In an era where all media is consumed so quickly, there is a great deal of lasting art that is so appealing, and tattoos are the answer for me.
th-ink: How would you describe your working style?
Pokhy: I usually use a thin needle to create my tattoos. The patterns of the tattoos I do are very detailed and the colors are bright.
Most of my tattoos are natural objects and these days I am working with a lot of nature which inspires my blue-based pieces. Using darker tones makes the designs come alive and shows more of who I am. I really like the color blue and I try to experiment with new things with it.
th-ink: Did your childhood experiences or where you live influence your art?
Pokhy: My mom loves to have a little garden at home, so my house is full of plants and flowers. I have a natural affinity for plants, and I love to draw them all the time.
th-ink: What got you interested in colored tattoos, especially blue?
Pokhy: I really love the color blue. I feel like it makes me appreciate art more. Blue and navy blue for me is the color that I have always chosen to use the most.
th-ink: What kind of tattoos do you like and what would you like to do more of? Can you tell us about it?
Pokhy: I like tattoos that flow with the shape of the body. For example, I like natural objects with free forms, like the tentacles of a jellyfish and the stems of long petals. I like tattoos like this because they can fit into interesting curved areas. Although most of my tattoos are small, I would like to try a larger one that covers the whole back or wraps around the entire leg as well. I am still open to myself.
th-ink: What is the tattoo industry like in your area?
Pokhy: Korea doesn’t recognize tattooing as a profession. It’s illegal for tattoo artists to do it. That’s why many talented tattoo artists work abroad.
The number of people getting tattoos is increasing, but the legal system is still in the past. I hope there will be gradual changes. Although tattoo artists are not protected by law, the country’s civic consciousness is gradually improving due to the popularity of tattoos. Many things in Korea are seeing more changes.
Pokhy: There are many talented tattoo artists in Korea. The day will come when they will be recognized.
th-ink: Do you have a place to go as a guest or plan a trip?
Pokhy: I plan to work in Australia next year and then continue working in the US.
th-ink: Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection? Are you a collector and do you have any plans to get tattooed in the future?
Pokhy: Of course I have a lot of tattoos. It’s a collection of my favorite things. I have tattoos of my pets, my life motto, lots of colors, my favorite flowers, my religion, and so on. It’s like my personal diary.
th-ink: What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
Pokhy: I got a letter from a client. I covered up old scars with my artwork. She told me that her heart warms every time she sees my tattoos, and that she is encouraged to continue living in this world by looking at her beautiful tattoos rather than the painful memories. That letter is worth more than winning a contest or any amount of money.
th-ink : What do you do when you’re not getting a tattoo?
Pokhy: I do indoor rock climbing as a hobby and I spend my leisure time with my lovely cat.
