Always wanted to write for a magazine...

The start of this month brought with it the brand spanking new second issue of SKIN. In celebration and promotion it is my distinct pleasure to offer this portal to the weird and wonderfully skewed world of a fantastic publication. Release day is always a source of immense pride for me personally; being part of the SKIN team, seeing my work next to some of the most exciting and interesting artists and commentators is an incredible privilege!

The debut issue of SKIN was a wonder to behold. In its first offering the magazine brought readers insights into amazing photography, intellectual comment and passionate musical mastery. In the second outing readers are in for even more, with a collection of quality contributions from outstanding individuals all pulling in the same delectable direction.

For my part, I have followed up my foot fetish piece from issue one, with a somewhat autobiographical exploration of Erotic Asphyxiation. It’s a piece that was a lot of fun to write, and I hope people will enjoy my thoughts and musings on the subject. Our fearless leader Carmin Conner has done fantastically well in recruiting fresh talents to this new issue of SKIN, and her interview with Photographer Herve Mudry kicks things off in epic style! The accompanying photographs to this interview are worth the price of admission alone (by the way, admission is zero as SKIN is a totally free publication), this Swiss born photographer captures form expertly, and his visionary ideas are laid out in envy educing clarity. Sheer erotic elegance to my eye and the interview gives precious insight into this man’s mind.

Also in issue two, there is a chance to delve into the realm of Drum and Base, with producer Jekyll being featured. With the added component of accompanying photographs from Sam Noble, this is a must read for fans of the genre and everyone interested in music production.

One of my favourite sections of this issue is the expose on Dark Brain Comics. It’s rare that you get such insight, and here that insight is into a remarkable company producing very interesting characters, stories and iconography. The “X-rated graphic novel” scene is new to me personally, but this surreal introduction is all I needed to delve deeper.

I won’t go into every piece within issue two of SKIN as I urge you to check it out for yourselves. Caleb Colton’s Diary of a Snuff Director is another highlight, as are the offerings from magazine creator Carmin Conner, who brings incredible writing tinged with her special brand of enthusiasm and wit. I can never speak highly enough of Carmin, a visionary and instigator of the creative process. Self motivated and a mistress of mirth and merriment with a distinctly erotic flavour. It is this ladies vision that has made SKIN a reality, and her continued endeavour that ensures the best results. I’ll always be thankful to her for bringing me along for this wild ride.

Below is a link where you can read SKIN completely free, get to know the team members and enjoy sporadic interviews and extra content. Please do enjoy and show your support.   

http://www.skin-mag.blogspot.co.uk

 

Image credits, copyright: Herve Mudry, Sam Noble, Dark Brain Comics.

I’m extremely proud to be able to bring you this piece today. It’s an interview with the mercurial Tara Mackey, who lit up this blog on New Years Day wit a fantastic interview about her exquisite modelling, and musical talents. This time, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with Tara about her music once again, in the build up to her band Hindu Doggie’s first live gig, at the acclaimed House of Blues in Hollywood. When I heard Hindu Doggie had been booked at The House of Blues, I had to get in touch with Tara and ask about the performance. From that conversation an idea grew, and to my astonishment, she was kind enough to grant me some time during a hectic practice and preparation period, to talk about the bands live debut, and her feelings towards the show. Anyone able to get to the gig should definitely make the trip, as you’ll be whisked away by Tara’s enthusiasm and soulful dynamism. You’ll also be treated to a night of musical delight, brought to you by a truly fresh and expressive triumvirate of talent. Here’s what Tara had to say about the fast approaching show… 

 

Q: Welcome back to the blog Tara. We’re here to talk about your band Hindu Doggie’s upcoming debut gig at the House of blues in Hollywood. For readers who are not aware of your musicality, could you please tell us about Hindu Doggie? Who comprises the band, and how would you describe the brand of music you guys produce?

Tara: Sure! Thanks for having me back! Hindu Doggie debuted on 11/11/11. It’s me and Josh James Gahris primarily. We’ve written and recorded everything on our own. Kyle Boomer, a dear friend, singer, guitarist, and saxophone player, is going to play with us live as well on April 18^th.  

