Category: Art

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Harness your power – Wolfmumma

Based in North Wales Anna Jones (Wolfmumma) conjures witchy vibes and natural powers with her work. With a new studio location soon to be announced we chatted to the tattooer and illustrator about her style and how tattoos have returned her power to her…

We love your witchy women, what inspires these and the rest of your tattoos?
Thank you so much! I like to create protagonists. I love making powerful portraits, creating characters is always fun! There’s definitely a running theme of fortitude in my work, many of my figures are compromised in some way but they are still strong and powerful.

What do you like to create and what would you like to do more of?
Portraits! I also like creating nature inspired stuff and creatures but mostly figures. I love drawing and tattooing figures, never gets old! I’d like to do more of everything! I’m missing tattooing so much right now, as so many of us are. I’m looking forward to getting back to it and developing my work further!

How would you describe your style? What drew you to tattoo and draw in this way?
I think the most accurate way to describe my style would be illustrative blackwork. I draw what I love and in that way my style has developed naturally.

How long have you been tattooing? Where would you like to take your work in the future? I’ve been tattooing for roughly three years. I’m looking forward to guesting at a bunch of studios in the near future including Occult Studio in Worthing, but obviously everything is on hold right now. I’ll be releasing news about my guest spots and my next project once normality has resumed!

What made you want to become a tattooist? Did you do art before?
I did do art before! I’ve always been obsessed with art. I graduated from University College Falmouth with an illustration degree in 2008 and I then worked as a freelance illustrator. I had a break from doing art professionally after getting married and having kids. This was a difficult time for me as I was experiencing domestic abuse/violence which lead to my separation. Art was a huge part of my recovery and I began working as a freelance illustrator again as soon as my youngest started school.

My own tattoos were a big part of reclaiming my power, my body, and sense of self. Becoming a tattoo artist felt like the next logical step. It blows my mind that I can now help others with their own tattoo therapy and experiences.

Can you tell us a little about how tattooing and tattoos make you feel?
Tattoos for me are a self affirmation, they are power and choice. Through my own personal tattoos I have regained power over my body and how I choose to express myself. Tattoos been an important part of my journey as a domestic abuse/violence survivor. To tattoo others as a job makes me happy and it never feels like work. The trust and belief I have from my clients is a dream and I feel extremely fortunate to be on this path.

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The patterns of Abigail Tonge

We love the ornamental tattoos of blackwork artist Abigail Tonge, who tattoos at Ultimate Skin in Leeds. Usually she’s incredibly busy traveling, guesting at other shops in and outside of the UK, but during lockdown she had some time to talk to us about her tattooing style and influences…

How long have you been tattooing, what inspired you to start an apprenticeship?

I have been tattooing for five years now, the time has flown by and so much has changed both creatively and personally. I tend to live my life at 100mph, there is never enough hours in the day.

Before getting into tattooing, I was a fashion graduate and working in the industry but it was obviously not for me. I missed the creative life so badly, I spent a lot of my spare time drawing at home, drawing mostly tattoo designs and getting tattooed by various artists that worked in very different styles. Hence why I’m covered in in all sorts, this really helped me understand tattooing more and what there was to be explored.

At university I studied the construction of garments, how people wore them and how to draw them, but I think my tutors got bored of me incorporating tattoo related designs into my work in whatever way I could. I even wrote my dissertation on ‘the history and Renaissance of tattooing within my generation’, as I found links between fashion and tattoos and I found this so interesting. I love the history of tattooing, it’s fascinating and beautiful how everything’s grown and adapted in every aspect from the technical standard of tattoos, equipment, the type of people who have them and people’s attitudes towards tattooing.

From the age of three or four I was obsessed with drawing. I used to spend my Saturdays off school drawing copies of Beatrix Potter illustrations out of books. As I got older I started to notice tattoos on people and I just fell in love. Tattooing was an unknown world that I wanted to discover but I never considered myself anywhere near good enough to be able to do it as a career.

Some people stumble into tattooing and go from there, but for me it was by no means easy. I’m a firm believer that in life anything that’s worth having or doing, requires a hell of a lot of hard work and perseverance!

How would you describe your style, did you know you would always tattoo in this way?

When I first started tattooing I did a bit of everything, which is super important when you first start out. I worked in colour and did some blackwork until my tattoos started to evolve naturally with my interests in pattern and my love of Asian; Indian, Polynesian, Thai, Tibetan artworks. I always knew I wanted to specialise in patternwork in some form, I had to do a lot of adapting, researching and growth before I got onto the road I wanted to be on. Saying that, you never stop learning and growing, I still have a long way to go but I love that! If I could have gone in any direction in tattooing, this is one hundred percent where my love and passion is. I would describe my work as intricate, bold ornamental blackwork.

