METHOD OF ABSTRACTION

This particular style has a principle that differs from my illustrative pieces that rely on a premade stencil. While we still discuss beforehand our respective intentions for the piece, we enter a collaborative space on the day that focuses on a freehanded mark making approach rather then a prearranged finalised design.

I spend time drawing on you, working with the individual flow of your body and asking you questions on things as we go. These will help guide the drawing process. Drawing onto the body is the most organic approach in honoring the unique curves, taste and shapes of the individual. Once we get to a point where we are both happy with where things are going, we begin. Much of the tattoo in terms of its detail and flourishes are freehanded, the drawing underneath serving as its nucleus.

These marks can take different forms, colours, styles, sizes and spatialities.

They could be:

abstractions of personal stories

fragmented feelings

aesthetic noodlings

a symbol that is unique to you

protection spells

experiments in relinquishing control

a new friend

an opportunity to deepen connection to self via the sensory experience of mark making

joyous honorings of scars both invisible/visible

They can look like paint, ink, watercolour, can be dappled, long, textured, layered…

Our discussion prior to the tattoo is where I will ask you questions to delineate the intentions for the piece and associative visuals.

Ultimately this method will render something that could not otherwise exist outside of this approach. We conjure something together, honoring the grand imperenance of our existence in that space and time.