We continue our Inside Inked series by spotlighting the work of artist Evan Paul English. As a pivotal figure in the creation of our latest print magazine, “Natural Pursuits – Inked,” Evan’s live tattooing of attendees added an unforgettable dimension to the event.
Captured through the lens of Rocco Christopher, this post presents never-before-seen photographs that showcase the process of tattooing and the artistic expression that bloomed during the day. For the event, Evan created flash tattoo designs of flowers, each one inspired by vintage floral ephemera, reflecting his multidisciplinary practice. Read on for an exclusive interview with Evan-unraveling the inspiration and stories behind his creations- and see more of his work.
INKED BEHIND THE SCENES
Get Your Copy of Inked
ARTIST INTERVIEW
Natural Pursuits (NP): You did live tattooing during the shoot for the Inked issue of Natural Pursuits. I’m guessing tattooing naked is a pretty unique experience. Can you share your thoughts on the sense of vulnerability or liberation you felt that day?
Evan Paul English (EPE): The general sense was that it was liberating for both me and my clients. I feel more and more comfortable with my body as I age, so being nudeโinitially an unusual feeling for a professional settingโbecame comfortable quickly.
As a tattoo artist, I work with clients in various states of undress; it was actually easier to determine tattoo placement with my clients having no clothes to interfere. Overall I appreciate the vulnerability, trust, and honesty involved with nudity and body modification. Consent continues to be the cornerstone of safe and professional tattooing, and it was no different on that day than any other.
NP: Nudism and tattoos both often symbolize self-expression. Do you think there is a connection between body art and body positivity?
EPE: Definitely, a strong connection exists between body art and body positivity. Through my tattoos, I’ve experienced a profound sense of liberation within my own skin and gained a greater sense of autonomy over my body. Engaging in body modification has played a pivotal role in cultivating a wholesome and affectionate relationship with my body, particularly with aspects I hadn’t previously celebrated.
NP: What were some highlights of the day for you?
EPE: The highlights of the day were the enriching conversations and the palpable excitement among individuals simply to be present in an environment they cherish. The energy was infectious, and I felt honored to be a part of it all. Tattooing combines a distinctive blend of art creation, physical contact, intimate conversation, and at times, even therapy โ a truly bonding experience. That day carried a special feeling of empowerment and liberation.
NP: Your bio mentions that you explore the relationship between gender, class, and growing up queer in America. How does this exploration manifest in your tattoo art?
EPE: Tattoos hold different meanings for different people; however, I’ve come to see them as a form of self-expression that has enabled me to break free from conformity. Creating my appearance through extensive body modification and tattoo coverage has been a process of letting go of the opinions of others. The act of making a permanent decision for oneself is empowering.
Growing up in the relatively conservative environment of Idaho, I felt the weight of certain expectations placed upon me. It was through receiving tattoos that I truly found my own identity. Tattoos represent not only physical change and the passage of time but also to symbolize an internal metamorphosis.
As I create tattoos for my clients, I see them as a reflection of the individuals who wear them. In a sense, my creations serve as a mirror to my own community; I act as a conduit for their expressions. The reason someone might get a tattoo varies, but could certainly be linked to how they want to express their queerness, gender, sexuality, or even remember important things from their past.
NP: Your work reimagines traditional American vintage floral designs into unique and personal tattoos. How does this reinterpretation reflect the celebration of individuality and self-reclamation, especially within the context of the queer community?
EPE: Tattooing vintage-style florals, whether as a direct recreation or a subtle reference to past styles, represents an act of reclamation. My goal is to give new meaning to something I’ve always cherished but often associated with the conservative environments of my upbringing.
The way we understand and interpret the meaning of art is deeply influenced by context. Tattooing these vintage floral designs at an event for queer nudists, compared to their original purpose as decorations in traditional family homes, yields two markedly distinct meanings. Throughout this process, I’ve come to understand that everyone has a unique yet universally resonant experience with floral motifs โ these designs often evoke memories of one’s roots and the personal growth they’ve undergone.
NP: Is there anything you’d like to promote?
EPE: If youโd like to see more of my work, find me on socials @evanpaulenglish and my website www.evanpaulenglish.com. Subscribe to my newsletter (https://evanpaulenglish.substack.com) to stay informed about upcoming exhibitions and tattoo openings.
ENGLISH’S WORK
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Hailing from Boise, Idaho, Evan Paul English is an accomplished artist now based in Brooklyn, New York. His extensive repertoire spans across a range of artistic mediums, from painting and installation art to ready-made sculpture, murals, and tattoos. Evan’s multidisciplinary practice is inspired by his extensive collection of vintage floral ephemera, which serves as the foundation of his exploration into the relationship between gender, class, and growing up queer in America.
As an artist, Evan is fascinated by the role materials and objects play in shaping our individual self-understanding. Utilizing decorative motifs, he challenges stereotypes and asks profound questions about gender narratives. Rather than viewing florals as a purely decorative art form, Evan believes that they offer a way to describe social, cultural, and self-reflections.
Evan’s dedication to identity and self-reclamation is also evident in his work as a tattoo artist. He co-owns Yarrow Studio, a prominent multidisciplinary art-focused tattoo studio and inclusive safe space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Evan’s recent work involves the reimagining of traditional American vintage floral designs into unique and personal tattoos, giving new life to dated and conservative motifs.
In his current body of work, Evan explores the idea of magnification, drawing inspiration from his vintage fabrics. By using a small viewfinder, he identifies compelling compositions within the fabrics and then transforms them into abstract paintings of varying sizes. Through distortion, enlargement, and visual immersion, Evan creates a new experience with a familiar motif, inviting contemplation and revelation.
Evan Paul English skillfully navigates multiple mediums and themes to offer a fresh and insightful perspective on the complexities of identity, gender, and self-expression.
Website: evanpaulenglish.com
Instagram: @evanpaulenglish
Leave a Reply