Shows
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.053: Painting, Sobriety, Bunny Farts, Berlin, Home Studio, Gender, Meditation, Spiritual ArmourMDF.053: Painting, Sobriety, Bunny Farts, Berlin, Home Studio, Gender, Meditation, Spiritual Armour
Nika Fontaine (no pronouns) - Villalonga call - 2022 @nikafontaine
I first met Nika in a Thursday queer AA meeting in Berlin (since then our individual lives have gone through it supported by our friendship). Nika has a language brain, the gift of gab, and humour (I picked up on the by then faint quebecois accent right away).
Pre-covid Berlin was such a powerful time of recovery for me (only to be shown what was on its way with the years to come).
I laughed so hard with Nika...
2022-12-291h 40UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.052: Vampire, Queer, Partswork, NYC, Psychicoma, Relapse, Angel Olsen, LoFi, Poetry, SIA, BerlinMarina Reza (she/her) - Berlin - 2022 @reza.marina / www.marinareza.com
Marina first came to visit Berlin pre Corona with the intent to move over from NYC (a time in which now feels like a dream). We landed on the same page easily and she has become a big part of many of my recovery constellations (we live a stones throw apart and rarely accidentally run into each other on the street).
Marina is a writer and a poet and a singer of songs with an acoustic guitar (we finally went to a show together recently down the road...
2022-12-021h 11UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.051: Queer Trauma, Barber Shop, Hot Shave, Fem, Senses, Presentation, Mantra Performance, ScarsHank (they/them) Pt 2 - Berlin - 2022 @butchcut030 / @qequal_official
Hank and I agreed that we had so much more to quatsch about that a second episode was a must (and we probably still forgot about plenty!). Being welcomed into Hanks queer / sober / safe barber shop in Kreuzberg for a head shaving ritual was magical (this offering makes for an interesting rhythm with some shorter gaps).
Thank you!
2022-11-211h 00UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.050: Butch Cut, Squatting Berlin, London, Mental Health, Recoveries, Queer Healing, Higher PowerHank (they/them) Pt 1 - Berlin - 2022 @butchcut030 / @qequal_official
Hank and I were in a few closer orbits through mutual friends for some years now without officially connecting (always having heard the nicest sentiments all made sense when we eventually met in the rooms).
In particular I was seeing how Hank empowers other queer trans folks around me through the ritual of haircuts (this self care strategy had always been elusive until starting to engage some years ago).
We sat in my kitchen the other day for this episode and have decided we only got half way there (we...
2022-11-141h 20UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.049: Art, Religious Abuse, Chicago, NYC, AA, Berlin Home Studio, Meditation, Sacred IntimacyTony Just (he/him) - Berlin - 2022 @just.tony
I first saw Tony in a meeting as we were in a similar weekly rhythm (he was new to recovery and I was new to Berlin). Some years later the queer AA meetings started up which attracted all of us creative misfits (being in a closer orbit and hanging out for dinner afterwards).
I eventually had the courage to send Tony a friend request to be able to peek into his art world (this was still in the time of Facebook). My insecurities of being seen by the folks that I...
2022-10-2451 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.048: Balkan War, XXX, Touring, Punk, Graffiti, Dogs, Grave, Tattoo, Berlin, QueernessBojan (he/him) - Berlin - 2022 @ronny.bitter
We first met through tattooing while I was at AKA and some years later are living a few blocks away from each other (tattooers becoming actual friends is often nearly impossible to line up).
The folks around me tattooing often give back sage advice that finally clicks (I’m always impressed with people who don’t fear technology). I swing by the studio around the corner where Bojan tattoos walking Joni (the walls are absolutely covered in ephemera and I feel like a tattooer all of a sudden). He has amassed a trov...
2022-10-051h 00UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.047: SA Load Shedding, Art, Punk, Acid, Sobriety, Berlin, Private Studio, Queer, Handpush TattooJoy Markus (they/them) - Berlin - 2022 @thisisjoyjessica
I first met Joy when living so very far apart and both tattooing (they reached out to me about a guest spot and we had a phone call and a tea). The world shut down soon after and our connection turned into a long distance mentorship dynamic (as they have been mentoring others and holding space in Johannesburg for BIPOC fems and queers @ustheythemstudio).
