Embracing female tattoo culture
I have just discovered this amazing tattoo artist’s work – Cassandra works at End Times Tattoo, in Leeds City Centre.
Another artist to add to my ever-growing list of people I would like to get tattooed by – I love her artwork too.
I first fell in love with the work of Claudia De Sabe at the Brighton Tattoo Convention in 2009. So, imagine my excitement when my phone starts ringing and the number that’s flashing before my eyes, is the JOLIE ROUGE (the shop where Claudia works her magic). I have managed to get myself a consultation for next week, ridiculous excitement.
Photos: Louise Hobin, Papercut Pictures and photos from Claudia’s portfolio.
The beautifully tattooed mannequin in Little Treasures Vintage Boutique, Hastings, East Sussex.
busy busy busy“Busy, busy, busy” is a quote from Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle. It’s what Bokononists whisper whenever we think of how complicated and unpredictable the machinery of life really is.
Done by Omar at Rising Dragon Tattoo.
Photo: Fuck Yeah Tattoos
Feature girl: Claire Cocks
Location: London
Occupation: Cataloguer at an autograph auction house and retailer
Claire Cocks
Where did you get your tattoos done?
I got my silhouette by Lucy at Into You and my Victorian lady “Gwendolen” by Miles at Frith Street.
What got you into tattoos and what was your first tattoo? I’ve always loved tattoos, but I was a bit dubious about whether I’d want something so permanent, until last year! I mentioned to a friend what I had in mind and he gave me a list of artists to check out and away I went. At first I wanted a simple cameo within an ornate frame, but the design evolved until I decided on a solid black silhouette portrait of my mum.
Are you planning any more tattoos? Yes definitely – although it took a few months after Gwendolen to think about having another one. I’d love to get a skull and crossbones that I saw on the floor of the Campo Santo in Pisa. The crossbones have a ribbon tying them together and I love the juxtaposition of the two. I’m also looking into getting a Victorian animal engraving, so I’m hunting around second-hand bookshops for an original drawing to work from at the moment.
Where did your inspiration come from? Victorian engravings and adverts, woodcuts, history of photography.
How would you describe your style? Vintage inspired, but without sticking to any particular period or style, although I’m always keen on Victoriana, 1920s cross-dressing (Louise Brooks in ‘Beggars of Life’) and the 80s 1940s revival.
Is there anyone you would like to get tattooed by?
I’d love to get tattooed by either Volko Merschky or Simone Pfaff from Buena Vista Tattoo Club – their designs are amazing. I saw them at work at the London Tattoo Convention and it has definitely spurred me on to do some saving!
Do you have a favourite tattoo? As I only have two I think it would be unfair to have favourites!
Do your tattoos have meanings? The portrait of my mum is commemorative – I wanted something really simple in a place that I could always see. Luckily she liked it. Gwendolen on the other hand is just pure aesthetic joy – a corset advertisement I found one day and fell in love with!