Grace Neutral stands as a prominent figure in the UK tattoo scene and globally, recognized for her distinctive handpoke style and her studio, Femme Fatale, in London. Beyond her artistic talent, Grace is also famed for her striking body modifications, most notably her permanently purple tattooed eyes. This article delves into Grace’s journey with body modification, with a particular focus on the story and impact of her eye tattoos.
Grace Neutral’s introduction to the world of tattoos was anything but ordinary. Growing up in Plymouth, her teenage years were marked by visits to a local pub named the Phoenix, a venue that hosted punk and alternative music events. This environment exposed a young Grace to a subculture rich with self-expression through body art. She vividly recalls being captivated by the heavily tattooed individuals she encountered there, an experience that ignited her fascination with tattoos. These early encounters left a lasting impression, planting the seeds for her own journey into body modification.
Grace Neutral
For Grace, body modification, including tattooing, became a profound avenue for self-expression and personal therapy. She views it as a powerful tool to navigate life’s challenges and to continually evolve her sense of self. This perspective highlights a deeply personal connection to body art, seeing it as more than just aesthetic alteration, but as a fundamental aspect of her identity and well-being. Grace emphasizes the empowering nature of taking control of one’s body, stating, “Our body is our temple, but it’s also here to be enjoyed in whatever way we want. You know, it’s our body. It’s our life.” This philosophy underscores her belief in bodily autonomy and the right to self-define through physical expression.
Among her extensive modifications, Grace Neutral’s eyeball tattoos stand out as particularly striking and memorable. She underwent the procedure to have her sclera, the white part of her eyes, permanently colored purple approximately a decade prior to the original interview. Describing the experience, Grace uses strong words: “My eyeball tattoo experience was the most intense, and probably the hardest procedure I’ve ever had to go through.” This candid admission underscores the gravity of the modification.
Grace Neutral Artist Series box
Despite the intensity and the passage of time, the vivid memories of the procedure remain. Grace openly shares the trauma associated with getting her eyes tattooed, admitting that nothing could have fully prepared her for the reality of it. She reflects on her younger self, stating, “I was more daring when I was young, more carefree,” suggesting a shift in her risk tolerance as she has matured. This reflection adds a layer of vulnerability, revealing a more cautious perspective gained through experience.
When considering whether she would repeat the eye tattooing process, Grace’s response is telling: “If I woke up tomorrow, and I didn’t have my eyes tattooed anymore, it wouldn’t be something I’d be rushing out the door to do again.” This is not due to regret over the aesthetic outcome; in fact, she expresses, “I’m obsessed with my eyes and I’m so glad I did it.” Instead, her hesitation stems from the deeply “scary experience” of the procedure itself. Her concluding remark, “Yeah, I would not recommend it,” serves as a strong caution, highlighting the extreme nature of eyeball tattoos and the significant physical and emotional toll they can take.
Grace Neutral
The motivations behind choosing to tattoo one’s eyes are complex and deeply personal. For some, it’s an ultimate form of body modification, pushing the boundaries of self-expression to an extreme. Eyeball tattoos, also known as scleral tattoos, involve injecting pigment directly into the sclera. This is a permanent procedure with inherent risks, demanding careful consideration and a full understanding of potential complications. While Grace doesn’t explicitly detail her initial motivations, her broader philosophy of body modification as self-expression and a tool for personal evolution likely played a significant role in her decision. Her purple eyes have undeniably become a signature part of her visual identity, contributing to her iconic status within the tattoo community and beyond.
Grace views her journey with tattoos and body modifications as an ongoing process without a defined endpoint. “I don’t think there’s like an end destination. It’s all about the journey and I don’t think it will ever stop,” she explains. This perspective emphasizes the continuous nature of self-discovery and transformation through body art. She acknowledges periods where she feels less inclined to get tattooed, highlighting the ebb and flow of her desire for modification. However, the underlying “desire to transform my body” remains constant, suggesting that body modification is deeply ingrained in her approach to life and self-expression.
Living with such prominent modifications, particularly tattooed eyes, inevitably draws public attention. Grace acknowledges the reality of “tatcalling,” especially during warmer seasons when more skin is exposed. She points out the double standard women often face, where body modifications can sometimes be misinterpreted. “There’s this stereotype as a heavily modified woman that you’re some kind of outlandish nymph,” she notes, expressing frustration with societal misconceptions. Despite these challenges, Grace’s long-term experience with being heavily tattooed has fostered a degree of resilience and acceptance. She navigates public perception with a sense of self-assuredness, underscoring the importance of personal choice and challenging societal stereotypes associated with body modification.
Grace Neutral
Beyond her striking appearance and professional achievements, Grace Neutral also reveals a more introverted side to her personality. Describing herself as an “ambivert” or “introverted extrovert,” she balances her public persona with a need for solitude and quiet. She finds solace in the company of her dogs, considering them family and sources of immense comfort. This glimpse into her personal life offers a more rounded view of Grace, contrasting the bold image often associated with her body modifications with her appreciation for “stillness and peacefulness.” This balance highlights the multifaceted nature of her identity, proving that outward expression and inner peace can coexist.
In conclusion, Grace Neutral’s journey with Tattoo Eyes is a compelling narrative within her broader story of self-expression and body modification. Her experience underscores both the powerful allure and the intense reality of extreme body art. While her purple eyes have become iconic, Grace’s candid reflections reveal the profound personal impact of such choices, offering valuable insights for anyone considering similar paths. Her story serves as a reminder of the deeply personal motivations behind body modification and the importance of informed decisions and self-awareness in the world of tattooing.
Grace Neutral Artist Series
Continue exploring Grace Neutral’s world in Part 2 of the interview: Grace Neutral Interview: ‘I Was Told I Was Just a Stupid Girl’
