Let’s discover this Australian tattoo artist who manages to blend science fiction, psychedelia, ancient deities, elements of Japanese tattooing and Syd Mead-like visions within his precious and original works on skin.
Henri, it seems like tattooing was your destiny – you were already interested in tattoo art at ten years old and sketching designs for your uncle. Can you tell us this story?
I was always drawing and painting as a young boy. Some of my earliest memories were drawing so when I started to notice “people with drawings” (tattoos) on their body I was instantly fascinated.
My uncle was getting tattooed often and he asked if I wanted to design his next tattoo.
I’m not exactly sure how old I was… maybe 11-13 years of age. My uncle ended up getting the exact design tattooed. From that moment I started designing my drawings to suit the body.
Can you describe your tattoo style? Beyond being visually striking, do you see your work as something that expands consciousness, bridging science fiction and psychedelia?
For 5-6 years I was mainly doing New School and Colour Realism tattooing. At the time this was the most creative and exciting way to understand colour compositions and dynamics illustrations. I find myself producing a more mature and balanced tattoo these days, heavily inspired by the astral world and ancient deities. It could be described as sci-fi, inter dimensional with lots of Japanese inspiration.
Can you explain why an artist-illustrator-designer like Syd Mead (who passed away in 2019) was so important to your artistic journey? Syd wasn’t a tattoo artist, obviously, but I assume he influenced you a lot…
Yes, Syd Mead (IG: @syd_mead) was an absolute master! He might be the very reason we think of sci-fi imagery the way we do. For example ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Dune’ are all films that he has helped create the aesthetic for and has been the basis for sci-fi imagery ever since. The amount of layers and intricacy in Syd Mead’s paintings are impeccable!
They all take you to a place that doesn’t quite exist in the material world but he makes you feel like they do.
Let’s talk about your technique. How do you strike a balance between heavy blacks, bold bursts of colour, and subtle shading?
It’s all about contrast. I always lay out the heavy areas first and work towards the lighter tones and highlight colours last. This way I can eliminate unnecessary colours and just focus on one or two bright colours.
Do you listen to music while you tattoo or draw?
I like listening and watching all kinds of things. Podcasts, audio books, music, stand up comedy, motocross or super cross. I’m an absolute sucker for my metal bands, country and heavier death metal. Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Guano Apes, King 810, Tool, Slaughter To Prevail, Post Malone, Jelly Roll. It’s all over the place! (laughs).
Have you already lined up any guest spots or tattoo convention appearances for 2026? Will you be leaving Australia to pursue new clients?
Yes I’m currently planning a US trip and potentially Thailand next year.
I know your life isn’t all about tattoo art. I know you enjoy exploring forests, sailing, riding your motorcycle, and training in martial arts. Do you think all these other activities help you recharge your batteries for new tattoos?
Yes definitely, especially being out in nature on a camping trip or riding dirt bikes it’s the best way to recharge. Training in martial arts is a way to tame some inner fury and channel it into something positive. Even after breaking bones or serious injuries it’s still 100% worth it.
And your last famous words are… ?
Everybody love everybody.