Q: As I mentioned, the show on the 18th is at The House of Blues Hollywood. That’s a pretty impressive venue for your first gig. You must be over the moon that they’ve booked you, and proud of the faith they’re showing in your music.

Tara: I was astonished that they booked us without seeing us play! We sent them a link to our YouTube, which I guess is more helpful than we thought in showing what we can do!

Q: The first time we spoke, Hindu Doggie comprised of just yourself and Mr Josh James Gahris. Since then you’ve mentioned the involvement of Kyle Boomer and how the three of you have morphed into a new version of Hindu Doggie. How did Kyle get involved, and what would you say he has brought to the band?

Tara: Me, Josh and Kyle started a band called Ellis Dee together. We’ll be playing some Ellis Dee (now Hindu Doggie, I suppose) songs at the show. Me and Josh wanted to form sort of a more acoustic band that could play shows at a moment’s notice, when Hindu Doggie got booked at the House of Blues, we asked Kyle to join us for the show and he agreed! It’s all been a wonderful journey.

Q: Music is a passion for you I know, and individually you have exhibited an impressive knowledge and range of musical ability as well as genre. What is the motivation behind Hindu Doggie? How and why has the band come together, and progressed so much?

T: I did my own music, solo, for years. I have my own music as well - and had a significant following on MySpace. But I was stiff. I’d go to record with people and really sort of felt like I wasn’t allowing myself to be as good as I knew I was. I knew a band would, I suppose, “help” that in me, and it certainly has! Me and Josh live and breathe music - all day, every day. I can’t believe how much we’ve done in just a few months!

Q: Is there an even grater sense of pride knowing that it’s your own unique and original music that’ll be performed, and it’s your creativity and ideas that people will be soaking up?

T: Yes!! That’s precisely why I think we decided it was best not to do covers at all! I want it to be the debut show it’s truly supposed to be: All us, all the time. It’s so wonderful to be able to explore my own ideas, write my own words, say what I want, have that therapy, and also have people respond to it! I couldn’t ask for more!

Q: Have you visited the House of Blues before? Do you know what to expect from the venue in terms of stage size and audience proximity?

T: The way that I am, pretty much the very first thing I said to Josh was “we have to go next Wednesday” (our show is on a Wed night). I took photos and got a feel for the venue. It’s loungey - the stage overlooks all of LA from the top of the House of Blues and I cried. It’s just so beautiful. Really, a dream come true. It’s adjacent to the restaurant as well, so if people are having dinner they can listen to us too. Just wonderful! 

Q: With the show being on the 18^th of April, it’s not very far away at all. What do your days consist of as the calendar counts down to the big night?

T: Practice, practice, practice! I am in New York as well until the 15th, which is SO scary because I am a practice-a-holic and that does NOT feel like enough time for me! I’m confident in how we sound, but it’s strange because we haven’t yet performed it so I’m not sure what sort of impression other people will have. I’m very excited for feedback! 

Q: With ALL the songs being brand new to the majority of people, are there any in particular that you’re itching to play, or certain songs that you are eager to experience a reaction from? Or is each track special to you for different reasons?

T: We’re playing The Orchestra live - which is a super ambient, drum and vocal song, mostly. We’re doing it with guitar, vocals and sax, and I’m really excited for that reaction because it’s not in traditional song form. It’s sort of just a long poem. So we’ll see how people like it!

Q: You’ve talked previously about different tracks having very different themes and styles and ultimately reflecting different moods that were experienced as they were written. Have any of the new songs been born out of an excitement to perform, or stemmed from a particular moment that still resonates with you personally?

T: That’s a great question! I think Kundalini - the newest song we just released and the one we’re doing a video for - was done on the heels of getting booked at The House of Blues, and it was the first time we had something to really WORK for. I’m very excited to play that live! 

Q: At this late stage in preparations, has anything surprised you about how you’re setting up for the gig, or the set list etc? Has deciding on the order of songs thrown up any interesting issues or feelings? For instance, has one song jumped out as the ideal track to open the show, or close it etc?

T: Yes! We did a sort of throw together set list to practice, that ended up being played around with a lot. But the first song has always been the same. Me and Josh are going to close the show together - give Boomer a break and get back to our roots.  

