But I would say in general, they’re often more caring to clients in the details, even something small like having snacks and drinks for clients. “There are so many amazing female shops and they’re all quite different. A lot of women who have gotten tattoos may have been made to feel, in some studios, that they weren’t meant to be there, were scared, or uncomfortable. Connecting with people, making them feel heard and safe, is so important. “I have realised from negative tattoo experiences that receiving and giving a tattoo is an energy exchange,” she says, “and how important the customer-service part of this industry is. It’s like a movement away from the kind of traditional ‘rock and roll’, loud music studios,” she says. O’Regan wanted Awen to be female-led and queer-friendly, offering a nurturing, welcoming and relaxed space for clients.Ĭontributor Geraldine Walsh: 'My entire left arm is now a glorifying representation of my womanhood.' With our intake forms, we always ask what someone’s comfort levels are, what kind of appointment they want to have, what they are expecting - Phoebe O’Regan, Awen Soul It can be very simple or multilateral, depending on the person.” Depending on why they’re coming and their comfort level around ceremony and healing, we may start with a deep meditation and do a cleansing ceremony as an opportunity to let go of anything that might come up. That often starts with the messages we’re exchanging or a phone call. If I know someone is grieving, I set the space and energy for their grief. “Most of my clients are coming through very emotional, deeper-meaning experiences. “For me, tattooing is an honour, it’s a collaboration,” she says. ![]() For her, tattooing is now a spiritual process. She subsequently chose Awen as the name of her female-led tattoo studio. The experience was transformational for her, as it encouraged her to root herself back in Ireland, towards her ancestors it was also the catalyst for her decision to train as a tattoo artist. While living there, O’Regan was tattooed with the ancient Celtic symbol, Awen, which celebrates creativity, imagination and aesthetic sensibility. “The tattoo is often chosen for you after reading your energy and knowing what power is needed in your life,” O’Regan says. She lived in Phnom Penh in Cambodia for three years, where the ancient Sak Yant art of tattoo ceremony is still celebrated. Phoebe O’Regan is owner of Awen Soul, a spiritual-centred tattoo and healing studio in Cobh, Co Cork. Phoebe O’Regan at work at Awen Tattoos and Rituals: 'I have realised from negative tattoo experiences that receiving and giving a tattoo is an energy exchange.' Photograph: Daragh McSweeney/Provision Phoebe O’Regan, owner of Awen Soul, Co Cork ![]() Here, three female tattoo artists talk about their craft, and how they are creating more inclusive spaces for their clients, especially women. But the industry is shifting, and female-led studios run by creative and nurturing women artists are changing the experience of getting a tattoo into something empowering, even ritualistic. Getting one has usually involved choosing a picture and biting down for a few hours, being vulnerable, nervous, intimidated and sometimes unsure of the process. They hold stories, involve intimacy, and often sear with physical and emotional pain. Tattoos are more than ink and pretty pictures.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |