Today we’d like to introduce you to Triciajane Asuncion.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Triciajane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was young, I’ve always had a fascination for the arts, whether that be drawing, painting, or photography. I was known for being the quiet kid, my expressions pouring out into sketchbooks rather than verbal discourses from the mouth. This led to me expressing myself through various mediums of art, the beginning of everything to where I stand and who I am.
I hated the fast pacing of everyday life. A value that I hold strongly to my heart is that whatever you do, do it with passion and a meaning behind it. I looked at modes of art as a way to eternalize that passion I had on the interior and leave an exterior imprint on this world—a way to break the haste of meaningless matters and to look at the beauty of detail that I poured my all in—and that was the greatest feeling to me.
However, as I grew older, I sought more than what the margins of the canvas or borders of the photo frame had to offer. I started my modeling journey around a year ago and through that mode of expression, I found something that I was able to be become more present in. It involved the movement of the human body and its many limbs to create a story, much like photographer Tim Walker describes the model as the “silent actress.” What also fascinated me was the many factors that came into play with modeling: creative direction, set design, hair, makeup, etc. The shooting process presented itself as an all encapsulating realm that felt as if I was participating in capturing a scene from a movie. I discovered that modeling was something I had a strong adoration for and in being part of every process behind the scenes made me grow to love it even more because I was able to create something that resonated with me.
With every click of the camera, I grew more confidence in myself and started to become more outspoken than the usual reserved personality that I had before. I thank all the photographers and creatives in this industry who have gotten me to the point where I am, and for teaching me things that I will surely carry on with me. The younger version of me would have never imagined myself in front of the camera and would much rather be locked in my room drawing away. However, I realize that a chance not taken is an opportunity missed. I found my place in this busy world and I am continuing to make my presence bolder than before as I pursue more projects that seek more of my steadfast passion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is especially difficult being a woman of color in this industry as well as not having the desired height for the typical model. With being a model, your entire career is based upon your physical looks. People are constantly judging you based off of something you have no control over. That is where at times I feel as if I’m not good enough, or I’m not working hard enough to get the representation women like me deserve. As part of my brand, I want to push for more Asian representation in the media and other beautiful women in all forms to embrace the features that they have been given despite the strict requirements or “preferments” that have them feeling boxed up. Though at times modeling can be liberating in a sense that it allows for creativity to enliven, it can be restraining when you are not given the recognition because one does not have the right “look.” I strive to be an example of someone who does not restrict oneself to the physical ideal but rather have that mindset that those ideals won’t stop me from achieving what I want in the end.
Another struggle that I have come in contact with is the demand to constantly put out content in order to “stay relevant.” Yet the problem in doing so is that you lose sight of quality and become more concerned with quantity. I have oftentimes become a victim of this but then I have to remind myself of my purpose that I have set for myself in the beginning: to make an impactful and purposeful point through my work.
Please tell us more about your work.
I work with fashion editorial photography and telling my story with the images as a way to make it more personal to me and to those who can relate. I believe that in having a purpose in doing something, the outcome is better than imagined. In addition to modeling, I style most of my shoots and come up with some of the creative concepts.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I recall doodling on everything and anything that I could get my hands on (of course, not having to do with vandalism). I was often told that I was ruining a perfectly clean surface but that was not of importance to me. It mattered to me since I was really young that I left my mark on this world and it would remain even after I die. I find the creative capabilities of human beings so beautiful and to stop one from doing so would be putting those talents to waste.
Contact Info:
- Email: tricxajane@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricxajane/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tricxajane?lang=en
Image Credit:
Alejandro Porras, Marcus Ibarra, Jenni Ochoa, Isaac Asuncion, Sedric Acevedo, Canden Mosley, Edgar Mendoza
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