At the beginning of 2020, I made the difficult decision to close my shop No Name Tattoo Shop, feeling a strong pull to move forward, and I wanted to move to Asia.
![Tattoo artist Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-artist-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-1.jpg)
Fate had other plans, though, as the pandemic hit shortly after. Following this unexpected turn of events, I found myself joining the team at Mata Hoata in Saint Petersburg.
![Tattoo by Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-by-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-1.jpg)
![Tattoo by Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-by-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-2.jpg)
Now I live in Thailand and the slower pace of life here in Asia is exactly what I need right now, especially since I’ve always dreamt of living in this part of the world. It’s a chance for me to recharge and reflect on where to go next.
![Tattoo artist Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-artist-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-5.jpg)
I’m considering the possibility of settling down here for a while because even though I don’t have solid life plans at the moment, I’m relishing the opportunity to slow down and contemplate my next steps in this beautiful setting.
I have a special affection for traditional tattoo styles, no matter where they originate from.
![Tattoo by Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-by-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-3.jpg)
There’s something timeless and captivating about them and I believe these styles have a unique ability to complement each other, creating a harmonious blend of cultural influences and artistic expressions.
![Tattoo artist Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-artist-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-2.jpg)
So, inspired by our mutual passion for traditional tattoo styles from various corners of the world, my friend and fellow tattoo artist, Daria Sharova, and I embarked on a collaborative journey.
![Tattoo by Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-by-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-9.jpg)
![Tattoo by Marina Goncharova, @marina_goncharova_tattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tattoo-by-Marina-Goncharova-@marina_goncharova_tattoo-4.jpg)
Discover more about Marina Goncharova in the last issue of Tattoo Life here.