Shows and exhibitions
Local and international
EXHIBITIONS
SALA “jaws and claws” the black diamond- 2015
RAW ADELAIDE – |2016|
Private viewing “Paper Moon Tattoo”
Conventions
Melbourne | RITES OF PASSAGE | 2016 |2015| 2013| http://ritesofpassagefestival.com/
Guest spots
MELBOURNE |2015| “saygatta”
AUCKLAND |2016| “The white rabbit tattoo”
HONG KONG |2017| “bubblegum tattoo workshop”
BRISBANE 2018 “Garage Ink Manor”
- available for guest spots 2021
Artist statement
Jess will always prefer pieces that allow artistic freedom- without too many limitations on a subject or piece the artwork is able to naturally evolve and take on a “soul of its own”. Her designs evolve intuitively, often choosing collage or a mix of styles to speak the unique energy of whomever she is working with- the process Is a beautiful and unique collaboration between the client and the artist. The result, Is a piece of wearable artwork.
She is especially known for her ability to imitate paint/ process on skin- However, she is constantly pushing boundaries, evolving and growing within her artwork branching amongst many styles. Her main focus Is a tattoo experience with her clients, often expressing the artwork with a flare of feminine.
“I am heavily inspired by the natural world and captivated by colour and movement and self empowerment.
Growing up in Rural outback Australia I gained a strong respect for our native landscapes, plants and creatures. A connection I feel is important, empowering and plays a great role in my art work. Australian History is riddled with severing its natural heart line- a traumatic past that still feeds our systems today – from over farming, deforestation, Mining and pollution- to the brutal displacement of thousands of people who should have been our teachers in this magnificent country. I believe that by re connecting to our surroundings we can begin to heal and inspire.
For this reason often my work will depict native elements, which are incredibly empowering pieces of art.
I strive for a sense of freedom in my work,Often working intuitively which is why I have a deep connection with the fluid mediums of water colours and collage. collage inspired pieces have allowed me bring together many different elements focusing on contrast, texture, colour and natural flow which I believe is a perfect rendition for wearable art as people are generally just as fluid, with many different contrasting layers and complexity. They allow us to tell visual stories!
Tattooing as a medium is relatively new for me, however my creative process with painting, to journalling to collage and poetry is long.
Tattooing in a personal response, feels like a direct connection to my roots and a times of old. The history of tattooing fascinates me, from tribal markings/ ceremonies to today’s abundance of self-expression and of course holistic experiences. The form and desire to mark the body with illustrations containing personal responses to themselves and their experiences is one that has a history as long as human kind. This, as a tattoo artist is incredibly humbling sharing not only a story of life, but a piece of myself with every tattoo I do.
Tattooing as an art form is one I have an immense passion and love for and I feel incredibly lucky and excited to be a part of it.” Jess Hannigan
