Always wanted to write for a magazine...

My “adventures in ink” series returns today, and with that comes the introduction of a wonderfully creative Australian artist who goes by the name of Neko Marie. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, this international lady caught my eye from a modelling standpoint at first. Upon further investigation, I found out there was even more to Neko Marie than beautiful imagery. With modelling her hobby, it’s crafting and tattoos that are Neko’s passions and these passions have translated into gorgeous results on both fronts. Her jewellery and accessories are kooky and fun, but look splendid on the wearer, and the art she has adorned her body with is truly joyous. This lady is a marvel to behold, full of energy and life, and so pleasant to work with. I know for some this interview will be a first contact with Neko Marie and her work. If you’re like me it won’t be the last involvement you have with this dynamic individual.

 

Q: Hello there Miss Neko Marie. You’re very kind to take the time to be interviewed for my blog, it’s a pleasure to have you feature. How are you doing today?

Neko: Great thanks, and it’s my pleasure to be speaking to you!

Q: There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to your many creative sides Neko, but can we start by discussing your wonderful modelling work. Can you tell us a little about your background in the industry? When were you first photographed as a model, and is it a career option for you or more of a hobby?

Neko: Ahh, that’s so kind of you to say.

I started modelling when I was 13, and soon realised I wasn’t cut out for the mainstream modelling world. The pressure on me when I was that young drove me insane. I knew from that moment that I wanted to express myself freely and openly. 

I always did freelance stuff, and had some cool opportunities in the past, modelling for clothing brands such as dusk moth, and being featured in some awesome tattoo magazines.

My only modelling goals these days are to be featured in more tattoo mags, I would love to be on the cover of one. I was lucky enough to be on the cover of FINGER mag, an Adelaide based arts magazine. 

It’s never been a career: only a hobby!

Q: Your modelling work is excellent, but even your candid personal shots show you in a remarkable way. Are you just naturally photogenic, or is it something you have to work hard at?

Neko: I have absolutely no idea. People give me a lot of crap for being a “poser” or always having a “model face”, but honestly I just do what comes naturally. Take that as you will! 

Q: Your modelling is only one aspect of what makes you such an interesting person to try and discover. I’m very interested in your arts and crafts projects. You’ve got your own store online, and produce very collectable pieces of jewellery, accessories and all manner of handmade delights. Where do you get your ideas for designs etc? How long have you been making these items?

Neko: I started making jewellery for Etsy last year, but I’ve been crafting my whole life. I’ve gone through phases of making greeting cards, collages, books, cupcakes… I just like to MAKE things. I first had the idea to make geeky jewellery when I realised I had some spare figurines in my collection (hundreds of nerdy collectables!). I thought they’d be cute as necklaces or earrings, and NEKOTAKU was born from there! I’ve also just started making origami, and am creating customised flower pots with paper flowers as gifts.

Q: What would you like to see happen with your designs in the longer term? Again, is it just a hobby, or would you like to turn it into more?

N: It’s only a hobby… I don’t see it being a career path, but if it ever grew I would be really happy to pursue it! I think my store means more to me than I realize… I hope to put some money together to start promoting it! :D

Q: Yet another project you’re involved with is your vegan and gluten free cookery blog. Cooking must be a passion for you, and your blog looks and reads like a cookery book. I think gluten free cookery is a market in need of publicity, and crying out for dynamic recipes from an enthusiastic cook. Is it hard coming up with gluten free and vegan alternatives?

N: Gluten free and vegan options are more readily available these days! It all started when I had to cut out dairy and gluten products for about two years. I was so frustrated at the lack of resources around me, so I started hunting and creating, and the food blog came about simply because people were asking me for recipes. There are a LOT of resources out there if people know where to look, and are prepared to search through it!

I also published a little cookbook, which started only because a friend asked for one for her 21^st Birthday. I ended up selling about 100 and the process was really fun :) They’re made to order here: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1853217

I love the challenges, it’s one of the reasons I still cook like this. It’s different and interesting!

