INK at the ready… tattooists from all over the world are set to descend on Jersey this weekend for the Island’s first ever tattoo convention.
Ash Lewis, a full-time tattooist who owns Unit 3 Tattoo Studio at Five Oaks, spoke to the JEP about the event he helped organise which will take place at the Grand Jersey from 10am until 11pm on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September.
But he said that he wants the event to be “more than a tattoo convention”, and organisers have also filled the neighbouring Victoria Park with food and drink vendors, bouncy castles, face painting and more.
Described as a “celebration of art”, the convention will feature around 30 local and international tattoo artists from jurisdictions as close as Guernsey and as far afield as Norway, Canada and Ireland.
Both inked and non-inked Islanders are encouraged to attend and watch the artists tattoo live during the day.
An awards ceremony will take place in the evening to honour all the tattoos completed at the convention followed by live music from performers including Louis G, Lee Jackson Downie and bands The Dust and Claymore, among others.
Other art exhibits, pop-up barbers, body piercing studios, and a range of other activities with different ages in mind will also be on offer for the £10 entry fee – while under-16s can enjoy the convention for free.
Mr Lewis said: “It’s been a monumental team effort putting this event together. I wanted to thank my co-organiser Fliquet Renouf for her support and helping steer the ship, James Carter for all his art work and time spent creating art work for the show.”
The inaugural event is the sign of an emerging industry in the Island, with nearly ten shops now open in comparison to just several a decade ago.
Mr Lewis said that Jersey now has a “rich talent” of artists, not only in tattoo but other mediums.
“We wanted the convention to be a platform for them to showcase their work,” he said, adding: “Whether it be Abbie Overland’s beautiful pieces of art or hand-made jewellery by Hannah Orr. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
Mr Lewis said it had been a “monumental team effort” putting the event together and he thanked all the organisers behind the scenes.
He added that small businesses and local charities had offered their services to make it “the best it can be”.
“We are hoping next year to have more local sponsors as it’s a such a good local art event and one like no other,” he added.
Islanders who are interested in attending can find out more about the event and buy tickets at jerseytattooconvention.com.
