Faithmarks Chapter 2 - Tattoos of Faith event
Faithmarks Chapter 2 Event - TRD Photography - Chattanooga, TN - Faith Based Tattoos
Faithmarks Chapter 2 - Tattoos of Faith Event held in Chattanooga, TN
When people start talking about tattoos and faith, the conversations can get sordid pretty quickly in some circles. Last fall I was approached by Anna Golladay and Carl Greene of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, TN. Back in 2013 they held the first Faithmarks exhibit, which served to get people talking about faith and tattoos and the stories of their faith that led to the tattoos.
Anna and Carl were looking to do a "Chapter Two" event and were interested in me doing the photography for this project. I was extremely stoked to be able to do this as I've always enjoyed shooting projects to challenge ideals, such as when I did the "Equality Series" back in 2013.
We set aside four Sundays to do the sessions, which eventually became five, over this past winter. It was such a unique experience for me personally. Folks would come in and let me see their tattoo, what it was and location, and then would share with me their story while I was brainstorming where to shoot it and what kind of perspective to put on it. The stories were very touching and inspiring.
This weekend was a blur, as yesterday I had to get up at 4am to be at the church to see the canvas for the first time, as well as get to be a part of a great live interview with the Faithmarks team on WTVC Newschannel 9. I was nervous to see how my work flowed with the previous exhibit pieces and that was extremely important to me to keep them fluid with what was already done.
Last night we held the event and I was so pleased with the turnout. Fifty minutes into the event I was told we'd already had two hundred people come out. It was very inspiring to see people in my community come out and support this. I saw young children standing in front of my photographs just staring intently, while moments before they were running around playing. I saw elderly people looking at the photographs and reading the stories while wiping away tears. I had people thanking me for both how I shot these photos but bringing up past work that I did with the Equality Series. It was a very powerful experience for me.
Next up, the exhibit will still be at St. Marks on display for the next little bit, but then it'll be going back out on the road as a traveling art show. Last year it traveled across the country to different festivals and churches that wanted to use it as a talking point. This year, I'm not sure if it's been worked out logistically or not, but I know there were places overseas interested in bringing it over to show as well.
Some people don't think that tattoos and faith can mix. I'd challenge you to open up your mind, read the stories, get to know people for who they are on the inside and not what they look like on the outside. You might be pleasantly surprised not just by finding out their stories, but by the renewing of your spirit as well.
Ricky
Check out Faithmarks online at www.ourfaithmarks.com
www.trdphotography.com - trd@trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
IG/Twitter/Snapchat/ Pinterest - @trd_photography
Pack of Wolves - Echo of Love Album Cover
Echo of Love - The sophomore release from Pack of Wolves - Photo by TRD Photography
Pack of Wolves - Echo of Love
Recently I was honored to be able to do some album artwork for the band, Pack of Wolves. They are based out of Chattanooga, TN and just released their sophomore album, Echo of Love. They are fronted by the dynamite, Tootsie Von Comare. She's got soul well beyond her years and they put on a great show! Their album is out now digitally and soon to be released in cd format. Here's the cd cover that I got the privilege of shooting.
Check Pack of Wolves out at the following sites.
www.facebook.com/pages/Pack-of-Wolves/112745215503051
www.packofwolvesmusic.com
www.reverbnation.com/packofwolves4
And as always, feel free to check out my other work at the following links.
TRD Photography - Chattanooga TN - www.trdphotography.com
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG/Twitter/Pinterest @trd_photography
Behind the Scenes at a TRD Photography Event
BTS at the Feb 22nd Blowout...
On February 22nd we offered a special event at the TRD Photography studio. We'd done some renovating and decided to celebrate by offering a big discount day. We had a great day with seven ladies booking slots. It got extremely hectic and I didn't get to video as much as I had planned, but we put together some short clips as well as some of the edited images from several of the ladies to kinda give a glimpse into the day.
I wanna thank my pal, Raven Lee, for assisting me that day. She was a huge help. Raven and I have a special video project of our own that'll be debuting here in the near future. Check out some of the final product below of several of the amazing ladies I got to work with that day!
much love and thanks for all the continued support,
Ricky
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
IG - Twiiter - Pinterest - @trd_photography - Chattanooga, TN
Model April Bijou - TRD Photography
Model Ania De Von - TRD Photography
Lucia Silveria - TRD Photography - Her first ever professional shoot and she rocked it!