Q: There is always an energy and soul to a Hindu Doggie performance, even if you’re just sitting in someone’s house performing acoustically. Are you looking forward to bringing that energy and passion to the stage, and feeding of the audience as you perform?

T: It’s very insane to me that we’ve only really “performed” once, on new years eve (the day before our last interview! - ha), in front of a bunch of people who were less than sober ha-ha. But one person literally sat up and said “This is really happening right now!” I mean I laughed, but it was really affirming for us. I think I am most excited about what sort of energy we get out of people. Some of our songs are very personal.

Q: I can’t interview the magnificent Tara Mackey without talking about your beautiful photographs. How has your life been in front and behind the camera of late?

T: I have still been taking self portraits and modelling. Since January I’ve done an immense amount of work - and gotten signed to an agency! But most importantly I’ve been documenting my journey musically and my travels.  

Q: Have you got any plans to produce anything in particular with the material you’ve shot documenting your musical journey? Is there a series or a book of photographs that could emerge? Or are you living for the here and now more, making sure to capture moments, rather than plan for them?

T: I think I am doing a bit of both - and really loving it. I’ve been slowly filming for our Kundalini video - taking shots every day here and there with certain themes for a few weeks now. It’s the kind of thing that I think has to happen very organically for me, because I haven’t done video before that’s been so involved. 

I take photos at practice and of Josh and myself practically every day. I think I’ve conditioned myself to know that the here and now, while wonderful, is meant to be spent building towards something better and greater. I’m really trying my best to live that.

Q: Whilst talking pictures, will there be a photographer or videographer on hand on the 18^th to record your first gig for posterity? I’m sure Hindu Doggie’s European fans would love to witness the historic event, if they are unable to make the trip.

T: Well - thank you! I hope they can! We may video tape the entire thing, but there will definitely be people there taking photos and video. My best friend and designer for Avatar Labs, Cassandra, will be on hand filming and documenting. She’s great so I’m very excited about that!

Q: I’m sure your first performance will be a smash hit and I can’t wait to see the feedback. I want to wish you the very best of luck on the 18^th, and gladly give you this opportunity to invite people to the show in your own words…

T: It will be just as exciting for them as it is for us! I can guarantee some BEAUTIFUL tunes. Boomer will be on Sax, as well as myself on shaker and Josh and Boomer on guitar. We have some great harmonies and there’s a wonderful bar and restaurant in the lounge to make a night of! You won’t be disappointed! 

Q: Thanks so much for sharing this milestone in Hindu Doggie’s career with my blog. You’ll always have my unflinching support and best wishes.

T: Thank you so much. <3

 

Once again, it was a thrill to talk with Tara about her work, and I am so looking forward to her band’s debut performance. I know the show is going to be a hit; you only have to check out Hindu Doggie’s videos to witness their innate feel for the music. Listening to a Hindu Doggie track is an experience, and to share that experience with a live audience as well as the artists themselves is something not to be missed. So head on down to The House of Blues on Wednesday the 18^th or April, and prepare to be uplifted.

 

All links and band information will be listed below:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/hindu-doggie/235604239833987

SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/hindudoggie

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hindudoggie

Tara’s tumblr: http://taramackey.tumblr.com/

April 18^th gig tickets: http://fla.vor.us/wafform.aspx?_act=eventview&_pky=121901

 

Images used in this piece came from the above sites and pages. Taken with Tara’s permission.

My next post is an interview conducted recently via email with a wonderful alternative model called Kristie California. I see this piece as a real coup for my blog, and I’m honoured Kristie agreed to be featured. She is a model and artist whose work I was recently introduced to in the most fortuitous manner. While researching a piece on tattooing for a magazine article, I came across one of Kristie’s drawings online. It was of a face, sideways on, and was featured on some far flung website with no real link back to the original artist. I scoured the internet looking for the person behind such an intricate yet gorgeously simplistic image. Finally as luck would have it, the mighty Google produced the very same image that first tantalized me, with a name below. A quick search later and I was introduced to Kristie’s wider range of work, as well as her awe-inspiring modelling portfolio. I took it as a sign, that I had by tremendous fortune been exposed to this talented and beautiful woman. I enquired about interviewing her, and this article was born. Kristie is a hard working and passionate lady. Her love of all things artistic is evident in every word she utters on the topic. She speaks so enthusiastically about her tattoos, and in amazing detail. It was a pleasure to ask her these questions, and I am filled with anticipation as I post this piece. Please enjoy, and show your support.  