Q: A subject I really wanted to discuss with you in this piece is your superb tattoos. You have some breathtaking designs, and taking them all in is an experience in itself. May I ask you about your relationship with the art of tattooing, and where it all began for you?

N: I was 17 when I got my first tattoo and it was the simple stars on my hips. I wanted to start with something generic just in case I wasn’t into the process and never wanted to get more again. I was hooked, of course, and haven’t been able to stop. If I love something, truly and desperately love it, I become a fangirl, I obsess, and I naturally want to share my love by marking my body with an image from what I adore.

Q: You’ve got quite a lot of coverage on your body, and must have sat in the tattooist’s chair for many hours. How do you find that experience?

N: I absolutely hate the process. It’s incredibly painful, and has only become worse for me in time. Some people enjoy it, but I know about two of them. Everybody else hates it. I’ve cried a few times. I can’t count the hours or money I’ve invested into being tattooed, but I can rarely sit for more than three hours. I’ve done it a few times and it was awful.

Q: Now you’re at the point where you have many areas of your body covered, what comes into consideration first when getting a new tattoo? Is it where it’ll be placed on your body, or what the design will be?

N: I have at least eight more designs planned, once I finish them all it will probably be an issue of WHERE to put it, as opposed to WHAT to get.

Q: I am always mesmerized by your colourful anime inspired sleeve. It’s such a vibrant idea and such a beautiful tattoo. Could I ask who did the piece, and what exactly is depicted on there?

N: Shep from Body Art Shop did it, and it’s made up of characters from Studio Ghibli animated films. I absolutely LOVE Miyazaki, and the array of characters from his various films fit together so well. I have scenes from Spirited Away, Panda Go Panda, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke.

Q: What do you think will be your next design? Have you made any plans for your next visit to the tattoo shop?

N: I have two more appointments in the near future to touch up various pieces. Then I need to finish my right sleeve (it has to be coloured) and then colour my right calf before I get anything new. 

Q: While we’re talking about your anime inspired sleeve, it’s the perfect opportunity to mention your love of Japan. Anyone who visits your pages and sites will be met with countless images and elements of Japanese culture; especially pop culture. Where does this love of Japan stem from? Have you visited the country before?

N: I have been interested in Japan since I was very young… I think it started with all the anime and video game obsessing. I have never been overseas, but I am finally going… TO JAPAN… This year! It took me 22 years to get there, and I’ve desperately wanted to for at least eight. It’s going to be a blast. I love the quirkiness of Japanese culture, anime and film… Being a westerner, it’s so different to the way we are raised and the things that we are exposed to daily. I love it.

Q: An aspect of Japanese culture I know you enjoy is Cosplay, and you exhibit some extremely fun imagery of you in various costumes and outfits. What have been some of your favourite costumes from your Cosplay past, and is there a character you would like to dress as next?

N: San from Princess Mononoke is my favourite Cosplay thus far, as I made it all myself and I had so much pride and joy wearing it! I really want to dress as Korra from Avatar next… 

Q: Would it be fair to say you’re a geek at heart? I mean that in the nicest possible way of course.

N: Very fair!

Q: I say this because you’ve been to countless conventions and events, and are always snapped with celebrities like the UK’s own Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Are there any conventions coming up that you’re looking forward to? Where will you be celeb stalking next?

N: If I weren’t so poor thanks to Japan… I would most definitely be meeting Stan Lee and Patrick Stewart in Melbourne in a week or so. Fingers crossed, although it looks doubtful, saving for my trip is more important!

Finally can we end with Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire? 

What is your favourite word? Sugoi.

What is your least favourite word? Bitch.

What turns you on? My boyfriend; he is tall, has green eyes, big hands, strong arms… and he’s into gaming, anime, comic books… plus he loves to eat so I get to cook for him…. total perfection, there!

What turns you off? Cockiness, arrogance.

What sound or noise do you love? The introduction song to “Dr horrible”… AND the Buffy theme song!

What sound or noise do you hate? Angry, raised voices.

What is your favourite curse word? Fuck.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Veterinary nurse OR Zookeeper.

