MaryLeigh

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.
My Name is MaryLeigh and I am from Ellicott City, Maryland I am 66 years old and born on December 15, 1943

When did you first start modeling? Are you represented by an agency or are you an independent free-lancer? 
I have been modeling for about 10 years as a freelance model working in areas from the elegant to the erotic.

Why do you model, other than the final remuneration, of course!?
I model for many reasons but foremost is because I can  DO IT at my age. I want to show the world that great successful models can also possess considerable body art that can enhance fashions and not detract from the look needed by a photographer.

What are your long term career goals, ambitions and aspirations?
One of my long term goals is to promote the idea that MATURE models over the age of 20 can be productive, elegant and sexy.

Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo?  What was your initial reaction? 
Many years ago I saw some beautiful body art while at the beach. I had always wanted a tattoo but was never able to get up the guts to get one.

When did you get your tattoos, starting with the first? Why the particular tattoo designs you have? Who was the tattoo artist?
One day in Florida I thought  lets get it done so it started at Paradise Tattoo in Key West where a tiny rose was added to my shoulder. That all it took to be HOOKED. After this initial splash of color I sought out an artist that was the best, female and loved color. I found Mary Skiver at Personal Art Studio in Cumberland , Maryland. She as done all the current work that took over 150 hours and a period of 2 years to complete. She is a wonderful and talented woman and at her best using color.

What does your body art reveal about you? Style or Statement? 
The completed art work was totally planed to create the theme that I "Love Animals". The work created by Mary Skiver reveals not only my love for all animals but my love of art and color.

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?
I am a professional model and yes the placement of the art work was a consideration. It can be covered up if necessary but what I have learned is when a photographer sees the art work he does not want it hidden.

What is the usual reaction of photographers to your body art?  Others in the fashion business?  Significant others?  Strangers on the street!? 
Over the years most people are very complementary about my body art and I am never afraid to show the art as much as I can. I love backless dresses and the art complements what I wear. Photographers love the art work and are amazed with my age and that I only have had the art work for about 8 years. On the beach I always get great attention and it is never NEGATIVE. My three grown boys on the other hand think I am crazy but know it is me and what I wanted to do in life.

Has having body art prevented you from doing any specific modeling work? 
My body art have never stopped me from any modeling and in fact it has enhanced my ability to get modeling assignments.

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?
At this point the creation by Mary Skiver is complete. I don't think more is on the horizon but one never knows.

Any hints for aspiring models thinking about getting body art?
To those new models considering body art chose wisely and locate wisely. Don't do names or slogans do ART and something that you love because it is going to be with you for ever.

Do you have a favorite photographer?
There are many great photographers out there and I have worked with many of them  Swede Photo - Rudy Blomstrom is one of the very best as is Michael McGowen. Both are very different in their work. Rudy is elegant and sexy. Michael is erotic and leans to the fetish side of Photography.

Any photographers you are dying to work with?
I could go on and on about great photographers I have worked with and desire to work with. I do enjoy a great professional and being in front of his or her camera.

A photographic or artistic project that you would love to be associated with? 
I am always looking for that great creative photographer that can develop that very special post that WOWS the world by showing my BODY OF ART

When you think of celebrity tattoos, who do you think of first?
Most celebrity tattoos seem to try to make a statement and can be or look like  it is just a fad. Real body art is where an artist is the creator of something very special and a piece of ART and not a name  slogan or statement taken off the Wall.

Have you ever searched online for information about tattoos?
I love searching on line to see what others have done with their artists and their body art. Times have changes and it is now a regular thing to see a tattoo. It is special to see art in a tattoo and they are the ones I enjoy most on the net and on a a real body.

Have you ever heard of the Vanishing Tattoo website, or visited the site www.vanishingtattoo.com ? 
I have heard of Vanishing Tattoo and have been to the site many times. I am pleased at this point that I have been recognized to be a part of this new part of the Vanishing Tattoo.

What do you think when you hear about someone who's lost a job opportunity because of their body art? 
When I hear someone has lost his or her job because of a tattoo the first thing that comes to mind is that it was not thought out at the beginning. Again you have to understand  that not everyone is into tattoos so place your art wok where i can be seen when you want it to be seen.

What do you think about the current popularity of tattoos within mainstream popular culture?
Mainstreaming today is far more tolerant of tattoos. However the mainstreaming public is in my opinion very open to BODY ART went it is ART, I have never heard a bad word about my work and I am in the public eye all the time. All has been favorable and I am flattered when someone asks about the design, color and theme.

Want to find out what some of Maryleigh's tattoo designs & symbols mean?
Check out: Tiger Tattoos, Flower Tattoos, Vine Tattoos, Fairy Tattoos, Koi fish Tattoos, Giraffe Tattoos.