Interview
Eden Gutstein
Eden Gutstein is a tattoo artist based in Atlanta, GA. Her journey started with doing handpoke tattoos but has since shifted to primarily using tattoo machines, while still offering handpoke as an option. Proficient with all skin tones, she specializes in dotwork, botanical designs, chrome accents, high contrast styles and lettering. While her portfolio leans towards flash sheets, she is excited to collaborate on custom pieces.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I come from an Israeli background. I was born and raised in a small town south of Tel Aviv, called Holon. Although Holon is a very small town, it is one of the towns that is known to have a lot of opportunity for arts and culture, such as a few theaters, a leading fashion museum and different institutions to learn art. From a young age I started attending a local theater that invoked my love for creativity and art. I mainly grew up doing theater work and performing, but I have always had a strong passion for drawing and have always been good at it. Drawing has always been a constant form of expression in my life, and filled up most of my free time. When I was about 17, I went to get tattooed for the first time with a friend of mine, accompanied by her dad for parental consent. After getting my first tattoo, I was very intrigued by this medium of art and decided I want to get into the tattooing industry. Shortly after, I started learning and practicing all the ins and outs of tattoos, as well as the safety and sanitary precautions. During my practice phase, I have mainly practiced tattooing on myself, my friends and family members.”
What inspires you?
“I definitely had multiple points of inspiration. When I started to get tattooed I was very much inspired by the artists I was going to and their craft. The first tattoo I have ever gotten was by a "celebrity tattoo artist" in Israel who was on The Big Brother show. I was inspired by the precision of his work and how humble he was regardless of his great success and name in the tattoo industry. I also got inspiration from "Inked Magazine" and the well known tattoo show; "Ink Master." What I really admire about tattoo artists is that they all have their own unique, individual style.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my career as a tattoo artist, I have gone through a few different phases and styles of work. When I was starting out, I used the handpoke method for tattooing, which is essentially a machine free technique where you manually use needles without any electricity involved. My designs back then were what I call "notebook sketches", usually on the smaller size and usually involved some sense of humor to them. I gradually transitioned to using a machine and creating a lot more botanical work of fruits and flowers that I still enjoy doing to this day. As of recently, I have been experimenting with chrome designs, which is a form of art that has high contrast designs with realistic elements. I have also been working towards doing more surrealism and realism. I think that is one of my favorite things about being a tattoo artist, you never stop growing and evolving as an artist and in your style of work.”
“What I really admire about tattoo artists is that they all have their own unique, individual style.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would say that a good way to describe my work would be fine-lines and texture. I mostly work with thinner needles, ranging between a 3 round liner to a 7 round liner, which shows consistency in my work. To add depth and dimension to my work, I use a stippling technique, also known as pointillism. I also like to add some crosshatching or small tight lines to add some texture to a piece.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Before I even started tattooing or getting tattooed, I was highly inspired by Tati Compton's work. She specializes in the handpoke method and does beautiful ornamental work. I have been following her since I was probably around 15 and she is still my all time favorite tattoo artist. I have also been inspired by the very talented tattoo artist, Sara Kori, who is known to be the line work queen. I have gotten multiple tattoos by her in the past and they all healed beautifully. Her precision skills are top notch. I should also add that watching the artists on Ink Master has taught me a lot, as they all have very unique styles and a broad set of skills. I may not necessarily be tattooing in the same style, however, it is always great to keep an open mind and learn new techniques from artists who have so much experience.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process always starts from collecting as much inspiration as I can. Gathering materials and imagery I can use as a reference or for the purpose to spark an idea. When I draw botanical designs, I tend to use either real flowers or photographs of flowers as my reference. I also assign a theme to each flash sheet I create, as I work in many different styles. Once I get an idea of what designs I want to create I get to work. There are times when I do custom pieces that I sit with the client and gather up inspiration from them, and make sure I come up with the idea they envisioned. Sometimes it takes trial and error until I come up with the perfect design that is going to resonate. But I always say that the process of tattooing should never be rushed or feel rushed. It is a permanent form of art and I would rather take the time to ensure that my client is happy and comfortable with the design and the placement.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think the role of an artist in society depends on your perspective. For me, whether or not I ever became a tattoo artist, I would always keep drawing anyway. So for people to be inspired by my work and honor it by getting my drawings tattooed on their body creates a connection. Through my journey as a tattoo artist, I have been able to connect with so many incredible people and gain new friends and opportunities. The process of tattooing can be a very vulnerable one, that can sometimes take hours. So during that time you really get the chance to connect with people, speak with them and hear their stories. In a way it is very therapeutic from both the artist's prospective and the client's prospective. At this point it feels like it is beyond art, it is about human connection, and I am very grateful I get to connect with so many people on a regular basis.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“As tattoo artists, our canvases are the human body, so our form of exhibition is through photographs we share on social media and our websites. I am currently working on a tattoo book that I am planning on releasing in the next few weeks that will feature my designs.”