Model TIffany Merriman - TRD Photography
Model Raven Lee - TRD Photography -
Coulrophobia - The Series - It's just the Beginning....
Coulrophobia - The Series - It's just the Beginning... Model Raven Lee - Photo TRD Photography
Coulrophobia - The Series
What's your biggest fear? I want to introduce you to a new series I just began work on entitled "Coulrophobia - The Series"
I've always been fascinated by the fear that some people have of clowns. When I do conventions, a lot of people stop me to talk about my darker work and talk to me about their fear of clowns and such. I've contemplated doing a large scale, twisted clown series for awhile, and now that time is upon us.
"Coulrophobia" is going to be a large scale, ongoing series that will build over time. It will include models, such as the amazing Raven Lee above, but I also plan on including an anyone, any size, any age can be a part of this. I want clowns of all shapes and sizes, male and female, the like.
The wonderful, Raven Lee and I kicked off the series recently, and we've decided to announce a special one day event as well. I've never offered a "dark art" specially priced event before but it's been asked for, for years. So if you'd like to get your photos taken with me check this out. On March 29th, Raven and I are joining together to offer a dark art photoshoot, Coulrophobia style. The cost is $75, which gets you makeup provided by Raven, we will be getting wigs and some costumes and props, if you want to create your own clown character, that's perfectly acceptable too, you'll get 2 fully edited photos from the shoot, AND a free 8x10 of your favorite clown photo. This is a specially priced, one day event. Slots have already started to fill up. You can reach me at trd@trdphotography.com for more details or to book.
Ricky
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Pinterest, Twitter, IG - @trd_photography
www.trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Photo of the Day - Makynna Rigsby - 2/22/2015
Model - Makynna Rigsby - TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/21/2015
Photo of the Day - 2/22/2015 - Makynna Rigbsy
I've been working with Kynna and her sister Ashley since late 2011. Wow! Just typing that, I can't believe it's been that long. It's been incredible watching this young lady grow and transform into one of the best models I've worked with. She's signed to an agency out of Atlanta and has some amazing roads ahead of her. I've really been taking back by this image. I think it's the reds that just pop at me. I want to thank Melissa Watson for doing makeup on this shoot and Kynna's mom, Avery for doing hair.
Check out more of my work below....
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Photo of the Day - April Bijou - 2/21/2015
Model April Bijou - TRD Photography - Chattanooga TN - 2014
Photo of the Day - April Bijou - 2/21/2015 - TRD Photography
This was one of my favorites from 2015. I met April at the Chattanooga Tattoo Convention and she booked a session with me. She blew me away at our shoot! I'm really stoked as tomorrow I'll be getting to do another session with April as she booked one of my slots from my special studio session I offered recently.
So stay tuned to see some more killer work from this young lady. You can follow her FB page at the following...
www.facebook.com/pages/April-Bijou-Modeling/472890502857230
Follow more of my work at the following as well.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG, Twitter, and Pinterest - @trd_photography
www.trdphotography.com - trd@trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Flashback Friday - Mandi Mayhem -
Model - Mandi Mayhem - TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/20/2015
Flashback Friday - Model Mandi Mayhem - POTD 2/20/2015
Let's face it, I've got some absolutely amazing friends. Mandi is just a mind blowing talented lady and all around awesome person. This was from our last set that we got to shoot. It was featured in Ink Revolution when I was still working with it.
Go check out Mandi's FB page at www.facebook.com/pages/Mandi-Mayhem/139923119450671
View more of my work at the following.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com
As always, I'm Ricky of TRD Photography and I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. My studio is a stones throw from Chattanooga in Cleveland. I specialize in model photography but I also work with bands and businesses in creating a unique look to help brand their image. Hit me up if you're interested.
Throwback Thursday - Hotels Project with Raven Lee
Model Raven Lee from the Hotel Series by TRD Photography - Photo of the Day 2/19/2015
Photo of the Day - 2/19/2015 - Throwback Thursday - The Hotel Series with Raven Lee
One of my absolute favorite people in the world happens to be Ms. Raven Lee. I met her back in early 2012 and have had so many amazing, artistic shoots with this lady. She's been one of the sweetest, most genuine souls I've ever met! One thing about Raven that I've not ever seen at her level is how prepared she always is. Her specialty is really in nailing artistic shoot and she goes above and beyond in planning. I've never seen anyone else like her!
