From Girona to New York: Krish embarked on an adventure on the tattoo scene which soon anointed her as one of the most interesting upcoming talents in contemporary Neo Traditional.
In this nice long interview she tells us all about her adventure (and much more… including her favourite inks from World Famous!) – painting a vivid portrait of a professional, and a human being, who is something truly special. Thanks Krish!
Hi, Krish! Would you like to tell me more about yourself? Who is Krish Trece? What is your background?
I was born in Girona (Spain), also known as Salvador Dali’s birthplace. It is a place that really celebrates his career, so this provided me with the opportunity to grow up surrounded by his imagery of surreal worlds where the boundaries of creativity are nonexistent and where the arts are truly treasured. I’m grateful this uncovered the world of art for me at such a young age. I became obsessed with learning more and discovering new artists.
I have always been mesmerized by oil paintings, sculpture and all classic culture in general.
I started off in the illustration field until I moved to Madrid when I was 18. As soon as I arrived in that city, I got my first tattoo. This opened my eyes to a whole different world and I was instantly captivated by the creativity, culture and technique. I still am to this day.
I have now been tattooing professionally for just over a decade and I’m truly thankful to have experienced so many great moments like traveling as a guest artist, attending various national and international conventions around the world and to be able to showcase my work so extensively. It has been hard work, but little by little I’ve seen all my dreams come to life. I’m so appreciative to everyone who has believed in me and given me a chance.
… And what do you think that are the most important goals you have achieved?
As far as the most significant personal goal I have achieved, it would have to be by far to have the opportunity to work in such a creative city I can now call NYC home. Another plus is I finally have the proper excuse to start learning English, which I’ve been meaning to do for years!
I really am totally fascinated by your style: your tattoos are so full of details, expressive and elegant. How do you manage to achieve such perfect results?
Thank you so much! I wouldn’t say my results are perfect just yet.There’s always room for improvement and Neo Traditional (like many other styles) is a style which is always evolving. It’s made out of so many layers and branches, I literally feel I never stop learning and have endless aspects to master yet.
As tattoo artists, we are continuously asked to develop and create unique pieces on a daily basis, this is why I believe it is key to take the time to continue learning and growing as an artist. I feel it’s important to invest time in discovering new techniques, getting inspired by all that the world of art and talented artists have to offer. To always be curious, put love in what you do, never limit yourself, take everything you learn and admire and use it towards your growth. I believe that all these things together reflect on your artwork and profession in a positive way.
Let’s talk about your colour palette, undoubtedly another very specific feature of your work: how did you choose it and how would you describe it?
I’ve always been inspired by nature’s variety of beautiful harmonious colours, with a special preference for the warm and earthy tones. I find them visually soothing and elegant. My goal was to create a characteristic colour palette with what I love and what inspires me, which is nature and classic art.
I wanted it to be recognizable, cohesive and represent my aesthetic in an individual way. After some time, I started realizing I had a pattern and not only that, my clients would reach out and specifically ask for certain tones I used. World Famous Inks provided me with the opportunity to find the exact selection of distinctive tones I envisioned, now these beautiful warm and earthy tones represent my creative vision and style in such a personal way.
How important is it to choose the right equipment and the right inks to make a good tattoo?
This is definitely a crucial element in the process of tattooing. To portray your envisioned design in a precise way, the materials you use have to live up to your expectations and most importantly by using the right equipment and inks you are ensuring a quality piece and result. Little things like the machine you use has to be able to follow with the speed of your hand, the inks have to have the exact tone you are looking for and heal accordingly, the needles must help you line work in a uniform and flawless way. Even the lighting you use is an important factor during the process! Everything you use must support your vision, your work and make sure your client’s tattoo experience and result is the best it can possibly be.
Why did you choose to rely on World Famous and what are the characteristics that make their inks right for you?
Undoubtedly what makes World Famous Inks stand out in such a distinctive way is the endless variety of tones, the amazing quality of their inks is wonderful to work with, not to mention how they heal in such a solid and impeccable way. By using these inks, your vision will be accurately represented and you can trust your tattoo will look its best now and when years go by with such long lasting results.
You can find literally any tone you envision and they have a great selection of curated sets created by extremely talented artists in the tattoo industry.
The bottles offer a really convenient and secure cap which you can pop open or close using just one hand, showing they really understand tattoo artists’ needs. My love of nature is recognized and respected by making all their inks Vegan, non-toxic and animal cruelty-free. What more can you ask for, right? Their hard work really shows all around and I can say I am blessed and proud to be part of the World Famous Family!