 

When did the modelling adventure begin for you Kristie? What made you want to go down that career path in the first place, and where did the opportunity come from?
My sister had owned two tattoo shops at one point, and one of the piercers was into modelling. When I was going through a rough time she said she could set me up a shoot to make me feel better, after that I made an account with modelmayhem.com and it took off from there!

What was the most surprising aspect of the industry that you weren’t aware of before you started modelling professionally?
I wasn’t really sure of anything, I also didn’t have a great eye for anything specific in this field. I was into photography, but I took pictures of plants & what-not, so I really didn’t know how much hard work this would be on both ends… but now I do!

How did you feel being in front of a camera those first few times? Was it a comfortable experience, were there many nerves and how did those first shots come out?
The first real shoot I did was nerve racking. I had done one before for Valentine’s Day (for my boyfriend) at a salon once, but that was all the experience I had. I was so shaky my first shoot, but I got lucky and shot with a great guy who made me feel super comfortable, and confident enough to go for it again. The photos didn’t turn out too bad at all.

Your portfolio of fantastic work has grown very rapidly in a short space of time. Does it take a lot of work to keep generating shoots and projects, or are you in a position to pick and choose what you work on these days?
It all depends, sometimes it feels like I have a million ideas and a bunch of photographers to choose from (those are usually trade shoots), but now it’s more of whether or not I can shoot cause money’s tight and getting paid work is a must, (this is my job, some people don’t see that) and a lot of photographers aren’t available to pay models right before Christmas, so it’s a bit of both. I love working trade, but I gotta pay the bills. However in terms of picking and choosing photographers, I’ve worked with enough that yes, I do have decently high standards for this, but it’s only professional, so I hope nobody takes that personally.

Being in your line of work I’m sure maintaining your appearance is important. How do you stay in such terrific shape? Your vegan lifestyle must help, but is there a lot of gym activity as well?
I’ve always been extremely skinny. I actually got teased in school sometimes for being skinny and short, luckily I grew a little bit and I have good proportions so you can’t tell on camera ha-ha. A lot of photographers say they’re surprised how short I am when we first meet (5’2”). I don’t go to the gym, but I do think the way I eat is a big deal. My boyfriend always says if I ever ate meat that I’d probably implode because I’ve never had it before ha-ha. Overall, I think it’s just my size, it’s never really changed, I don’t usually gain a lot even when I eat like crazy, so I guess you can say I got lucky.

How do you interact with the photographer while on set? What is the chain of events during a Kristie California shoot?
Well, to start out I usually try some different poses and see what they’re feedback is, do they like what style of posing I’m going for, if not they give a little direction, but from there they pretty much just let me do my thing, I don’t need much direction anymore.
What is an average work week like for you in terms of modelling? I imagine it’s a lot of meetings and networking, shoots and events. Are there less glamorous aspects of the job (office work, administration etc) that actually go into having a successful modelling career behind the scenes?
Well, since I’m not interested in working with an agency I handle EVERYTHING. The good and bad. I spend a good amount of time online networking, nobody will do it for me, so I gotta promote as much as possible. I think that’s a big part of why I’m as well known as I am. Sometimes there are meetings, sometimes we (my escort and I) have to drive a ways to get to the shoot, but once I get there it’s all fun, and usually by the end of that same week I get to see the result, which is the best part. The worst is the back pain I get ha-ha, it’s a lot of physical work.

Moving on to your artwork if I may. I think your pieces are fabulous! Each new image you publish or share just blows me away. Have you always been skilled with a pencil in hand?
Thank you! ha-ha, I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember! I’ve always had art supplies nearby and I’ve been really serious about it for about 4 years now. I started painting with acrylics about 2 years ago and tried oils for the first time this year (love em!)

What is your process when it comes to creating a piece? How does an idea become an image for you?
Most of the time I try and pull images from quotes that I think up. Say I’m going through a bad situation in life, I notice that as a time to vent, so I try and create a quote in my mind that I turn into a visual. That doesn’t mean I always have to be unhappy to make art, but the more emotional I am the more ideas I have.

