Being of the female variety is a tricky business. Seems to me that there are all sorts of rules and regulations. Always have been. Thankfully we're constantly continuing to work on the "always will be" part that usually accompanies the previous sentence.
Women all around me are looking for ways to embrace their sexuality without compromising intelligence. Not just looking for, but actually making the effort to do so.
You see, the legs are only part of the package. The books on the shelf and paintings on the wall are equally, if not more so, as important in expressing one's creativity as the tattoos and piercings.
It's about not apologizing for who we are. For some it's a daily struggle. Others are well on their way to perfecting it, and some have yet to discover that they don't [really] have to do as they were told. It's about not jamming ourselves into media driven ideals. It's about being caught in a generation where we're told we can do anything* we put our pretty, little minds to (*excluding: x, y, and z.) and not accepting that reality.
And that's beautiful.
Since 2001, SuicideGirls has been bringing alternative beauty to the internet masses. Co-founder Selena "Missy Suicide" Mooney states the purpose of the site is to "give women control of how their sexuality is depicted." The girls are involved directly in the community by interacting in groups, on message boards, and making special appearances. The site receives over one-thousand applications weekly and continues to connect interesting women with one another daily.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Patton.
Once I figured out what direction I wanted to take this madness I couldn't resist bugging her to do a piece with me. A fascinating creature, this twenty-something Ohio native is the embodiment of all of my manic rambling. She paints, she pierces, and can out-nerd all of my dragon-fighting friends any day. Proof that today's hard-working woman can still do it all backwards and in heels...but can do it just the same in combat boots or Mary Janes.
What do you like most about the SuicideGirl project?
The fact that it promotes individual character in every girl on the site. Every difference that sets them apart from each other as well as everyone else is what makes them all beautiful women.
What inspired you to become a SuicideGirl?
The lure of a couple of hot girls bugging me to join and model for the site at a tattoo convention.
Where does "Patton" come from?
What do you like most about your fans?
They're incredibly sweet. A lot of them take an interest in the things I'm into. They inform me about upcoming albums releases of my favorite artists, have sent generous presents and pictures...you name it. It's like having a bunch of good friends you never actually meet.
Have you always been comfortable or do you still get nervous being naked in front of others?
I get nervous in general that I'll look like an idiot, but as far as being naked; not really. I've always been comfortable with my body so it has never really bothered me.
I'll admit though, it does become distracting--nerve-racking when there are a bunch of people watching.
What does preparing for a photo shoot require?
A good night's sleep and plenty of stretching!
Who are your favorite people to work with?
How do you feel about the revival of other alternative subcultures such as roller derby and burlesque?
Do you think they're connected?
I'm happy to see more women embracing their identities in lustful form...and putting it into something positive like that.
Boxcar Burlesque and the Appalachian Hell Betties
Where does the inspiration for your art and all-around creativity come from?
A composite mixture of mild insanity, music insomnia.
As a fellow native Ohioan,
why do you choose to call this place home?
I enjoy the diversity that the capital seems to have established in the years since I've moved here. I could definitely do without the schizophrenic weather. Being [originally] from Cleveland just hearing phrases like "lake effect" or "snow belt" make my bones hurt.
Where is your favorite place to get tattoos done?
Do you have a favorite artist?
How many piercings and tattoos do you have?
I have forty-seven piercings. I'm not sure how many tattoos. I a have a ton that aren't finished. My favorite is probably my left arm. It's Halloween based, and I have a very, very freakish and unhealthy love of the holiday.
Favorite local business, up and coming artist, or creative mind?
Short North Tattoo is probably my one of my favorite studios I've ever been in. It has a very art based, clean and friendly atmosphere to it. They're opening a new studio at the end of the summer, Old North Tattoo where I'll be performing piercings. There's also a great record store, Magnolia Thunderpussy, that carries just about all of the weird music I'm into that's hard to find in other record stores.
If you had a business card what would be on it--what would your title be?
Body harvester/gore. Or kittens. Maybe gore kittens.
What are your favorite foods?
Broccoli, pita chips, hummus, ginger snaps, and cinnamon Teddy Grahams.
Is there a certain part of your body that makes you feel the most confident or sexy?
Not really. I kind of view it as one entire vessel, but having some
killer hair never hurt.
What does your beauty regimen consist of?
I'm kind of lazy on the average day and really only take the time to throw on some quick eyeliner or mascara. I love ProLash and PenUltimate eyeliner by MAC. Makes my makeup process a million times faster. I owe the life of my three foot long hair to John Frieda detangling spray. Also, I love the holy shit out of Aquage Beyond Shine!
Describe an average day in the life of
yourself:
loud music, work, loud music, work, cat cuddles, bookworming, generalized insomnia, best friend time, Sunday dinners, pictures,
boobs, science, cleaning
Do you have any advice for girls struggling with their own body image?
If you can't embrace your own imperfections you'll never be able to embrace anyone else's. Life is short so love yourself, and forget
what whatever anyone else might have to say on the matter.
Since my blog is typically about [the obsessing, drooling over, and purchasing of] stuff where is your favorite place to shop?
First and foremost, Half Price Books and Barnes & Noble have my heart forever. I also like American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, Gilly Hicks and Victoria's Secret.
Special thanks to my beautiful, incredible, wonderful friend
Amanda,
for helping me with this post.
Look how cute she is!
* The term SuicideGirls came from the bad-ass Chuck Palahniuk and his book Survivor. If you don't know Chuck by now you better do yourself a favor and get hip, fool.
