GRACE O’MALLEY - A WORK IN PROGRESS
I like working on Damien. Damien does not like me working on him.
I was in the UK in January, hanging out with Ashleigh* in her studio in Swindon. Hemlock** is a brilliant studio filled with brilliant people, it’s just such a shame that she put it in Swindon. Wiltshire sounds lovely ‘til you go to Swindon
Anyway! This is the first two sessions on Damien’s Irish themed leg. He gave me such a vague brief. It was to do more Irish themed, and to use the same greens as I used in his sleeve, but this time add orange for the flag. The trust, the freedom, Damien is a brilliant example of how to get the best work out of me.
I have two more days booked with him in March. I’m going to blast the poor bastard’s knee, and he’s going to swear at me.
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* https://www.instagram.com/ashleighlouisetattoo
** https://www.hemlockstudio.co.uk/
More About This Irish-Themed Tattoo & Grace O’Malley
Grace O'Malley, also known as Gráinne Mhaol, was a 16th-century Irish pirate queen who commanded fleets and defied British rule. This ongoing leg sleeve blends historical storytelling with neo-noir realism, capturing the intensity of her legend through bold colors and dynamic composition. Green and orange hues reflect the Irish flag, tying the design to its heritage."
As a tattoo artist working in Oxford, UK, and Boston, MA, I specialize in large-scale, detailed tattoo work—especially pieces inspired by history, mythology, and surrealism. If you’re looking for an Irish-themed tattoo, a neo-noir leg sleeve, or a cinematic tattoo piece, I’d love to create something for you. Join the Cult of Samma Mailing list above to get updates on availability and bookings