“Busy, busy, busy” is a quote from Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle. It’s what Bokononists whisper whenever we think of how complicated and unpredictable the machinery of life really is.
I realised last night that my blog is now just over a year old and I let the occasion slip by without so much as a mention. So, I would like to use this post to celebrate and thank all of you, my readers, for your support and comments over the past year. When I started this blog I didn’t think for a moment that I would meet so many inspiring people and receive so many encouraging comments. I have also been shortlisted to win an award from Cosmopolitan.
What a first year! Let’s hope the next is just as successful…
Feature girl: Claire Cocks Location: London Occupation: Cataloguer at an autograph auction house and retailer
Claire Cocks
Victorian Silhouette Tattoo
Where did you get your tattoos done?
I got my silhouette by Lucy at Into You and my Victorian lady “Gwendolen” by Miles at Frith Street.
What got you into tattoos and what was your first tattoo? I’ve always loved tattoos, but I was a bit dubious about whether I’d want something so permanent, until last year! I mentioned to a friend what I had in mind and he gave me a list of artists to check out and away I went. At first I wanted a simple cameo within an ornate frame, but the design evolved until I decided on a solid black silhouette portrait of my mum.
Are you planning any more tattoos? Yes definitely – although it took a few months after Gwendolen to think about having another one. I’d love to get a skull and crossbones that I saw on the floor of the Campo Santo in Pisa. The crossbones have a ribbon tying them together and I love the juxtaposition of the two. I’m also looking into getting a Victorian animal engraving, so I’m hunting around second-hand bookshops for an original drawing to work from at the moment.
Where did your inspiration come from? Victorian engravings and adverts, woodcuts, history of photography.
How would you describe your style? Vintage inspired, but without sticking to any particular period or style, although I’m always keen on Victoriana, 1920s cross-dressing (Louise Brooks in ‘Beggars of Life’) and the 80s 1940s revival.
Is there anyone you would like to get tattooed by? I’d love to get tattooed by either Volko Merschky or Simone Pfaff from Buena Vista Tattoo Club – their designs are amazing. I saw them at work at the London Tattoo Convention and it has definitely spurred me on to do some saving!
Victorian Corset Tattoo - Gwendolen
Do you have a favourite tattoo? As I only have two I think it would be unfair to have favourites!
Do your tattoos have meanings? The portrait of my mum is commemorative – I wanted something really simple in a place that I could always see. Luckily she liked it. Gwendolen on the other hand is just pure aesthetic joy – a corset advertisement I found one day and fell in love with!
What do you do?
I run a vintage stall called Clash Dolly on Brick Lane Market, I also do freelance styling.
Eyes on the prizeMermaid
What got you into tattoos and what was your first tattoo?
I looked at heavily tattooed people and really liked what I saw. I always knew I wanted a big tattoo, but just wasn’t sure what I wanted and wasn’t brave enough. So to start with I got some little tattoos, which have now been covered over, thank god. My first big piece was the mermaid on my back.
What inspires you?
Street art and street style, I love clashing different cultures and styles, I think this inspiration comes from growing up in London. I love mixing Indian style clothes and accessories with ’90s street style.
In terms of tattoo inspiration I liked the war-time pictures in my Nan’s house and images of ladies, haha, I like women.
Who would you like to get tattooed by? Saira Hunjan, I love her Indian style.
Love Doll
Have you got anything else planned?
I think I want a different style from my other tattoos, maybe some henna-style tattoos on my legs and feet. I love clashing different styles in clothing and this carries through to my tattoo style too. I really like dot work, e.g. Xed LeHead.
Do you have a favourite tattoo?
I love my mermaid, it’s by Silvia Zed. She does amazing portraits, she works at Lal Hardy‘s shop, New Wave Tattoo.
Do your tattoos have meanings?
They do to me, but it’s hard to explain them in words, I like to keep things to myself. People don’t always get it and it’s nice little feeling for me, I’ll let other people take what they want from them.
busy busy busy
Feature girl: Claire Cocks
Claire Cocks
Who would you like to get tattooed by?
Have you got anything else planned?
Take a look at Ami’s website: www.clashdolly.com
