Silena Ann. The NEW Art On The Sleeve

When Emma asked me to work on a new project with her, where the artwork for the hoodies was moved to the sleeve, I was thrilled. As a tattoo artist, one of the most challenging layouts that we frequently encounter is that of a sleeve—we’re working in a 2-dimensional artform but on a complex 3D shape. Designing the fabric for the hoodie sleeves was even more challenging. 

Whereas, with a tattooed sleeve, I’m designing for a particular arm. With the fabric, I needed to account for the different sizes that would be available, from small to extra large, without losing anything. 

Arms are also not symmetrical, so I had to be careful where seams met. Would it look okay for the design not to match up exactly? Or, conversely, how to design it so it can, without making sewing too complex for Emma to do efficiently. I hope I succeeded!

Tattooing is an inherently collaborative art form. Usually, my clients come to me with their ideas and the seeds of the work, and I’m the one who gets to grow them into a piece of art. Because my clients will be wearing the artwork for the rest of their lives, I take their input and wishes very seriously while still understanding that I’m the one with the experience and knowledge about tattoos. 

 When I work with Emma, this is turned on its head in an exciting way. Emma gives me complete freedom to create as I wish within the constraints of the design she’s working on. My limits are simple, but I also consider the ethos and values behind Untamed Fernie: slow fashion, sustainability, and locally made. 

This inspires me to incorporate local flora and fauna into the work and feature the beautiful natural world found in the Canadian Rockies. For these works, Emma gives me the seed, and I hand her back a sapling, excited to see how she further nurtures it to life.

I am a tattoo artist based out of Invermere, BC, and due to working in a small town, I get to create tattoos in a variety of styles. I adore the collaborative nature of what I do, where I meet and work with all sorts of people. As a tattoo artist, I see my job first and foremost as a service – I get to make people happy every day (I have to hurt them a little bit to do it!). 

The art I create reflects that focus, and thus incorporates a lot of who my client is into it, as well as myself. Personally, I love incorporating colour and elements of pattern/geometry into my work when appropriate.  Collaborations like these hoodies allow me to reflect a bit more of myself in the work and explore different styles that may be limited in tattooing. 

My work can be found on Instagram @silenaann, along with contact details if you’re interested in a tattoo or commission.

Thanks for reading and if you want to read all about the inspiration behind the designs then read my other blog Read Now

Silena Ann, Invermere, BC