Life & Work with Anya Arcane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anya Arcane. 

Hi Anya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been drawing since as far back as I can remember. A lot of what originally sparked my artistic inspiration as a kid was flipping through my dad’s old sketchbooks, and watching my mom develop her film photography in our basement. After graduating and spending some time in community college, I started traveling out of my backpack, and hitch-hiking around various countries, filling up sketchbooks along the way. By the time I landed in Thailand, I already had an obsession with tattoos and tattoo culture, so when I met my mentor Paranya Mangkonkaew (Adam), we clicked immediately. He invited me to become his student, and learn the traditional Thai method of tattooing with bamboo called “Sak Yant”. I studied diligently with him, carving many needles (think wax on, wax off), and collaborating on tattoos he had already started. An honor I hold to this day. Upon my return to Kansas City, I became an apprentice under Justin Sims at Bleeding Heart Tattoo, though he now owns Gold Cathedral. He was a very traditional mentor, who taught me everything I know about machine tattooing and American tattoo history, I owe a lot to him! I feel like I’ve had so many great teachers, and can’t express my gratitude enough. My interest in tattoo culture led me to start traveling again doing guest spots, and I began to encounter more artists using traditional methods around the world. Some of whom, are the last in their lineage to be using these methods. It became apparent to me that I could use this opportunity to help preserve traditions, document these methods to dispel misinformation, and bring artists together under a unified interest, despite cultural differences. Kansas City will always be my hometown, but alongside tattooing, I continue to travel and interview other artists in hopes of compiling a unique book on traditional methods. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating the Tattoo industry as a woman has definitely been an obstacle, but not one that’s impossible to overcome if you really have the dedication to learn this craft, and to speak up when you need to. Getting people to take me seriously at first (even still today) was difficult, and I was turned away from many shops. But I believe that my persistence and inspiration eventually helped me get a foot in the door. I also feel that I, and many other artists alongside me silently suffer from self-criticism. We all want to do our best for our clients, and there is a lot of pressure to consistently produce our best work at all hours. Burning the candle at both ends is a common thing for tattooers. But it’s also a pressure that pushes us forward and helps us reach new artistic heights. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I primarily work with black and grey imagery and script. Right now, I enjoy tattooing realistic roses, skulls, Japanese imagery, and custom lettering. I’m still very much exploring new styles and techniques and hoping to carve my own unique path. I am most known for script, but am currently in the process of creating full sleeve designs in order to push myself out of my comfort zone, and create more impactful pieces. I am proud the dedication I’ve put into learning, and believe my passion for travel lends to fresh perspectives. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I believe Kansas City has very community-oriented music and art scene that sets us apart from other cities. Everyone knows and supports each other, wears each other’s band/tattoo shirts, and helps each other out when someone is in need. I do wish we had more community events, get-togethers, and art shows (post-pandemic of course). 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/anya_arcane?utm_medium=copy_link

Image Credits
Rylie Lawver