Trisha Lurie

Let's start with your name, or the name you work under, where you're from, and an approximate time of when you made an appearance on this planet.
Okay Here we go.. Ready? I was born under the pisces moon in southern CA, not that long ago (approximately) under the name Trisha Lurie, I live in the beautiful city of Santa Monica mostly because I am addicted to the beach.

When did you first start modeling? Are you represented by an agency or are you an independent free-lancer?
Lets see, When did I start modeling? Well I did it a bit back in the day right after high school and then took a break, devoted my self to being an artist and new mother, then I missed it and started up again about five years ago. I am not represented by an agency but I am not opposed to it, if the right agency came along. Just throwing it out there..lol

Why do you model, other than the final remuneration, of course!?
Why do I do it (the modeling of course)? Well I am divided into multiple personalities, as an artist first, modeling is a fun way to be apart of a creative process, make some money and feed my narcissistic side, just kidding....well sort of. I love the energy of a shoot and I love photography, what is not to love?  

What are your long term career goals, ambitions and aspirations?
What are my long term career goals you ask... Career wise I am hoping to take my music, art and acting to the next levels. I am dedicated to my passions and determined to excel in all of them for the main reason that I LOVE doing them so much! You only live once in this form so, If I can find away to make my dreams become my career, then I have won in the career war.

Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo? What was your initial reaction? 
I remember the first time I saw a woman with sleeves. I was about 8 years old, standing in line at a grocery store. There was this beautiful japanese woman in front of me with full japanese tattoos covering her arms. I remember thinking  that I hope I grow up to look like her, I loved her tattoos. Haha Since I could not become a beautiful Japanese woman, I started getting tattoos as well and ironically I am a huge fan of japanese art so most of my tattoos are Japanese motivated.

When did you get your tattoos, starting with the first? Why the particular tattoo designs you have? Who was the tattoo artist?
The first tattoo I got was a shell on my ankle while I was living in Hawaii on Oahu. My boyfriends roommate tattooed me in the kitchen. I think he was nervous and was a bit shaky. I was 18 and he was a perv. We stopped with the line work and I had it filled in later by Johnny 2/3rds. And actually had it redone again after that by Jeff Thielman of Ship shape because I wanted more water, more shells and brighter color. 
Lets see what was next, my hip band which is japanese waves, Cherry blossoms and a turtle I designed that has all the astrological signs of my sisters brother and mine of course. We all have the turtle somewhere on us. Kind of like a modern family crest. 

Then I got my right sleeve done (about 6 years ago) It is a Japanese serpent wrapped around my arm with a beautiful collection of flowers and ocean. It represents Strength, rebirth, transition, love and beauty.
Next was a traditional style Bluebird with a banner of my sons name Riley. One of my favorite tattoos (which I hardly see) I got that on mothers day about three years ago. My son loves it.

My last tattoo was a little red heart behind my ear. It is a bff tattoo that my best friend since high school got together. She is my bad ass surfing friend, we have been showing the boys what's up since back in the day, haha. I love her. Aside from the heart all my work has been done by Jeff Thielman out of Ship Shape Tattoo, CA. 

I am getting my ribs done sometime with in the next couple weeks :) fun times!

What does your body art reveal about you? Style or Statement?

What do my tattoos say about me?  Well, I am an individual and I don't care to fit into a box. I am not trying to be a cookie cutter white-bread blonde CA girl and I don't give a f*ck if you like my body or what I put on it. I also just love tattoos! I think that they are spicy :)

When you got the tattoo(s), did you think about the possible effect of having body art on your ability to get work, or model?
As far as the modeling career and tattoos, I never intended to be a model forever or as my main career, I just kept getting work. I am 5'4 so it is not like I am prancing down any runways..haha. I am sure there are many jobs I don't get because of the tattoos but that doesn't bother me. I don't want to do an ad for JC penny anyway. 

What is the usual reaction of photographers to your body art? Others in the fashion business? Significant others? Strangers on the street!?
People have so many reactions to tattoos, I think there is a bit of tension when a beautiful girl gets extensive work done. Some People don't know where to put it in their box categories. Most of the response is positive and I get a lot of "I don't even like tattoos but those really fit you, I aprove" (Like I need there approval :)  But there is always some asshole who says "Why would such a beautiful girl go and ruin herself by getting all those tattoos?" As if I was put on this planet as a feast for their eyes or that their opinion of another person means anything! They feel justified by their narrow mind and then say it out loud! I would be embarrassed to act so rude. Whatever, you cant win them all and I prefer to be loved or hated not shown indifference. That is a bit more of my narcissism coming out again there, sorry. 

Has having body art prevented you from doing any specific modeling work?
I am sure it has but not loosing sleep over it.

Have you considered getting more body art? A design you are dying to get or a specific tattoo artist whose work you would like to have?
More please is my answer to that. Yes I intend of getting more but still on the fence. So far I know kind of what I want and where but I am taking the time to be sure I want it forever. 

Any hints for aspiring models thinking about getting body art?
To any models thinking about getting body art just think, "do I want to be a model with tattoos or a tattoo model"  In main stream modeling you can get by with only have a few small ones but once you cross the line it is a different ball game. KNow what you want out of life, If you want to be americas next top model, hold off but if you are still going to keep working at some day job then why not.

Do you have a favorite photographer?
I can't say I have only one favorite photographer. I would be leaving people out but some of my favorites are Sean Hartgrove, Simon Thorpe, Christian Holzknecht, Robert Alerado, Warwick Saint etc.

A photographic or artistic project that you would love to be associated with?
I am a fan of the No H8 photo campaign and also I have started my own photo project that I hope to have a gallery show with at some point. But I cant say what it is or I will spoil it all. 

When you think of celebrity tattoos, who do you think of first?
Off the top of my head, John Mayer has great work, Flea, Angelina, Montel Williams, Depp etc.

Have you ever searched online for information about tattoos?
Yes I have but it has been a while.

Have you ever heard of the Vanishing Tattoo website, or visited the site - www.vanishingtattoo.com ?
Yes I have and I think Vanishingtattoo.com kicks ass. Well done!

What do you think when you hear about someone who's lost a job opportunity because of their body art?
What is it 1950? Are we still being prejudice? I hear about it all the time and it still shocks me! All of the sudden being tattooed is the wrong color? HMMMM. 

What do you think about the current popularity of tattoos within mainstream popular culture?
I can honestly say that I have noticed a big change in the popularity of tattoos in mainstream culture they are not so tabu anymore everyone from soccer moms, executives and rockers to gangsters are getting them. But there still a big difference between good tattoos and bad tattoos. Kind of like clothes, the type of work you have makes a difference in how you will be labeled. Tattoo art is a growing industry and there are some absolutely amazing artist out there. I think that the art level is progressing and the art world is taking notice.

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