Guen Douglas tattoo Archives

September 23, 2013

Things&Ink The Art Issue – what’s inside

The art issue cover is inspired by Millais’ iconic artwork, Ophelia, with tattoo artist Tracy D. Within the magazine are more fantastic recreations of iconic fine art work with a “tattoo twist,” along with art historical commentary from Doctor Matt Lodder.

the art issue things and ink Contents — Contents page, click on image to enlarge

The Art Issue covers tricky topics, such as tattoo etiquette (when does inspiration turn into copying?), and tattoos as art. Amongst its glorious pages sits interviews with the iconic Angelique Houtkamp and Guen Douglas, and the relationship between artist and tattoo artist is explored in an exclusive interview with Jack Vettriano and Mo Coppoletta. It also features work from Benjamin Laukis and Andrea Furci.

Buy your copy online from Newsstand

August 30, 2013

Under Her Skin – a group exhibition celebrating one year of Things&Ink, in association with Atomica Gallery

Things&Ink and Atomica Gallery present:

UNDER HER SKIN

Celebrating one year of Things&Ink and launch of The Art Issue

Thursday 12th September – Monday 30th September 2013
Opening Party: Thursday 12th September
Atomica Gallery, Hackney Downs Studios, London

We’re super-excited to announce an exclusive exhibition, in association with our friends Atomica Gallery, in Hackney.

Under Her Skin marks one year of Things&Ink by bringing together a selection of today’s most talented artists for an exhibition celebrating modern female tattoo culture:

Amy Victoria Savage (Jayne Doe, Hornchurch UK)
Angelique Houtkamp (Salon Serpent, Amsterdam NL)
Charissa Gregson (Jolie Rouge, London UK)
Dominique Holmes (The Family Business, London UK)
Grace Neutral (Good Times, London UK)
Guen Douglas (Salon Serpent, Amsterdam NL)
Iris Lys (London UK & Paris FR)
Lucy Pryor (Into You, London UK)
Rachel Baldwin (Bold As Brass, Liverpool UK)
Rebecca Vincent (Nostalgia Traditional Tattooing, Leeds & The Circle, London UK)
Tracy D (King’s Cross Tattoo Parlour, London UK)
Vicky Morgan (Ghost House, Derby UK)

Under Her Skin will be exhibited during the London International Tattoo Convention 2013, which is being held at the Tobacco Dock in east London 27-29th September.

Under Her Skin opening event, sponsored by The Kraken Rum
Thursday 12th September, 6-9pm at Atomica Gallery
Complimentary drinks provided by The Kraken Rum
Please RSVP with names to rsvp@atomicagallery.com

Join the Facebook event: Under Her Skin

July 25, 2012

Kelli’s e.e. cummings tattoo.

Name: Kelli. Age: 23.
Location: Essex. Occupation: writer.

What got you into tattoos? I’ve always been really fascinated by them, as I grew up all my friends were older than me, and I remember them all rushing out to get them. Mostly regretting them after. But since I was about 16, there’s been a folder of tattoo inspiration and a growing list of artists I love on my computer. Now it’s Pinterest! I guess I really enjoy how permanent they are. I don’t believe they have to be something that means the world to you – they usually just remind me of a good time.

Where did your inspiration come from for this tattoo? I always say that this tattoo is a way of saying “haters to the left”, without actually saying it. E.E. Cummings is a beautiful poet, and I am all about words. It just seemed like he said what I needed him to, but more eloquently. I am very much in love with this tattoo – the font blows my mind and it came out better than I’d ever have expected.

Who did it and where? It was done by Victor at Self Sacrifice, London. Sadly, the shop closed down mysteriously last year. It really is a shame, they were really chilled and I felt totally comfortable with them.

How would you describe your style? I definitely like a bit of everything. I don’t think I’d want words on me again – I think there’s such a thing as too much font. A picture says a thousand words, you know. I do aim towards the more traditional style, but recently I am finding myself reaching for the more fluid styles of artists like Amanda Wachob.

Are you planning more? Definitely. Aren’t we always? I’m aiming to start my inner bicep soon I think, but I realise this’ll probably spread to cover the top of my arm. I’m okay with that, although my parents will probably have something to say.

Is there any artists you would like to get tattooed by? I’d love one of Annie Frenzel’s women one day – it would mean a trip to Berlin, too, which would be lovely. I just find her style beautiful. I also love Rachel Jamie Baldwin’s work and Guen Douglas – another nice little European trip to Amsterdam there, too (Guen is moving from Brighton to Amsterdam in September). As always, Valerie Vargas is on the list as well as the aforementioned Amanda Wachob. I guess I really like female artists.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
e.e. cummings

May 11, 2012May 13, 2012

Teeny tiny tattoos – I would love a little thimble tattoo

I love these little tattoos by artist Guen Douglas, who works at Magnum Opus in Brighton.

tiny teacup tattoo Guen Douglas — A little teacup tattoo on the back of an ankle

Teeny teapot tattoo Guen Douglas — A teeny teapot tattoo on a back just below the collar line

I have been on the search for an artist who could tattoo a tiny little thimble tattoo on my vintage arm. So I may have to book an appointment with Guen.

I would like a little thimble tattoo in memory of my lovely Gran who sadly passed away when I was younger.

I was always fascinated by her collections – she collected Toby jugs, pink glass, thimbles and many other random things. Her house was always so cosy and welcoming. My sister and I used to love spending weekends at Gran’s house – eating digestive biscuits in bed, reading The People’s Friend, making dens and eating Gran’s amazing meat and potato pie. Plus Gran used to let us decorate her Christmas tree however we wanted, mum always had a theme!

I miss you Gran. When I get my thimble tattoo, I will forever carry with me a memory of you.