have had many incredible teachers along the way and
enjoy learning. At this point, I feel really inspired and
ready to go again. I feel like I’m coming into a new phase
and am keen to paint and tattoo a lot at the moment.
Describe how your role models and any other sources of
inspiration have affected your tattoo style.
My main role models inspire me to live life to the fullest
and put my all into every moment, to live in a space of
love and not fear, to be completely present and attentive
on what I am doing. They inspire me to live true and be
free, to express who I am and live with compassion. I
have been deeply affected by some incredible people in
my life and I will carry their effect on me throughout my
life. I am lucky and honored to share their time in such a
profound way.
What is one of your favorite pieces that you’ve tattooed
on someone else?
My favorite piece is on my friend Brad, it’s a sleeve
of cycles from creation, to birth, to death, and so on.
There’s an eye in there, a hand with a seed, nebula,
a skull with orbs, a portal, and a man creating energy.
We did ceremonies taught to me by my Maori friends
with each session, with Brad experiencing big shifts in
his life each time. After finishing the tattoo we got the
opportunity to travel across Australia together from east
to west on a journey to help protect the land from mining
with many other people. The journey was incredible
and the protests were successful as the land is now
protected.
What is one of your favorite pieces on your own body,
and who did it?
I have many. I love my full back piece by Paolo Acuna.
I have a full leg piece by Jeff Gogue and a sleeve by
Robert Hernandez and Chris Nieves; thank you guys!
What is your favorite thing about being a tattoo artist?
There are too many things… One of them is being free.
Have you noticed a change in the types of images
people have asked for over the years you’ve been
tattooing?
I think I get asked to tattoo a certain type of imagery,
but I have noticed that people are wanting more
supernatural tattoos that represent the universe now.
Tattoos seem very mainstream now. Do you think that’s
good or bad?
I think that things will change and it is really great that
people are expressing themselves and tattooing is such
a positive thing now.
www.ClaireReid.net
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