What profession would you not like to do? Fast food.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? “Welcome.”

 

I learnt a lot about Neko’s passions during the process of making this interview a reality. Most of all though I learnt that she is a very generous person, eager to get the best results out of everything she puts her mind to. It was wonderful to feature her on my blog, and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next. Spanning thousands of miles, this interview has been really great to put together, and I hope Neko Marie is as proud of the resulting piece as I am. For some very interesting links, click below, and welcome to Neko’s world.

http://nekomarie.tumblr.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nekotaku

 

Photos used were provided by Neko and are the products of the following talents in order of appearance:

1^st Neko Marie, self portrait.

2^nd Gavin Bell

3^rd Brent Leideritz and Mishka Mink (Inked Mag AUS/NZ)

4^th Steven Jones (Etch Studio)

May I present to you my latest interview for your enjoyment. This piece is the result of sharing a few words with the lovely Kae Bambi, and alternative model from Western Australia. Kae was first recommended to me by another of my interviewees, who suggested I check out her work and get in touch. I’m so very pleased that I did, as I discovered a woman with a delightful attitude, helpful and enthusiastic with a terrific portfolio of very emotional and alluring work. She’s a brave model, who has made some wonderful choices both on set, and in the people she has collaborated with. I hope this piece will open up Kae’s work to a brand new audience, as well as reminding all those that already love her work, what a personality she really is. Come take a look…

 

Hey there Kae, how’s it going? Welcome along. I was first directed to your blog to check out your wide range of modelling work. I was wondering how you got into modelling, and how much of your life it takes up?

Hi. I got into modelling through working with friends who did photography and through sites like model mayhem. I guess it just went from there. It’s kind of like a part time job, since I have to take time to go shopping for props/accessories, organising shoots etc as well as shooting. It would be nice to become a full time job, but I still have studies to complete.

You regularly produce very character driven pieces within your body of work. Each different image you’ve come up with depicts a different character is seems. Do you yourself get into a character when modelling depending on the shoot, or do you let the outfit do the explaining and just focus on posing aspects like body positioning, expression etc?

I always try to be something other than myself when I model, so I take a lot of time in creating a character or a scene. The creation process is very fun for me. I let the outfit speak for itself but I also create poses to match and generally create a theme or particular mood. I always try to get the most out of a shoot so I work 100% with poses and facial expressions.

I always ask models about the “alternative” label. What do you think of the term alternative? Can it be correctly used sometimes to describe artists trying to create something different? Or has the word been overused and lost some of its original meaning?

I’ve always thought of alternative as difference, but in that same way, alternative culture breeds a lot of similarities. Nevertheless, difference is accepted if not begged for, and the most unique person given the most attention. I get easily bored with normality because I see it everywhere so I always try to do and be someone different, not for attention but I just couldn’t stand being a sheep like that. Plus difference is beautiful, it allows people to become unique as a person, and in doing so creates more self worth. 

You’ve shot implied nude in the past with other models and solo. What are your thoughts and feelings about shooting revealing material? Are there a lot of nerves on one of those shoots for you?

Oh I don’t get nervous at all. The photographer has been more nervous than me before! I don’t have any issues with being naked, it’s not as if it’s unnatural, it’s just my body and I’m not ashamed of showing people the beauty of the human body. The first time I shot nude was my alien shoot with Hex, and I wasn’t scared at all. I do remember being a bit cold though with gloop being poured all over me and it being in winter! 

I have to say that your work with HEX photography is truly inspired. Your set alongside “Paranoir” is excellent. Could you tell us about working with HEX, and shooting your white inspired collaboration with “Paranoir”?

Thank you! Working with Hex is simply amazing, the ideas that we come up with together are really unique and also a lot of fun to do. I love nothing more than becoming some sort of creepy, scary creature and getting a bloody or gooey mess everywhere. It’s a lot of fun to work with her and her photography has become so beautiful over the past year it’s an honour to be one of her ‘go to girls’ when she needs a hard shoot pulled off. Paranoir is a really nice girl and it’s always fun shooting with other girls. We got some really good shots together and since Paranoir is the other ‘go to girl’ for Hex’s creations, some really beautiful shots came out.

