Things&Ink

September 20, 2014September 20, 2014

The Modified Dolls

Non-profit organisation The Modified Dolls support a different charity each month with the hope of demolishing negative attitudes towards modified women through their charity work.

We’re here to stamp out negative stereotypes associated with modified women!

Annamaria, Head Doll

The Modified Dolls UK Chapter is one of the many sisterhoods worldwide who, each month, support a different registered charity from around the world. All money raised at fundraising events is then donated to their chosen charity, with all progress appearing on their Facebook page. The Dollies do everything from bake sales to craft-making and organising live entertainment.

You too can become a Modified Doll!
They are always looking for ladies aged 18 and older, with five or more body modifications or one large piece, which includes: tattoos, piercings, dyed hair, implants etc. to come and join their ever expanding sisterhood! For more details on how to apply visit TheModifiedDolls.org

The Different making a Difference

September 19, 2014

Vagabond Tattoo Studio

Vagabond custom tattoo studio in Hackney London, is born from the collaboration of tattoo artist Paul Hill and graphic designer Rebecca Morris.

The studio’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by Rebecca’s design background, the modern and stripped back decor creates a crisp and clean space, perfect for showcasing the tattoo artists’ work.

Paul’s artwork stems from a background in custom car air-brushing and pin-striping, a creative and skilled art form which allowed him to naturally progress into tattooing. The shop houses a custom built motorbike, a throwback to Paul’s air-brushing days.

From working in busy walk-in studios, Paul has developed a clean and crisp tattoo technique visible in his graphic style. He revels in bolder, moody looking tattoos which re-imagine traditional flash.

The shop is also home to tattoo artists: Harry Harvey who excels in traditional and old-school tattooing and Andrew Hulbert who predominately works in an illustrative style with black line work.

The five-strong team welcome anyone to pop into the shop to discuss tattoo ideas or gallery exhibitions.

Follow Vagabond on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to see more tattoos by the artists.

September 18, 2014

Interview with a tattoo artist

Interview with tattooist Marie Cox, age 32, Folklore Tattoo Studio, Tamworth

What first attracted you to the tattoo world? I can’t really remember a specific event, I’ve always been surrounded by tattoos and loved various forms of art, so I guess it was a natural transition, or fate I suppose.

When did you decide you wanted to become a tattoo artist? and how? I’d never really thought about it as a conscious decision, I worked as a workshop tech at a college. I decided to get a machine to tattoo leather as I was formerly a sustainable design graduate, so I loved recycling things and making jewellery and trinkets. I’d been drawing designs and watching tutorials so I could apply the techniques to tattooing leather. It was my partner and dad who encouraged me to pursue tattooing people. Someone I knew mentioned there was a guy opening a studio and I should go meet him with a portfolio. He offered me an apprenticeship on the spot and here I am six years on doing what I love.

How would you describe your style as an artist? I’d say my style is neo-traditional mainly, with some realism elements. I’m not sure really I just try to stay true to nature in my work.

Tell us a little bit more about your studio… My studio, Folklore, is based just outside the Tamworth town centre, and everything we do here is custom. There’s my illustrative style artist Adam who keeps me sane and my apprentice Tom, they’re awesome and very supportive, I feel blessed to have them. My clients say my studio is kind of nautical and homely, so I’ll go with that.

What’s next? For the studio I’d like to take on more artists and expand. We’ve discussed and all agreed that we’d like to hit more conventions, do some guest spots and try working abroad too. I’m excited to see how things unfold. It makes me happy and proud to watch our little tattoo family grow, can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Follow Folklore on Instagram @FTS_TATTOO

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Miniature Ink Sneak Peek

To celebrate our two year anniversary we are teaming up with Atomica Gallery to bring you Miniature Ink. An exhibition featuring miniature original artwork from over 100 tattoo artists across the globe. All of the pieces will be on sale for £60, with profits being donated to cancer charity Sarcoma UK.

The exhibition opens on Wednesday 24th September and the party starts at 6pm, all artwork will be sold on a first come, first served basis! So make sure you’re there on time to grab an original from your favourite artist…

Here’s a sneak peek from a few tattoo artists who have created art for ‘Miniature Ink’.

Hannah Willison

Tracy D

September 16, 2014September 16, 2014

A Beautiful Body Project

Photographer Jade Beall created A Beautiful Body Project after the birth of her son as a way to appreciate her changing body and to discover what the word beautiful meant to her.

Her work counteracts the airbrushed images of women portrayed in the media instead she wishes to show women in all their natural and often naked beauty. The photographs appear alongside stories of growing self-esteem as the women begin to embrace their beauty and themselves just as they are.

The collection of photographs have now been turned into a book titled The Bodies of Mothers. Watch the video below to hear Jade describe her book.