She works with her husband in Greece at ‘Silver Letter Gallery’ and dreams of asking some questions to a female tattoo pioneer such as Maud Wagner. Really intriguing, right?
Hi Natalie, can you tell us when the light bulb went off for you to become a professional tattoo artist?
I’ve always been drawn to design, but it was at the end of high school when friends who knew about my passion for it pushed me to start an apprenticeship at a local tattoo shop.
At first, it was just something fun, but soon I fell in love with the entire tattooing process. I mean everything from the art itself to the community. It became clear that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
In your case, is it more correct to talk about Abstract tattoos or actual works of art on the skin? I find that the border is now very blurred, don’t you think?
I want to think it’s both, actually. While my work is tattooing, I see my tattoos through the lens of a visual artist.
I call it flowing art on the skin, a dynamic dialogue between ink and body.
They’re not static, but instead, they move with the person. The line between tattoo and fine art dissolves, as both become part of a continuous, evolving expression where the skin itself becomes a canvas, alive with movement and meaning.
Is being married to a tattoo artist yourself (Benjamin Laukis) a source of continuous artistic inspiration between the two of you?
Yeah, being married to Benjamin (IG: @benjaminlaukis) is a constant flow of shared creativity. We inspire each other daily, collaborating on tattoos and art projects, and exchanging ideas that push us both forward. Our connection allows for honest feedback, which helps refine our work and keep evolving as artists.
Can you tell me about the ‘Silver Letter Gallery’ in Athens? By the way, why “silver letter”?
The ‘Silver Letter Gallery’ (IG: @silverletter_gallery) is a private tattoo studio Benjamin and I opened in 2020. Athens felt like the perfect base for us, as I was already established here, and it’s easier for us to travel within Europe. As for the name, “silver letter” symbolizes something precious and timeless, like a letter crafted in silver.
It reflects the value we place on the art we create.
If you could meet a big name in tattooing (present or past), who would you choose and what question would you ask him or her?
If I could meet a big name in tattooing, I’d choose Maud Wagner. Maud Wagner was one of the first female tattoo artists in the U.S. and a true pioneer. I’d ask her how she navigated the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field during that time. I’d also be curious to hear her thoughts on today’s tattoo scene how she might feel about the modern tattoo world with all its technology, global reach, and mainstream acceptance.
What is the biggest challenge you plan to take on in 2025?
In 2025, I want to push the boundaries of Abstract tattooing even further, blending even more natural elements and fine art concepts. I also hope to work on expanding my presence in the art world beyond tattooing, possibly incorporating some of my design work into fine art.
And your last famous words are…?
“Find perfection in imperfections.” This philosophy drives both my art and life. Every piece has its own unique beauty.
