Grace Neutral is a name synonymous with bold self-expression and the captivating world of tattoos. A celebrated tattoo artist hailing from the UK, Grace has become an icon, not just for her intricate handpoke tattoos, but also for her striking appearance, most notably, her Tattooed Eyes. This interview delves into Grace’s journey, exploring her fascination with body modification, her experiences with extreme procedures like tattooed eyes, and her perspective on living a heavily modified life.
Grace Neutral
From Punk Rock Pubs to Purple Eyeballs: Discovering Tattooed Eyes and Body Modification
Grace’s journey into the world of tattoos began in her youth, fueled by the vibrant punk and alternative music scene in Plymouth. She recalls formative experiences at a local pub called the Phoenix, a haven for punks and heavily tattooed individuals. This early exposure ignited a spark, planting the seeds for her future in body modification and ultimately leading her to consider even extreme modifications like tattooed eyes.
“There were loads of punks and heavily tattooed people, like I’d never seen before,” Grace recounts, highlighting the profound impact these early encounters had on her. These experiences were more than just visual; they were her first real interactions with tattoo culture, setting her on a path of self-discovery and body art exploration that would eventually lead her to get her own tattooed eyes.
Grace Neutral Artist Series box
Body Modification as Therapy: Grace Neutral’s Tattooed Eyes and Self-Expression
For Grace, body modification, including her decision to get tattooed eyes, is deeply intertwined with self-expression and personal growth. She views tattoos and modifications as therapeutic tools, helping her navigate life’s challenges and evolve into the person she aspires to be. This perspective underscores the profound personal meaning behind her choices, especially when considering a dramatic modification like tattooed eyes.
“I’ve always thought of body modification and tattooing as a really good way for me to express myself, do something therapeutic, help me go through something,” Grace explains. Her body becomes a canvas for her journey, each tattoo and modification, including her tattooed eyes, marking a step in her personal evolution. She emphasizes the sense of ownership over her 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.”
Grace Neutral
The Traumatic Truth Behind Tattooed Eyes: Grace Neutral’s Eyeball Tattoo Experience
Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Grace Neutral’s appearance is her tattooed eyes, a bold modification that turned her sclera a vibrant purple. However, Grace candidly describes the process as “the most intense, and probably the hardest procedure I’ve ever had to go through.” Her experience offers a stark reminder of the commitment and intensity involved in extreme body modifications like tattooed eyes.
Looking back, Grace admits, “Nothing was going to prepare me for actually being in the hot seat.” The procedure was so overwhelming that she now believes she wouldn’t mentally be able to endure it again. “I was more daring when I was young, more carefree,” she reflects, acknowledging the shift in her perspective with age and experience regarding extreme procedures like tattooed eyes.
Despite her love for the aesthetic outcome of her tattooed eyes, Grace offers a cautionary perspective: “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. Not because I don’t love the way it looks – I’m obsessed with my eyes and I’m so glad I did it – but it was a really scary experience. Yeah, I would not recommend it.” This honest account provides valuable insight into the reality of tattooed eyes, beyond the striking visual appeal.
Grace Neutral
An Ongoing Journey: Body Modification Beyond Tattooed Eyes
While tattooed eyes are a significant part of Grace’s story, her journey with body modification is far from over. She sees it as a continuous process, an evolving exploration of self. “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 states, emphasizing the ongoing nature of her self-transformation.
This journey is not always linear; Grace experiences periods of intense tattooing and times when she steps back. “I might not get tattooed for a year, six months, maybe longer. Then when I get that calling to get something done, or I feel like I’m in the mood to go through the tattoo experience, then I’ll do it and I’ll probably knock out a few.” This cyclical approach highlights the thoughtful and personal nature of her choices in body modification, both large and small, beyond even the dramatic statement of tattooed eyes.
Navigating Attention: Life with Tattooed Eyes and Extensive Modifications
Grace’s distinctive appearance, including her tattooed eyes and extensive body modifications, inevitably draws attention. She discusses the experience of being “tatcalled,” a form of unwanted attention related to her tattoos, particularly in the summer months when more skin is exposed.
“And as a woman, you’re always gonna get attention walking down the street,” Grace notes, pointing out the baseline of attention women often experience. However, she acknowledges that being heavily tattooed, especially with modifications as striking as tattooed eyes, amplifies this. “But being a woman and being heavily tattooed, if I just put a pair of shorts and a vest on in the summer, people definitely react a lot differently.”
She also addresses the misperceptions and stereotypes associated with heavily modified women, particularly the assumption of being “some kind of outlandish nymph.” Grace confronts these misconceptions, highlighting the frustration of being judged based on appearance. Despite the challenges, she has become accustomed to navigating this attention, a testament to her resilience and self-assuredness in her choices, including her tattooed eyes.
Grace Neutral
Finding Peace and Balance Beyond Body Art and Tattooed Eyes
Beyond her striking tattoos and tattooed eyes, Grace Neutral emphasizes the importance of balance and peace in her life. She finds solace in nature and the companionship of her dogs, who are integral to her daily life and even her studio environment.
“Being in nature is really important,” Grace shares, highlighting the need for grounding amidst the intensity of city life and her public persona. Her dogs, Mildred and Meg, along with foster dog Reggie, provide comfort and a calming presence. “They bring such a sweet, calming energy,” she says, noting their positive impact on both her and her clients at Femme Fatale. This glimpse into her personal life reveals a softer side, contrasting with the often-bold and extreme image associated with tattooed eyes and body modification.
Grace Neutral
More Than Meets the Eye: The Introverted Extrovert Behind the Tattooed Eyes
Grace Neutral challenges preconceptions once again when she describes herself as an “ambivert” – an introverted extrovert. Despite her public image and striking modifications like tattooed eyes, she reveals a preference for solitude and quiet moments.
“I’m a massive hermit,” Grace admits, surprising those who might assume a constant desire for the spotlight. She values her alone time with her animals, finding happiness in “the calmer side of life” and “the stillness and the peacefulness.” This revelation underscores the complexity of Grace Neutral, a multifaceted individual whose tattooed eyes and body art are just one part of her rich and nuanced personality.
Grace Neutral Artist Series
Grace Neutral’s journey is one of bold self-expression, personal evolution, and challenging societal norms. Her tattooed eyes, while a dramatic and defining feature, are just one facet of her fascinating story. Through her art, her modifications, and her open dialogue, Grace inspires us to embrace individuality and explore the boundaries of self-expression, while also offering a realistic perspective on the intense realities of extreme body modifications.