I chose this photo to share with you guys today because this one came from one of my projects! It's a project that I've not really worked on since 2013 and I'd like to get it rolling again this year. It's what I called the Hotel Project. The basis of it came from the idea of working towards a book project featuring more character driven b&w shots done at hotels. Different places with different vibes.
Even though this was one of our lesser planned out sets, it's still one of my absolute fav sets. We went for more of the old Hollywood starlet feel, with her look and with the edit.
Be sure to go check her out on Facebook below.
www.facebook.com/theravenlee
Be sure to stay tuned to the blog as I have a video project coming up with her VERY soon. :)
You can check out more of my work at....
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
Email - trd@trdphotography.com - www.trdphotography.com
I'm Ricky Davis and I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. .
Photo of the Day 2/17/2015 - Vanessa Michelle
Model - Vanessa Michelle - Group The 86'd - TRD Photography
Photo of the Day 2/17/2015
This photo is one of my recent favorites. Vanessa and I go back a good ways. We met up at a local fav location of mine and did some more "pretty" almost fashionesque work which we hadn't really done before. I loved this angle and the lighting was fantastic!
Be sure to check out more of Vanessa's work. She is also one of my cohorts in our "alternative collective" The 86'd.
Visit Vanessa at www.facebook.com/vanessamichellefilth
Visit the 86'd at www.facebook.com/wearethe86d
Visit me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Instagram & Twitter - @trd_photography Email - trd@trdphotography.com
Photo of the Day 2/16/2015
Between Two Worlds - TRD Photography
Between Two Worlds
This shot came from another shoot that we were doing at the time. I love doing shoots in the water. There's just something magical with it. After we were finished doing the original shot, I asked Daniel Wilbanks, one of the hands in our other photo if I could get a capture of him reaching up once more. He obliged, and this shot was born.
Enjoy,
Ricky
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography - trd@trdphotography.com Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
Photo of the Day - 2/15/2015
Photo of the Day - 2/15/2015
I debated over and over, what should I start this photo of the day deal with on my blog. I decided to start it out with one of my favorite images that brings in aspect of my faith.
I took this image at a local cemetery. I love shooting images of statues, when you look at them from different angles and perspectives, it's incredible the amount of emotion they have. This particular image grabbed my attention. This is also the first time that I've ever edited a statue type image in more of my vintage feel and worked it more to fit my vision. I really loved the results.
It's not always a popular thing to say, and sometimes I catch flak all around, but what I do as a photographer results from Faith. I mentioned it in my about me section. I'm far from perfect but my work is my calling in life. I have no doubts of this. It's one of the reasons that I think this image means so much to me.
Enjoy,
Ricky
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Email trd@trdphotography.com - Twitter & IG - @trd_photography
The Times they are A-Changing
Model - Chronic Cricket - Photo - TRD Photography - 2015
They Times they are A-Changing
Sorry for the title, I happen to be a big Dylan fan and it seemed like the perfect intro for this post. Just wanted to state that the website is undergoing some changes that'll be coming to fruition in the next few days.
With the media that we are constantly bombarded with here on social media, it's easy to have sensory overload. Recently a client came into my studio for a consultation and as we were going through my albums because she wanted to see what styles I offered, I became aware that I may have way too many images in there and that it seemed to be overwhelming.
So I'm trimming my galleries down a little to a more manageable amount of material, that will be updated more regularly. It also gives me a chance to feature my other work more frequently here on my blog. I plan to try doing a photo of the day project on here, in addition to other posts that I share as well. I hope that you guys will enjoy.
Another thing to keep an eye out for in the near future is my video work. I just started playing with video, but I absolutely love it. I'm in the planning stages on several projects in the near future that should take what I've been doing with video in a different direction.
Much love to all of you guys and gals,
Ricky
TRD Photography - www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Twitter & Instagram @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com
Goofing off with Dalis Connell
Goofing off with Dalis Connell -
Let's face it, my job means I get to hang out with pretty awesome people. I love what I do and I really enjoy getting to see different sides of people that not everyone else does. I've worked with Dalis for a couple of years now and it's always a pleasure. During our recent shoot, we decided to try out some video as well. I'm no videographer, but it was a lot of fun goofing off. I wanted to share with you a 15 second snippet from the full video which you can also check out on YouTube as well. This is a more recent edit, hence the better music... I'm still learning!