Your Misfit Graphics designs are sublime in my opinion, as well as your painting work. You have the kind of artistic talents I want to showcase to everyone I know. What do you think about your artwork, and do you exhibit or ever plan to?
:) Thanks again!  Like many artists, when we start out with a personal piece, we love it, we love it for it’s meaning and if it goes the way we like, then we love it for it’s look and how others may see it. But after a while, we’ve seen it so much that it can get old and because we created it, we know every little flaw and tend to pick at them in our heads, but it’s always a learning experience, that’s the great thing about it. I have yet to exhibit, but plan to in the future.

You also display a lot of artwork on your skin, in the form of your tattoos. What do you find so appealing about the art of tattooing?
Because I’m an artist, I’ve always loved to see other people’s work, and with tattoos they’re usually symbolic. They show something that isn’t always there… the true meaning is something totally different. I love trying to figure out stories on skin. On top of that, like I stated before, my sister owned two shops a few years ago and my boyfriend is a tattoo artist. It’s not just another tattoo to me anymore, it’s a lifestyle and each one means something to me. It’s a therapy when I get tattooed and it feels good to be able to express who I am on the inside, on the outside.

Who has done your tattooing work? Who is responsible for your gorgeous pieces?
My boyfriend Anthony at DV8 Tattoo & Piercing in Roseville, Ca. It’s nice to be able to have him do it because I can be blunt about how I feel about his ideas. We get along really well in that sense. Even though we have two totally different styles of art, we can always come to an agreement on it, or he at least understands what I’m trying to say.
I know you have loads of designs on your body, and I’m sure you get asked all the time, but could you give us a brief history of your ink? When and why you got the pieces you have?
Yep! My first piece was sort of stupid, I was 15 and I knew a guy who knew a guy… (NEVER get tattooed by a guy from his house please!!!).  A band of music notes going around my right wrist (it was a time when music was my everything).
The next year I got a 45 vinyl adapter, another music related tattoo. Kind of a tribute to my mom as well, as she introduced me to vinyl :)
My third; A small peace sign on my left shoulder. I got it because it represented a spiritual state of mind that I’ve always had.
My fourth; A trail of butterflies going up my side. It represents a struggle that I’ve always had with anxiety. It was a bad design that I drew up that doesn’t fit the flow of my body. Hopefully I’ll be able to get it removed for something more appealing, but with the same idea.
My fifth; A sea horse on my right shoulder for my home town (Santa Cruz, Ca) by the beach :)
My sixth; A blue bird on my right thigh. I wanted something that would represent growing up, a bird seemed like the best idea to me.
My seventh; An hour glass. One of my favourites. This was an emotional one for me. The only one that wasn’t done by my boyfriend (or a scratcher, but that was only the first two). I was going through a lot of mental changes and one day I drew up an hour glass with ghosts on one side & sun rays on the other, (meaning that the bad in life will always cycle around to good over time). I gave the design to my friend Kevin and he simplified it so it was tattooable and made it happen :)
My eighth; A pencil on my left forearm. I got it for my love of art.
My ninth; Still a work in progress (my biggest tattoo so far). Another favourite and another tribute to my hometown. It’s a carousel horse jumping out of water framed off by sea shells. There’s an amusement park in Santa Cruz, Ca (the Boardwalk), when I was little the carousel was my favourite ride and it’s by the ocean, that’s what the waves and shells are for.
My tenth; An all seeing eye on my chest/stomach area. Something to remind me to stay grounded and see through all of the drama in life. It won my boyfriend his first award. 2nd place for the most unusual, Redding Ink 2011.

You are indeed a multitalented and multifaceted model. You’ve worked in many different styles, from fetish work with latex, to pin-up and more fashion concept stuff. What are your favourite styles of shoot, and is there a shoot concept you’d love to be involved with?
That’s a toughie, but I have to say Alt in general. I love photos that are different from the norm, but on the other hand, I love hi-fashion! Love it. Big hair and makeup is always extremely fun. There’s one thing I’d love to try out, a mix of hi-fashion and alternative. I think it would be interesting.