Having been involved in various different styles and concepts of shoot, from latex and fetish to cosplay and costume. What have been some of your favourites, and are there any ideas or themes you’d like to explore in your modelling career?

It’s hard to choose because I love creating all sorts of different styles. I love doing conceptual work and I would say that would be my favourite, but I’m also wanting to get more into latex fashion as well. Some styles I want to do just for the sake of saying ‘I can pull this off too’. I don’t want to be an alternative model that just sticks to one style and that is their niche, I want to create art in styles.

How do you feel about the work you have produced thus far? You’ve got a lot to be proud of already, do you ever take time to appreciate your previous work, or is it all about the future and the next shoot?

Ha-ha, I do try to, but I am prone to being a bit pedantic about things and how I can improve, so there is always something higher to achieve for me. I always think about new shoot ideas and how I could make it work so I am thoroughly entrenched in the future, but sometimes I look back on my past shoots and get a bit surprised at myself.

During my research for this interview, it became blatantly clear to me that Japanese culture and entertainment is a big influence on you. What is it about the culture that attracts you so much?

Yeah I do have a bit of an obsession :) I really love Japan, the nature, the history, as well as the current culture. Japan is different from all other countries in terms of their culture, they are also the creators of anime and some really good horror movies. They just take things to the extreme, and I love that. Since I also have an obsession with cute things, Japan is a good provider for my addiction.

As well as Japanese influences, what else would you say has influenced your style on a day to day basis? What kind of thing do you usually wear?

I dress kinda cutesy, with pastel colours or just white and black. I never really wear bright colours, or yellow, I never wear yellow. I own a lot of blouses and skirts so I wear them a lot. I also own a lot of black, which is my goth side coming out. I have a lot of jewellery and accessories which are either cute or interesting (skulls, diamante encrusted rings etc). I have a very full wardrobe and I keep on buying more things so now and again I have to sort out what I have to keep or else I run out of room.

As for other forms of inspiration, what have you been watching, listening to and playing of late? Do you go to many gigs and live performances at all?

I’m really getting into sci-fi lately, I’ve been re-watching the Alien movies as well as being addicted to Stargate SG-1 (right now I’m getting through the fourth season). I listen to a lot of pop music mainly, or really ‘depressing’ music like Radiohead and Ministry. Right now I have a lot of Korean pop music and Japanese pop music on my mp3 player. I do enjoy seeing bands that I like, which all happen to come around the same time so it’s terrible for my wallet. I’m really looking forward to seeing Aqua, as well as going to the Soundwave festival and seeing Meshuggah, Devin Townsend, and Sisters of Mercy. 

I remember the last time I saw Devin Townsend as being a simply amazing night, I had so much fun. His music is really inspiring and I’m awe struck whenever a new song is released. I also loved seeing Rammstein when they came over with a festival, I was so impressed by their performance, there were pyrotechnics, bloody costumes and a big pot which seemed to be cooking the keyboard player!

You come across as a very confident and accomplished individual in your photography. Does this translate to a confident and accomplished person away from the camera? What are you like when you’re not being photographed?

Thanks :) I think I’m more of a shy person actually, but I get over it when I have to do my modelling. I have to get rid of any inhibitions I may have so I can properly work effectively. I am really friendly though, I don’t hate people as I think it’s a bit improvident really. I have a really happy-go-lucky attitude and I’m a bit of an optimist so I get through life okay :) 

As for accomplished, I wouldn’t say that but I’ve almost completed a degree in psychology and counselling (have one semester to go!).

You also have some tattoos and piercings about your person. Could you tell us a little about those, what inspired them, and where did you go to get them?

