Minimalist Tattoo Artist, Rosa Perr
How did you get started?
I have always made visual art. I grew up in our father’s art studio in Greenwich Village. I was mostly painting and doing collage. One day I wanted a small tattoo and gave it to myself and more and more people started wanting them. It was a natural transition from one medium to another, paint on canvas to ink on skin.
I have fallen in love with the delicate aesthetic of hand-poked tattoos. Giving and getting a tattoo is a uniquely intimate experience. My clients and I exchange personal stories; it is always special and bonding. I’m here for the joy and confidence new ink can bring.
It is such an empowering experience for so many! Tattoos are a way for us to reclaim ownership over our bodies in a society that is repeatedly telling us we don’t control our bodies, and that we aren’t enough. I feel so very fortunate that I’m able to do work that comes so authentically and brings so much joy to others. I am so grateful that so many people want my art on their bodies forever. To me, there is no higher compliment.
What are your most meaningful tattoos?
I am drawn to bones, a lot of my designs are skeletons. I have always loved the look of bones, the way many individual pieces link up and come together to form a whole. I find bones beautiful and meaningful. Death is a part of life, underneath it all we are all bones, and one day these bones will be all that’s left of us, but that doesn’t have to be a bad or scary thing. Our understanding of mortality can help us appreciate each day and ray of sunshine and swim in the ocean, all the more deeply.
What’s the funniest tattooing experience you’ve ever had? You can use anonymous names and places if needed :)
I have a small dog, Bubby, who sometimes hangs out in my studio while I am working, mostly napping. She is a rescue, and old lady and very quirky. She will sometimes hump my clients legs while they are waiting, which she can get away with because she is 9 pounds and looks like a stuffed animal. She certainly keeps things interesting. □