Today we’d like to introduce you to West.
Hi West, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Korean tattooist, West. Before I became a tattooist, I majored in Korean painting. I started art when I was very young. Before becoming a tattooist, I wanted to be a painter. Then around the age of 19 (Korean age), I got into watercolor (or fine line) tattoos. And it sounded appealing that my work can be on a person’s body. It was fascinating to know that my art will be on someone’s body and will be with them wherever they go. I’m still working on paintings, and I enjoy tattooing those works on people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel it was always challenging. No matter what I do, there are times I felt I am a little slower than others.
Also, when I do something, I don’t proceed well unless I fully understand it. After going through those times, I try to be at my own pace.
Looking at the past, I was under a lot of stress and there were times I had to take some time alone. But in the end, I overcame it by myself. Now, I’m not impatient anymore and try to be focused. I believe that everyone has their own time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a tattoo artist with a background in Korean painting. When I draw or paint on paper, I usually use Korean painting materials. For these reasons, I prefer pieces that I have personally drawn on paper and transferred onto the skin. I like tattoos that go naturally with the shapes of the human body. I particularly enjoy plant designs. I also like Korean architecture and buildings and black-and-white photo-based pieces. Whenever I see a black-and-white photo, it reminds me of ink-wash paintings.
I take inspiration from various places, including plants, written forms, and figures. I then work to express these inspirations through my own perspective. I have a calm and quiet personality and get inspired in everyday life, and I think that comes through my work. My greatest strength is that I use designs that I created, from start to finish. This has always been my way and will continue to be so.
What were you like growing up?
I started painting when I was young. It’s hard to answer when people ask me when I started art. I just liked drawing since I was young and it became my major.
It has been about 10 years since I majored in Korean painting. I liked the smell of ink and the calm atmosphere of the Korean painting lecture room. I fell in love with how the ink spreads on Hwaseonji, so I chose it as my major. I think I was able to cultivate my mind in the process since every breath affects the painting and the line.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @artist.west
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