A Kelowna-born tattoo artist has introduced his skills again residence to assist open up the 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 baby dwelling 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 good friend in his highschool cafeteria.
However whereas the love for the artwork was all the time 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 will later be Edmonton’s punk rock group that may lead him again to his inventive roots.
“Getting tattooed, I by no means actually realized you can do that for a dwelling,” stated Tyefisher.
“It was such as you went right down to the native wizard, bought your tattoo, and then you definitely left. It simply didn’t seem to be a chance till it type of fell into place being part of the punk rock group (in Edmonton). It simply type of advanced into this. I’m tremendous fortunate to be doing this.”
(Phil McLachlan – Capital Information)
Tyefisher put his craft into observe 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 commenced working.
They bought 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 stated. “I grew up in Rutland so this can be a homecoming for me.”
(Phil McLachlan – Capital Information)
When it comes to 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 have been similar 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 an excellent 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, maintaining 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 an entire today is a extremely sanitary observe as it’s. All the things is sanitized. So, it’s simply the common precautions. Should you’re sick, don’t are available. Wash your arms extra usually. It’s maintaining every part clear and folks secure.”
Pitch Black Tattoo is situated at 213 Rutland Highway North in Kelowna.
Daniel Taylor
Reporter, Kelowna Capital Information
