Tamara Shatirishvili: The Art of Asian Florals in Tattooing

Tamara Shatirishvili, known for her distinctive approach to tattoo artistry, has firmly established herself as one of the leading tattoo artists in the European scene. Co-founder of PÓRTICO Tattoo Gallery and a partner at Sasha Tattooing Studio in Paris, Tamara’s career is a blend of passion, artistic exploration, and a relentless desire to create meaningful, personalized art.

Her work, deeply rooted in the beauty of nature, is often described as graphic Asian florals, blending precision with fluidity. We had the chance to sit down with Tamara and discuss her journey, her artistic evolution, and what drives her as a tattoo artist.

Early Life and Education

Tamara’s path to becoming a tattoo artist began long before she ever picked up a tattoo machine. From a young age, she was captivated by art. “I’ve been passionate about drawing since childhood and always knew I would dedicate my life to art,” she says.

Her artistic journey began with formal education in the arts. Tamara attended art school, followed by an art college, and eventually pursued design at university. However, her first encounter with tattooing was unexpected.

“In 2012, I picked up a tattoo machine for the first time,” Tamara shares. “But it was more of an experiment. I had no real knowledge at the time, and I was doing it at home.” Although she found the process intriguing, Tamara wasn’t yet ready to commit fully to tattooing. After experimenting with a few tattoos, she set it aside for nearly two years.

The Turning Point: Embracing Tattooing

Tattooing might not have been a career Tamara initially considered, but her love for creating with her hands led her back to the craft. “I’ve always wanted to create something physically, rather than just work with digital graphics,” she explains.

The turning point came in 2014 when her husband bought them their first professional tattoo machines.

“From that moment on, we began taking tattooing seriously,” Tamara recalls. “We started practicing on friends and acquaintances, and eventually, it became our full-time career.” This shift marked the beginning of Tamara’s commitment to tattooing, a journey that would take her across Europe and shape her artistic style.

Developing Her Style: Asian Florals and Nature’s Influence

Tamara’s tattoo style is often described as graphic Asian florals—an intricate blend of minimalism and rich detail. But this evolution didn’t happen overnight. Her love for nature, particularly botany, has been a significant influence on her work.

“I’ve always loved plants and nature,” she says. “My grandfather was a geography professor and published books on natural sciences. I created illustrations for his work, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and its structures.”.

Her style began to crystallize when she discovered the works of Kubrick and a book called Japanese Flora by Sören Sangkuhl. “These works introduced me to a new aesthetic—minimalistic, symbolic, and yet rich in detail,” Tamara explains. This was the spark that ignited her passion for Asian florals, which became a defining feature of her tattoo work.

Tamara’s style is not just influenced by nature but also by her spontaneous approach to art. “I find inspiration in a wide variety of things—everything that shapes my life,” she says.

Her tattoos are a visual diary, capturing the mood and essence of the moment. This organic, free-flowing approach led her to embrace freehand tattooing. “Freehand allows me to intuitively capture shapes and lines, making each tattoo truly unique,” she adds.

A Journey Through Europe: From Belarus to Paris

Tamara’s career has been anything but conventional. She began her tattooing journey in Belarus, where she worked at a tattoo studio, gaining experience and developing her craft. “In the early days, I worked with private clients at home and experimented with different styles,” she recalls. After about a year and a half, Tamara realized that she needed to push her artistic boundaries and move to a studio where she could focus entirely on her clients.

But Tamara craved more than just local success—she wanted the freedom to travel, connect with artists from different cultures, and experience tattooing in various settings. “I left the studio and opened a home-based tattoo studio with my husband,” she says. “This was when our first international trips began, and we got to learn from and collaborate with other tattoo artists.”

A pivotal moment in Tamara’s career came when she was invited to work at Sasha Tattooing in Barcelona, one of the most renowned studios in Europe. “We visited as guest artists almost every month, and in 2019, we became residents,” Tamara recalls. “It was an incredible experience—vibrant, intense, and full of new connections, many of which turned into lasting friendships.”

In 2021, Tamara and her husband decided to move to Poland, where they, together with their friend, opened PÓRTICO Tattoo Gallery. “This was a big step. It pushed me to grow, take on more responsibility, and immerse myself in my own project,” she says.

Challenges and Evolution: Staying True to Her Art

As Tamara’s career has flourished, so too has the tattoo industry. “Over the past ten years, the industry has changed a lot,” she observes. When she first started, tattooing was more about personal stories and symbolic meaning, and information was scarce. “Now, it’s easier to get into tattooing because there’s so much information available. But with that comes a lot of people entering the profession for the wrong reasons,” she adds.

For Tamara, staying true to her artistic vision is paramount. “The greatest challenge for any artist is finding yourself and evolving,” she explains. “In a world where trends shift quickly, it’s important not to follow them blindly. I try to stay true to my style and create work that resonates with me.”.

Working with Clients: A Collaborative Approach

Tamara’s approach to working with clients is built on collaboration. “For me, tattooing is a partnership,” she says. “Clients bring their ideas, and I bring my professional perspective. We collaborate to create something unique together.”

She values honest communication with her clients, even when their visions differ. “I always express my honest opinion, even if it differs from their initial idea,” she adds. “Sometimes, this leads to unexpected directions that inspire me.”

One of Tamara’s most memorable projects was with a client named Louise, who traveled from the U.S. to get a tattoo marking the end of a significant chapter in her life after overcoming breast cancer. “We created a meaningful piece that helped her regain confidence,” Tamara recalls. “Her energy and resilience still inspire me.”

The Future: Continuing to Evolve and Inspire

Today, Tamara’s life is divided between Warsaw and Paris, and she continues to work at some of Europe’s best studios. But despite her success, she remains dedicated to growth. “I intentionally step out of my comfort zone to evolve,” she says. “Tattooing is a journey, and I’m constantly learning and exploring new directions.”

Tamara’s style is a testament to her passion for both nature and tattooing. Her work, a delicate blend of minimalism and rich detail, continues to inspire tattoo enthusiasts and artists alike.

You can see more of her stunning work on her Instagram @tomagematoma.