Bangkok Ink: Elevating The Ancient Art of Sak Yant Tattoos Through Education

Bangkok, a city rich in culture and history, is also renowned for its tattoo scene. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city, Bangkok Ink stands as a pillar of excellence in the world of tattoos. The studio, doubling as a school, aims to elevate the ancient art of Sak Yant tattoos, providing an affordable and accessible platform for aspiring tattoo artists from around the world.

Key Takeaways:

-Tattoo artists typically use stencils instead of drawing freehand on the skin.

-In the early 20th century, tattoo stencils were etched into wood and carbon powder was used for outlining.

-At Bangkok Ink, graffiti artist Waf Alosta uses tattooing as a means to create permanent art, in contrast to his temporary graffiti pieces.

Reviving an Ancient Art

At Bangkok Ink, students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional techniques of Sak Yant tattoos. Sak Yant, a sacred form of tattooing with roots in Southeast Asian culture, has seen a resurgence due to schools like Bangkok Ink.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

Each year, two or three dozen foreign students make their way to Bangkok Ink to master the skills needed for both Sak Yant and contemporary tattoo styles. The diversity of students at Bangkok Ink contributes to a melting pot of cultures, as individuals from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow in their craft.

Training with a Progressive Approach

The training at Bangkok Ink commences with students practicing on pig skin to hone their basic skills. As their confidence and proficiency grow, students transition to tattooing Thai models for free. This hands-on approach not only provides students with practical experience but also offers Thai individuals an opportunity to partake in preserving their cultural heritage through tattoos.

An Affordable Path to Mastery

Alex Kelly, a student from Melbourne, highlights the financial advantage of studying at Bangkok Ink. Tattoo schools in Australia are exorbitantly priced, and obtaining an apprenticeship is a Herculean task due to the reluctance of established tattoo artists to create competition. Kelly states, “The tattoo schools in Australia weren't an option because they are too expensive; thousands and thousands of dollars.” For him and many others, coming to Thailand to study at Bangkok Ink emerged as the most viable option.

Fostering the Next Generation of Tattoo Artists

Bangkok Ink is not just a tattoo studio; it’s an institution that fosters the growth and development of aspiring tattoo artists. Through its inclusive and comprehensive training program, it is ensuring that the ancient art of Sak Yant tattoos continues to thrive, while also preparing the next generation of tattoo artists to make their mark on the world.

The Evolution of Tattoo Techniques

Historically, the technique for creating tattoo stencils has evolved. Before the proliferation of modern methods, tattoo artists at the turn of the 20th century would etch stencils into wood. They would then rub carbon powder into the grooves to create a black outline. By pressing the wood against the body, the carbon powder would transfer from the stencil onto the skin, giving artists a guide to follow. In contrast, contemporary tattoo artists, like those at Bangkok Ink, generally start with outlines drawn on greaseproof cooking paper using felt-tip pens. These stencils are then transferred onto the dampened skin, providing a blueprint for the tattoo.

A Graffiti Artist’s Perspective at Bangkok Ink

Bangkok Ink is home to artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. One such artist is Waf Alosta, a Belgium-based graffiti artist. Waf, who is accustomed to creating temporary street art that often gets painted over, has found a new outlet for his creativity at Bangkok Ink. He is fascinated by the permanence of tattoos compared to the ephemeral nature of graffiti art.

Creating Permanent Art Through Tattooing

For Waf Alosta, tattooing presents an opportunity to leave a lasting mark. At Bangkok Ink, he is seen employing a tattoo gun to meticulously etch a butterfly onto the torso of a Thai volunteer. Through his work, Waf eloquently expressed the appeal of tattoo artistry for him: “Most of the graffiti art I do is temporary and gets painted over. So for me, tattooing is a way to create permanent art.” This sentiment reflects the allure and significance that tattooing holds for artists seeking to create art that endures through time.