My journey through the Netherlands took an exciting turn when I found myself in the charming town of Aalsmeer, just outside of Amsterdam. While the canals and flowers of Amsterdam are undeniably captivating, venturing into Aalsmeer revealed a different kind of treasure: Dogstar Tattoo. This family-run tattoo shop, helmed by the respected patriarch Ron Ris, proved to be an unexpected highlight of my travels.
After a fun-filled King’s Day celebration in Amsterdam, I was heading towards Germany and decided to explore Aalsmeer. Connecting with a Couchsurfing host named Walter opened doors to local experiences I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Walter not only showed me around the area but also introduced me to Ron Ris, the heart and soul of Dogstar Tattoo. What I didn’t immediately realize was that I was also stepping into a studio that nurtures world-class talent, as Ronny’s son, Jamie Ris, is also a celebrated tattoo artist working at Dogstar Tattoo. My visit to Dogstar Tattoo was truly a humbling and insightful experience into the world of tattooing in the Netherlands.
My introduction to Walter’s world was quite unique. Upon arriving at his home, I was greeted by his son, Rajko, and his friend Rik, amidst a fascinating scene in their living room. Tackle boxes overflowed with fishing gear, lines, hooks, and various kinds of bait spread across the furniture. These young men were clearly passionate about fishing. They even had specialized bait that looked and smelled like candy, each designed for specific fish and environments. Their dedication was evident when they mentioned the thousands of euros they’d invested in their equipment.
Ron Ris and the author outside Dogstar Tattoo in Aalsmeer, Netherlands
It turned out Rajko had been contemplating a tattoo for years, and discovering I was a tattoo artist felt like perfect timing. He eagerly showed me a Nash Tackle sweatshirt featuring a stylized carp logo. “Can you tattoo this on my arm?” he asked, his excitement palpable. I happily agreed. It seemed like fate, and I was ready to create a lasting piece for him right there.
Later that day, I joined Rajko and Rik to witness their fishing skills firsthand. We went to ponds near the massive Aalsmeer Flower Auction building. Incredibly, within minutes, Rik caught a carp, followed shortly by Rajko. They explained that sometimes they wait for days without a bite, making this a remarkably successful outing. I was impressed by their respectful approach to fishing. Each fish was carefully reeled in, gently handled, photographed, and then released back into the water with minimal stress. Their respect for nature was truly admirable.
Rajko showcasing his carp tattoo design inspired by Nash Tackle
Rajko’s passion for fishing began at the age of five with his father and deepened with his grandfather, who taught him the fundamentals. Starting with minnows, he progressed to bream and then to predator fish like perch and pike. Meeting Rik further fueled his passion, and together they honed their skills. By age 12, Rajko had already caught his first pike. The sizes of these fish are impressive – perch up to 43cm, pike to 88cm, and catfish reaching a meter long!
At 15, Nico became their mentor, introducing them to carp fishing. Rajko embraced night fishing, spending nights in a tent by the water, dedicated to the pursuit. Fishing became an all-consuming passion, rain or shine. Today, this passion remains strong. While both Rajko and Rik work, their dream is to become fishing equipment testers. They continue to explore various fishing styles and expand their impressive gear collection, dreaming of deep-sea fishing adventures.
Rajko and Rik carefully landing a carp during their fishing session
My visit to Aalsmeer was enriched by the unexpected discovery of Dogstar Tattoo and the warm welcome I received. Meeting Ron Ris and hearing about his family’s tattoo legacy, combined with the serendipitous tattoo for Rajko, created a memorable experience. If you find yourself in Aalsmeer, I highly recommend looking beyond the flowers and seeking out Dogstar Tattoo. It’s a place where passion for art and dedication to craft truly shine.