Somehow I missed that we both were raised very rural and were influenced by punk, skateboarding, and hard drugs. (Big city kids in the making for sure). Joy’s...
2022-09-201h 10UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.046: Mass, Cycle Taxi, Vienna, Recovery, Berlin, Tiny Ass Paintings, HP, Food Porn, Queer FamilyTy Wardwell (they/them) - Berlin - 2022 @tinyasspaintings
To this day I still remember how Ty claimed space for themselves easily that I wasn’t yet stepping into (even in Berlin queer meetings). Some months later we rode clear across town in the summer swelter to the lake for a swim (of which is their happy place as is FKK and at the time ice cream). I was starting to ask dear friends to shift from using no pronouns to gender neutral pronouns for me (Ty calmly said “yeah absolutely, if tomorrow you want them to be blue and the next...
2022-09-2058 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.045: Reeperbahn, Acupuncture, Iron Curtain, Astrology, Klein Garten, Cooking, Berlin TempelhofFranz Kratochwil (he/him) - Berlin - 2022 @franz_kratochwil
My lovely friend Franz came on the show today as the rain let loose in Berlin (we were both wearing our Mother Nature hoodies by no surprise).
Acupuncture had been something that I avoided out of fear until my hand gave out from tattooing 4 years ago (Franz came highly recommended by a fellow and has been treating me ever since).
When Franz buzzed up today Joni was preparing to smother Andrew at the door and ran into the hallway (giving him a confused welcome but calming down as we settled in...
2022-09-201h 05UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.044: Berlin 1979, Kumpelnest, Self Tattooing, Recovery, Fine Art, Glasses, Filmmaker, SponsoringSabina van der Linden (she/her) - Berlin - 2022 @bohemienine
I landed in Berlin in 2013 and Sabina was someone who stood out in recovery (we co-chaired the Thursday NA meeting which was my first real group commitment). Over the years we have been in orbit in a number of fellowships (we have attempted creating a few hybrid fellowships along the way).
Her story always makes me wonder how she is still with us today arriving in 1979 Berlin (somehow I have more of the bigger picture now after all these years).
Celebrating the amazing humans around me warms my heart (when...
2022-09-2041 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.043: Magic, Sigils, Vegan, Sober, Nature, Skin Rituals, Tattooing, Queerness, Traveling, KöpiAnt The Elder (they/them) - London call - 2022 @anttheelder
I had the chance to catch up with Ant yesterday sitting in our respective homes. Last week I jumped the gun with excitement and was all read to dive in but a week early.
We first met at Sang Bleu in London and have since been in a tattooers orbit of each other (often meaning making it almost impossible to hang out even if you work in the same studio). Some years later Ant hopped the pond and worked at AKA (where I was gratefully welcomed upon arrival in Berlin...
2022-09-2057 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.042: Trauma, ACA, NYC courier, Tattoo, Activism, BLM, Poly, PNW, Radical Fairy, Sleep, FastingHywel Francis (he/him) - Wolf Creek call - 2022 @hywelfancis
When I first opened the door to welcome Hywel into the studio for a tea, it felt safe and friendship ensured (his Pisces to my Libra was almost palatable even back then as I understand myself now). So very grateful that we lined up as Hywel was passing through Berlin to reconnect with lovers and the city (then considering the transatlantic move). Once folks have crossed over into my heart they are welcomed back whenever (he has since guested and barely made it back to NYC as the pandemic hit...
2022-09-201h 25UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.041: ACA, Healing, NYC, Barcy, Berlin, Gonz, Cascade, Queerness, Boros Bunker, Parenting, ArtLou Andrea Savoir (she/her) - Berlin 2022 @louasavoir
We first met at a wedding of mutual friends out in the countryside of Berlin, (Lou kindly offered me to sit on the family blanket as the wedding was about to happen). This was my first camping-vibes weekend-away ceremony (with a ramp to skate and a lake to swim in). She made the wedding rings as a gift (her range of creative output is humbling to me).
