Picture: Black Petal Tattoo
“Okanagan Impressed” is a weekly collection of articles providing a peek into the tales and inspirations of Pentictonites who maintain inventive roles in the neighborhood.
Penticton tattoo artist Joseph Markewich was born in Winnipeg however grew up primarily bouncing between Higher Vancouver and Kamloops.
“I used to work for a logistics firm in Vancouver,” explains Markewich. “However I’ve been an artist for so long as I can presumably keep in mind. I left the corporate to go to design college in 2010. I didn’t actually determine with the programming facet, I used to be rather more within the illustrative facet so I designed extra, but it surely wasn’t paying the payments. It’s exhausting to be an impartial artist, so I went again as a graphic designer and illustrator at my outdated firm, however I grew to become uninterested in having one foot in each swimming pools.”
Markewich discovered his means into tattooing after being employed to design a brand for a tattoo store.
“Inside just a few months I used to be tattooing. I picked it up actually shortly. I had mates ask me to design their tattoos beforehand so it felt pure for me to start tattooing them. I additionally started getting plenty of tattoos.” Markewich says.
Markewich had expertise with all kinds of creative mediums that eased his transition into tattoo artistry.
“I met a extremely good buddy in highschool and we received concerned in graffiti. I believed it was a extremely cool different medium to color and I loved the little bit of the joys,” he explains.
Markewich feels the identical inspiration and thrill with tattooing. He’s greatest identified for his line work, specializing in neo-traditional, conventional, black work and lettering.
“I like floral tattoos too, I like flowers. Flowers won’t ever exit of favor.” Markewich says.
When his buddy with a tattoo store in Vernon reached out, Markewich made the transfer to the Okanagan from Vancouver. That was six years in the past and he has since labored in Vernon, Kelowna and now, Penticton.
Whereas in Vernon, Markewich received closely concerned with serving to out in the neighborhood. After working all day, he would volunteer at a homeless shelter from 11 p.m. – 7 a.m., solely giving himself just a few hours to relaxation.
“I labored with purchasers one on one instructing life abilities like tips on how to cook dinner meals and set up wholesome routines,” says Markewich.
“I’m a recovering alcoholic. I would not be right here at this time if it wasn’t for this journey and dealing in restoration. I imagine it’s straightforward to simply have a look at individuals whenever you drive by them, but it surely’s one other factor to get on the bottom with them and assist them up. Everybody deserves humanity. There’s at all times one thing we will do to assist, whether or not it’s monetary, time or effort. Folks want care.”
Since shifting to Penticton, Markewich has been working exhausting to open up his personal tattoo store, Black Petal Tattoo. It will likely be situated on Lakeshore Drive, proper throughout from the S.S. Sicamous.
After his grand opening June 1 and when issues get extra settled, Markewich plans on internet hosting an annual charity flash day to proceed serving to these in want.
“A flash day is whenever you attempt to get as many individuals out getting small, pre-designed tattoos as potential to lift cash. 100 per cent of it is going to go to charity. I wish to do my greatest to reinvest into the neighborhood,” Markewich explains.
“I’ve gone via some actually exhausting occasions however I am simply grateful that it by no means received to the purpose that it overcame me. All I can do is absolutely be higher and assist individuals alongside the way in which.”
Markewich met his spouse, Brooke, in Kelowna, and he or she was the one who impressed the transfer to Penticton. They’re now constructing a home in Okanagan Falls, the place she was born and raised, and have been right here since October 2020.
“Why I like residing here’s a three-pronged reply,” he explains.
“The ambiance and the surroundings is simply unbelievable. I like the climate and being within the woods. I used to be driving as much as the home we’re constructing, and the solar was shining via the timber and I noticed a marmot and a bunch of deer, and have seen some bears. It’s only a actually cool place and it’s completely beautiful. I additionally love the neighborhood. Everyone seems to be tremendous chill, and really welcoming. I’m coated in tattoos and I do know that may make me an outcast and judged, however everybody right here is so welcoming, it is good to have that. Lastly, after residing in Vancouver and Kelowna, I like the infrastructure. Penticton is so handy, there are plenty of choices of the place you possibly can go and there is by no means any site visitors.”
Markewich received his first tattoo on the age of 20 of a deer and with three roses, however started tattooing in 2016.
“I believe I’ve a extremely distinctive type. I am fairly versatile as to what I do. Lots of artists are very area of interest however I like to supply multiple type, whereas retaining my abilities honed in order that I am nonetheless good at what I do. There are plenty of nice artists round right here,” says Markewich.
Black Petal Tattoo would be the Okanagan’s first beachside tattoo store.
“This new studio is one thing that I’ve at all times needed. I’ve at all times loved working in different individuals’s outlets however there is a sure vibe I wish to domesticate after I tattoo. I like black, earth tones and maintain it very pure, inspiring, and comfy with pure mild. It has a cool vibe. It’s been three months of grinding away doing renovations with early mornings and late nights however I do not need it to be simply one other tattoo store. It will likely be one thing new and particular for my outdated and new purchasers. I plan to supply high quality work, the best possible I can, with a superb stable group of pleasant, nice individuals. I wish to be a part of the neighborhood too, and never simply one other gap within the wall store. Proper now it’s simply me and my apprentice, Annika, in the meanwhile and I’m already seeking to broaden the group.”
One other distinctive addition is that when provincial well being restrictions permit, he plans to maintain a day free every week for walk-in tattoo purchasers and be open on weekends.
For somebody who’s considering moving into tattooing, Markewich advises: “Get tattooed! Discover an artist you determine with, somebody that will be a superb mentor and lastly, draw draw draw! Draw till you are completely sick of drawing. Don’t present up with a half baked portfolio. Tattooing is one thing it is advisable dedicate your whole life to. It’s extra like a craft or a commerce, not a passion. Spend your life engaged on it and don’t attempt to self educate. Be taught from somebody who actually is aware of what they’re doing as a result of tattooing may be harmful, and you’ll doubtlessly kill somebody, so it is advisable study from somebody you look as much as and know.”
Black Petal shall be enjoying a pleasant mixture of steel, hip hop and instrumentals however count on to listen to “Stroll” by Pantera, which is his favorite track to tattoo to.
Be sure to take a look at Markewich’s tattoo artistry on Instagram @blackpetal.tattoo and @huemantattoo, and ebook an appointment with him at www.blackpetal.tattoo.
