Occupations

Demri's work as a...

  • Artist

Demri's artwork in a photo of her and Layne taken by Krista Kay in the Spring of 1990.

August 1991 - Demri by Alison Dyer.

An art model poses, often nude, for visual artists as part of the creative process, providing a reference for the human body in a work of art. As an occupation, modeling requires the often strenuous ‘physical work’ of holding poses for the required length of time, the ‘aesthetic work’ of performing a variety of interesting poses, and the ‘emotional work’ of maintaining a socially ambiguous role.

Much of the public perception of art models and their role in the production of artworks is based upon mythology, the conflation of art modeling with fashion modeling or erotic performances, and representations of art models in popular media.  One of the perennial tropes is that in addition to providing a subject for an artwork, models may be thought of as muses, or sources of inspiration without whom the art would not exist.  Another popular narrative is the female model as a male artist’s mistress, some of whom become wives.  None of these public perceptions include the professional model’s own experience of modelling as work,  the performance of which has little to do with sexuality. 

Although artists may also rely on friends and family to pose, art models are most often paid professionals with skill and experience. Rarely employed full-time, they must be gig workers or independent contractors if modeling is to be a major source of income. Paid art models are usually anonymous and unacknowledged subjects of the work. 

Demri's handwriting with her snapshot information for acting in films and TV roles.

  • Designer

    • Demri made this necklace with a pendant that was actually a small picture frame. Amber Ferrano sent it to @demriparrottlegacy.

    Demri and other models for Seattle's "Vavoom - Fashion that Kills" in the early 1990s, by Krista Kay (then Krista Gaynor).


    Demri in 1988.

    A hair model is someone who models hairstyles, usually for hairdressers, hair salons or hair product brands (for example shampoo, conditioner, and hair styling products). They are often also required for other things like bridal magazines, hair accessories, and beauty editorials.
    Hair models are considered to be commercial models usually, but occasionally you may see more high-end advertisements for premium hair accessories or products.
    Hair models must have a healthy, attractive head of hair. They must also feel comfortable having their hair styled however the designer and brand requires it. This usually involves a hairstyle of some sort but will occasionally involve a cut and colour. Hair models must be versatile and happy to try a look they may not choose for themselves.
    Hair models must also have attractive faces with a good profile (which usually means a good jawline and high cheekbones). They can’t have any scalp-related issues like dandruff.

    Demri in 1994 by Jack Plasky.

    1. Nude modelling emphasises the form, composition, emotional content, and other aesthetic qualities. The nude has been a prominent subject of photography since its invention, and played an important role in establishing photography as a fine art medium. Erotic interest, although often present, is secondary, which distinguishes art photography from glamour photography, which focuses on showing the subject of the photograph in the most attractive way.
    2. Glamour modelling focuses on sexuality. The models are portrayed in erotic poses ranging from fully clothed to nude. The term may be a euphemism for erotic. For the most part, glamour models are limited to modelling in calendars, men’s magazines, bikini, lingerie and fetish modelling, music videos, and extra work in films. 
    3. Adult models are the ones who appear in adult-oriented materials.

    Mad Season's "Above", art by Layne Staley inspired by a photo by Krista Kay.

    In ancient Greek religion and mythology, the Muses are the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge embodied in the poetry, lyric songs, and myths that were related orally for centuries in ancient Greek culture. In modern figurative usage, a muse is a literal person or supernatural force that serves as someone’s source of artistic inspiration. 

    • Poet

    "Chaos Queens" poem penned by Demri.


    Demri styled Layne and herself in this 1992 shot by Alison Dyer.

    Demri's suitcase with a "Pace Heathens" activist group sticker. Photo by Krista Kay.