Lou and her partner Julian have been working together as @cascadeberlin and crushing it (seemingly always in the cycle of pre production, on a shoot...
2022-09-191h 13UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.040: Running, XXX, Tattooing, VHS, Punk, Skateboarding, Painting, Veganism, Morrissey, TherapyJoshua Solomon (he/they) - Auckland call - 2022 @jjes.online
When we first met in Auckland it was clear that our lives had those most important connections (some of them came through in the last years but were felt way back then). Often just one episode feels not enough to re engage (but I’ve been promised a long overdue visit this summer).
Check out their modular queer community studio @electricceremony to find out more about how they are decolonizing tattooing, making is accessible for disabled folks, and all things Ratclaw.
See you soon!
2022-05-091h 59UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.039: Green Card, Self Tattooing Left Handed, Love, Magic, Clean And Sober, Books, Mom, SpiritFrancisca Silva-Pabst (they/she) - Berlin - 2017 LOST TAPES @framacho
We landed on the same page upon meeting for a ritual at the studio years ago now (it’s always a sincere honour to tattoo other tattooers but often nerve wracking). Fra was sent to me from another planet on which somehow we never met before (they had already lived a full life before and after Berlin (fine art, sobriety, queerness, spirituality, all the good stuff).
These days Fra calls NYC home for love and community. Magically, they seem to be always in the right place at the right time (ha...
2022-05-0413 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.038: Queer Refugee, Lefty, Roll Your Owns, Queer Tattooing, Nowhereland Cairo, Liebig, ScarsOrne Gil (she/her) - Berlin - 2017 LOST TAPES @g.orne
We met during a very stressful time for Orne in particular (having been living a queer life and tattooing in Cairo). Her dog was stolen the day before I arrived (and somehow was able to get it back, still run the studio, generously host me as a guest, and have a crisis visit from her Mom). I will never forget the wild ride from the airport as we blasted down the highway, windows open, the swelter (let alone the airport experience of itself).
I am really enjoying going back...
2022-05-0413 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.037: Forest PDF, Parachute, Rammstein, Perspective Tattooing, Colabs, Exhibition, Rolled SmokesDavid Schiesser (he/him) - Berlin - 2017 LOST TAPES @ds_008
For a number of years David would come up to Berlin considering making the move from Offenbach (he landed a huge old studio way outside of Berlin that was for painting, tattooing, and sleeping). I couldn’t count how many times he’s visited me by now (even when living in Berlin he would commute south and work here to be in the city energy).
These LOST TAPES have a video aspect from us sitting in the kitchen (one day there might be a good purpose for em’).
Thanks as always
2022-05-0409 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.036: Rock Climbing, Tattooing, Painting, Traveling, Mom, Vinyl, Dreaming, Camping, Train HoppingDylan North Homer (he/him) - Berlin 2017 LOST TAPES @dylannorthhomer
I first met Dylan while he was engaged in a most impressive and humbling apprenticeship process (with a dear friend @rileytown at @tattoo_union_bc in Vancouver). It’s hard to put it into words how much appreciation for tattooing I feel when I get time with Dylan (who’s truly carrying the torch forward), respecting it’s history and perpetuating radical newness.
Dylan has visited Berlin a few times (I believe more than once over the years before Corona). Since then Dylan and @boonenaka have opened up @for.you.tattoo...
2022-04-2108 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.035: Vagabond, Fuck Cancer, Sobriety, Tattooing, Flash, Camelback, Skateboarding, PaintingMike Mendes (he/him) - Berlin - 2017 LOST TAPES @mikemendes
I first met Mike tattooing in a wildly busy street stop in Toronto that I got a spot at (having fled Vancouver not prepared for winter I got super sick right away). You could tattoo 10 clients a day without blinking an eye (as far as I remember Mike holds the record of 15 somehow).
From Toronto to Melbourne to London to Berlin, we have always found ourselves on the same page (he has the most spectacular travel history always lining them up with tattooing).
Mike is currently visiting Berlin again last...
