Interview with Bianca (Yama Miri Tattoo) from Kaya Garden Tattoo Studio, Sydney
Meet Bianca! The incredibly talented artist from Kaya Garden Tattoo, Sydney.
(instagram.com/yama_miri.tattoo)
1. Your work feels like it’s pulled from forgotten books or timeless myths, where does that visual language come from?
I got my BFA in Fine Art, Printmaking and went on to study oil painting and figurative drawing at an atelier. So my deep appreciation for art history comes from study. As well as being an avid fan of concept art, comics, children’s books and animation. A lot of the art I enjoy can be traced back to folkloric origin/ mythology.
2. What’s a recurring theme or character you find yourself revisiting in your designs?
No specific character or theme, but I find myself returning to certain artists. I have a diverse range of styles I like to revisit!
3. Do you feel more like a storyteller or a technician when you’re tattooing?
When translating an image to skin, I feel more like a technician. But I spend a lot of time beforehand finding or illustrating the right images to create a narrative in my designs.
4. What’s one piece you’ve done recently that made you step back and go, “Yeah… that hits”?
I’m definitely my worst critic and aim to treat each piece with precision and care. In saying that, I’ve been told that my Misa Amane (Death Note) piece is one of my best tattoos thus far!
5. If your tattoo art had a genre (like film or music), what would it be?
I’d like to think my music and film taste is as eclectic as the themes and styles I explore in my tattoos….but if I had to pick a single genre it would be indie.
6. What’s one reference you’d love a client to bring in, that no one ever does?
I’d love to tattoo Australian sculptor Bertram Mackennal’s work. His figurative work is so striking.
Rapid Fire Round!
Studio Ritual?
Coffee and a good playlist.
Muse of the moment?
The Biodiversity Heritage Library
Favourite brush/needle/tool?
07 Curved Mag has my heart
Art inspo outside of tattooing?
Art Nouveau, German Expressionism, Photography, Animation and Ukiyo-e to name a few!
Thank you so much for your time!
Jason, ink nurse.
