My tattoos predominantly come from primary research gathered over years of documenting photographic references of the natural world.
What particularly interests me is bringing primary research into my tattooing. In a world quickly adapting to all things AI, I like to physically visit sites such as botanical gardens and natural landscapes with my camera and sketchbook in the hope of reinforcing the authenticity of my work.
This process also helps to inform my art practice, all be it a little more surreal than my tattoos. Locations I've visited/collaborated with are:
- The Natural History Museum, UK - Beetle & Geology Collections
- The Horniman Museum, UK - Butterfly Gardens
- The Barbican, UK - Cacti Conservatory
- RHS Bridgewater, UK - Gardens
- Jurassic Coast, UK - Fossil Exploration
- Taman Rama-Rama, Indonesia - Butterfly Garden
- Abel Tasman National Rainforest, New Zealand - Jungle Exploration
- Magnetic Island, Australia - Island Fauna Exploration
- Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand - Kia & Glacier Exploration
In terms of my tattoo process, I rarely tattoo plants, animals or other related subjects exactly as they are. My work has been described as ‘illustrative realism’. This has mostly developed through my understanding of how tattoos hold up over time when applied correctly.
For example I like to leave a fair amount of negative space, rather than fully saturating the skin with ink pigment. Ensuring the tattoo holds up over time, retaining a good level of contrast so’s to sustain its clarity.
My art work on the other hand is a different story, because the illustrations are predominantly on paper, these are able to hold detail, they don’t age like tattoos so I'm able to draw finer details with the reassurance that the work won't age as dramatically as tattoos do.
Im currently based in Manchester at Swan St Tattoo in the United Kingdom. However I regularly guest in other tattoo shops all over.
To get in touch regarding an artist residency, tattoo guest spot/convention or to book a tattoo you can either contact me through here, email me directly at [email protected] or find me on Instagram at @mas_tattoos_