I don’t have as many piercings as I used to, I had a lot more on my face and in my ears but I’ve gotten rid of them since. I still have snake bites as well as my size16 tunnels, and second ear piercings. I get nearly all my piercings from either ‘Exotic Body Piercing’ in Perth city or ‘Off Ya Tree’, I rarely have had any problems with my piercings, I take care of them quite well :)

I got my tachikoma tattoo from the ‘Black Quill’ in Perth as well. I got it because I really love Ghost in the Shell, which they are from. Tachikomas are spider tanks that are my favourite characters in the show. It’s also my tribute to anime :)

Do you have any future plans for tattoos or piercings? Is there anywhere you wouldn’t get tattooed, or would you ever consider how a piece of ink would affect your work as a model?

I plan to have more tattoos, and I would like to get a few more piercings as well. I wouldn’t get my hands tattooed however much I love them because of work, but everywhere else I could probably cover up. I also wouldn’t mind getting a neck tattoo but that would also be bad for possible work. I plan to get a lot more anime tattoos and some other of my favourite characters from shows. I want to get some poems as well, but all in good time.

What is next for Kae Bambi? What projects can we expect to see you working on next?

Probably more conceptual work as always but I’m also delving into more fashion work to expand my portfolio. Currently I have a few shoots in the works involving latex, promotions, a quirky/cute shoot, more lingerie shoots and a shoot involving body paint or airbrushing, haven’t decided yet! But I know it’s going to be fun!

Could we please end on Bernard Pivot’s well known questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Probably the word omniscient. Not sure why but I love the meaning as well as the formation of the letters.

What is your least favourite word? The word chicken, because I’m pretty scared of chickens.

What turns you on? Good food.

What turns you off? Arrogance, there is really nothing worse.

What sound or noise do you love? I love the sound of rain, and the smell of it, and seeing it…I just love rain all round!

What sound or noise do you hate? I really…really…really hate the sound of Styrofoam being cut. I cannot stand it, I run away when I hear the noise.

What is your favourite curse word? I actually don’t like saying ‘real’ curse words, so I substitute them for much funnier ones like “frick on a stick” and “motherfrick”. I also picked one up off my boyfriend which is “Jimminy Christmas”, which I think is a substitute for Jesus Christ!

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I wouldn’t mind giving massage a go, or nutrition. I also wouldn’t mind becoming a Buddhist monk, but I like my hair and materials too much to do that.

What profession would you not like to do? I would hate to be a factory worker, they destroy minds.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Well if I believed in God, I probably would like him (or her!) to offer me some complimentary champagne and gift package for living a hard-working life.

 

 

I can’t thank Kae enough for her fantastic work on this interview. I found her so eager to help, and she really helped to produce an engaging piece. I wish her all the very best, and I hope readers of this will go along to her blog and show her some support. If you do happen upon Kae’s blog, you’ll find one of the liveliest tumblrs around. Go see for yourself.

 

http://kaebambi.tumblr.com

 

 

All images used here were taken with Kae’s consent.

My latest interview post is my first while I’m away in Australia, and as luck would have it, it is with a native to Perth, where I am staying at the moment. I started out this interview wanting to do a standard “adventures in ink” piece with the very intriguing Tahlia. However, as I researched her more and more I decided I had to make the feature more encompassing, and talk about the many other facets and traits this creative marvel has in her repertoire. I was first drawn to Tahlia through her posts and conversation on her blog about the art of tattooing. I am always interested in talking to people about the art form, and thought the chance to talk with a fledgling tattoo artist was too good to pass up. Tahlia was gracious enough to grant me this interview, and even indulged me as I went into greater detail about other aspects of her life and creativity. What we produced together was a triumph in my opinion, and it’s my pleasure to share it with you today. I hope Tahlia won’t mind me saying how much I enjoyed learning about her, and how impressed I was by her thoughts and attitude toward what she does and how she does it. Check out the interview and head on over to her blog for more information and insight.

 

May I take you back to a time before tattoos for you? A time when you had no artwork on display yourself. Were there any influential people around you that had tattoos when you were growing up? How did you feel about them before you had them?

