My Space: Scratchyyyy

What makes a truly creative space?

Image and words by Timothea Moylan

Who? SCRATCHYYYY, Handpoke tattoo artist

Tell us a bit about your creative practice.

I’m a handpoke artist. All of my designs are hand-drawn – sometimes they start as a collage, and I piece things together. My style is quite loose and scratchy, which is where the name comes from.

How did you get started as a tattoo artist?

I fell into visual art when I got injured and couldn't play sports anymore. At art school, I met lots of people who were just starting to tattoo, and I found myself so interested in what they were doing. I’ve always loved how gentle handpoke is, and I’ve also always enjoyed learning about science and biology, so it felt like a cool way to combine my interests.

Describe your workspace.

It feels like a cozy sharehouse! I’ve got some sensory issues, so it was important for me to find a studio that would be a good fit for days when I’m overstimulated. Mesh is a handpoke-only studio, which means it’s more quiet and relaxed. Everyone here is super lovely, and I share a space with my friend Lottie (doodlepokes). And it's not just a tattooing space! There are a couple of artists upstairs who do crocheting and painting. You can be excited throughout the day by different aspects of everyone’s creative work.

What inspires you most as an artist?

A lot of my inspiration comes from my degree – I studied geology and paleontology. Some of my recent flashes that look like squiggly, weird-looking plants are from fossils called ‘crinoids’, which are rocks with heaps of tiny little stars in them. I also feel really inspired by drawing with friends. I love Christina Lauren’s work – we recently made a flash together!

What are your go-to tunes while you create?

I’ve been liking a band called Dutch Interior, and the new Horse Jumper of Love songs have been really good. I also love Cate Le Bon’s album ‘Pompeii’.

Keep up to date with everything Scratchyyyy is doing here.