Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivana Belakova, Ivana Tattoo Art.
Ivana, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started to tattoo right after I finish off school. I always perceived myself as an artist but I never thought about my professional career. The first time when I picked up tattoo machine I knew that’s exactly what I want to do for rest of my life. It was love at first sight. I thought myself; I practiced on my brother. friends. family members anytime I got an opportunity. As of today. I am tattooing for 18 years and still loving it!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is original and unique. My tattoos are grounded in that creative reality. They are positive, playful, beautiful, sometimes mischievous and always fun. When I tattoo, I absorb that moment in time and channel my soul through my hands. What results is a piece of my heart represented in ink on skin. I see beauty everywhere I look in this world and I want that to be the picture I portray in my body of work. Lately, my style has become more illustrative. It’s a reflection of my own inner child that wants to capture the playful and whimsical feeling of youth. I painted in the graffiti style when I was younger and have always been fascinated by street art. I’m incorporating both of these experiences of whimsy and rebellion today when I create my nuanced illustrative tattoos.
I enjoy a lot of different subject matter when it comes to tattoos, but I enjoy doing all the “cutsies” (cute little creatures that look like children’s drawings) the most. I’m evolving my style to create more raw and free designs rather than bold and tight tattoos. Doing large tattoos is a huge commitment both on the part of the artist and client. It requires trust, patience, strength, and a shared vision. I’m at the point where I’m finding more joy and meaning in a lighter style and expression. My style of tattooing comes naturally. I don’t really follow another people’s work; I only do what I feel. After so many years of honing my skill, I have developed my own unique style which I am still crafting and making better every day.
What influences me on a frequent basis is everyday life and its variations (nature, buildings, textures, colors, sky, rain, air. etc.). People frequently pass these experiences by thinking, I’ve already seen a building, experienced rain, seen this or that color.
But every time you view something it is a new experience. I never take things for granted and try to experience every moment fully. My tattoo style is contemporary and new wave. It provides a fresh take on culture. The art I create, in all its forms, is the legacy I am leaving behind. Tattoo is a form of art that is placed on human body, and therefore it is extremely effective form of self-expression and a way to differentiate yourself.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Learn from experts. It saves lots of time
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best way to see my work is to visit my website https://ivanatattooart.com/ which contains gallery of my work. store- where I sell my merchandise products like Stickers, iPhone cases, Books, Temporary tattoos, Enamel pins, Art Prints etc.
Besides my website my Instagram @ivanatattooart is very accurate and updated to the date. People can see not only tattoos and art I create, but they can see my everyday life or my travels around the globe.
LINKS:
http://instagram.com/ivanatattooart
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ivana-Tattoo-Art/208943449123095
http://pinterest.com/ivanatattooart/ivana-tattoo-art/
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/ivanatattooart
I would love people who enjoys my work to share it with others.. on social media for example. or they can support my art by buying some merchandise or my new published book ‘just Love Tattoos & Sushi’
https://ivanatattooart.com/books/
https://twitter.com/IvanaTattooArt
Contact Info:
- Address: IVANA TATTOO ART
Long Beach, CA - Website: https://ivanatattooart.com/
- Email: toxic-tattoo@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanatattooart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IvanaTattooArt
Image Credit:
IVANA TATTOO ART
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