SPOTLIGHT ON

Name: Kamil Mocet

Occupation: Tattoo artist

For more info: Facebook: Kamil Tattoos

WHAT INSPIRES ME

After studying fine art and stone sculpture in Poland, I became fascinated by the tattoo industry, and the idea of transferring my work from canvas to skin. I had to find a way to simplify my designs and fuse what I had learned.

Posters, comic books and films such as Sin City inspire me. The British artist, Simon Bisley’s work – his use of ink and high impact, risqué block figures – continues to influence my work.

HOW I FIND BALANCE

Many artists will argue that you have to suffer for your art, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. I’ve been to the depths of hell and now I’m a much happier person. When my personal life is turbulent, I’m distracted and my work suffers as a result of that. True creativity comes when the mind is free.

WHY WE NEED ART

Just think about how many people collect art – it’s the healthiest addiction you can have! My clients tend to be very similar to me; we have a connection because we respond to the same visuals.

My tattoos have a dark quality to them – they’re reminders of how pain can be transformed.