What are your favourite World Famous colours?
This is the hardest question by far! Inside my favourite palette alone I have so many World Famous inks I like, but if I had to name a few, they would be: Taj Mahal, Rembrandt Red, Venice, Badlands Brown, Regal Opulence, Ed Gein Deer Skin, Darken Autumn, Jolly Green Giant.
Among your tattoos I see many beautiful faces of women and portraits of animals: are they the most requested or also the ones you prefer?
I would have to say both. I’m lucky I have been able to specialize in both of my favourite themes, my clients request them and this means the world to me. I’m obsessed with the beauty of nature, the animals, the flora, the botanicals, they are all so pure and special to me. I really enjoy creating compositions with these elements, including filigree to add some romanticism. The creative possibilities are endless.
Because I also love taking a classic approach in my pieces, portraits of women are my other predilection. I really enjoy depicting the romantic aesthetic in my portraits, not only with the obvious femininity but making sure I represent how strong and powerful women are too. This combination helps me create portraits with meaning and expression. I try and keep an elegant aesthetic in both of these themes and represent them with the respect they deserve.
Who are your favourite artists and tattoo artists at the moment?
Some artists who have inspired me along my creative path are, to name a few: Dante Gabriel Rossetti with his powerful and expressive female portraits. Adolphe Bouguereau with his outstanding use of light and softness. Also I’ve always loved the predominant colour selection of golden yellows, light yellows, ochres, browns, greens with hints of warmer tones of Gustav Klimt. Of course, Mucha’s Art Nouveau style, his mixture of fine and bolder line-work, his beautiful representation of nature and femininity.
If I had to name only some tattoo artists that I really admire in so many ways (because the list would be pretty long), I would have to say: Jacob Gardner, Hannah Flowers, Chris Green and Aimee Cornwell. It’s truly amazing to see the amount of talent out there and what is being accomplished by so many professional and brilliant artists nowadays.
New York is my favourite city in the world and I never miss an opportunity to ask those who live there what their favourite places in the city are… What have you got to say? Which are your three favourite spots?
You’ve probably heard this a trillion times but New York City has an energy and uniqueness to it and this is definitely true! It’s diversity in culture, arts, cuisine, you name it, it’s here and it’s special. I am always surprised with the new findings I discover by just taking a simple walk. I’ve also met amazing people that have welcomed me and helped me feel right at home. As far as just picking 3 of my favourite spots (so hard to choose), my number one would have to be The Metropolitan Museum of Art for obvious reasons. It’s breathtaking. It’s by far the best place to get inspired, to lose yourself through the endless corridors and halls and take in all that beauty.
Another place close to my heart is Williamsburg and Greenpoint (Brooklyn), the industrial spaces mixed with the vibrant street art. It’s a hidden gem of art galleries, remarkable entrepreneurs, restaurants, bakeries, music scenes… and so much more. Finally I would say, New York as a whole has so much nature and outdoor options to offer. I really like to get on the Metro North on little adventures by the Hudson river where I always discover new charming towns, take walks in the parks and woods. Here I come to relax, take photos for reference and get inspired with all nature has to offer.
Do you have other passions besides tattooing?
My two other passions would be photography and painting abstract expressionism. I really got into photography while wandering around wherever I lived looking for references I could take to then use in my work, especially in natural environments, stuff like flowers and greenery that caught my eye. Then I discovered my love for street photography. Having the opportunity to live and travel to some amazing and diverse places, I really enjoyed capturing moments of the day to day life.
Now every walk I take, I have the camera with me because you just never know!
You can find something unique in the most mundane places and so much character and energy in people’s simple daily activities. There’s a lot of beauty out there and this helps me savour every moment I experience. My love for abstract expressionist painting came when I was exploring different creative approaches. It made me feel liberated. I can really get into a different mood and value a completely distinct creative form. They seem so contrasting but you can really learn so much and compliment each style with any activity you take on.
An album, a book, a film that represents your year that is about to end?
Album: Grace Jones, all of her discography – love her music!
Book: I like reading poetry now and then and this year I’ve re-engaged by reading Poeta en Nueva York by Federico García Lorca.
Film: Parasite – Definitely not hoping for the same ending for this year, but I watched it and it caught me by surprise. What a magnificent film!
Is there anything you want to add, that I haven’t asked, before we say goodbye?
I want to thank you for these amazing questions and for considering me for this interview. It means the world to me!