There were no influential people around me that had tattoos when I was growing up, come to think of it, the only time I remember seeing a fresh tattoo was when I was about 5 or 6, my dad’s friend came over for a shower after an appointment, I don’t remember what it was though, a cross on his arm perhaps? I could have perhaps been somewhat influenced by my cultural background, I am half Maori and my mum had a few drawings and paintings of women and men with ta moko. I thought they were beautiful and my mum always told me that my ancestors had them, though I know ta moko itself wasn’t what held my interest in tattoos.

before I had tattoos I loved them, I used to spend all my pocket money on tattoo magazines when I was say, 12-13, I used to draw all over myself as a child as well as my brothers and all my friends, or I’d use a spray texta with a stencil or paint on them with body paint. There was never really an epiphany or a sudden realization for my love of tattoos.

What made you make that first appointment, what were the emotions you were going through in the lead up to getting your first design?

I’ve never booked myself in at a tattoo studio to get a tattoo before my apprenticeship at na8iv ink. I got my first tattoo during the first month of my apprenticeship there.

Can you remember the sensations you were experiencing as the tattoo artist began your first piece?

No I can’t really remember it, though it was only a year ago, I know I was really excited, it felt like a cat had scratched some sunburn.

What was your first tattoo of, where was it placed, and how did you feel following its completion?

My first tattoo was of a cupcake with a pink bow and it has a pink bunny sitting on it. I got it tattooed on my left hip. It was about 2 hours work and I was so happy and excited when it was finished!

How many tattoos have you got thus far? Could you give us a brief timeline for your body art, and what you have where?

I have a few tattoos now, I’d say 4 sets but they’re all part of 1 big plan. My first tattoo was my pink cupcake on my left hip, I had it done about a year ago. My second tattoo was of my puppy’s paw print on my ankle, I did that myself as a part of my apprenticeship about a month after I got my cupcake. Next was my blue cupcake on my right hip, so that little set is complete for now, I plan to expand the design with more sweets and candy around my hip and stomach area. I got my Howls Moving Castle sleeve started in March this year and it’s still not finished, I actually hate getting tattooed and avoid it at all costs, which is why it’s not finished I guess, it just needs to be coloured, which I find the worst part of any tattoo. Then at the end of July I bought myself my first tattoo machine, a dringenberg shader, and I tattooed myself the day it arrived. I had decided before I even bought the machine that I was going to tattoo a portrait of my puppy on my leg surrounding the paw print I did when I started my apprenticeship, so that’s what I did. For my 19th birthday one of the artists I work with tattooed a Snorlax Pokémon on my right leg, beginning my cartoon themed leg sleeve. I chose snorlax as a resemblance towards myself I guess, a grumpy, sleepy, hungry monster! But I can also be cute and happy on the right day ha-ha, so my Snorlax is I’d say the only tattoo I have that has some sort of symbolism to it.

When deciding on a new tattoo, what comes first, the position or the design?

For myself it’s the design, I still have a lot of area that hasn’t been tattooed so I’m fine with having a design I love and figuring out a place for it in the meantime. I guess that will change a bit as I get a bit more ink in me over the years.

Why do you think tattoos are becoming so popular at the moment?

I guess there’s a lot of reasons. I’d say they’re more popular because it’s not seen as a threatening symbol anymore, celebrities get tattooed and there are even TV shows about tattoos now. There are so many new techniques now compared to 20, even 10 years ago! There are new machines, inks, needles and procedures now, so there are definitely many more options I suppose. I guess tattoos are just more accessible to the general public compared to how it used to be when only sailors, bikers and punks had ink.

Do you see the pieces you have at the moment as works in progress? Have you got any plans to link some together into bigger pieces, or are they all very individual stand alone designs?

I definitely do see the tattoos I have as work in progress, I like to theme my tattoos, I don’t like the look of having a lot of random designs splurged together. I have a theme for my legs, my left leg is where I will place and plan all my personal tattoos, family tattoos, etc. My right leg is for cartoons, anime, comics, story books, art that I have loved my whole life. I haven’t picked a design for every part of my leg, I’m only young and haven’t experienced much, I definitely don’t think it’s sensible for me to completely cover my body at 19 and to have only been tattooing for a measly year. Over time they will become more noticeably themed to others.

