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Hanumantra

Blackwork is a tattoo choice, it’s a lifestyle and it’s a philosophy.

Hanumantra was born intellectually curious with an inquisitive mind so it came as no surprise when age 18 he went off to explore the antipodes, where he travelled the ocean’s coastline around Australia in a second hand van enjoying a surfers life.

It was during the endless hours Hanumantra spent watching the horizon and changing skyline that the concept for his first tattoo began, an abstract piece inspired by the sun on the ocean which still sits on his right calf, and so began Hanumantra’s personal journey into the world of ink.

In developing his craft, Hanumantra’s inquisitive nature took an exploration of cultures, styles and genres, his curiosity explored the philosophy surrounding a tattoo. He continued to travel through Central America and Asia, constantly drawn to the personal and bespoke nature of the meaningful traditional black artwork tattoos.

He saw the strength of a tattoo and how just a few perfectly placed instinctive lines could fit the wearer like a tailored item of clothing, hanging beautifully from its natural form. Focusing with only black ink he creates free-hand designs, integrating the tattoo with the person, becoming one with the body. The vision of a silhouette balancing in the skin working harmoniously with the wearers geometry, displaying a mature contemporary look.

Every tattoo Hanumantra undertakes is exclusively created for the client. The time is taken to handcraft each individual design, conveying and amplifying the inner strength of spirit of the wearer. This allows them to feel empowered and protected as though a layer of tattoo armour is placed upon them, creating a modern day warrior ready for today’s battles.

Hanumantra is not just passionate about his work, he believes receiving a tattoo is a rite of passage; it is a journey based on lessons we have learned and life experience gained. Hanumantra has gained an international client base where they travel from around the world to receive their black tattoo, each personally created and unique to them.

For Hanumantra “Blackwork is more than a tattoo choice, it’s a lifestyle and it’s a philosophy, believing that less really is more.”

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A Passive Push

Every now and then something comes along and drags us like a freight train out of our comfort zone. Sometimes it starts as a whisper, ends like a roar and we’re left wondering how we didn’t see it coming ahead of time. It’s these places that dare us to go beyond what we thought possible.

 Last week for Kaitlin it was probably quite obvious coming into the tattoo that it was set to be transformative. Certainly from a physical aspect but likely in other, less tangible ways.

Expectations

For me personally, if I’m being honest I’m not sure what my expectations were. I’ve learned over the years it’s best to leave expectations at the door and just focus on the job at hand. Maybe that’s why I feel there’s been a shift. One that I didn’t see coming.

Several years ago I wrote a blog about a different type of tattoo experience I would be offering, titled “Beyond the Black”. Where I would aim to complete a large-scale tattoo over consecutive days. Inspired by the approach of Gordon Toi I wanted to push the limits of what was possible for the client, their skin, my vision, and both of our endurance.

Beginning of the week

Last week’s sessions with Kaitlin certainly pushed all of the above and as a result, we’re both permanently changed from our time spent together. A fork in the road that changes the path ahead.

Creating large-scale tattoos requires extended time with the same person. So who you’re spending that time with determines how you’re spending it. I don’t enjoy time together with people who aggressively try and push my process. I give my all to every client on any given day. Trying to force any more out of me is counterproductive and has the potential to tarnish the experience.

“Oh Fine”

But there is a way to passively push me that can’t be overestimated. Kaitlin turned up and projected the trust she had in my ability to design the right tattoo for her. I was free to do as I pleased and could do it with confidence, knowing that we had each other’s trust. So began the start of her backpiece.

My lack of expectation at the beginning of the week began to unravel and hope started to creep in. Every morning I would be at the studio waiting for Kaitlin and when she arrived I’d ask how she was doing. Every time the answer was the same. With a wide-eyed smile “Oh me, I’m fine thanks”. I got the same response when I was in the middle of tattooing her on any given day and checked in with how she was doing.

When I asked if I could just “go back into a certain area?” Or reposition her to increase the stretch I’d get the response every time of “Oh sure, whatever you need”, with that same smile.

I truly felt that we were in this together with a commitment not just to each other but also to the completion of the tattoo. Her attitude inspired the process of the tattoo and along the way me with it.

Kaitlin made the flight from America and sat through a week of tattooing to realize this tattoo. She’s been on my client list since 2019 and to say it was a pleasure to finally welcome her at UN1TY last week and a privilege to tattoo her is an understatement. When we said our goodbyes on Friday afternoon I jokingly said if I get a cancellation next week maybe she could take it and we’ll get her front done before she flies home. Her response. “Yeah sure, just let me know”. The funny thing about it is I’m still not sure if she was joking.

Thank you Kaitlin!!!

“You’re not just a tattooer. You’re a navigator.” – Gordon Toi Hatfield

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