2022-04-2023 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.034: OZ punk, IV meth, Tattoo, Travel, Relapse, Cocaine, Booze, Meetings, DIY records, GreyhoundSpider Death (he/him) - Melbourne call - 2022 @spiderxdeath
From the first moment Spider arrived at AKA an easy friendship ensued (only recently have I come to understand that Pisces for my Libra). We were both raised by punk, drugs, and tattoos as our formative mentors (both of us hitting bottom finally at 23 - me in Canada and him in Australia). Spider has generously hosted me in his Kings Cross flat while I was on tour (between being in Berlin and London a few times it always feels like no time has passed in between).
Having several creative outputs keeps...
2022-04-111h 00UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.033: Ritual, Guru, Meditation, Painting, Osteopathy, Karaoke, Raccoon, India, BricksMiyako (she/her) - Toronto call - 2022
When I first met Miyako in the bike shop of a friend in Toronto (I had just moved over from Vancouver the first weekend of the Olympics) we landed on the same page. I had a thin rain jacket and Vans coming from the PNW (after only 2 days as a bike courier in the middle of the winter) I stayed in a house with cats and got next level sick.
Miyako is a highly intuitive Osteopath treating from the inside-out when one is ready (but also from the outside-in). She healed my most...
2022-04-0459 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.032: Skateboarding, Raves, Crowley, Bottom, Meditation, Rehab, Elektro, Recovery, MetaverseAaron (he/him) - Berlin - 2022
I finally got to hang out with Aaron again yesterday at the studio (I even remembered to unplug the noisy fridge and plug it back in after). We both grew up skateboarding, get fucked up, leaving Canada, with a life rooted in recovery (much can be said for the northern climate influence in relationship to bottoming out).
We got into the origins of his creativity and how that trajectory has been going (often a surprise when deep spiritual practices are primary). I forgot to inquire about his history with self tattooing of very specific...
2022-03-291h 10UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.031: Long term recovery, NYC, Podcasting, Veganism, Animal Rights, Musical Theater, QueernessMichael Harren (he/him) - New York City call - 2022
My first very sponsor @michaelharren and I had been catching up recently (trying to line this one up), it was such a treasure for me. In no particular order of importance Michael is a queer, a theatrical musician, a Podcaster, a vegan activist, a piano teacher, and the first person who really gave me the space and time to start to unpack my life.
I finally skidded into recovery (after almost a decade of physical abstinence from booze and drugs) as I was trying to make a life in New...
2022-03-1859 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.030: Tattooing, Art making, Porto Cult, Traveling, Berlin, Vintage Hi-Fi, Vinyl collectingIñaki Aires (he/him) - Berlin - 2022
Over the years dear friends have come my way though the studio, @inaki_aires took the tea first then tattoo second then guesting third way (this has proven to be a trusted method in the times of IG).
He comes from a family of artists which really shows in the inherent ability to keep pushing aesthetics forward (I’m not that brave!). The techniques come along easiest when one has a direct connection to the creative process that the hand follows without fear (it’s impressive to watch him “figure it out” in severa...
2022-03-151h 01UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.029: Ireland, Raving, Heroin, NA, 12 Steps, Meditation, NYC, Berlin, Love, Music making, 9-5Julie F (she/they) - Berlin - 2022
Our paths first merged on week 2 of me landing in Berlin (I was here to stay but without a flat but had landed at AKA gratefully). I was over the moon to be offered a room by the studio with someone in long term sobriety (we hit the ground running, even if they were recently in a grieving process).
In those days we went to NA (that’s their main fellowship and you will understand who after listening to the historical account of the unmanageability). Next the cutest little handful of a puppy ca...
2022-03-121h 50UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.028: Venice, Noise, Community, Berlin, Kink, UNIV ERSE, ACA, Sicily, Gypsy living, PookaRita (she/her) - Berlin - 2022
We first met officially through Michele Servadio (we must have crossed paths already as AKA and the screen printing place was a block away). Since then we have been landing on the same pages in several iterations.
She moved to Berlin after finishing art school in Venice (then only speaking Italian and French but picking up English and immediately went to school for German). A punk drawn to noise, squats, community and performance (has a degree in all of it surely) stayed for 10 years then gypsied away a year ago or so now.
Over...
