Interview
Xiaoling Li
(Aka, Kodsuno)
For any art-related endeavors, Xiaoling Li prefers to use the self-created name ‘Kodsuno’. Her parents are from both North and South Korea, but she was born and raised in Beijing, China.
Kodsuno began tattooing immediately after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in fine art from the School of Visual Arts in Beijing.
Kodsuno is both a tattoo artist and illustrator.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My parents are immigrants from both North and South Korea. This family history taught me that the world does not owe me anything, and that I must work diligently and persevere to earn anything I desire and make my place in the world.
I began my art career studying illustration at the School of Visual Arts. I then earned a place in the world of tattooing by apprenticing with Ele, my mentor, one of the most renowned and respected tattoo artists. Ele tattooed Madonna twice, gave Post Malone a face tattoo over his eyebrow, and has hung out with Rihanna.”
What inspires you most?
“My Chinese culture, particularly the aesthetics of Qing period, empirical China, fascinates me. I’d describe the art style from that historical period as heavily decorated, painstakingly detailed, and quite solemn and dignified.
I’m endlessly inspired by artistic depictions of dress, jewelry, opera customs, architecture, and porcelain patterns. In addition, Gong Bi Bai Miao (工笔白描 ), a traditional method for pursuing the highest quality of linework, has had a significant influence on my approach to linework in tattoos and drawings.
I’m also inspired by artists throughout history who have developed their own worlds and established their own aesthetics and styles. These include Gustave Dore, Henry Darger, Ernst Haeckel, and Takato Yamamoto.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“There are three primary themes that I incorporate into my tattoos. First, surrealistic objects that float in visual space that are partially constrained by common sense logic, and partially constrained by surrealistic logic. Inspired by the ancient Chinese aristocracy’s use of head jewels, crowns, and tiaras, I recreate these images with a modern twist and, in most cases, by simplifying them so that they appear more graphic and make more sense as tattoo designs.
I refer to my second style of tattoos as nymphs. These designs portray mysterious female humanoids that are half-naked, as can be seen below. For instance, the Naga, a half-snake, half-serpent monster; the fairy covered in vines and standing in water; and Diana, the goddess of wild animals and the hunt.
The third style is abstract work developed expressly for a certain placement on the body, so that it flows in harmony with the human body’s contour.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work embodies a distinct aesthetic, and all my creations exist within a domain I continue to construct. I’m gradually attempting to improve the presentation of this universe by adding personalities and compelling details. This is accomplished using a variety of mediums, including tattoos, illustrations, and traditional and digital paintings.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I was influenced by art décor illustrators. Alphonse Mucha, George Barbier, and Aubrey Beardsley are some of my favorite artists. The excellent quality of their linework depicts the ambition and dedication in producing convincing large, busy scenes with layers of foreground, numerous people all interacting with their environment, and layers of backdrops. The ingenuity and uniqueness in styles encourages me to work harder, pushing myself to approach the level of these all-time masters.”
“The tattooing world was previously dominated by traditional repetitive works that are essentially about tracing and retracing old classics.
Our generation of tattooists has a strong illustration background, and a style that breaks boundaries and expands imagination in the tattooing world.”
What is your creative process like?
“Typically, before I begin actual sketching, I visualize the imagery I want to create in full color, with all the necessary elements. The magical moment when inspiration strikes me is usually just before I fall asleep. In the murky region between consciousness and unconsciousness, my brain processes information and generates vivid images, which I attempt to capture through notes and sketches. Then to implement my concept, I conduct an extensive study to find the appropriate reference photographs. Afterwards, I devote a great deal of time to tracing and retracing linework, sketching until the quality of the lines is satisfactory, after which I add dimension with shading and color.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of the artist is to maintain imagination. Imagination is what infuses new life into the collective human consciousness, keeping us challenged and alive. Since we are limited in this secular world by our need to breathe and eat, imagining is a particularly difficult task. Imagining and producing appears futile and demands great effort. Even artists must eat. Who can blame them if they deviate from the path of being authentic and pure? But genuine artists should persevere and work like a devoted monk in the high mountains, unaffected by cold or hunger.”
Please tell us about any previous interviews you found noteworthy and wish to share.
“I’ve been interviewed a number of times as a result of the amount of interest in my tattoo works and unique designs. The editor of Cracked.com took notice of my tattoo art and rapid success in acquiring new clients. Running a website that receives millions of hits every month, he approached me and requested an interview to discuss the unanticipated aspects of a tattoo artist’s life. I felt incredibly privileged to have been chosen to represent this new generation of tattooists.
I’ve also been interviewed by Inkppl and Voyage LA. I’m pleased to have received this recognition from the art and tattooing communities. It’s a reflection of how powerful and competitive my pieces are, and I’m even more inspired to continue developing and constructing this fantastical universe that is my artwork.”
Instagram: @kodsuno.l