Ricky - www.trdphotography - IG & Twitter - @trd_photography - Email - trd@trdphotography.com - FB - www.facebook.com/trdphotography
Behind the Scenes video - Cali Glover
Behind the Scenes with Cali Glover & TRD Photography
So I've known Cali for quite a few years now and we recently got together for a new shoot. Cali's a pretty fantastic photographer in her own right and she's the one that inspired me to even mess around with video. We decided to put together a bts video from our shoot.
I'm really stoked about this video as it's my fourth one, and in this one I decided to try some different ideas with lighting that was formulating in my head since my last one, and I'm pretty stoked about the results. What do you guys think?
Anyway, I hope you guys dig it. Be sure to check out my YouTube channel.
Peace.
Photographer Ricky Davis - WWW.TRDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
IG - @trd_photography - Twiiter - @trd_photography - YouTube - TRD_photography
Facebook - www.facebook.com/trdphotography Email - trd@trdphotography.com
BTS Video - First Time for Everything
I've never played with video at all. It's something that I've wanted to try but frankly the idea kinda freaked me out. A good friend of mine recently did a video and it inspired me to give it a shot. Thanks Cali!
So this is from behind the scenes of one of the sets I did today with Monique Taylor. I've not Mo for quite a while now. One of my best friends in the world, Raven Lee, did the hair and makeup and she did an incredible job! I hope you guys dig this and I hope to do more videos in the near future!
Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks
BTS Photo above with Steph D, Cricket Murphy, Amanda Pocalypse, and me. I'm wearing my PWC toboggan.
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Talking Puncture Wounds Clothing with JD Hicks
I first ran into JD way back in 2012 when I just started hitting the alternative market hard. We connected through some models that were modeling his work. JD has shown me a lot of support in various ventures since, and I've really enjoyed seeing his vision for PWC expand. Recently I had a conversation with JD about where his vision is going. I'm also going to share some various photos I've taken for PWC.
Ricky - JD, what's new with PWC?
JD -We just closed out on another very productive year. Being a small clothing line out of Eastern Kentucky and making the progress that we have made in a few short years is unbelievable. And we owe it all to the people who support us day in and day out. The Puncture Wounds Clothing family continues to grow daily. We are in the process of dropping a few new designs and looking into setting up a few events in the new year.
Model - Jessi Anne - Photo TRD Photography 2012 - Puncture Wounds Clothing
Ricky - Tell us how PWC got started man.
JD - It started out as an outlet for me to help display some artwork by a couple of my extremely talented friends who own tattoo shops and for me to start up a fun little hobby. The very first item for sale from Puncture Wounds Clothing was customized canvas shoes that were decorated with sharpies.
Ricky - Very cool! I didn't realize that about the shoes. You guys have really done a lot of work with bands and in the music industry. Who have you guys sponsored as well as what, if any plans do you guys have in 2015 in the music scene?
JD - We've had the opportunity to clothe the backs of so many musicians and bands. Or family of bands consists of Another Lost Year from Charlotte, Elisium from Virginia, Almost Kings from Atlanta, Shallow Side from Cullman Alabama, Screaming for Silence out of Nebraska, Artifas out of Memphis, Crashing Broadway, Zero Dark Thirty, Royal Bliss, and Uncrowned.
We've also had the pleasure of Clothing national acts such as The Butcher Babies, Devour the Day, Pop Evil, Gemini Syndrome, and the Almighty Sevendust! We also met up with Marilyn Manson at a show in Columbus to deliver some gear to him.
We will be working with some more bands heading into the new year! May even see us set up a festival or two slinging some shirts
Model Alexys Graves and Tattoo Artist Kitty Konniption - Photo - TRD Photography - Shires by Puncture Wounds Clothing
Ricky - There are so many clothing companies out there in the alt scene, what makes PWC different?
JD - PWC isn't just a clothing company man. We are a family. Our goal is to bring as many talented people together as possible. We are looking to take over the world together.
Ricky - There's definitely no better goal than world domination brother! Where can people find links to check out PWC and pick up some gear?
JD - You can find us on
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pwc23
Instagram - @puncturewounds
Twitter - @pwounds
Website - http://www.pwclothing.com
Hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about Puncture Wounds Clothing. Be sure to check them out and support small businesses!