2022-03-021h 21UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.027: London, Bottoming out, Transition, Mental health, Recoveries, Fellowship, Berlin, Sex workNatasha Stavropoulos (she/her) - London call - 2022
We first met briefly (on the other side of the pond in a meeting) some years ago in London. She then moved over to Berlin and became a huge part of the queer fellowship immediately.
Shamelessly herself, a sober trans woman, mental health caregiver, sex worker, and powerfully intelligent. Make sure to listen well, (somehow I missed chatting about how much she loves driving very fast cars on the autobahn).
The many ways I’ve learned from @natashacomms @post.op.nataly couldn’t possibly squeeze into this episode (but we tried!).
Thank you...
2022-02-1855 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.026: London, Poly, Linguist, Veganism, Berlin, ACA recovery, Drag, FKK lakes, Star TrekSam Wood (he/him) - Los Angeles call - 2022
Sam AKA @morganwoodcallisto and I tried to jump a podcast tech hurdle recently (which was really just my block). This week we successfully hung out virtually, for an interesting conversation (beamed in from Los Angeles to Berlin).
We first met in the rooms of Berlin (as you do) and a friendship ensued via fellowshipping and summer bike rides to swim (FKK natürlich). As well his partner was once my sponsor which was a formative experience in my recovery.
If you already know how progressive Star Trek has been historically for q...
2022-02-171h 02UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.025: London, Climate activism, Recovery, Meditation, Berlin, Love, Writing, TransitionTamsin Omond (they/them) - London call - 2022
This week I had the chance to finally catch up properly with a lovely human @tamsinomond and share digital space (now normalised in these Corona times and greatly appreciated).
Tamsin and I met in a queer recovery meeting nearly 7 years ago (in a Crypt of a London church, which sounds crazy but commonplace). Since then we have been on the road to wellness individually and in tandem (irregardless of geography as they have spent plenty of time in Berlin historically).
From initially being involved in the London performance scene, to theatre, to...
2022-02-111h 08UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.024: Alcoholism, Busking, Recording, Touring, Berlin, Recoveries, Meditation, Spirituality, PolyHarry Hudson-Taylor (he/him) - Berlin 2021
Last weekend I got to witness @harryhudtay perform solo (gratefully at a non smoking bar in Berlin). I had been sent demos from the summer sessions @hudtaymusic made before the mastering (and they really rang that identification bell!). We get on well about all things music, spirituality, recovery, family, queerness alike.
At the beginning of Corona our meetings were all starting to be held on Zoom out of necessity (and Harry asked for some more help). Life connections keep on developing in my life because other folks also put their recovery first (and seek...
2022-01-211h 43UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.023: DJ, RuPaul, NYC ClubKids, Drugs, AA service, Elektroclash, London, Tzuji, Berlin, WritingLarry Tee (he/him) - Berlin 2021
@larrytee_tzuji has the gift of story telling that’s for sure (if you know him well these stories always tend to get a shine each time). Be sure to keep up on with the current iteration.
We first crossed paths some years ago in a meeting in London (a few dear friends came into my life from the same crypt in Angel). He chose Berlin for the next phase of his recovery, music production, performing, and a wild fashion company. He’s forever the first to make you feel welcome at your first meet...
2022-01-211h 24
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.022: London, Performance, Transition, Recoveries, Berlin, Gong bath, Meditation, WritingRhyannon Styles (she/her) - Berlin
When my dear friends lay it all out there like Rhyannon does in her writing, it really hits me hard. Make sure to get @rhyannon_styles newest book HELP! I'm Addicted: A Trans Girls Self-Discovery and Recovery it's out everywhere!
We first met in London during my burning out years on the never ending tattooing world tour (in a queer AA meeting in the Crypt of an old church) because I drummed up the courage to say hello. She might have even been able to convince me to qualify at that first meeting as...
2022-01-2159 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.021: Tattooing, London, Body Of Reverbs, Hexen, Berlin, Spirituality, Kink, Verboten, Fine artAlberto Brunello (he/they) - Berlin
The fastest pattern tattooer in west, Bru makes it look easy. Check out the world of @a.brunello @hheexxnn @thebodyofreverbs
Bru cultivates a painting, printing making, music producing, and has developed a radical tattooing practice (which is a breath of fresh air utilising mag drag techniques within the world of pattern).