Have you got any plans for a new piece any time soon?

Not really, I have a Card Captor Sakura piece planned for the back of my right thigh but I don’t want to get any more tattoos until my sleeve is finished, I hate the idea of having a heap of unfinished work on me!

You are also a tattoo artist yourself, when did you make that transition towards the other side of the needle?

I knew I wanted to be covered in tattoos and piercings from a very young age. I used to give my dolls piercings and cut their hair into mohawks as a child, so I thought being a tattoo artist would allow me to live a lifestyle of my own choice as well as to give me the chance to be creative and artistic all the time, nothing makes me happier than to create something.

Everything is relative, and you are a relatively newcomer to the industry. What have you had to learn very quickly during your first forays into tattooing?

I’ve had to learn to keep myself organized, and to control my emotions. I get flustered fairly easily if there’s a lot going on so I’ve had to sort of organise the way I deal with things and people. I’m not really a ‘people person’ either, I hate talking and dealing with most people, so I guess I’ve had to learn to make other people feel comfortable in my company. Everything else I pretty much expected so I didn’t have to learn anything really. There is a lot of competition in the tattooing industry, there’s a lot of arrogant, stuck up, rude, snotty, two faced people. It helps to look at the big picture and to include yourself in it and be honest about yourself, in every aspect as an artist, as a tattooist, as a person, and to be able to see where you need improvement.

How did the first tattoo you did come out?

My first tattoo on myself was fine, no wobbly lines, no patchy colouring, it was a fairly easy design though, I just went a little deep so it was a slow healing process. My first tattoo on someone else was okay I guess, compared to other apprentice work. Not to put myself out there, but the tattooists at work kept asking me if I had tattooed before, they didn’t believe that I hadn’t ever.

As a tattoo artist, how important is research to what you do? Are you a student of the art form, or simply just enjoying working in the field and being creative?

Well in my opinion I don’t think I have nearly enough knowledge to call myself a tattoo artist, if I had it my way I would still be an apprentice. Yes I know how to tattoo and hygiene and cross contamination procedures etc, but I was taught nothing about the history of tattooing, or about other artists or styles of tattoo work. Everything I do know I have worked out myself or had researched prior to my apprenticeship. I don’t feel qualified in any way, I don’t feel like I have ‘earned the right’ to tattoo, because I don’t think I’m knowledgeable enough and I don’t think I have worked long enough in the industry to claim such a name. It’s a personal opinion I guess, though I am definitely reminded by other tattoo artists in other studios about it anyway. But for now it’s just a job, I plan to move onwards artistically and find myself a new career as a tattoo artist, beginning again as an apprentice in a different studio, but I guess I’m still figuring it all out. For now it’s just some money in my pocket and having the chance to be creative while I do it.

What style of tattoo are you most fond of?

I am definitely most fond of realism and portrait tattoos, I think to me they’re the most eye catching tattoos to have, and many people can’t make a tattoo look like a photo, or a painting on someone’s body. It’s extremely challenging for the mind, being able to capture every colour and detail in an image and to replicate it on someone’s body.

Are you noticing any trends in the industry at the moment? Maybe a position or type of tattoo that is popular right now?

Yes, old skool/new skool/Americana/flash-art style tattoos are definitely the most popular style at the moment.

Here’s where you plug your shop and tell everyone how awesome it is there. Where can you be found working and designing, and what can future customers expect from the experience?

I work better at home, design-wise. I’d rather draw my designs at home where I can listen to my own music and be away from all the annoyances and stresses at the shop. You can’t relax or think properly there and there’s no time to sit down and complete a full design. At home I can lay down and talk to molly puppy, eat dinner, research all I want and design something properly.

Moving away from tattoos for a moment, Japan is obviously a massive part of your life. Can you explain your love of the Japanese aesthetic, and the characters/influences the country has brought us visually?