If you'd like to book a session with me, I've only got a couple slots left open for February, and I'm beginning to book for March. I'm based in Chattanooga TN but I travel when I have enough clients in an area. Find my work at the following links.
www.trdphotography.com - www.facebook.com/trdphotography - instagram @trd_photography - Twitter - @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com
Random Thoughts - There is No Box!!!
In our society we've been force fed an idea of what normal is, of what acceptable behavior, acceptable dress, etc is. We're raised to live in this box. The problem is there is no normal, there is no box. We were created all differently. When we are made to believe that we are all supposed to look the same way, to live the same way, and to think the same way, it creates a rebellion in the hearts of those that think differently. You either kill your spirit and conform or you become so pissed off that you go anti-acceptable.
When you go anti a lot of times that's still not who you are, it's just that you become so fed up with society that you go to extremes to show you're pissed. You may realize that this isn't really who I am either, but at least it's closer than that other thing.
Sadly, as a believer, I see this same thing happening in churches and Christianity. We create these boxes of what's acceptable to look like, to believe in, or acceptable forms of service and worship. If you don't believe the way I see it then you're wrong. It creates a lot of hostility among believers but even more so towards non-believers.
I believe that I was created different. I believe you were created different. We were all created with different minds, different ideas, different ways we process things, different interests and different purposes. It's NONE of our places to judge what someone else views their calling is. That's between them and God alone.
The fact is this box, this ideal that we're all guilty of accepting, whether you're firmly in the box, or whether you're proudly outside the box, the thing is the box doesn't exist. There is no normal, there is no anti-normal. There's just you, and there's me. You're different, I'm different, we're all different and it's time we latch onto that and be proud of who we were created to be. It's time for us to achieve OUR purpose.
Ink Revolution - Interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
Ink Revolution - Issue #2 interview with BMX pro Caleb Ruecker
One of the highlights for me in 2013 while I was out in Portland, Oregon was getting to meet and work with Caleb. I met Caleb through a mutual friend, who just happens to be a killer model, Lucille Suicide. Caleb and I shot some photos and it was just great conversation. Recently Caleb has been doing some insane long exposure photos in and around Portland. You should check him out on Instagram @calebrueckersphotos You won't be disappointed! Below is the interview that we did in Ink Revolution Magazine, issue #2.
IR: How did you get started in BMX?
Caleb: I have always had a BMX growing
up, but got really into it after I had a bad
skateboarding accident. I fell in love with
BMX and knew it was my dream, my
passion, and my life.
IR: What is your best memory from being
on the tour?
Caleb: Oh man, there are so many! I would
have to say riding for Metal Bikes and riding,
traveling, and becoming friends with all my
peers and all the dudes I looked up to when I
was just a little BMX rat. They are all amazing
memories and I wouldn’t leave any of em out.
IR: Where are some of the coolest places you
got to visit in your travels?
Caleb: Back east and Montreal for sure. I loved
New York and Boston. Fun memories for sure!
I really enjoyed just pushing through different
states with a van full of rad dudes, just seeing
different things go by.
IR: When you were out on the road, how big
were tattoos in the BMX culture?
Caleb: It definitely wasn’t. I remember seeing
a bunch of BMX dudes all bare skinned and
before you knew it they were all blasted out.
It kinda fell into the ‘thing to do’, but you
should never rush anything, especially tattooing
your whole body.
IR: I wholeheartedly agree! When did
you get your first tattoo?
Caleb: Haha. I got it when I was 14 years
old and I got it done in a Hells Angels house.
IR: That’s just what the health inspectors
like to hear. You’re working in a shop in
Portland now, right?
Caleb: Haha. Right? Yes, I work at Lady
Luck Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. I have
been a part of this tattoo shop since 2002
and I love it and everyone here.
IR: That’s awesome bro! What do you do
there?
Caleb: I run the front, aka, I’m the shop bitch.
IR: What’s one word of advice for those going
to a shop for the first time?
Caleb: Always look at the artist portfolios and
do your homework, no matter what you hear
about the artists. And don’t be afraid to ask
questions or voice concerns you may have.
IR: Great advice! What are your upcoming plans?
Any traveling?