What do you love to tattoo and what would you like to do more of?

I really enjoy tattooing anything with a heavy line weight, even then mixed with smaller needle groupings to create more intricate details; like in the Thai inspired designs I’ve been doing. I would love to do more large scale Tibetan projects, in placements that are not so generic, like big torsos connected to the back or both full legs. I have plenty of ideas up my sleeve, the limits are endless! I also love to tattoo in another style, floral blackwork. I did a lot of this in my first four years of tattooing. I still love to take on floral projects but prefer to do large scale work when it comes to these concepts. I like to add solid black elements, mixed with dotwork and negative sections to create gradient differences and depth.

What inspires your work?

I find inspiration in literally anything with a cultural background! Patterns, motifs, embroidery, paintings, buildings, temples and home wares. I take inspiration from anything really especially when I travel around other countries. Life itself is surrounded by references and inspirations that we don’t always realise are around us.

I always feel so inspired by artists that I’ve looked up to from the beginning; Tomas Tomas, Guy Le Tattooer, Jondix, Thomas Hooper, Curley, Jack Peppiette, Mckenzie, James Lau, Aaron Anthony, Cal Jenks, Kieran Williams, Savannah Colleen, gosh there are so many more!

Can you tell us about your own tattoos, how do these make you feel? Do they affect how you see yourself and your body?

I started to get tattooed at the age of 18 (on my eighteenth birthday to be exact). What was popular in tattooing in 2008 was very different to what is popular now. I have a lot of neo-traditional tattoos from when I first starting getting tattooed, I have things on me that I definitely wouldn’t get tattooed now, however I wouldn’t cover or re-work most of them as they are just another layer of who I was and once adored.

Nothing in life is consistent, we as people are forever changing and growing, including our tastes and interests. I think I’d be one big cover up if I kept changing things to match what I liked at the time, saying that there are sections of me where there are and will be cover ups as I love a good blast over. Like on my chest I had a really ‘scene’ chest piece of script, roses and diamonds done when I was 19 that now has a black patternwork blast over the top, I love how it looks as you can see the layers of shapes, shadows and colours underneath.

I know I have a good mixture of good and bad tattoos, I think this is good because it makes you look at them in a way we’re you can learn what works and what doesn’t, what looks good and stands the test of time and what doesn’t on different areas of skin. This helps you be a better tattoo artist for your clients in my opinion.

I wear my tattoos proudly, I love how tattoos look on the skin full stop hence why I want to create them on other people’s bodies.

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Black & Grey tattoos – Denis Torikashvili

Denis Torikashvili (TDAN)  has been tattooing since 1997, he currently tattoos at Vatican Studios in Lake Forest, California. We chat to Denis about what inspires his realism tattoos and how he got started in the industry…

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The first time I saw artistic looking tattoos was in American movies in the 90s, before that I had only seen military or old prison tattoos. These weren’t interested to me and didn’t really affect me, but I was encouraged by what I have seen in movies, it was like a glimpse into the future. I was so impressed I began sketching.

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Speaking of drawing, from an early age I was interested in art and everything to do with it. Art was something exciting and new for me, of course I would always get carried away by my sketching. My friends found out what I had been doing and talked me into giving them tattoos, those guys were my first customers. In those years I didn’t have a professional tattoo machine, so I made one out of materials and things I found at home. In 1997 I bought my first tattoo machine, a Micky Sharpz and one thing led to another. In 2005 I took part in the St. Petersburg tattoo convention for the first time and in 2006 I won a prize. I worked in some tattoo shops in Rostov on Don and then I opened my own tattoo shop.

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I work in different tattoo styles. I used to make some Japanese tattoos that weren’t bad, as well as ornamental, American traditional tattoos and realism. This continued until 2014, when I moved to Moscow. After that my tattoo career really started taking off. I had a lot of trips working as a guest artist, attended loads of tattoo conventions, got some trophies, met wonderful artists, who also became my friends and whose advice has helped me many a time. In 2017 I got asked to work in London at NR studio, where I lived and worked for two years and I formed a serious client base. I didn’t want to leave but in July 2019 my temporary visa expired, after that I’ve decided to try my luck in America. I’m very fortunate to be here, at Vatican Tattoo Studio headed by great man and amazing artist Franco Vescovi.

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I work in black&grey realism style. I’m always trying to think outside the box and ask customers to believe in me and leave the tattoos and design in my hands.

Those who haven’t been afraid to trust me have never regretted it because I’m always about elegance and beautiful harmony when it comes to design.