We first met either in London at Michele’s private studio or here in Berlin for a Body Of Reverbs orchestrated at a friends studio down the road. Since then and many times over the years, we have come to know each other bu...
2022-01-211h 10UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.020: Tarot witch, Emo, Tattoo, Xpat, AKA Berlin, AA, Spirituality, Big Book, Animal rescue,Hannah Graves (she/her) - Berlin
Talkin’ the talk and walkin’ the walk is pretty unusual but Hannah Graves does just that. Drop into the cult here @cultmothertarot
So much has transpired since we first met and Hannah opened a door to my future (the very first hello was me cold calling AKA Berlin from Toronto to ask for a guest spot not thinking to be able to communicate in English). We enmeshed over being punk kids, tattooing, and family life immediately. As the years slipped by we connected through recovery and spiritual practices (a full circle experience that took its...
2022-01-212h 01
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.019: Relapse, AA, Stepwork, Food, Tattooing, Spirituality, Family, Berlin, Ritual, Blast overs,Nion McEvoy Jr (he/they) - 2021 Berlin
A couple years have gone by since we last shared space together. It is really nice to have Nion visiting UNIV ERSE Studio again. Go check out the works here @nion_ and get tattooed while still in Berlin.
Some of my dearest friendships make contact via others when I am able to be in the moment (during the years spent on tour this was a regular experience, through necessity). I was still overworking in all the ways possible, living in all of the dysfunctions, and starting to need to come through them (bottoming...
2022-01-211h 08
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.018: Skateboarding, Xpat, Injury, Sculpture, Photos, Whittling, Berlin, Mental health, WinterDave Morgan (he/him) - Berlin 2021
An integral ambassador to Berlin skateboarding @mavedorgan who's currently laid up with a broken foot with time to wittle and drink tea.
I remembering hearing that there was a new dude crushing transition in Berlin a few summers ago, (Julian invited Dave to skate the Weissensee ramp which says a lot). That smile and those moves won me over immediately, (alway so kind, happy and relaxed) Dave fit right into our old folks skate group of auslaender misfits. It takes at least one person to keep everyone motivated (group texts, planning to ride bikes...
2021-08-111h 15
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.017: Tattoo therapy, Skateboarding, Punk, Obsession, NYC, Flash, Obsession, Berlin, ♋️, KirinPete Corrie (he/him) - Berlin 2021
The timeless energy of Pete Corrie @pete.likeadream / @tattoo.like.a.dream dig in!
I was wondering to myself (since converting my old Tattooer Talks to podcast format) when I would kick it off again and who with, then Pete invited me up to the new studio. I was under the impression that he was feeling very chill after a vacation (even though I had heard the mania in his voice about how stoked he was filling up the walls) it was clearly set in the stars to be Pete. He is a one...
2021-08-0553 min
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.016: Queer refugee, Cairo Tattoo Convention , Scars project, Mom, Painting, DognappedOrne Gil (she/her) - Berlin 2016
Yes you, look into @g.orne / @nowhereland_tattooberlin / @queereroticatattoo
While I was still making my way around the globe tattooing it was time to see the pyramids (having felt very drawn to Cairo since I could remember). Arriving in a new country, no language skills, nowhere to sleep, nowhere to work, and having no friends was my method for a bunch of years was my norm (I was then chasing tattooing with little concern for the future but seemed to still land on my feet). An old co-worker mentioned that he had gone to...
2021-04-2230 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.015: Tattooing, Graffiti, Future, Boyband, Fashion, On the move, IG game, ArtGael Cleinow (he/him) - 2016 Berlin
The wild world of Gael Cleinow / @future_brussels
If you have the chance to ask Gael how to make an apprenticeship happen, do so (I was very blown away and stoked). We met a few times in passing while I was working with AKA in Berlin. Our paths crossed again later (lining up easily) and have since shared space at UNIV ERSE Studio through its several iterations. It is tricky to put into words the ease with which Gael makes tattooing look to the outside world (the scale, the themes, the placements). He has...