Caleb: Yes! I plan to fill my backpack up and
grab my bike and go wherever the pavement
takes me. Not sure where yet, but thats the best
part about taking that leap and going with the wind.
IR: Sounds amazing man! We wish you all the
best on your journey!
I hope that you enjoyed checking out that interview from Ink Revolution #2 with Caleb. All photos were taken by me, TRD Photography. We'll be sharing some more interviews from Ink Revolution magazines, as well as I've got several new interviews in the works as well.
If you're interested in my work, I'm based in the Chattanooga, TN area. I am booking sessions for February and March currently. Slots are filling up fast. Check out more of my work at the links below.
www.facebook.com/trdphotography - Instagram @trd_photography - Twitter @trd_photography - Email trd@trdphotography.com - Chattanooga, TN
Thoughts on Stereotyping....
Just some thoughts....
So I realize that I've kinda fallen behind on this whole blog thing, I'll try not to let it happen again. The last few weeks of 2014 were kinda nuts for me. Lots of deadlines to get photos done before the holidays. I
Anyway, I had an experience tonight that I've experienced numerous times, and it brought to mind a lot of thoughts that I've had recently with events here in the US. I debated all the way home on if I should write about it on here or not, and I finally decided screw it. It's not what you might find on most photographers blogs but then again I don't want to be most photographers.
Tonight I was grabbing some groceries at the store, just the usual type stuff. It was busy and we were all trying to keep from getting in each others way. I started down one aisle with only one lady on it. She was middle aged and when she saw me she grabbed her purse tighter , gave me a look of disdain, and scurried past clinging to the other side of the aisle. To be honest, at first it kinda bummed me out, then I started thinking....
I have no reason to be bummed out. I have no reason to apologize. I did absolutely nothing wrong. The idea that we are judging people based on the way they dress, their tattoos and piercings, or heaven forbid, the color of their skin is just sick. We seriously have gotta wake up. Wake up to the stereotyping that we've been programmed to believe. I have tattoos. I wear baggy pants, metal shirts, a hoodie, and a beanie MOST of the time. Get to know me and you'll find that I'm really not a bad guy.
And here's what I usually get told, "it's about the image that you project is how people will view you." Really? See that's a you problem and not a me problem. Look at Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy, at the sex offender list online, or even a weekly "just busted" paper. You know what? A lot of those people APPEAR to be clean cut, well to do members of our society, so why do I gotta look like them to be treated as such? It's a shame.
Here's where we go wrong in our country, we are so focused on appearances instead of on actions. Not gonna lie, when I was younger I judged on appearance. It was the way I was brought up. Now, I'm just as cautious as ever when I'm out, but it has nothing to do with appearance and everything to do with actions.. I am mindful of peoples actions, behaviors, and their energy.
If I kept my distance from anyone that didn't project a "proper image", I'd be a pretty lonely person, and I would have missed out on some amazing friendships that have had a huge impact on my life and on my faith the last few years. I just thought it's something to think about.
Talking Beauty and Sideshows with Raven Lunatic
Interview with sideshow performer and body piercer, Raven Lunatic.
I first met Raven Lunatic last year in downtown Chattanooga. I had just gotten back from Portland, Oregon and was doing work on a project that I called Beauty Redefined. I'll be posting more about it in upcoming blogs. I met Raven and asked him if I could take a portrait for the project and we got to talking about beauty and how it's defined in our society. It was a great conversation, and so in planning to do more interviews on my blog, I thought that Raven would be a great place to start!
Ricky - "Raven, what are your thoughts on beauty and the significance that it plays in our society?"
Raven Lunatic - "Beauty is so subjective in our society as well as the world that it's difficult to measure. We are marketed an "ideal" but it doesn't work for most of us. Some of the women that I'm told by a marketing firm/modeling agency are beautiful are just plain to me and some of the women that I find extremely beautiful wouldn't be called beautiful by mainstream America. I've tried to make sense of beauty and what the "It Factor" is and haven't identified it. Now, if you look at ideal beauty from other cultures, it gets even harder to figure out. Of course this only refers to outside beauty and once you talk to someone, the scale can swing up or down."
Ricky - "I completely agree. There's so much about it that is so subjective. We are spoon fed this idea of beauty and normalcy but it's all relative to interpretation. Let's talk about you for a minute. You do sideshow performances for Freakshow Deluxe right? What is Freakshow Deluxe for those that may not have heard of it."
