Every so often a truly special person happens upon this earth, a person not afraid to think, to explore or to evolve. Asia may work with fire during her performances but the true fire comes from within her. We had the pleasure of spending 12 hours with her during our photo shoot including an amazing team of talented Los Angeles artists. We came up with the ‘Ice Queen’ theme giving her a number of looks that progressed from one look to more extreme looks. It was a bonding experience getting to know Asia, her thoughts, her beliefs and passions. We expect to see great things from this artist who has so much to offer our world…
CREATIVE TEAM
Project Manager/Interview Meikee Magnetic
Stylist/Art Director/Model Asia Ray
Photographer/Retoucher/Art Director Attic Floc
Hair Mika Caviola
Makeup Darlene Annabelle
Airbrush/Makeup Calvin Romero
Jewelry Angie Krowicki
Leggings House Of Widow
Where were you born?
I was born in Coney Island New York.
Describe some of your talents:
I am a fire eater and sword swallower. Fire eating is one of my favorite acts, I feel very connected to fire and am able to express myself very well through the art of fire eating. Sword swallowing is something I do here and there. For me it’s not just about swallowing a piece of solid steel but rather the mental accomplishment. Your body doesn’t want to accept such a foreign object in places it “shouldn’t go”. I felt very accomplished to swallow a sword because I had gained control completely and had a strong enough will. I put in enough work to accomplish something that wasn’t “supposed to be”. I also can withstand large amounts of electricity. I have worked with tesla coils and have ignited torches and illuminated lights with just a single touch. I do an intense act involving whips, I like to make this act meaningful and show off my preciseness as well. I have aggressively whipped through a sign that said “CONFINEMENT” to convey my hate towards the idea of being stuck in some kind of box or having to fit into some sort of mold. I even have whipped a target off of the edge of a sword down Morgue’s throat to add in a little more danger. I do a little contortion here and there. I also had a ladder of machetes built for me which I climb up barefoot. All my weight and pressure goes on that thin yet sharp blade. For me, that act is very symbolic of life. In order to reach some sort of higher state or place in life you must move forward and overcome the pain and struggles you encounter. The idea of balancing on a single thin blade reminds me of wavering on the line of sanity and insanity. I definitely find myself on that line frequently so this act means a lot to me as well. You can learn so much on that line, but one slip and you fall into a bunch of machetes. I do a lot and have a lot more to do.
Your wonderful on AMC’s ‘FREAKSHOW’ a true Dark Beauty, I can see your life has been a magical journey in so many ways. How has the TV show changed your life, good and bad?
The TV show allowed me to share some of my intense talents with the world. It is always cool to widen my audience and allow more people to see what it is I’m doing with my life and WHY I’m doing such things. The show helped me gain a lot more fans and helped me communicate with more people who are into what I do. By the response I’ve received, I have found that it has inspired a lot of people to open their minds and reach outside their comfort zone. During the the whole process I learned a lot about myself and what I truly want out of life. Being emerged in the entertainment world and introduced to the idea of fame was very strange and helped me realize a lot of truths. I however didn’t exactly learn these things in the easiest of ways. Filming for a TV show takes over your life. I also realized that Reality TV isn’t all reality necessarily. I got frustrated many times watching myself on TV because I felt like it wasn’t a true representation of me.
I would have loved scenes where I got to share more about who I really am and what things go on in my head or even conversations I’ve had with Morgue (those can be quite deep and interesting). That’s me, not some empty pretty face. That right there has been my biggest struggle because everyone wanted me to be just another pretty face amongst hollywood. They all thought I could be someone big, sure I probably could, but I have a lot more to me than a pretty face. That’s when I started dressing darker, I wanted to express my difference and distaste for mainstream bullshit. I wanted to make a statement with my look wanting to make people question me. I also have been going through a darker time in my life so my look was an expression of that. There are too many copies of a copy so I want to see the world change. I want people to wake up and get out of their continuous patterns. There is more to life than office jobs and bars on the weekends. People do not question this insane world enough and do not set out to seek answers. I do however would like to use my place in entertainment and my “fame” to help share the knowledge I learn and to inspire people to set out on their own journey of truth.
Tell us something no one knows about Asia Ray:
I am insane. Well you probably know that but don’t know to what extent.
What are some of your goals and dreams?
I would really like to see this world change and progress. I would like to see equality between females and males. I would like to see all of the illusions that have been created disappear. I would like to see more real and intelligent people. I would like to see more people wake up and search for truth. I would like to see people be free, REALLY free. I want to see people question and find the need to search for answers craving knowledge. I would like to be a part in making these changes as well as a lot of others.
Your father Todd Ray is a Grammy Award winning music producer (Mick Jagger, Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill) What are some fond memories of those times and do you have any interest in getting into the music biz?
I do. I actually got accepted to Berklee College of Music out of high school but chose to go with the Freakshow instead. Now however, I have been experimenting with music again and singing! I played the flute all of my life and was in a marching band and wind ensemble, so I have a lot of musical background. Now I find that writing lyrics is a great release for me and way to express myself. I’ve been loving creating my own music. I’ll keep everyone updated on my social media pages so keep an eye out. TWEET ASIA CLICK HERE
Any tips on good shops in Los Angeles?
I love shopping at thrift shops and flea markets. I usually pick the pieces that most find too extreme for their closet so I have to really search. You can also find some funky pieces on Melrose Ave.
What’s in your iPod?
I am in love with Lana Del Rey. If anyone has the ability to really inspire me it’s her. I love her dark sad nature, she seems very real and direct. I could go on and on about her. I also really dig Nine Inch Nails and their sexy sway feel. Marilyn Manson is another artist that is powerful. I love the extremity of his work and that he doesn’t hold back. My Brightest Diamond is moving, her work is very expressive and unique. I like some of The Pretty Reckless, I appreciate Taylor’s move from pretty girl to real rocker girl. I think her change was genuine and bold. I really like any artist who is real and not afraid to not sound good. I like deep vocals and moody music. When something feels like a true expression that’s usually when I can get into it.
Favorite food?
I have an extreme sweet tooth. I love pie and ice cream and french fries of course. I’m bad. Everyone’s a vegan in LA and then there’s me.
Have you visited San Francisco? What places have you seen?
I did a show last Halloween out there and it was pretty cool. I didn’t really get a chance to check out the city but just from driving through it I felt like I would like it.
What’s next for the lovely Asia Ray?
So much. I am in the works on a lot of independent projects plus working on alot of art. I have been asked to sell my paintings lately so I will probably be doing that soon as well as selling some of my other more odd creations involving skulls and baby dolls parts. I also plan on working more on music and singing. No matter what I do though it will be extreme and you won’t be able to miss it. I’m ready to stir up some trouble.
What does Dark Beauty mean to you?
Dark Beauty is deep. It’s a certain type of expression that only people who have been to certain places can truly grasp. If you’ve seen what I’ve seen, you know what I’m talking about.
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/asiaray
