Read the story behind therapist and model Laurence Moniasse Sessou’s tattoos and scarification in ‘The Modification Issue’ #6, thingsandink.com. The feature includes Laurence’s story in her own words, a stunning eight-page emotionally-charged photo shoot and also comments from her body modification artist Iestyn Flye and her tattoo artist Touka Voodoo, both work at Divine Canvas.
Here’s some unpublished images from the shoot, and the illustrations by Katerina Samoilis that were based around Laurence’s story and used as projections in the background of the photo shoot.
The beautiful Laurence Moniasse
Illustrations based around the story of Laurence’s scarification and tattoos
Photography and Art Direction – Josh Brandao Model – Laurence Moniasse Sessou Words/Story – Laurence Moniasse Sessou and Alice Snape. Thanks to India Ame ‘Ye’ for the title Illustrations and Set Dressing – Katerina Samoilis Styling – Olivia Snape Make-up and Hair – Anna Wild using Nars Septum Ring – Studio Lil Art and Design Earrings – Manaka Handmade
Food is essential fuel, enabling us to move, function – think.
“The idea behind ‘Food for Thought’ was to shoot a series of images, which explore the desk as environment. Mixing real stationery items with stationery made from food, specifically from icing and cheese, we created a deceptive image, requiring closer inspection and greater thought in order to identify which items are real and which have been crafted from food.” Kristy Noble
Check out the latest issue of Things&Ink to see more work from Kristy and Yvonne, Form And Function – a still life with piercing equipment in The Modification Issue, buy from our website, thingsandink.com.
The official launch of ‘The Modification Issue’ will be at Brighton Tattoo Convention, this weekend – Valentine’s Weekend. Make sure you come see us, or order your copy from our website, thingsandink.com, or Newsstand.
East meets West: A Behind the scenes film starring Brazilian Tattoo Artist El Bernardes for Things&Ink magazine. ✞
Film: River Hately-Richards
Editing: Julian Michael Cooper
Photography: Ryan Warner
Art Direction: Olivia Snape | Emily-Louise McGuinness | Sylvie Gianella
Hair: Nuriye ‘Naz’ Sonmez
Makeup: Anna Wild
Clothing: Embellished Crop by Gypsy East | Trousers & Cape by BLITZ | Jewellery by Gypsy East | Body by AQ/AQ
Black Tattoo Art II Modern Expressions of the Tribal
As a lover of traditional and colourful tattoos, I approached Marisa Kakoulas’ (editor of needlesandsins.com) hefty coffee table book Black Tattoo Art, feeling like I was about to step onto unknown soil. My sense of unease was unwarranted, though, and as I delved into the pages of the book, I was transported into a monotone world of pure beauty. I was introduced to the work of masters – Roxx, Delphine Noiztoy, Loic aka Xoil and Simone Pfaff – each artist converting me to the dark side, my colourful collection of tattoos may have some black additions soon.
Tattoo by Loic aka Xoil
I wanted to get a sense of the history of this unique and iconic book, so I got in touch with author Marisa, who also edits tattoo blog needlesandsins.com, this is what she had to say:
‘When Edition Reuss Publishing approached me back in 2008, I told them I wanted to create a book on blackwork tattooing – work just in black ink – because it had not been done before. I believe that it’s tattooing in its purest form, continuing the traditions of indigenous tattoo cultures, even if the patterns and compositions are contemporary. So, the first Black Tattoo Art book came out in 2009, and continues to be popular because there still isn’t anything on the market that specifically pays tribute to this tattoo genre. Since the first edition’s release, the number of artists and the outcropping of different styles has grown exponentially, and so it was time to do a second volume.
Tattoo by Simone Pfaff
‘There are many more artists in edition two, 75 of the best in black from around the world. There is also a new chapter on Celtic and Nordic inspired tattooing, curated by renowned tattooer Colin Dale. This chapter features stunning ancient designs, and in his introduction to the chapter, Colin offers some of the myths and lore behind the art. We also expanded the Art Brut/Abstract chapter, which gets the strongest reaction. I think that the work in this chapter is wild and fearless, and redefines what a tattoo can be.
‘But really, I love every work in this book, as if they were my own children. I believe blackwork is timeless – it doesn’t follow any trends, its ornamentation follows the lines of the body and enhances, rather than overwhelms, it. Personally, I’ve been getting tattooed primarily in blackwork for almost 20 years, and it has aged beautifully. I love my tattoos!’
Marisa also states that her ultimate goal, in all of the books that she has authored, is to present tattooing as a fine art form, to show the endless possibilities of body adornment, and inspire other amazing tattoos. Marisa, mission accomplished. This compendium of tattoos is stunning and truly the perfect addition to any art lover’s coffee table – whether a tattoo collector or not.
Tattoo by Delphine Noiztoy
BLACK TATTOO ART 2, by Marisa Kakoulas is published by Edition Reuss, and costs $199/£103.50. Purchase from amazon.co.uk.
