The Kiev-based artist does not just call his works “Realistic” but prefers to embellish them with references to Art Nouveau and even some dark elements.
Hi Katerina, have you always wanted to be a tattoo artist since you were a little girl or was it the random paths of life that made you choose this profession?
As I remember, I wanted to do something I truly loved, and it had to be related to drawing in some way. After discovering tattoos and the whole tattooing process, it became my passion.
Let’s talk about your style. I wouldn’t call it just “Realistic”. Perhaps yours is more a love for elegant and classic paintings transferred onto human skin. Am I wrong?
You are correct. We have very thin boundaries between styles and some artists I’ve asked mistakenly do not consider my work Realism.
That’s why I am very grateful for your wording; it suits me deeply.
How important was the Art Nouveau movement within your artistic background?
Art Nouveau became my favorite style not long ago. This style combines realistic figures in academic techniques and decorative pieces, which look stunning as tattoos.
You also have a very dark, almost horror-like drift within your works. And I believe this makes you a truly complete and heterogeneous artist. What do you think?
(laughs) I guess it’s my inner passion for something dark and mysterious that has found a new way to get outside and be visible…
Do you have a wish you would like to see come true in a not too distant future?
I wish for the end of the war in Ukraine! I miss travelling with my husband, but not on my own. I would try also to become valuable in the world of tattoo artists by style, by knowledge and possibly start drawing my own tattoo sketches, which feels almost impossible because I’m very judgmental of myself.
Where exactly are you working at the moment?
I work in Kiev in a shared studio with my friends.
Have you already booked any tattoo conventions or guest spots on your agenda for the next few months?
I attended an Ukrainian convention where I was a jury member for the first time. I took part in the ‘BAUM Tattoo Convention’ in Barcelona (IG: @baumfest), and I’m planning to be at the ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris next year (IG: @mondialdutatouage). I have a hope to get there.
And your last famous words are…?
Keep creating for as long as possible.
