Live tattooing features during arts trail
Artist Lorna Tawhiti, from O¯ taki Beach, will be tattooing live during the Ka¯ piti Arts Trail.
A courtyard at 13 Scott Ave will be transformed into an outdoor gallery for her artwork, while people will see Lorna tattooing live from 11am each day.
“I’m looking forward to meeting other art enthusiasts, sharing my journey and purposebuilt space.
“I hope to inspire others who have a passion for tattooing and this style of art.
“It will also be a great opportunity for visitors, unfamiliar to tattooing, to see first hand what happens and how.”
Lorna’s first tattoo lines happened over 10 years ago “under the guidance of my brother Desmond Tawhiti, an exceptional artist both with pen and tattoo machine.
“I have loved creating artistically since I can remember and my brother encouraged me to take up tattooing long before I did.
“In 2008, following mentorship from an experienced local tattoo artist, Shane Jones, my husband Graham Watson and I decided to build our ‘Appointment Only’ tattoo studio, which took a further six years.
“I transitioned from fulltime work in education to fulltime tattoo artist and we’re now in our fourth year of business.
“I enjoy all aspects of tattooing from the initial consult with clients, discussing ideas, designing and collaborating, to the day of their tattoo bringing to life those ideas and giving them permanence.”
Lorna, who has does other artform including digital art, said there were countless tattoos she felt connected to.
“This is because of how the tattoo resonates with the client and the meaning behind it.
“For many, there is a deep emotional and spiritual connection with their tattoos giving chance to express themselves accordingly.
“I am humbled to be part of that process.”
The Ka¯ piti Arts Trail runs over two weekends October 27-28 and November 3-4.
■ For more information see: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/arts-trail