Amidst global lockdown, Martha Hunt is appreciating the simpler things in life. The North Carolina-born model — most recognized for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel — is also an advocate for girls struggling with scoliosis. Hunt began her career at 13, after being discovered at a modeling competition in Charlotte, North Carolina. She signed with an agency in New York City, and spent her high school years traveling back and forth between North Carolina and the fashion capital. At age 15, Hunt was diagnosed with scoliosis, but was informed that there was no treatment. As her symptoms progressed, the pain became debilitating. At 17, she went to a specialist, who told her that she was a candidate for spinal fusion surgery. Today, Martha uses her platform and experience to advocate for Orthopedic Research Funding, raise awareness and help young women learn more about their condition and take action.
The September Issues spoke with Hunt about life during lockdown; fostering a creative practice; and what a “new normal” looks like.
MARTHA HUNT Muses on a Post-Pandemic Future
a portfolio
by QUENTIN JONES
HOW HAVE YOU KEPT YOURSELF SANE DURING THE QUARANTINE?
My fiancé is a photographer so we collaborated quite a bit during the first few weeks of quarantine. At the moment, I’m keeping busy by working on scoliosis research. I met Dr. Sariah Khormaee MD-PhD while advocating for healthcare funding at Capitol Hill. We recently initiated a project on social media that teaches young women research skills that might not have access to formal training.
We’ve formed an incredible team of bright young women from across the globe. We meet regularly and help each other reach various goals. The objective is not only to understand more about scoliosis but to teach women, who are traditionally under-represented in the field, how to apply research methods to issues that matter to them. It has been incredibly inspiring seeing their willingness to take action and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills and the way that different healthcare systems operate. We hope to present our progress and findings very soon, so stay tuned!
HAVE YOU LERNED ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF WHILST SELF ISOLATING?
That getting creative can really help ease stress.
When you spend more time being present,
creativity comes a little more naturally.
I’ve been collaging Polaroid pictures, arranging dried flowers,
taking writing workshops and really hope I continue
prioritizing these projects moving forward.
What are you looking forward to the most when this lockdown is over?
Hugging my loved ones, especially those who are grieving.
I’m also longing to be out in nature since I’ve been in the city for so long.
Would love to go for a hike or a surf!
Time feels like it no longer exists, It has forced us all to
live in the moment and live day by day. No plans.
How do you feel about time, looking to the future?
Time is our only gift.
Use it wisely and make the most of
shared moments with loved ones.
Anything can change in an instant!
Covid 19 has changed everything, and we can never go back to ‘normal’ as normal no longer exists.
It has forced us all to rethink everything. What does the new normal feel like to you?
The new normal has shifted my priorities on a vast scale
and has changed the trajectory of my life. From now on,
I think I will cherish the small things more than ever —
whether it be going out with friends or simply laying on the lawn
listening to the birds chirp around me.
This situation has given me a
greater perspective on what is most important in my life,
and what gives me the greatest sense of fulfillment.
I feel very want to give everything away
and never buy anything ever again –
how do you feel about consumerism
and working in a consumer based industry post covid 19?
Coming out of this, I think there will be great changes both within the industry overall and in the purchasing habits of consumers. While there will always be a time and place for a bit of glamour, conversations around how we can move forward in a sustainable way are more important than ever!
