Jessie Violet Van Herring isn’t your average tattoo artist. Her journey to becoming a celebrated figure in the Portland tattoo scene is as unique and vibrant as her nature-inspired designs. In 2011, fueled by a passion for art and a yearning for a creative hub, she embarked on a cross-country move, trading the snowy landscapes of Duluth, Minnesota, for the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest. This bold move, with a feline companion in tow, marked the beginning of her flourishing career as a tattoo artist specializing in designs that resonate with the beauty of the natural world, often incorporating the delicate hues of violet.
Growing up amidst the north woods of Wisconsin, Jessie’s upbringing was steeped in nature. With biologists and naturalists as parents, she cultivated a deep appreciation for the environment. This early immersion in the natural world, combined with a natural artistic inclination, laid the foundation for her distinctive tattoo style. From a young age, art, botany, literature, and wildlife captivated her imagination. Watercolors inspired by National Geographic and elaborate flower collages from seed catalogs were early expressions of her artistic talents. As she matured, art became a powerful medium for her, a space to articulate aspirations and process emotions. Simultaneously, a fascination with body art, particularly tattooing, began to blossom, igniting a dream of working within this dynamic field.
After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on painting and metalwork from the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2010, Jessie’s dream took tangible form. Portland, with its reputation as an artistic haven, beckoned. Since commencing her tattoo career in 2011, she has become known for her intricate and organic tattoo work. Now residing in NE Portland with her family, including her husband, daughter, three cats, and a thriving collection of houseplants, Jessie has firmly established herself in the community. In 2017, she realized another milestone, opening her own studio, Wallflower Tattoo. This space allows her to fully immerse herself in the creative process, transforming client ideas into stunning tattoos that often echo the subtle shades of violet found in nature.
The artistry of Jessie Violet Van Herring lies in her ability to translate the intricate details and organic forms of the natural world onto skin. Her tattoos are more than just images; they are narratives inspired by flora and fauna, rendered with a fine art sensibility. Whether it’s delicate wildflowers, detailed botanical illustrations, or scenes from the natural landscape, her work reflects a deep understanding and love for her subjects. For those seeking a unique and nature-inspired tattoo, particularly designs that capture the enchanting essence of violet hues in floral or naturalistic themes, Jessie at Wallflower Tattoo offers a space where artistic vision and personal expression seamlessly merge.
Jessie’s dedication to her craft and her profound connection to the natural world are evident in every tattoo she creates. She is not just inking skin; she is sharing her passion, inviting others to carry a piece of nature’s beauty with them. Her journey from the snowy Midwest to the verdant Pacific Northwest has culminated in a thriving career that allows her to share her unique vision and create lasting art for those who, like her, find inspiration in the world around us.