I get my inspiration from movies, music and art photography. Everyone says I would have made a good photographer.

face tattoo

For anyone who wants to become a tattooist artist, I would advise them in the beginning to visit a major tattoo convention and see how highly skilled artists work, choose your favorite and get a tattoo from them and take advantage of this by asking them questions. The ideal outcome would be to find an artist who would then agree to take them as an apprentice

I came to the USA seven months ago and it is still too early to judge which country’s tattoo scene is better. The tattoo scenes in Russia and in the USA are generally very similar, but there are some key differences. The profession of the tattoo artist is not listed on state registries in Russia, our existence is denied, which doesn’t prevent us from working, while in America tattoo studios operate under the State supervision. Russia is filled with tattoo artists, who will do whatever is necessary to get to the top of this business. Tattooing is a very competitive sector.

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Apprentice love: Amy Riot

We love finding new apprentices, it’s always so exciting to see new artists growning and finding their place in the tattoo world. Tattoo apprentice Amy Riot tattoos out of Legacy tattoo studio, in North Devon, under the watchful eye of her mentor Lee Howell…

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How long have been apprenticing and how did you get one? I’ve studied art up to degree level, and have had a couple of indie brands, and a vintage shop since finishing.

I’ve always wanted to get into tattooing but it was never the right time or situation for me.

My daughter was just about to start school, and together with being in my early 30s, I had a ‘now or never’ moment. I had a few tattooist friends help me make a portfolio, and In late 2018 I bit the bullet and went into Legacy to show it to Lee.

Luckily the universe was on my side. I couldn’t have found a better place, or better people to be in the company of and learn from.

Do you have any tips for those looking to get into tattooing? Draw lots, in all sorts of styles. Get tattooed by various artist. Hang around shops you like the vibe of.

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What inspired you to become a tattoo apprentice/artist? Being creative is the only thing I’ve ever been good at. I’ve had a couple of indie brands in the past, and still run one as a sideline. But getting into tattooing has always been the dream. I get to combine my love of art together with my love of tattoos.

What has been your favourite tattoo to date, and what would you like to do more of? That’s a hard one?! I love it when people come in and choose a piece of my own artwork from my flash book. It’s a great feeling that someone wants to wear your artwork on their skin for life. I’d like to do more of my own art but I’m happy to try most things whilst I’m an apprentice to vary my skills.

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Where do you see your style going? I’m a big lover of traditional tattoos and would love to hone my style more. Over time I feel my work will evolve naturally. The fun part is getting there, and seeing the change as I progress!

How have you found being a woman in a still very male dominated tattoo industry? So far I haven’t had any issues. There are so many great female tattooist out there that have paved the way, making it easier for girls starting out like me. I’m sure in the future I may experience some negativity, but to me, being male or female doesn’t factor into being a good tattooist.

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What does tattooing and being tattooed mean to you? I feel that being tattooed gives you license to create yourself as an individual, much like clothing, it’s an extension of your personality. Being able to tattoo other people means the same, helping people express themselves is a great feeling!

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We love the pin-up you did of our editor Rosalie, do you take commissions? Yes! As well as my apprenticeship I run my own little indie brand Yesterday’s Youth. I make commission art prints and hand painted jackets, as well as other prints and merch, all designed by myself.

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Modern Woman, Indigenous Spirit

The story behind Laurence Moniasse Sessou’s tattoos and scarification

Photography and Art Direction – Josh Brandao / Model – Laurence Moniasse Sessou / Words/Story – Laurence Moniasse Sessou and Alice Snape / 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 / Thanks to India Ame ‘Ye’

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From a very young age, I have always been fascinated by body art, everything that seemed a bit forbidden and weird, I pay attention to. I was always a dreamer and would often get in trouble for not conforming and being different (mainly from my peers in the neighbourhood). I grew up in a small town in France called Evreux. It wasn’t easy being a teenager, I’ve experienced a fair bit of bullying while growing up.

I have always been fascinated by body art, everything that seemed a bit forbidden and weird

I came to London for the first time in 1999, when I was 20 years old, to pay a visit to my sister. From that moment, I knew I had to come back to that sense of freedom. London was so big and messy, but I knew I could find myself in that mess. A year later, in 2000, I came back, supposedly, for one year to learn English – but I never looked back. I graduated in 2007 with a Bsc Natural Therapeutics (Bodywork and Neuromuscular therapy) from the University of Westminster. I have been practicing for over eight years now and hold two busy practices in London.

