The hypnotic rhythm of Kate Rusby’s “I Am Stretched On Your Grave” plays in the background; the Victorian elements strategically placed in his surroundings and the humming of the artist’s needle reverberates in sync with the melody that fills Olin’s studio. The tattooing process can throw one’s psyche into a different dimension, as if watching Dr Strange conjuring up magic in the Sanctum Sanctorum. 10 years into the world of inking and Olin is a master storyteller. I was privileged to experience an inking during my short visit, where Olin made me see how each line had a story behind it.
I was immediately intrigued from the moment I walked into his studio, which from the outside seemed like a hole in the wall. Once greeted by the eager and welcoming artist, he made way to an almost life-size portrait of one of the most well-known tattoo artists in the world, Kat Von Dee – a significant figure and inspiration for Olin. Here is an artist with plenty of substance and with style to boast. It was refreshing to see that this individual wasn’t about selling a product or a fad but instead is dedicated to nurturing a lifeline between modern-day inking to those of ancient tribal traditions – from the ‘cradle of civilization’ to the Amazon.
“Every tattoo I do is a one-off; it’s a unique piece,” Olin proclaims, “I’ll never do the same tattoo twice.” He takes his profession seriously, leading to no walk-ins, and sits down with clients only on appointment basis. “There is nothing wrong with walk-in shops. If you want a logo branded on your body, that’s totally up to you. But you won’t find it here.”
His studio looks nothing like any other run-of-the-mill tattoo shop. It’s intimate and alluring; the type that would have Dorian Gray looking impressed. These characteristics sum up who Olin really is as an artist. He appreciates the finer things in life, but lives with humility. “The first acts of tattooing were a spiritual experience. They weren’t sold or put on because of fashion,” Olin explains, “There is nothing wrong with getting a tattoo because you like a certain design, but try and put layers on it. Find a story behind it so that the tattoo has meaning.”
His deep rooted love and passion behind this art captures the essence of a genuine artist. He truly cares for his clients, reminding them how permanent this procedure is. “I’m always suggesting first-timers to carefully think about what they are about to embark on. It’s not just about the story; it’s about the basics of getting inked. The placement of the tattoo, how small it should be, and what you need to do if you want to cover a mistake or surgically remove it. How exposed will it be, what kind of job or career you’re in. Everything must be considered before I start the first line, especially given our society’s quick judgements.”
It should be clear by now that Olin is never going to tattoo an individual based on their obsession on a fad or an ill-advised, spur of the moment, impulse decision. “There are some tattoos that you can fix, while others are nearly impossible. I’m good, but I’m not God.” He also doesn’t deal with the generic lot. Clearly stated by his Instagram feed with the most unique takes on an idea and a story. Again, reiterating the significance of adding character to every piece of art, leaving no room for redundancy and complacency.
This Victorian Era, steampunk-loving, old soul is a product of a shoe-making father and a school teacher mother. The latter taught students how to draw. The artistic side blended brilliantly with attention to detail, which he inherited from his father. It was perhaps inevitable that Olin would find himself here in this very position later in life. After, of course, being inspired by the Need for Speed: Underground & Most Wanted franchise and the show Pimp My Ride, this taboo of a trait was triggered from his fascination for car and vinyl designs.
His urge to illustrate was frantic, as mentioned in a few interviews in the past. What matters now is, well, the now. There is no stopping Olin and his passion. Both locals and foreigners are fortunate to lock down a session with this maestro and experience his love for this particular line of work. “That’s what I love most about what I do, getting to know people who walk in here. I get to know their stories, their struggles, which ultimately inspires me,” Olin says to me with a soft genuine smile, “I like obtaining knowledge of any kind. World history, astrophysics, what have you. In order to be prepared for the future, you have to familiarise with the past. If you do not learn from the past, you are doomed to repeat it.”
We went on for hours about our love for history and storytelling. One thing that rang true throughout was his unflinching dedication to inking. One meeting and you’ll feel safe in his hands, you’ll want your first tattoo to be inked by Olinking. The irony of it all, Olin does not possess a single
tattoo. Zero.