Abby Nowakowski (she/they) is a queer interdisciplinary artist and art educator currently living and working in Sharbot Lake and Katarokwi-Kingston. Through printmaking, illustration and handpoke tattooing, they spread advocacy for care, share stories, and make space for radical softness. Abby is drawn to the gentler pace of handpoke which has fostered a more comfortable and empowering setting for clients. Driven by curiosity and kindness, their practice extends into art facilitation with a range of collaborations, workshops, and performances which radiate from queer ecologies and friendships.

In their practice they are constantly questioning what radical consent looks like when permanently altering someone else’s body; how to find a healthier balance between artist/client power dynamics; and how tattoos can impact our sense of identity.

Abby is the Program Director at Union Gallery in Katarokwi-Kingston, and co-founded Otherwise Studios with Ahmri Vandeborne in 2019.