Speaking of latex, it’s also clear you love the material and the many clothes and outfits created with it. What is it about latex that is so appealing?
Honestly, I’m not sure. I think it’s because not everyone does it. It’s gone from one thing to another, it used to just be strictly fetish, now its fashion, that’s why I’m drawn to it. It’s different and fun. I think when girls shoot in it, it gives them a confident feeling that those shots are going to be sexy, and that’s a good feeling for a model, maybe not all the time, I mean I wouldn’t cram my entire portfolio full of latex, but it does give that edge that’s wanted.

I’ve noticed that music plays an important part in your life as well as your work. What have you been listening to of late, and do you get along to many live gigs and performances these days?
Yes! It’s very important to me. Recently I’ve been listening to mainly two genres, Punk and Underground Hip-Hop. Well that and Deftones (my favourite band). I spend a lot of time on Pandora Radio (internet radio). My main stations right now are Rancid/NOFX radio, or Atmosphere radio. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to go to as many shows as I used to. My first concert was in 2004, since then I’ve gone to about 50 shows… hopefully I can add to that list soon.
It’s always a vague question, but I love to ask it. What inspires you when it comes to your artwork? Where do you get ideas from, and are you ever struck by inspiration and have to do a piece right then and there?
Yes! Inspiration is everywhere, sometimes from music, sometimes from relationships and sometimes it’s just, “Hey, that would be cool”, out of nowhere. There are times when I’ll be sitting watching TV and run out of the room to get paper and a pencil. Everyone looks at me weird ha-ha.
Are there any models working out there right now that you’d love to collaborate with?
Of course! I have a list of favourites in general, if any of them would want to collaborate and I can afford it, I’m there! My top favourites would have to be Sabina Kelley, Mosh, Rachel Anne Aust, Little Linda, and Cervana Fox.

We haven’t really touched on it yet, but you are an alternative model by your own admission. What does the word alternative mean to you? Do you see it as a stylistic choice, or an attitude, or something else entirely?
Well, my life isn’t exactly the mainstream, so you could call it a lifestyle and attitude that switches over into my job which is style and fashion in that sense, but it seems like it’s cool to be alternative nowadays, especially with modelling. I see girls trying to look different to be cool left and right, taking photos in their bathrooms with their phones claiming that they’re “alt” models. Alt has made its own little category, which is nice to a point, but bad in other ways. Everyone should just be themselves and if you want to model, model from the heart. The concepts you come up with should represent you and what you like, yeah it’s fun to play and dress up, but remember that you’re representing yourself in the long run.

Is there a photographer you’d like to work with in the future, or someone you’d like to work with again?
So many ha-ha… Shannon Brooke, Christian Saint, Philipe, 666 photography, No Regrets, Danger Ninja, Andy Hartmark, and Andy Silvers, to name a few. Of course there are many who I’ve already worked with that I’d love to shoot with again.

What does the future hold for Kristie California? What projects are you working on at the moment, and where do you hope this journey takes you in your professional life?
I’d love to make some magazine covers, features are great but covers are a big deal for a model. Some work with bigger names and hopefully some more artistic exposure as well. I think the New Year will be good for me.

Could we please finish with Bernard Pivot’s classic questionnaire?
Why not.

What is your favourite word?
Passion.

What is your least favourite word?
Anything negative.

What turns you on (creatively spiritually or physically)?
Truth.

What turns you off (creatively spiritually or physically)?
Anything that’s fake.

What sound or noise do you love?
Music and my loved ones laughing.

What sound or noise do you hate?
People fighting.

What is your favourite curse word?
Fuck… it makes everything very blunt. People understand how mad or excited you are if you use it :)

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Writing. I’ve always loved writing. Or sculpting.

What profession would you not like to do?
Doctor/Dentist… too much pressure on me ha-ha.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Sup Gangsta!? Here’s the brother you never met.

 

What a labour of love creating this piece was. I am very happy with how the interview turned out, and I hope Kristie feels the same way. I’m sure if you’re anything like me, you’ll have to know more about this highly talented individual. If that is the case then head on over to her tumblr and follow the links to Kristie’s various sites and pages:

http://kristiecalifornia.tumblr.com

 

All images used in this piece are done so with Kristie’s permission.