SGC N-Y-C | SUMMER 2012

Photographer – Jayne Lies http://www.jaynelies.com/

Model – Seventy Jane http://iamseventyjane.com/

Styled By – Jason Alfano www.sgcny.com

Special Thanks To

Occulter http://www.occulter.org/

Chris Reed https://twitter.com/itschrisreed

Obesity and Speed http://obesityandspeed.com/

Ryan James Spencer http://www.ryan-spencer.com/

 

http://www.sgcny.com/

Elke Kramer | S/S 13 'Concrete' Collection

http://www.elkekramer.com/

Featured Tattoo Artist | Chelsea Rhea

Name: Chelsea Rhea

Age: 29

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

What attracted you to tattooing?

I was fresh out of art school with a painting degree and selling cosmetics at the mall to pay for tattoos. I saw an opportunity to do something creative on a daily basis. In those days tattooing seemed like a certain kind of freedom.

How did you get into the industry?

By the good grace of Nick Stegall, an incredible artist, who became an even better friend. He took my apprenticeship seriously and taught me well. Not many tattooers can speak so highly of their start, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?

I think it's a matter of finding a GOOD apprenticeship. I'll admit I wasn't one of those kids with a do or die attitude toward tattooing. If it was worth doing, it was worth doing WELL. Even then I knew a proper apprenticeship was key.

How many years have you been tattooing?

3 years

What inspires you?

Mythology, the persistence of symbolism, the esoteric arts...we, as a species, have managed to tattoo our bodies for a variety of reasons, for as long as we've walked on this earth. There's something humbling about contributing to that tradition, both as an artist and as a client. Something feels sacred about that.

Who are your favorite tattoo artists?

Oh there are too many to name . I was fortunate to be in the presence of so many great artists from day one. There's so much talent out there, it's impossible to not be motivated and challenged on a daily basis.

How would you describe your tattoo style?

In the beginning I think it's important to explore the medium. I'm only just starting to develop a style and I'm curious to see how it evolves over the years. I want to make tattoos that age well, that respect the fundamentals of traditional tattooing, but I am a sucker for detail, multiple line weights, and a sophisticated color palette.

What have you learned in your years in the industry?

You have to be hungry. You're only going to get out as much as you're willing to put in.

What advice do you have to people considering careers in the industry?

No matter how much you presume to know, it is not what you think it is. Tattooing is a privilege and it sure as hell ain't easy.

What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career? 

Independence, the fulfillment of honing a craft. And I'm really looking forward to upcoming travel opportunities.

Where do you currently tattoo?

I own Amulet Tattoos in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Bedroom Envy

If you are anything like me, your bedroom is your castle and you spend many of your nights there. It's no wonder then that we dream of the best castles we can. Here are some of my dreamy bedroom inspirations. 

Eddie Borgo | Bear Trap Ring

I just fell in love. I'll take one in silver please! ♥ 

Available in Silver, gold, Gun Metal & Rose Gold. 

$325 

http://www.eddieborgo.com/

"You're a virgin who can't drive" | Candles

Ahahah these are absolute GOLD!

Buy them HERE.

When I grow up....(Oh, wait I'm 31)

When I was 13 years old, my days were spent awkwardly  sliding through school hallways with an enthusiasm to be almost anywhere but those hallways. I would race home from school, fly through the house toward my bedroom and jump straight onto my bed lying on my belly. Shoes off, school uniform off, window open (to watch the much older cute guy from school drive past my house on his way to his after school job) and teen radio music program blasting Sonic Youth on! Tune in, tune out. In those early years much of my dreams or ideals about life "when i grow up" consisted of becoming some high profile professor or rock musician (thanks Courtney Love) and finding my grungey counterpart. The concept of time when you are growing up is almost surreal.

 

 By the time I had reached 16, I was sure I was going to be a successful writer or teacher and married with children by 25 (at the latest). And then life stepped in. At 18, I was ready for life. Heading to University, 7 hours away from my hometown. "Yep, I'm totally grown-up." Through an assemblage of 'coming of age' events and feminist awakenings I soon realised growing up was a lot different than I thought it was going to be. There's no ultimate fairytale, only a tale after a tale after a tale. So, when 25 came and went there was no husband and no children... I mean truth be told I could barely keep a boyfriend.

Fast forward to today. I am now 31 years old. I live in a city I love, I try to travel internationally once a year, I have a great job in Publishing, I run my own website and freelance write. I don't have a boyfriend or a child but I have a dog and a busy lifestyle. I don't have a car or my own house but I eat well and shop well. Ideals change. Dreams and ideals bend and shift in relation to life, year after year. So what is the moral of this story? The moral is there is no ideal time to do anything, there is no right time to get married, get that job, have a child. Life is a ride. A crazy ride most of the time but an enjoyable one.

So remember -

Dream big. Life is yours for the taking. Don't be a backseat driver.

This is YOUR life. Not your friends from high school, not your parents, not your teachers.

Listen to your own inner voice & always follow your gut instinct. It's generally right.

There's no shame in making mistakes or changing your mind.

There is no time limit on when and what you do. Find your own pace.

As Troy Dyer said to LeLaina Pierce in Reality Bites "Honey, all you have to be by the time you're 23 (31) is yourself."