Today we’d like to introduce you to Pooka.
Pooka, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up always being outside and having a connection with nature and plants. As I got older, I got into art and by my early 20’s, became very interested in tattooing. It was a little difficult at the time to find a proper apprenticeship, but after two apprenticeships that fell through, I found the third one which was at Phat Joes Tattoo Parlour. I worked there for five years really finding my style and building clientele until working at Ocho Placas in 2012 where I decided to really focus on my passion for plants through my work.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do? Why? And what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I focus mainly on botanical tattoos although I do also tattoo animals and women. For me, I never grow bored doing these tattoos because each one is about honoring the plant(s) and the person shape/body. I really try to depict each plant exactly like it would be in nature, and although my work does have a stylized illustrative influence, I feel like I have a nice balance of both style and botanical accuracy. Something else that is equally important to me is the flow and placement of these pieces on the client’s body. It’s always nice when a tattoo accentuates a shape on the body and adds either power or elegance instead of just sitting there as an image.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
The internet has definitely made it very easy for tattoo artists these days. All the reference material you could ever need is right at your fingertips, and there’s no shortage of artists you can follow online to inspire and influence your work. The exposure is there if you want it. I think true support for an artist comes from reaching out and purchasing hand made items directly, or in my case, reaching out for a tattoo appointment. Don’t waste time- if you really want to support an artist, email them- call the shop- stop by. A like on an Instagram picture isn’t enough. Sign up for their newsletter or website updates- whatever it is that keeps you up to date and in contact with those artists that are around you and inspire you. I would love to see more fairs and markets for small businesses/artists, more events spotlighting great art in our community, not just during art Basel.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
They can come see me at Ocho Placas Tattoo Company where I tattoo five days a week. They can find me on Instagram @pooka and can also check out my Etsy where I often sell limited runs of botanical-themed shirts, pins, and totes. www.etsy.com/shop/pookamachine
Contact Info:
- Address: Ocho Placas
6240 sw 8 st
Miami, Florida 33144 - Website: www.ochoplacastattoo.com
- Phone: 305-264-0888
- Email: pookamachine@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @pooka
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/pookamachine
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
