Interview
Geunhee Go
Geunhee has been practicing the art of tattooing in Seoul, South Korea for 11 years, under the nickname '주영 (Jooyoung).' Over these 11 years, she has had the privilege of working on a wide variety of tattoos. For the past 4 years, she has placed a significant emphasis on tattoos inspired by various colors, flowers, and animals. Meeting numerous clients, she us dedicated to expressing their stories through the medium of tattoo art.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey into the world of art and tattooing began at a young age, shaped by my early passion for drawing and the support of my hardworking parents. Despite our modest financial means, I was recognized for my artistic talents from a tender age, receiving various awards for my skills. Growing up, I spent a lot of time alone at home, which allowed me to immerse myself in drawing and discover the joy it brought me. My parents, recognizing my passion, spared no effort to nurture my talent. I pursued my artistic dreams by graduating from an art high school and later an art university. For a decade after graduating, I dedicated myself to teaching art, but a lingering desire for a more fulfilling and enjoyable career persisted. During this period of reflection, a close friend of mine decided to get a tattoo, igniting my curiosity about this unique art form. As I delved into the works of various tattoo artists, I found myself captivated by the diverse forms of artistic expression and the distinctive approach that tattooing offered.”
What inspires you?
“My artwork has always been profoundly influenced by the beauty of nature, incorporating various elements such as trees, blossoms, butterflies, and other flora and fauna. Their varied colors and immaculate forms function as pivotal initial elements in my artistic methodology. Specifically, the aesthetic appeal of blossoms and the sentiments they elicit are critical factors in motivating my artistic prowess. As a result, I have a preference for spending time on holidays walking through natural environments, appreciating the outdoors, and taking photographs. This facilitates the extraction of inspiration from the natural environment and, moreover, significantly contributes to the generation of novel concepts and designs. The abundant natural environment provides a strong foundation for my artistic work and offers insights into various aspects of the creative process.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My art is all about celebrating the marvels of nature and the ever-spinning wheel of life. I find my inspiration in the intricate shapes and vibrant colors of flowers, leaves, butterflies, animals, and the rich tapestry of plant life. These elements are the heart and soul of the natural world, and I aim to capture their exquisite essence in my work, bringing out the mysterious beauty that lies within. Furthermore, I take great care in crafting each piece to stir emotions and create a profound connection with each client’s unique life story. Every artwork I create carries deep messages and cherished memories for my clients, as I wholeheartedly work to skillfully etch their emotions and personal narratives onto their skin as a devoted tattoo artist.”
“The abundant natural environment provides a strong foundation for my artistic work and offers insights into various aspects of the creative process.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is all about capturing the beauty of the natural world with its intricate details, vibrant colors, and the wonderful creatures and plants that inhabit it. When I create smaller tattoos, I pay special attention to precision and delicacy, making sure every detail shines through. For larger pieces, I focus on accentuating the body’s curves and harmony to create a seamless, natural effect where the tattoo becomes one with the body. I also believe in the power of color to convey emotions. I use a variety of colors in my work to express different feelings and add depth to each design. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the challenges and creative opportunities that the future holds, as they will help me grow and evolve as an artist.”
Which artists influence you most?
“As an artist, it’s challenging to attribute my inspiration to a single name, but some of the most influential artists for me are those who seamlessly blend the worlds of botanical art and tattooing. Their creations beautifully capture the essence of nature’s aesthetics, and their work serves as a major wellspring of inspiration for my own approach and style. These artists play a vital role in shaping my artistic vision and offer a unique viewpoint on how art can harmoniously merge with the natural world.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative journey kicks off with a thoughtful consultation with my clients, where I delve into their ideas and visions. After this, I embark on a research phase and transition into sketching and designing. Subsequently, I circle back for another round of consultations with my clients to fine-tune and finalize the design. Fortunately, my clients often place trust in my recommendations and insights, which generally allows the process to flow smoothly without the need for significant revisions. Once the design is polished and ready, I bring it to life by translating it into a tattoo on the client’s body. Since tattoos are relatively permanent, I approach this step with unwavering dedication and passion, always striving to deliver my very best.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The social impact of an artist holds significant sway in molding both culture and art while providing a wellspring of inspiration to society. Artists often serve as pivotal figures in dissecting various facets of society and conveying narratives to the public through their creative expressions. This role continually adapts to the prevailing era and context, with artists possessing the potential to make substantial contributions to instigating social transformation. Through their works, artists can effectively spotlight societal issues, utilizing various art forms such as visual arts, music, and theater to broaden social discourse and awareness. Furthermore, artists, with their distinct perspectives and boundless creativity, have the power to lead social change by introducing fresh viewpoints and ideas. This underscores the vital role they play in addressing contemporary social dilemmas and challenges. As a tattoo artist, I view my role not only as that of a creator of skin art but also as a shaper of culture and art through the medium of tattoos, offering inspiration and influence to my clients.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Korea currently stands as the sole country worldwide where tattoos are deemed illegal. In response to this situation, I, along with my fellow tattoo artist friends, have taken proactive steps to organize multiple exhibitions within Korea, aiming to shed a positive light on tattoos. Among these initiatives, one of the most unforgettable events was our inaugural street exhibition in 2014, titled “Coloring Korea with Tattoos.” This event featured the collaborative efforts of six tattoo artists. During this period, tattoos carried a prevailing negative stigma in Korea. In the face of these entrenched prejudices, we courageously asserted that are art and sought to challenge these preconceptions. Through our exhibition, we effectively showcased the artistic merit of tattoos to the public, resulting in a remarkably positive response.”
Instagram: @jooyoung_tt
