Cory Harris, an artist at Loyalty Tattoos, has carved a unique path in the tattoo world, particularly recognized for his distinctive “bear tattoos.” His journey, intertwined with self-discovery and artistic expression, offers a compelling look into how personal identity shapes art and resonates within the tattoo community. Harris’s story highlights the power of tattoos as a form of self-expression, especially within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Harris’s fascination with tattoos began in his childhood, influenced by his father and grandfather’s military service. He recalls, “Up until the ‘90s, you either had military tattoos or prison tattoos.” These early exposures, particularly his grandfather’s eagle and dagger tattoo, sparked a lifelong passion. “I remember visiting my grandfather—he had an eagle on his forearm and a dagger through a heart—and I was completely blown away. At the time, it was like finding out you could play God and decorate your body with artwork. From then on, I was obsessed.” This initial awe transformed into a dedicated pursuit of tattooing as an art form.
Bear tattoo artist Cory Harris at Loyalty Tattoos studio in Salt Lake City
Beyond traditional tattoo imagery, Harris was also drawn to graffiti art, finding a similar sense of rebellion and self-expression in its anonymity. “When I was 13 or 14, I saw that somebody had tagged ‘Love’ on a building with a peace sign for the ‘O.’ I was like, ‘Who got up on this building that was three stories tall, without anyone seeing, just to relay this message?’ and I was hooked,” he explains. Graffiti offered him a space to create without the constraints of identity, a theme that would later resonate with his experience in the tattoo industry and his personal journey.
This desire for authentic expression became particularly relevant when Harris navigated his identity as a gay man within the often-masculine tattoo environment. “Being gay in the masculine tattoo world was very difficult in the beginning,” Harris admits. “In the early 2000’s, I didn’t think I could be myself. I didn’t want to be seen as weak or less than … I think authenticity is important in art and in tattooing.” Overcoming these challenges, Harris found strength in community, including the LGBTQ+ community, the graffiti scene, and eventually, the tattoo community that embraced him at Loyalty Tattoos. These support systems were crucial during difficult times, including facing legal consequences for his graffiti art. “I think the community of subcultures is important,” Harris reflects. “I have a community from tattooing, I have a community from graffiti, I have an LGBTQ+ community and they all support me. My shop, Loyalty Tattoos, has been amazingly supportive of me, and those communities have helped me survive through life.”
Finding his place within the LGBTQ+ spectrum led Harris to the bear community, a subculture that resonated deeply with his sense of self. “It was like having a second coming out when I found the bear community,” he shares. “At first, it was hard to explain to friends and family that not only am I into dudes, but big, burly, hairy dudes as well. The bear community is where I fell into place. That’s where I am most authentic.” This personal connection profoundly influenced his artistic direction, leading to the development of his signature “bear tattoos.”
Tattoo artist Cory Harris sketching a bear tattoo design
Drawing inspiration from American traditional tattoo styles, known for their bold lines and classic motifs like pin-up girls, anchors, and eagles, Harris reimagined these themes through a masculine lens. “I’ve always had a love of American traditional tattooing,” Harris states. “The pin-up girls, the anchors and the eagles and how simple and elegant they were. I would draw pin-ups and boobs and try to think what I would want a girl to look [like], and I thought, ‘Why couldn’t we do this with men?’ I really liked drawing guys with curves and hair because that’s what I like.” This innovative approach resulted in “bear tattoos” featuring masculine figures in classic pin-up poses, celebrating the aesthetic he found attractive and representative of his community. These bear tattoos are not just about depicting bears literally, but embody a celebration of masculine body types, hairiness, and a departure from mainstream portrayals of masculinity.
Cory Harris’s work extends beyond bear tattoos; he is a versatile artist capable of bringing diverse tattoo visions to life. His Instagram, @poisonedwizard, showcases the breadth of his talent. However, for those seeking unique and meaningful bear tattoos that celebrate masculinity and identity, Cory Harris at Loyalty Tattoos offers a specialized and authentic artistic experience. His journey and art underscore the powerful role tattoos play in self-expression, community building, and exploring personal identity within the broader cultural landscape.
