It’s solely been a 12 months because the first annual Van Isle Tattoo Expo, nevertheless it seems like quite a bit has modified behind the scenes. The haphazard intimacy that marked the inaugural conference in downtown Victoria has been refined. From the room format to the volunteers to the best way artists from totally different locations interacted with one another, all the pieces felt distinctly mellow. It occupied a content material middle-ground between its comparatively small dimension and its ambition to develop and attract larger names.
And it actually did draw them in. Returning artists like Babiery Hernandez, David Gluck, and Joseph Haefs had been joined by much more trade superstars like Megan Massacre and Steve Butcher. Identical to final 12 months the Expo was additionally a superb alternative for much less identified artists who dwell alongside the West Coast and round Canada to interrupt into a bigger viewers. Vancouverâs Michi, Calgaryâs Ryan Tews, Gibsonsâ Michelle Warawa, and Dawson Creekâs Sidney Gulka produced some fabulous work over the three day conference.
With two profitable Expoâs below there belt, it’s thrilling to see how issues will develop and alter subsequent 12 months because the organizers proceed to develop its id.
Above: Draworking, Mxndoza, Psicotattoojordy labored collectively to create this huge again piece.
A thigh piece exhibiting Liam Monahan vivid use of color.
A WIP from Abbotsford, BCâs Marc Roy.
Thigh piece from Joseph Haefs of Reverent Tattoos out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
A kookaburra from Empress Tattoo’s Paige Faihe from Victoria, BC.
A two day thigh piece from Boss Tattooâs Ink by Saga from Calgary, Alberta.
High left to backside proper: Kyle Carter, Matt, Adam Newton, Cat Siren, and Amber McIsaac from Victoria, BC.
A piece in progress from New Zealandâs Steve Butcher.
Tony Carter (Scene360) and Megan Bloodbath.
Conference images by Tony Carter, © Scene360
