The lifetime portrait

A flower can bloom forever. Elena Fedchenko, a prominent tattoo artist, knows how to prove it right. She does not just create “portraits of flowers”, but catches the best phase of the flowers’ life cycle to make sure the tattoo holds its beauty forever.

We talked to Elena about her project “A portrait of a flower” and discussed the importance of communication between an artist and their client.

— Why did you choose botanical theme for your artistic style?

— At the very beginning of my career as a tattoo artist I noticed that botanical ornaments and flowers were a very popular theme. Many of my clients asked me for this kind of tattoos at that time. Even after all these years, botanical tattoos are still in high demand and not going to lose their allure. Also, you can always try new approaches to this theme, like unconventional textures or colors. That’s why I never get bored with botanical style. It’s my source of constant inspiration. 

— You even have a special botanical project, right? 

— Yes, it’s called “A portrait of a flower”. The concept is that me and a client choose a specific plant, then we go to a flower shop together to pick it up, and then I do a free-hand sketch straight on the client’s skin. Then it’s good to be inked. Sometimes we can’t choose what flower it will be and make the final decision at the shop. It’s important to remember that many plants wither right in your hands. In such cases I have very little time to transfer the moment of freshness and energy to the skin.

— That means, each sketch is unique. 

— Sure, but it’s not the only point. I put my own philosophy into this project. Flowers wither as time passes, but tattoos don’t. I manage to express the beauty and energy of a plant at the peak of its blossom. For me it’s a symbolic thing. The client will carry this picture for the rest of their life. So, the flower is going to die when the human dies.

— This is a bit dark…

— I don’t think so. We all know that nothing is permanent. And we have to see things from different perspectives. The life of a flower is pretty short, this is the law of nature. But a flower tattoo stays the same. I compare it with a shot full of living energy.

— Does it ever happen that a client let you choose a flower for their tattoo?

— It does. And the fact that no one have ever been upset with my choice makes me happy. Some people like it spontaneous — come, see, ink. No prep, no working out. We do everything on the spot. This is what I love about the project. The important thing is trust. I need a client to trust me during the whole process from picking up a flower to healing of the finished tattoo. That means, we’re vibing. Tattoo is an intimate thing. I appreciate the ultimate trust of a client.

— This kind of trust is hard to get. Do you agree?

— It’s a matter of your attitude. If you feel tension, doubt or anxiety in your client, that doesn’t mean you should send them to another artist or dissuade from getting a tattoo at all. I’ve never delt with such difficulties. I understand my type of clients very well. That means, if they get nervous or uncertain, I know how to respond. If we don’t vibe immediately, that doesn’t mean it will never happen. This is what every artist should consider.

— Did you trust your first tattoo artist?

— Of course, I did. Besides, we knew each other before. At that time, I was a college student just discovered tattoo art. I diligently searched the web for the information. Luckily, that was a thriving time for tattoo-themed websites. Stepping in a studio as a client was a moment of revelation, when I realized how amazing this culture is. The studio was also my artist’s actual living apartment. I remember the style and atmosphere of the interior. The artist turned out to be a friendly, broadminded person who traveled a lot and knew how to enjoy life. I was dazzled with his spirit of freedom.

This was one of our favorite interviews at Tattoos Wizard. The beauty and poetry brought by Elena to each tattoo is truly inspiring. Make sure to follow her on Instagram @lena_fedchenko to keep an eye for the next projects.

Did you enjoy this interview? And who would you like to see next? Request your favourite artists via [email protected]

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