Raven Lunatic - "The FreakShow Deluxe is Hollywood's own & ONLY carnival-style sideshow! This is a fantastic LIVE show, bringing the classic working acts of the old freak shows to life on the modern stage in a family friendly comedy stunt show that must be seen to be believed. Prepare to be amazed and astounded as the FreakShow Deluxe performs its mind-boggling physical feats with a flair for the theatrical and a touch of humor that the whole family will enjoy. See FreakShow Deluxe astonish with the Human Blockhead, the Bed of Nails, Sword Swallowing, Fire-Eating and so much more...
I specialize in mostly Pain Proof acts such as Bed Of Nails, Bed of swords, , Breaking an Arrow with my throat, Hand in a Beaver trap, Tongue in a Mouse Trap, And recently started doing Arm in a Bear Trap.And my favorite is Pin Cushion and Human Bulletin Board where people staple cash to my body using an industrial stapler."
Ricky - "Very cool man! I def want to catch the show sometime! I got to see Enigma and Serana Rose perform at the Chattanooga Tattoo Convention earlier this year. Do you spend much time out on tour? What's life like out on the road for a performer?"
Raven Lunatic - "I have yet to meet them but I really want to. I love to travel and see new places. It's one of the reasons I joined but I haven't been able to travel as much as I want to. I have too many projects going at the moment and we put a show together to meet the clients needs so not everyone wants a guy who stabs needles through his face, neck and arm. Some venues ask for less extreme stunts."
Ricky - "What are some of your other projects? I know you have Raven Lunatic clothing and your pierce too right?"
Raven Lunatic - "Those are the biggest. We just finished the first t-shirt for Raven Lunatic Clothing that was borne from a conversation with an old friend. He couldn't believe that I wasn't on drugs or drunk when I did my stunts or suspensions so I made a shirt. It's American made on American Apparel because I believe that we have a responsibility to support American companies. I've been working to bring the highest quality of jewelry to the area and removing the limits of what someone can have. I recently got a price for a Platinum navel dangle with diamonds, and rubies from BVLA. I'm lucky that there isn't a limit. Plus a pet project that I need to spend even more time on. I'm more militant than some people and think that if a business won't hire pierced and tattooed people, we shouldn't spend money there. I think it's important to support my customers."
http://www.facebook.com/pages/End-tattoo-and-piercing-discrimination-in-the-workplace/746127828747813
Ricky - "Very cool man! I'll def share the links in this interview man. Before we wrap it up, I'd like to ask a couple more questions. What is one band that people should be listening to right now?"
Raven Lunatic - "The main bands I would recommend at the moment is Frank Turner. I start every morning with Photosynthesis, Love Ire and Song" and "Sons Of Liberty" and Determined out of Reno. Some of the Irish Rovers songs make me smile too."
Ricky - "What is a film that you'd recommend checking out?"
Raven Lunatic - "Films are difficult. I tend to watch some really obscure films. I have a friend who pulls out the strangest films every time I visit. But I recommend watching Modify, Body of God and Dances Sacred and Profane. But brace yourself before watching. And for a mainstream film, Point Break."
Ricky - "I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me a few minutes. I look forward to catching up with you again in the near future. Have you received any piece of advice in life that you'd like to share to close with?"
Raven Lunatic - "The best advice I've heard is Be the person you want to be. We all do things to be more comfortable in our own skin. It doesn't matter if it's tattoos, piercings, how we dress or anything else, as long as we're a good person, that's what matters.
and one more final thought about beauty.
We all do things to make ourselves more comfortable in our own skin so it only makes sense that we all have different ideals of true beauty. Beauty in one culture may not even be acceptable in another."
Ricky - I hope that you guys enjoyed the conversation with the Raven Lunatic. I plan on doing a lot more interviews and conversations here in the near future so be sure to check back often to check out new content. I asked Raven for some links to some of his work and projects to share with you guys. You can find those below.
https://www.facebook.com/AbroInkWorksTattooAndBodyPiercings
http://www.freakshowdeluxe.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RavenLunaticClothing
https://www.facebook.com/ravenlunaticfsd
Also be sure to check out TRD Photography on the web as well.
http://www.trdphotography.com - TRD Photography - Chattanooga, TN -
http://www.facebook.com/trdphotography - IG @trd_photography - Twitter @trd_photography