we close in on 2011 do you still have dreams of California and get your future plans in motion?

LA: [Laughs] Very good question! I’ve decided rather than proceed with my Doctorate, I’ll go into a specialty, and then work towards my Ph.D. I’m still trying to recoup from graduate school. I’ve never given up on moving to California, but New York may also be an option. I’ve been battling these thoughts for quite some time. I may be leaning towards New York. I’ll definitely know soon though. December will be my deciding month! In the end, I’m motivated, and ready for my move!

TWV: BET came under fire for not including Nelly in their Top 10 of the 21st Century discussion. What are your thoughts on the subject?

LA: I think he should have been included in their Top 10 discussions of the 21st Century MC’s. Regardless of the artists featured and how music has changed now — during that time Nelly was one of the highest grossing artist’s in the game. He made an impact. Point blank — record sales spoke numbers. Huge ones!

TWV: With the mid-terms over the thinking is that if voting was so beautiful then why didn’t more people come out to get their sexy on?

LA: You know what?! I was thinking the same thing. How can so many be concerned about Lil Wayne getting out of jail, yet 4.7% of our community went out and voted. Then again I thought maybe voting back then when celebrities and athletes were promotion “Vote or Die” was the hype then so maybe that ended. Whatever the case was, we failed at turning out to vote, and I believe those that are not familiar with what’s going on knew that. Voting two years ago was important. Now was important, too! Before watching Obama’s press conference I wondered what would have been his initial thoughts. It was like a bad dream. CNN mentioned it was the biggest shift in power since Democrats gained 75 House seats in 1948.

Republicans vowed to roll back some of Obama’s accomplishments, mentioning that “his” agenda wasn’t working. While watching the conference I saw that Obama stated that many failed to realize his immediate reactions as President wasn’t necessarily his agenda. It’s the agenda that needed to be done based off the last eight years. In his words, “I am now just getting into my agenda.” The next day Obama mentioned that he felt sadness at the loss of so many Democrats who went through and taken tough votes to back our healthcare, our economic stimulus package, as well as other initiatives. One thing Obama stated was that he wanted both parties to work harder to find common ground. I believe Obama’s words spoke for how he handled “his major loss”. The ability for Republicans to exercise their new power in Congress to roll back Obama’s accomplishments is apparent. The 4.7% of voters, including myself, were more than disappointed in the turnout and the “change” we hoped that would continue in 2010.

TWV: Switching lanes — it seems that everyone and they momma are chompin’ at the bit to get into the entertainment industry. What are some guilty pleasure shows that you like watching?

LA: You know what?! It’s true that everyone has a reality TV show and those who don’t are trying to get one. I’ve been the same on shows that I watch… not so much reality shows though. I admit that I watched Flavor of Love back in the day like everyone else. I even saw the first two seasons of Bad Girls Club . We never saw females actually bickering on a reality show other than The Real World. I stopped after all the spin-offs and crazy “made for TV” stuff. I religiously watch the Travel Channel, History Channel, and Animal Planet. Now, if it is a reality show on those channels, then I’m down!

TWV: When has there ever been a situation where being outrageously sexy has worked against you?

LA: I have been in situations where I wasn’t taken as seriously and looked at in that way. Once I opened my mouth and started talking a different tone I can’t say that those individuals didn’t still think the same but I was looked at more than just the first thought on their mind. I am a firm believer that personality rules! The first words out your mouth can set the tone for everything. That can be said for a lot of things. Some things say a lot about a person and I don’t think looks should although, in this day and age, it does. Along with personality, there are a lot of beautiful women with horrible personalities. But best believe one would gravitate toward an outgoing individual with a great personality. Make sure you take a bite of your humble pie and you’ll be more than a standout in a crowd!!!

TWV: As we stumble upon 2011 what are some things you hope to see come to fruition?

LA: Besides entertainment I have to say that in January when the House comes into play I hope we’re able to come to some common grounds with Obama and his hopes. I hope more become aware of how much of a voice they do have, and as much as folks complain of things that “ain’t right” then you should do something about it! For myself I’m getting back out there and making my face known. This will happen once I make my move which I hope will be a smooth one. I’ll be concentrating more on acting and getting back into the hip-hop dance. Those were my first loves. I’ve been dabbling with some fashion styling so I plan on doing more with that. I have some jobs planned once I make my move so everything seems to be heading towards a good direction. I’ll definitely be continuing my education.

It is very important to continue your education. The economy is ever-changing and what sets most apart from others is having a learning knowledge and experience in more than one field. Whatever your profession is. I am continuing my education as I am more marketable. Don’t get me wrong many companies look for experience but besides a bigger pay difference you would be looked at more. Companies even pay for those to continue your education. This is something that many should want! You should want to further your education. You want better pay? Then show them what you are worth!

Wanna know more about Lena Artis? Check her out on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/LenaArtis.

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