зустрічається a distinctive aura, almost as if tattoo artist Lacey Law stepped out of the annals of history and into our modern age. She carries with her an artistic sensibility that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in the past, a quality that resonates throughout her striking tattoo work. Known for her bold blackwork, Lacey has carved a niche as an “engraving tattooer,” a term that perfectly encapsulates the etched aesthetic of her designs. Her creations, often inspired by ancient architecture and art history, particularly the Pre-Raphaelite masters like Rossetti, Millais, and Waterhouse, possess an archaic romance, transforming skin into a living artefact. This dedication to historical styles makes her work highly sought after, and truly defines the unique appeal of a Law Tattoo – a piece that embodies both artistic mastery and a connection to enduring artistic principles.
Growing up amidst a creatively charged and richly decorated home, Lacey developed an early fascination with transforming her surroundings. “I think I’d always been obsessed with altering and improving the appearance of everything around me, be it furnishings, clothing or makeup,” she reflects. This inherent inclination against minimalism is vividly expressed in her intricately detailed tattoos. We had the opportunity to converse with Lacey under the shade of an umbrella at the Barbican in London, escaping the intense sun, to delve into her journey as a tattoo artist, a path she has been walking for just five years, yet one that showcases a skill honed to what seems like decades of dedication.
Lacey Law portrait in black and white, showcasing her artistic persona and style
First Encounters with Tattoo Art
“My initial awareness of tattoos sparked during my teenage years,” Lacey recounts, “immersed in alt culture and flipping through pages of Kerrang magazine. The tattooed individuals I saw there seamlessly aligned with my growing obsession with covering every surface with pattern and imagery.” As a teen navigating self-consciousness, she found inspiration in seeing people boldly express themselves through body art. “Making biro doodles on my arms was a regular pastime, and witnessing others unapologetically claiming their bodies as canvases was incredibly captivating.”
Ville Valo’s iconic flame sleeve left an indelible mark on her artistic trajectory. “I was completely taken by Ville Valo’s flame sleeve. It was unlike anything I had encountered before—an entire arm adorned with a consistently repeated pattern. This brazen commitment to design was revolutionary to my young mind.” At that time, Lacey admits, her perception of tattoos was limited to smaller designs, unaware of the seamless possibilities of sleeves. Valo’s tattoo unveiled a “whole world of possibilities,” expanding her understanding of what tattoo art could achieve.
Lacey Law in a candid shot, highlighting her tattoos and personal style
From Art School to Tattoo Studio: A Journey Forged in Printmaking
While studying illustration in art school, Lacey felt an undeniable pull towards tattooing. “During art school, while my focus was illustration, the desire to tattoo was always there, lingering in the background.” It was during this period that she discovered printmaking, almost serendipitously. Facing the possibility that tattooing might remain out of reach, she consciously sought another artistic outlet. “I even had a moment of self-reflection, acknowledging that tattooing might not materialize and that I needed to find another passion to embrace.”
Shortly after, fate intervened in the form of Alex Binnie’s woodcut portrait book and a woodcut workshop led by one of her tutors. “It was like a sign; everything clicked. I came across Alex Binnie’s woodcut portrait book and almost in the same week, we had a woodcut workshop. That was it. I was completely hooked.”
“Tattooing and printmaking… accessible to anybody”
Working with wood resonated deeply with Lacey, offering the satisfaction of mastering an age-old craft. Alex Binnie’s insights into the historical parallels between tattooing and printmaking further solidified her fascination. “Reading Alex’s poignant words on the shared history of tattooing and printmaking truly cemented my obsession. They are both crafts of the working class, historically excluded from ‘high art’ circles, making them inherently accessible.” Both mediums demand a similar approach—working with natural, unforgiving materials that necessitate confidence in every line.
Lacey dedicated the rest of her degree to printmaking, but when the opportunity to tattoo finally arose, she knew she couldn’t abandon her printmaking passion. “When I finally started tattooing, it became clear that printmaking was an integral part of who I was as an artist. The two disciplines constantly inform and enrich each other, with the influence of printmaking unmistakably woven into my tattoo work.”
Close-up of a blackwork engraving tattoo by Lacey Law, demonstrating her printmaking influence
Reimagining Classical Art on Skin
Lacey’s ability to translate classical paintings, particularly those of Pre-Raphaelite artists, into stunning tattoos is a hallmark of her style. “Classical art deserves continuous appreciation throughout centuries; it shouldn’t be relegated to forgotten corners of history. While I value original compositions, I believe there’s no need to constantly reinvent when we have a wealth of historical references worthy of recycling, reimagining, and honoring.” Her approach is far from simply replicating paintings; it’s about adaptation and customization. “You can’t just directly transfer a rectangular painting onto an arm. I relish the challenge of extracting elements from artwork that resonates with someone emotionally and adapting it to the body’s contours, respecting its movement. This ensures each piece is uniquely tailored to the wearer.”
Example of a Lacey Law tattoo inspired by classical art, showcasing intricate detail and adaptation to body shape
Defining the “Engraving Tattooer”
The term “engraving tattooer” accurately describes Lacey’s distinct style, rooted in the historical printmaking technique of engraving. “Engraving originated in 15th-century Europe as a printmaking method. Similar to woodcut, it involves incising lines into a hard surface like copper or hardwood. Engravings are purely linear, creating tone and shadow solely through cross-hatching and layering.” This linear approach, creating depth and dimension with just lines, is what endlessly fascinates her and defines her artistic signature in the realm of law tattoo artistry.
Detailed view of an engraving tattoo by Lacey Law, emphasizing line work and shading techniques
Follow Lacey on Instagram @laceyolivialaw
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