2021-04-2243 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.014: Punk, Trauma Informed tattooing, Veganism, Gender, Fine Art, Kink, NYC, Oral HistorianTamara Santibañez (they/them) - 2016 New York City
The multi-amazing @tamarasantibanez / www.tamarasantibanez.com
The internet is often a vacuum for good human energy (then once again, I was suggested to meet Tamara who navigates it all gracefully). I was sitting with a mutual friend catching up before my client arrived and queer tattooing came up (he said just go now, before I knew it I was en route). I had barely 45 minutes before my client arrived that day. (a classic uber situation blasted me over to meet up at the LA Book Fair (where I walked by a n...
2021-04-2237 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.013: Fine art, LES NYC, Japanese tattooing, The Conservatory, PNW, Historian, Patience, FreehandJoseph Bryce (he/him) - New York City 2016
For your enjoyment @josephbrycetattoo / www.josephbryce.com
I remember hearing again from another close friend that I should meet Bryce when I was back in NYC (most possibly HB because they worked together in the LES). It was a blazing hot summer day (my favs) and I was trying to gather my needs from the supply shop on Canal.I was to be guesting down the street (where HB and Bryce had worked but had just jumped ship a week before I arrived). I was waiting for the cashiers attention and was...
2021-04-2225 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.012: Poet, Tattooing, DIY, Queer community, Spontan, Love, Spiritual hardcore, NYC, Fine artFrancisca Silva (she/her) - Berlin 2016
Take the time to get to know the one and only @framacho
I met Fra upon opening the front door of UNIV ERSE Studio as she was the days client (I access my creativity easiest without any consultation prior to initiate the ritual). Before I could welcome her properly she was showing me where she had free space (very little free space even back then). I realised then that she had tattooed whatever she could reach on her own body herself using both hands (really that’s so very impressive!). I can’t remember who...
2021-04-0427 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.011: Perspectives, Tattooing, Berlin, Painting, Skydive, Train, World tour, Automatic drawingDavid Schiesser (he/him) - Berlin 2016
You must dive into @ds_008 / www.davidschiesser.com
Once again Michele suggested that I meet this person David from Frankfurt who guested in London with him. He was visiting Berlin to see friends and tattoo (it’s imperative that I have a particular connection with folks to share space with). I invited him over for a UNIV ERSE breakfast at the studio and immediately understood the tattoos (as they come directly from the mind of a spacial genius). This really shifted my first takes on others work when I initially feel unclear. David soon mov...
2021-04-0423 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.009: London, Japanese tattooing, Gender, Queer space, Berlin, QTTR, Libra, Our historyStewart OC (they/them) - Berlin 2016
Do make sure to look @stewartoctattoo / @lttcancer / @dourtimes
In the beginning year of developing the #qttr community Stewart was very helpful and kind (among other friends who I challenged to be transparent and contribute). It felt necessary to push our way through the masses and it caught on. We now experience tattooing as accepted and booming (a post queer tattooing dramatic sea change). So much life has passed since we sat in the kitchen at UNIV ERSE Studio and blabbed as we do so easily (Stewart and I in particular both being Libras)
They s...
2021-04-0428 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.008: Tattooing, Creatures, Gender, Politics, Murals, Fine art, Collaboration, TravelingMakoto Chi (he/him) - Berlin 2016
If you haven’t already seen @makoto.chi / www.linktr.ee/ma_ko_to
I feel safe and sane when friendships land on many of the same important pages (a huge sigh of relief). At the same time being humbled by intense connections that keep unfolding.
Once again (gratefully, my friends know me well) I was introduced to Makoto, who came highly regarded and fills those shoes. I’m pretty sure we stumbled into each other at Michele’s in Hackney Wick (as I would have arrived disheveled from poorly managing my time / energy / expecta...
2021-03-2930 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.007: Skateboarding, Freehand tattooing, Minimalism, Clean style, French Hip Hop, On the movePaolo Bosson (he/him) - Berlin 2016
Dip yourself into it over at @paolo_bosson / @double_rayon_
Paolo was highly recommended to me, so I reached out for a guest spot on IG (we actually met upon my arrival at the old studio in Lyon).
