Meet Shanqi Liu: Inspired by ancient history and myths, he transforms skin into living oil paintings with masterful tattoo techniques.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
In fact, I have known about tattoos since I was very young, and I have seen some works that I thought were very beautiful at the time. Since I am an art major, I don’t have any resistance to tattoos. Instead, I think it is art. After graduating from college, a group of friends made an appointment to get tattoos together. After I finished it, I felt that there was not much difference between tattooing and painting, so I bought a beginner kit on Taobao and gave tattoos to my friends.
Although I don’t know any techniques, I know that the density of dots can form surfaces with different shades of gradients. So I instinctively use the prick method to process all the images. Later, I finally felt that messing around on my own was not enough, so I found Teacher Du Zewu and started learning. As for liking this industry, I think there should be no reason. I just like it. I just like it.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I started learning to tattoo from teacher Du Zewu in 2011. I was amazed when I saw his series of works. I never knew that tattoos could be so realistic and could show different textures. This is also a very important reason why I will continue to follow the path of realism.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your native country (China)?
The tattoo industry in China started late, so Chinese tattoo artists work very hard. The entire tattoo industry is actually in a booming state. Although there are not as many tattoo enthusiasts as in other countries, it is also in a state of slow growth. With the development of the times, more and more people accept tattoos. People will recognize that tattoos are an art form, which is not limited to young people.
In fact, China has an attitude towards tattoos that is neither restricted nor supported. As a tattoo artist, I find that there is not much resistance to tattoos in daily life. But it is not allowed to be promoted. People’s attitude towards tattoos is even better than that towards smoking, perhaps because tattoos do not affect other people.
How would you define your tattoo style, and how did you develop into it?
My style tends to be more like oil painting. I am greatly influenced by classical paintings, and a lot of my creative materials and the way I process the pictures come from ancient paintings. The works of masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Caravaggio have greatly helped me to form my tattoo style. The techniques we are studying now actually come from famous ancient painters. For example, the theory of post-impressionist pointillism in the 19th century is very consistent with the theory of color tattoos.
Post-impressionism uses dots as the smallest brushstrokes to juxtapose colors and create color relationships. The wounds caused by tattoo needles are also dots. Therefore, the theory of pointillism can be used to more effectively create color realistic tattoos. I am constantly studying the techniques of the ancients and constantly improving my own tattoo style.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your creations?
The inspiration comes from a lot of ancient myths and history, whether it is Eastern or Western. I really like to express religious and war themes.
What’s the working process for developing tattoos for your clients?
First, I need to know the style the customer wants, realistic, Japanese, or old-school, black and gray or color, and where they want to tattoo. The second thing is the theme and content they want to tattoo. I will have a long conversation with the customer to make sure we are on the same page. Then I will hand-paint the design on the customer. If the customer is satisfied, we will start making the tattoo.
What’s the single piece of advice that had the most positive impact on your growth as a tattoo artist?
Learn more, constantly communicate with outstanding artists from all over the world, and enrich your artistic quality. For me, I will learn from anyone who has something worth learning. I am eager to get the knowledge and techniques I want to know.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
For today’s tattoo practitioners, many graduates from art schools have begun to join the tattoo industry, so numerous young and excellent tattoo artists have gradually shown amazing talents in their creative ability and techniques. This forces the original tattoo artists to continue to learn and improve their skills. Therefore, I am also constantly learning and improving. I don’t want to be gradually eliminated as I get older.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I just think that my work can be recognized by others and accompany them throughout their lives, which is the most valuable manifestation of me.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I participated in the exhibition for the first time in 2016 and won the second place in the newcomer group. Then I couldn’t stop, from domestic to international. It has been 8 years now. As a result, I have nearly 100 medals and trophies in 3 rooms.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes, I will always remember it. I participated in the Nanning China International Tattoo Art Exhibition on October 25, 2016. It was my first time to participate in a competition, my first time to win an award, my first time to get a client at a tattoo exhibition, and my first time to work at a tattoo exhibition.
You won several awards at many international tattoo conventions. Which prize are you the most proud of?
Of course, it was my first award, second place in the novice category. This was the beginning of my tattoo competition journey.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
I like competitions. Every competition is a process of self-improvement. More importantly, I can see my own strengths and weaknesses. I am happy to show my works and skills, and I am also happy to communicate and discuss with others. I think this is something that makes me happy.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
I like every tattoo exhibition, and I have different experiences and gains every time. These experiences are worth remembering.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
For those who want to be artists, I want to tell them to work hard, work hard, keep working hard, and never stop learning. Progress is endless.
You are sponsored by one of the most famous ink producers in the world: Kuro Sumi. What can you tell us about this collaboration?
Kuro Sumi is a very good color. For me, the first color I came into contact with when I learned tattoos was Kuro Sumi. So I am honored to be a member of the Kuro Sumi team.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I want to be a tattoo artist that people will always remember, but this goal seems so far away.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I like painting, cowhide carving.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
This November, I will go to the Brussels Tattoo Exhibition in Belgium, hoping to communicate with more outstanding tattoo artists. I think I will gain a lot.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I actually really hope that more tattoo artists can come to China and participate in Chinese tattoo exhibitions. I will also work hard to bring more Chinese tattoo artists to participate in tattoo exhibitions around the world. Chinese tattoo artists need to understand the world, and tattoo artists around the world also need to understand China.
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