Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Sahar
Hi Alisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey ten years ago in Saint Petersburg. I never planned to become a tattoo artist and joined the community spontaneously—my friend suggested I do a tattoo just for fun. I worked in different studios, opened my own, traveled to conventions, and met new artists. During the first five years, I was searching for a direction I wanted to develop in, and eventually, I dedicated my career to ornamental tattooing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey as a tattoo artist hasn’t been easy, and I’m truly grateful for that. It’s been a thorny path, but along the way, I’ve met incredible artists, many of whom I still walk this path with today.
I’ve changed studios, cities, and even countries. One of our tattoo studios in St. Petersburg was destroyed by a flood—everything, from equipment to furniture, was literally boiled in hot water. At conventions, some models backed out of finishing projects due to pain, right in the middle of the festival. During a work trip to France, my bag with all my money and documents was stolen. And these are just minor, almost amusing incidents that highlight the incredible people in this community.
I’ve gone through depressive episodes and creative blocks, and honestly, I believe I’m still on an endless journey of growth as an artist. In every challenge, I’ve felt immense support from tattoo artists all over the world, and for that, I’m grateful every single day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a tattoo artist with a unique style, specializing in Asian ornamental designs, primarily working on large-scale projects. I believe tattooing is more about the decorative aspect of our bodies, and ornamental work fully aligns with this concept.
In my art, I incorporate shapes and elements from Thai, Khmer, Indonesian, Japanese, and Chinese ornaments. I also draw inspiration from the patterns of other cultures during my travels. Our bodies are constantly changing, and my large-scale designs are created to evolve harmoniously with them.
I am deeply in love with every project and client, always seeking new ways to push my style further—through travel, museums, exhibitions of global ornamental art, and collaborations with renowned artists and brands. My art is not about small, delicate tattoos as keepsakes. My art is about the dynamics of the body, the flow of muscles, the harmony of light and shadow, the contrast of black ink against the skin. It’s about the movement of the ornament, which comes to life on our bodies and stays with us throughout our journey.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, absolutely. I think that period might have been one of the best times of my life. Amid endless travels and a packed schedule, I was finally able to pause, come up for air, and take a deep breath.
I dedicated the COVID period to preparing for the opening of a new studio, returned to traditional drawing materials instead of digital, and started planning one of my biggest relocations. It felt amazing to go back to watercolors, acrylics, canvases, and paper. I’m a very tactile person, and these materials resonate deeply with me. They inspire experimentation while also teaching patience and precision.
I believe COVID had a positive impact on many artists, myself included.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/junkjane
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/junkjane
- Other: pinterest.com/junkjane patreon.com/junkjane
Image Credits
1. Models with healed backpieces and me during Ancona tattoo expo 2024 in Italy, Ancona
2. Healed backpiece for Meggie. Won two awards in France (InkFactory Lyon and Epinal tattoo show) in Ornamental category during 2024 year.
3. Healed sleeve on photo shooting from Barrinova
4. Healed back piece with asian ornamental skull
5. Healed back piece won in Ornamental category during Epinal tattoo show 2024 (France)
6. Best of Blackwork in Brussels tattoo expo 2023 (Belgium)
7, Healed back piece with Thai ornamental
8, Best of traditional during Cobug tattoo expo (Germany)