While I was at university, I started travelling, Thailand was my first big trip – I was amazed by the Thai culture and, of course, tattoo was part of it. One of my friends at the time had her full leg tattooed, I thought it was insane. I loved it, but never thought it would be my cup of tea. This idea of having something permanently on my body freaked me out. But as I travelled more through the world, I became more open to many things, including spirituality and body marking. My first tattoos were two little ankhs on my wrists. I was 21 and in London at the time. Then I went on another trip to Thailand and decided to get
a fairy on my right shoulder, it was an African fairy that looked nothing like a fairy after a few months. I had started losing a bit of weight and her face disappeared.

I love flowers. They are beautiful, feminine – I just love they way they always face towards the sun

I guess the big trigger to my transformation started in Mexico, when I went to Palenque for the first time. That’s where I met tattoo artist Sanya Youalli, and we had a chat. I was originally there just to view her work, but our conversation ended with starting to decorate my left arm with flowers and spirals. I love flowers. They are beautiful, feminine – I just love they way they always face towards the sun, I like to see myself as a flower and always look and walk towards the light. I love the warmth and the way the sun kisses my skin. Spirals symbolise infinity, this ocean of opportunity that never ends. I could have my body covered in them, I can’t see myself falling out of love with these symbols. Sanya and I became close friends, we’re like sisters, every time I go to Mexico, she continues work on my arm and when she came to London for the tattoo convention, last year, she stayed at my home and we carried on.

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Then I was looking for another artist to do a cover up of my right arm, Sanya had started doing some kind of removal work for the fairy, but we didn’t get a chance to cover it completely. I knew I wanted it to be covered as soon as possible, so I searched for another artist. I found Touka Voodoo at the Divine Canvas studio – again it was an instant connection. I loved his work, so Touka did the cover up of my right shoulder and we carried on the theme of flowers and spirals – I have a full sleeve now. I also met Iestyn at Divine Canvas, I knew the kind of work he specialised in: scarification and piercings. I remember thinking to myself, “Who on Earth in this age would want to go through this?’ He proposed to perform scarification on me as he’d never worked on black/African skin before. I told him, “No way! You will never cut my skin, never!’

About a year later, I was going through some changes in my life and my spiritual practice started to become more important. I initially wanted to tattoo my back with some symbols of my spiritual path, I spoke to my sister about it and she thought that my skin tone was so beautiful, if I did tattoo my back, my arm work would disappear. That is when the idea of the scarification came to me. I thought it would be a way to embrace my spiritual practice, as well as my tribal African roots. One day I went to see Iestyn, we discussed the design and we started. Iestyn knew me for about a year and he understood my journey and where I was coming from – I trusted him fully with it, he was absolutely amazing.

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The meaning of the symbols – the cross in the middle is ‘the Chakana’ sacred cross where the fire of life burns, the four arrows around it represent the four nations and four directions, flowers symbolise beauty and femininity, spirals symbolise infinity, and dots for their simplicity – and how lovely they look. To me, it is like carrying my dream in my back: the four nations enjoying the fire of life together in the four corners of the globe, in beauty and harmony with each other and nature… It sounds a bit dreamy, but that is the truth. I live to see a better world and become a better person.

Having the scarification done was very challenging, particularly the healing – it is a long and painful process. I was not been able to sleep on my back for over seven months. When the keloids form, it is very itchy. Receiving the scar wasn’t as bad as people may think, of course, you feel it as the first cut is done without anaesthetic, but there is no other way to go through it, you must feel and transcend the pain – and it is a beautiful feeling. I was very high at the end of it, feeling super-human.

I didn’t think the scar was going to raise that much, I thought I would have a very discreet design on my back, but my body decided how it was going to turn out and I love it! It is quite bold and shocking for some people, but I don’t really care, the journey and the story behind this back is worth it.

The chest scarification was also performed by Iestyn and filmed live by Nick Knight back in May 2013, it was supposed to be used for a music video, but it wasn’t in the end. But, hey, I got paid to have a beautiful piece of body art work on my chest and got the amazing opportunity to work with a genius like Nick Knight. It was a dream come true.

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I didn’t realise how emotional I was going to feel about doing this photo shoot for The Modification Issue using pictures of my family, including my mother and grandmothers. I started to have tears in my eyes, because I know how powerful and brave these women are and I know the struggle they have been through in life and in labour. They respectively brought my mother and my father, and my mum brought me into this world. I feel deeply grateful and proud to be a fruit of their lives, I feel they are still living through me, and my nephews and nieces, they are eternal. And I hope that from wherever they are, they are watching over with pride, their lives will always be celebrated.

 Laurence’s story was first published in Things & Ink magazine, when we were in print.