Tricia Allen has been traveling the world for more than 20 years, studying and working to preserve Pacific Island tattoo traditions. With a background 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 today, Wednesday May 9th, through Sunday. After that, she'll travel South to Oceanside. She's also scheduled to return to PieAM in September.
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. Whether you're an enthusiast, or just curious, I think you'll find this conversation to be both enjoyable and informative.