As the story goes this Canadian (who could have better french than I do) tried to keep up and was the fool for saying that I could! He is a freehand tattooing wizard, smooth as fuck skater and very fashionable (it all lines up with the French aesthetic all around) since then he has visited UNIV E...
2021-03-2934 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.006: Gender politics, Tattooing, Queerness, Self Tattooing, Homepoke, Ballpoint, Sally RoseSally Rose (she/they) - Berlin 2016
When you see Sally out there say hello for me and pay attention to their / her work (no longer tattooing others).
In between time spent on planes trains and automobiles, UNIV ERSE Studio was home to many. The door was always open to friends clients lovers and fellows in many a constellation. Over the years the small kitchen held the most intimate energy (we ritualistically shared a huge offering of nice food with hot tea to good music). Our conversations were initially named Tattooers Talks (then becoming UNIV ERSE Kitchen). Sally was the human t...
2021-03-2950 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.005: Needle making, Japanese tattooing, Cape Town SA, Libra, Painting, BangkokDavid Chaston (he/him) - Cape Town 2016 (ARCHIVE)
Make sure to dig in @davidchastontattoo / davidchastonart
Two Libras step into a room and a conversation ensues (as was just like our last time hanging out in Bangkok). Seeing Cape Town through the eyes of my friends who grew up there was very humbling. The segregation and political system fall out that I had never experienced in my home country was omnipresent. It is still so trippy to look back and see how much friends go out of their way to show you around (and in my case offer care for your...
2021-03-2020 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.004: Masters of the universe, Tattooing, Frankie, Bangkok, Cape Town, Maui Thai BoxingNicholas Mudskipper (he/him) - Cape Town 2016
Have a peek @nicholasmudskipper / @tomb_tattoo
I met Nick for the first time in person upon my arrival in Bangkok and immediately felt welcomed (Yui and Frank promptly took me around the block to get some orientation and amazing street food I still dream about). My shin wouldn't stop bleeding from knocking an old skateboard shin injury and the amazing swelter (my sock was trying soaking it up and Frank was all about it). I was then introduced to David, and I got right to tattooing in the little room we were sharing...
2021-03-2015 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.003: Flash, Pattern tattooing, Athens, GarmentsAgelos Pedrikaris (he/him) - Athens 2016
Check out his work @agelostfb / www.agelostfb.bigcartel.com
We managed to make time to sit together at Omonia Square before leaving for the next city (the background noise of the city energy is present). Agelos was really starting to make big changes in an already great aesthetic that tattoo so well. I still had the desire to be out in the world (to visit and be in the mix which looking back was really hectic). I would be happy to be anywhere warm 365 days a year, what a treat (probably from growing up...
2021-03-1914 minUNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.002: QTTR, Patterns, Tattooing, UNIV ERSE, Skateboarding, Berlin, Queer space, Traveling, SoberHave a peek @brody_polinsky / www.universeberlin.com
It was my turn next to be interviewed (with the same lacking questions). Another PG later we were timely interrupted by the biggest gong in the UK (the sound permeates the building during a gong bath treatment). I have always felt like Hackney Wick was a second home (even as it changes since Stratford being connected and the skatepark being erased). Hearing my own voice really is uncomfortable (but its the only one I got!) Enjoy, this time capsule is lovely to revisit.
2021-03-1917 min
UNIV ERSE: MDF INTERSECTIONSMDF.001: Tattooing, Hackney Wick, Printmaker, Skateboarding, BOR, Collaboration, Traveling, PaintingMichele Servadio (he/him) - London 2016
Please check out the mastermind @servadio_ / www.servadio.com @thebodyofreverbs
As per usual, I woke up on the roof of the tattoo station / high bed / storage, got my shit together with some spiritual practice before Michele gently knocked (on his own door). He always arrived gently to see how I was, we grabbed our skates and jammed down the road to get a full English (even though we probably didn't have enough time before the days clients arrived). I believe this day my appointment canceled so we had some unexpected free time (he was...
2021-03-1911 min