Trina Merry

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Body Positivity in Seattle

Did you know about body painting before your were painted?

Not before I met Trina through Facebook did I know camouflage painting was a thing.

What did you love about Trina’s work?

I love her uniqueness, and her raw talent, and her unbelievable speed! It only took her two and a half hours from start to finish.

What was different about her work from other bodypaint you had seen?

I had honestly never seen bodypainting like Trinas before I stumbled across her on Facebook.

What motivated you to reach out and do a custom bodypaint photoshoot with Trina?

I saw a Facebook post my cousin was in where Trina had painted her and that’s when I learned about camouflage painting and I probably spent 2 hours after that looking at all her work before I even messaged her for details.

Why did you want to do an outdoor camouflage bodypainting versus say an indoor studio painting?

At first I did want an indoor session (I was totally dreading being nude in public) but the more I looked at her work the more I fell in love with her camouflage paintings and I figured “Go big or go home!”

Did you have any fears or reservations about getting painted?

I did, I’ve always been so self-conscious of the way I look, and I think it was mostly not wanting to have strangers look at me naked, and that mine may not turn out as good because I consider myself bigger.

How did you feel before the painting?

The day before and the day of I was really excited and nervous and wasn’t really sure what to expect.

Did you Trina’s team prepared you as much as possible?

Yes, they were amazing, they had a whole list of things to bring and not forget and Trina even texted me the day of to add to the list of things to bring.

Many people haven’t been painted before but are very curious about the process. What does it feel like to get painted?

It was very cold and it was a little difficult to stand still in one spot for so long but Trina was great about making sure I was comfortable and giving me pauses when I needed them.

What made you feel more comfortable during your painting process?

It was really helpful to me to hear how great it was looking and her telling me to forget about the looks I was getting from people.

How did onlookers respond to your painting session?

It was super weird at first; like super weird everyone looking at my naked body making comments (some good and some not) getting pictures taken of me from strangers was super weird too but the longer I stood there the more confident I became with it and the less it bothered me. By the end, everyone wanted to take pictures of me and with me.

Any funny stories?

There was this one couple at the park we were at getting engagement pictures taken Trina had just finish painting me and they walked up asking if they could get a picture with me! I will forever be in their family picture album!

How did it feel when the painting session ended?

I felt amazing, it was the bravest thing I have ever done and it was so empowering and liberating. I never liked the way I looked (especially nude) until that day!

What is it like to remove the paint?

It was a very long shower! I’m pretty sure I used all the hot water, but I didn’t have any paint stains on me the next day so that was awesome!

What did you think of the final image?

I absolutely love it! It completely outdid my expectations and I love looking at it every day.

Where did you hang it or who did you give it to?

I’m currently waiting to get it framed but I already picked a spot on the wall above the TV where I’ll hang it.

Would you get body painted again?

Absolutely in a heartbeat! I think it’s like getting a tattoo; they’re so addictive you cant stop at just one! Trina was so fun to work with and I’ve already started saving for my next session.

What is on your dream bodypaint bucket list?

I would love to get painted into all the major cities across the US! I think that would make the coolest picture album ever!

Do you think other people should try bodypaint? Why or why not?

I think everyone should try it at least once in their life! I know it’s probably not for everybody but I think it would give people an amazing outlook on how beautiful their bodies truly are! Everyone deserves to love to body they're in, and this completely made me rethink how I see myself; I can’t wait to do it again.