A Kelowna-born tattoo artist has introduced his skills again house to assist open up town’s newest store, Pitch Black Tattoo, positioned 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 pal 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 chance 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 could later be Edmonton’s punk rock group that may lead him again to his creative roots.
“Getting tattooed, I by no means actually realized you might do that for a residing,” stated Tyefisher.
“It was such as you went right down to the native wizard, bought your tattoo, and then you definately left. It simply didn’t look like a chance till it kind of fell into place being part of the punk rock group (in Edmonton). It simply kind of developed into this. I’m tremendous fortunate to be doing this.”
(Phil McLachlan – Capital Information)
Tyefisher put his craft into follow 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 potential. The 2 shortly dressed the store with their very own art work, arrange their gear and started 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 this can be 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 shoppers; 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.’ Individuals can come and just about simply chill. You’re hanging out with us, so we simply wished a very good 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 had been ready, holding six ft between tables and persistently 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 as of late is a extremely sanitary follow as it’s. All the things is sanitized. So, it’s simply the common precautions. In the event you’re sick, don’t are available. Wash your arms extra typically. It’s holding all the pieces clear and other people secure.”
Pitch Black Tattoo is positioned at 213 Rutland Street North in Kelowna.
Daniel Taylor
Reporter, Kelowna Capital Information
