Podcast: Tricia Allen - A Tangible Reminder • the Hi-lo

Photo by Shuzo – Courtesy of the Artist

Tricia Allen has been traveling the world for nearly 3 decades, studying and working to preserve Pacific Island tattoo traditions. With degrees in Art History and Anthropology, and early encouragement by the famed tattoo artist Ed Hardy, Tricia has created unique works for nearly 11,000 people.

Tricia, who lives in Hawaii, will be working with clients at the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum [PieAM] today, Wednesday May 9th, through Sunday. After that, she’ll travel South to Oceanside. She’s also scheduled to return to PieAM in September. The museum is open to the public, so everyone is invited to visit and, while there, watch her work.

In this interview, which is nearly an hour long, she talks about a wide range of subjects, from her early work on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), to helping Tahitian artists reconnect with their lost native forms. Tricia is a knowledgeable and passionate voice for this ancient and thriving art form.The conversation begins with her talking about how she got involved with PieAM.

Whether you’re an enthusiast, or just curious, I think you’ll find this conversation to be both enjoyable and informative. Here are some images of her work:

Tricia Allen with Dan DeBaca, who shows off some of her work. – Photo by Sander Roscoe Wolff. c2012

For more information about Tricia Allen, including her travel schedule and appointment booking, please visit her website: ThePolynesianTattoo.com.

For more information about PieAM, visit PieAM.org.