Grace Neutral isn’t just a tattoo artist; she’s a visionary. From her captivating purple-inked eyes to the intricate mandalas she meticulously hand-pokes onto skin, Grace has carved out a unique space in the tattoo world. We were fortunate enough to spend time with her at Femme Fatale, her east London studio, to delve into the perspectives and experiences that have shaped her distinctive “Eye For Tattoo”. Entering Femme Fatale is like stepping into a haven of creativity and warmth, mirroring Grace’s own inviting energy as we settled in for an intimate conversation.
Our discussion spanned her initial fascination with tattooing, her personal body modification journey, the significance of her beloved dogs, and her reflections on navigating the world as a heavily modified woman. Through it all, it became clear that Grace possesses an exceptional artistic sensibility – an “eye for tattoo” that goes beyond technical skill, encompassing deep personal expression and a profound understanding of the transformative power of body art.
Grace Neutral
What sparked your initial interest in tattoos, and what drew you into the art form?
Growing up in Plymouth, I frequented a pub called the Phoenix, a hub for punk and alternative music. It was there, amidst the vibrant subculture, that I encountered heavily tattooed individuals for the first time. These encounters were formative, exposing me to the raw, expressive power of tattoos firsthand and igniting a fascination that would shape my path. It was more than just ink on skin; it was a language, a statement, an art form that resonated deeply with me, revealing an “eye for tattoo” I didn’t yet know I possessed.
Grace Neutral Artist Series box
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Could you elaborate on your personal tattoo journey and how body modification has been a form of self-expression for you?
For me, body modification and tattooing have always served as powerful avenues for self-expression and personal growth. It’s a therapeutic process, a way to navigate life’s challenges and evolve into the person I aspire to be. My body becomes a canvas for this journey, each tattoo marking a step in my personal evolution. This “eye for tattoo” isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about using my body as a medium for profound personal narrative and reclamation. It’s about embracing my body as my own and expressing myself authentically throughout my life.
Grace Neutral
Reflecting on your journey, particularly your purple eyeball tattoos from about a decade ago, what are your current thoughts on them and the experience?
The eyeball tattoo procedure was by far the most intense and challenging experience I’ve undergone. Looking back, it feels like a distant memory, and the intensity of the experience is somewhat faded. While I adore the aesthetic outcome and remain captivated by my eyes, the process itself was profoundly traumatic. My younger self was undoubtedly more audacious. With age comes a natural inclination towards caution, and I confess, I wouldn’t willingly repeat the procedure today. It’s a testament to how our “eye for tattoo” and our tolerance for extreme modification can evolve over time. Though I cherish the result, it’s an experience I wouldn’t endorse lightly.
Grace Neutral
Where do you see yourself currently on your tattoo journey? Do you envision it as an ongoing process?
I believe my tattoo journey is perpetual, a continuous evolution rather than a destination. It’s intrinsically linked to personal growth and transformation. There will always be an inherent desire to alter and adorn my body, though the form and intensity of that desire may fluctuate. Periods of intense tattooing may be followed by periods of pause, sometimes lasting months or even a year. However, when the urge to get tattooed resurfaces, it’s usually accompanied by a desire to embrace the full tattoo experience and often results in multiple pieces. This ebb and flow is part of the journey, guided by an ever-evolving “eye for tattoo”.
As we approach summer, the season of increased visibility for tattoos, do you find your appearance attracts attention, and is it ever bothersome?
Public attention is definitely amplified in the summer months. As a woman, attention is often unavoidable, regardless of attire. However, being heavily tattooed undeniably alters the nature and frequency of that attention. My extensively tattooed legs, often mistaken for leggings, become a focal point. There’s a misconception that being heavily modified, especially as a woman, somehow invites unwarranted advances or objectification. This “tatcalling” phenomenon, as you termed it, can be frustrating. It perpetuates a stereotype of heavily tattooed women as being overly sexualized or unconventional in a way that invites unwanted commentary. While this is a societal issue faced by many women, tattoos can, unfortunately, exacerbate it. Having navigated this for years, I’ve become accustomed to it, but it doesn’t diminish the underlying issue. Despite the potential for unwanted attention, personal comfort and self-expression should remain paramount. Every woman deserves the freedom to dress as she chooses without fear of harassment.
Grace Neutral
Stories & Ink Artist Series #005 – Grace Neutral
Your studio is wonderfully enlivened by your dogs. Do you consider your pets to be family?
My animals are unequivocally family. I could talk about them endlessly. I have two dogs, Mildred and Meg, who are the absolute center of my world. Reggie, a foster chihuahua, is also a cherished member of our extended family. My dogs have been with me at Femme Fatale since they were puppies, becoming integral to the studio’s atmosphere. They’re beloved by clients and contribute a calming, comforting energy to the space. For clients who might feel apprehensive about tattoo studios, the dogs offer an immediate sense of welcome and ease. Mildred, in particular, is a natural emotional support dog, often offering cuddles and comfort to clients before their tattoos. They bring an element of home and heartfelt connection to my “eye for tattoo” practice.
Grace Neutral
How do you unwind and relax after a day in the studio?
Connecting with nature is essential for me, especially living in London. Daily dog walks are my sanctuary, offering a vital decompression ritual. Whether walking to or from work, these moments in nature provide peace and grounding. I also value downtime with close friends, often spent here at Femme Fatale, sharing drinks and conversation after work. These moments of connection and tranquility are crucial for balancing the intensity of the tattoo world and nurturing my artistic “eye for tattoo”.
Grace Neutral Artist Series
The Stories & Ink Artist Series celebrates the talent of both accomplished and emerging tattoo artists
Is there anything about you that might surprise people?
Over the years, numerous preconceptions have formed around me, often fueled by industry whispers. Interestingly, I’m fundamentally a hermit. While I identify as an ambivert – an introverted extrovert – and can be outgoing and vivacious, I deeply cherish solitude and the company of my animals. I thrive in quiet moments and find immense joy in the peacefulness of my own space. Though I was once drawn to a more overtly social and adventurous lifestyle, I now find greater fulfillment in calmness and stillness. This quieter side of my personality often surprises those who perceive me solely through my heavily modified exterior, proving that the “eye for tattoo” is just one facet of a multifaceted individual.
Continue to Part 2…
Grace Neutral Interview: ‘I Was Told I Was Just a Stupid Girl’
In the second part of our interview, Grace discusses her journey from tattoo apprentice to studio owner and her experiences as a woman in a predominantly male industry.
