A Kelowna-born tattoo artist has introduced his skills again dwelling to assist open up town’s newest store, Pitch Black Tattoo, situated within the coronary heart of Rutland.
Matt Tyefisher’s journey to changing into a full-time artist began as a toddler residing in Rutland, drawing roses and daggers on his family and friends for enjoyable. His household would later transfer to Edmonton the place he bought his first tattoo, a Misfits cranium, inked by a buddy in his highschool cafeteria.
However whereas the love for the artwork was at all times there, Tyefisher stated he by no means noticed it as a risk to make tattooing a full-time job. After commencement he would work a number of jobs, together with band managing the long-lasting punk rockers ‘Pennywise’ in addition to coming into into the world of aviation, following within the footsteps of his father who flew helicopters for the RCMP.
It will later be Edmonton’s punk rock neighborhood that will lead him again to his inventive roots.
“Getting tattooed, I by no means actually realized you can do that for a residing,” stated Tyefisher.
“It was such as you went all the way down to the native wizard, bought your tattoo, and then you definately left. It simply didn’t look like a risk till it kind of fell into place being part of the punk rock neighborhood (in Edmonton). It simply kind of advanced into this. I’m tremendous fortunate to be doing this.”
(Phil McLachlan – Capital Information)
Tyefisher put his craft into apply for seven years whereas in Edmonton earlier than he had sufficient of the chilly and set his sights on Kelowna. He and his co-owner Romance Wilson selected Rutland as the 2 noticed a necessity for a store exterior the downtown Kelowna space.
In July, the 2 opened up Pitch Black Tattoo, however not with out challenges. As for opening the store, it was a mad sprint. With neither Tyefisher nor Wilson making any cash the store needed to open as quick as potential. The 2 shortly dressed the store with their very own paintings, arrange their gear and commenced working.
They bought the keys to the constructing on June 1, and by June 18 they had been already taking appointments. July 1 was the official grand opening of the store.
“And, right here we’re, within the hood, doing our factor,” he stated. “I grew up in Rutland so it is a homecoming for me.”
(Phil McLachlan – Capital Information)
By way of the store’s really feel, Tyefisher stated he likes to maintain issues gentle and welcome.
“Man, it’s simply two homies hanging out, doing our factor — simply doing tats. We’ve bought rad purchasers; a rad ambiance. It’s been tight,” he stated.
“We had been identical to, ‘we’d like a field that folks really feel comfy in.’ Folks can come and just about simply chill. You’re hanging out with us, so we simply needed vibe on the store.”
Opening up throughout a pandemic was one other problem the 2 confronted. With strict protocols carried out by the federal authorities, the 2 made certain they had been ready, preserving six toes between tables and constantly cleansing. Though Tyefisheer stated Pitch Black Prides itself on being clear and sanitary no matter if there was a pandemic or not.
“It’s the identical regular stuff. Tattooing as a complete nowadays is a extremely sanitary apply as it’s. The whole lot is sanitized. So, it’s simply the common precautions. When you’re sick, don’t are available in. Wash your fingers extra usually. It’s preserving all the things clear and folks secure.”
Pitch Black Tattoo is situated at 213 Rutland Street North in Kelowna.
Daniel Taylor
Reporter, Kelowna Capital Information
