We met this artist who works at ‘Lighthouse Tattoo’ in Seoul. And we understood how well she knows how to combine originality and artistic consistency.
Roha, can you explain what were your main motivations for becoming a professional tattoo artist?
I easily lose interest in other things. However, tattooing is the only thing I’ve been doing consistently and enjoying for 12 years. I think the biggest motivation is to enjoy my work and do it consistently.
Do you think originality is everything when starting a profession like this? Your tattoos seem very unique and have a sort of artist’s signature…
Of course, originality is important, but I think consistency is also very important. I believe that if I keep doing it consistently, I will be able to find my mood and originality.
What do your female figures try to convey with their facial expressions?
I don’t know what I will like in future, but right now I like dreamy and calm characters. And I enjoy drawing them more than other subjects.
Your style seems to have its roots in Traditional but then can become something else, perhaps mixing with oriental influences and even a pinch of Art Nouveau. What do you think about it?
Originally I started with the Traditional style and I am gradually changing my style. Even if I try to imitate the atmosphere of Art Nouveau or Western paintings, I am somehow aware that I won’t be able to fully embrace this style because my roots are in the Eastern culture.
In my paintings, Westerners will have Eastern feelings, and Asians will find Western feelings. I love these blurry boundaries.
Do you have a favorite soundtrack when you draw and tattoo or do you prefere silence ?
I like to listen to techno music when I need energy and piano music when I need peace of mind.
What does it mean for you to work in a highly creative environment like ‘Lighthouse Tattoo & Art Studio’ in Busan, a district of Seoul? There are so many great artists within those walls…
I have been with ‘Lighthouse Tattoo & Art Studio’ (IG: @lighthouse_professional_tattoo) for 12 years. Although some of us have been together for a long time and some for a short period of time, we are very close and they are like a very strong family to me.
And your last famous words are?
This is a very short sentence that I came across while reading a Buddhist book a while ago. “Peace in your heart, smile on your face”. And then I would add the very famous phrase. “If you do nothing, nothing happens”.
