softer than expected: a tattoo happening

Find a gentle landing place within softer than expected: a tattoo happening, a temporary tattoo studio hosted by local artist Abby Nowakowski. A continuation of their work in we are magic: a love letter to our tattoos, this week-long offering acts as a greeting place for curious folks who feel intimidated by the parlour tattoo industry. In Abby’s tattoo practice, they are constantly questioning what radical consent looks like when permanently altering someone else’s body; working to dismantle the stigma surrounding having tattoos; and exploring the impact tattoos have on our sense of identity. 

Drawing on ideas of trauma-informed care and tattooing as liberation work, Nowakowski is inspired by and refers to contemporary artist and oral historian Tamara Santibañez.

To ensure intentional care and comfort, tattoo sessions are scheduled through appointment only.