A Kelowna-born tattoo artist has introduced his skills again residence to assist open up town’s newest store, Pitch Black Tattoo, positioned within the coronary heart of Rutland.
Matt Tyefisher’s journey to turning 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 received his first tattoo, a Misfits cranium, inked by a good friend in his highschool cafeteria.
However whereas the love for the artwork was at all times there, Tyefisher mentioned he by no means noticed it as a risk to make tattooing a full-time job. After commencement he took on many roles, together with a welder in addition to getting into into the world of aviation, following within the footsteps of his father who flew helicopters for the RCMP.
It might 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 possibly can do that for a residing,” mentioned Tyefisher.
“It was such as you went all the way down to the native wizard, received your tattoo, and then you definitely left. It simply didn’t appear to be 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 fellow tattoo artist Romance Wilson selected Rutland as the 2 noticed a necessity for a store outdoors 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 attainable. The 2 shortly dressed the store with their very own paintings, arrange their gear and commenced working.
They received the keys to the constructing on June 1, and by June 18 they have 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 mentioned. “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 mentioned he likes to maintain issues mild and welcome.
“Man, it’s simply two homies hanging out, doing our factor — simply doing tats. We’ve received rad purchasers; a rad environment. It’s been tight,” he mentioned.
“We have been similar to, ‘we want a field that folks really feel comfy in.’ Individuals can come and just about simply chill. You’re hanging out with us, so we simply wished a great 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 positive they have been ready, holding six ft between tables and constantly cleansing. Though Tyefisheer mentioned 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 as of late is a extremely sanitary apply as it’s. Every thing is sanitized. So, it’s simply the common precautions. In the event you’re sick, don’t are available in. Wash your arms extra typically. It’s holding all the pieces clear and folks secure.”
Pitch Black Tattoo is positioned at 213 Rutland Highway North in Kelowna.
Daniel Taylor
Reporter, Kelowna Capital Information