Well as an artist, I am drawn to unusual, unique, creative, inventive, beautiful things. Everyone knows Japan as the most creatively, unusual, unique country in the world. I am in love with Japanese culture. The people of Japan are so different to the western world. They live to completely different standards, there is still tradition, and respect within the people. Being a visual person, inspired by fashion, I fell in love with harajuku styles when I was 12-13. I used to go to the library every day after school and use the computers to look up images of harajuku boys and girls, I’d spend days and weeks finding sites and shops online where I could eventually buy the things they wore. I’d never seen anybody wear anything like what they were wearing here in Perth before! I was completely consumed and inspired! It was so unique and perfect for me. I also grew up playing Nintendo and Playstation, watching digimon, card captors, sailor moon, and other Americanised anime’s so the love for the animation started young too.

Your corsetry work is sublime, and the images you’ve released are stunning. Can you tell me about the appeal of the discipline, and are there any negative aspects of this practice?

Thank you! To me it’s not really a practice. It’s just like wearing shoes I guess, it’s a part of my outfit sometimes. I obviously love the look, but as far as waist training goes I never even gave it a thought, I wear my corset purely for a daily outfit. The only negative thing about wearing a corset would have to be picking something up off the floor! Ha-ha! they’re not uncomfortable, you just can’t bend in them. 

How long does it take you to prepare your body for getting into a corset? What precautions do you have to take while wearing it (if any)?

Well if I decide I want to wear my corset I just don’t eat beforehand otherwise it sometimes comes up if I burp ha-ha! But eating a small meal after I have put it on is fine. It’s pretty straight forward with the risks of wearing a corset, obviously if you’re having trouble breathing, take it off, if it’s uncomfortable, take it off or even loosen it. Make sure you plan your day before you decide to lace it up e.g. if you’re clothes shopping or hiking or climbing trees or something it’s best not to wear one. All common sense really.

I couldn’t interview you without talking about wigs Tahlia. When did your fascination with them begin?

I bought my first wig last Christmas to match a cute loli dress my boyfriend bought for me. At first I felt a little silly but when I decided to wear it out no one could tell it was a wig! I love to dye my hair different colours all the time but sometimes I just didn’t have the money to fix my re-growth or re-dye my faded purple hair so I just wore my wig instead. It was the best thing to do on a bad hair day!

What keeps you coming back to them? Is it merely the different style options? Or is there a sense of hiding, or becoming a character whilst wearing the hair pieces?

I just like having an option of what colour hair I want for the day to match whatever outfit I choose. Some days I can wear pastel colours, some days I can wear blacks, some days when I don’t want to be stared at I wear a natural coloured wig. It’s just so much easier and cheaper for me, and my real hair can stay healthy without having to bleach it all the time. I don’t have one sort of stereotypical look, I guess, and being able to change on a daily basis is really fun for me.

Where do you get your wigs from, and which is your favourite piece at the moment?

I buy my wigs online at mintymix.com and cosplaywigsusa. My favourite wig is probably my plain, black, wavy wig because it goes with any outfit!

You are a multifaceted alternative woman (if I may use the term). What aspects or avenues of creativity would you like to exploit next?

I really don’t know to be honest. I’m fairly content with myself for now.

 

Could we please finish with the famous questionnaire by Bernard Pivot?

 

What is your favourite word?

Cuddly

What is your least favourite word?

Slug

What turns you on?

Hentai? ha-ha um my boyfriend if he catches me on a rarely good day

What turns you off?

Pretty much everything, I don’t consider myself to be very sexual

What sound or noise do you love?

I love the sound of the wind

What sound or noise do you hate?

Children

What is your favourite curse word?

Cunt

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Illustration

What profession would you not like to do?

I would not like to be a vet or a doctor

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

I got you a genie!

 

 

Massive thanks and praise to Tahlia. She really went above and beyond in her efforts with the interview. I thank her for her time, and wish her nothing but success in every aspect of her life. Thanks to you for reading also, and I hope I have introduced some of you to yet interesting and entertaining young artist.

 

Tahlia’s blog can be found at:

http://tahlulala.tumblr.com

 

All images used were provided by Tahlia. I hope she likes my choices and approves of the piece as a whole.