Friday  Nov 04, 2005

INKEDblog Interviews Tattoo Artist Monica Henk

Interview with Tattoo Artist Monica Henk

Monica’s my hero. How could she not be? Her tattoos and paintings are dark and stunning; she’s got a great sense of humor; she even models and sells her own line of g-strings. H-E-R-O. I first met Monica three years ago when she was inking at Sacred Tattoo in NYC. It was love at first sight – platonic respect-your-art love. (She’s married to fellow tattoo artist Dan Henk.) Recently, she was gracious enough to take some time out and talk with INKEDblog.

–Justin Pelegano

INKEDblog: You're originally from Colombia. You moved to the U.S. six years ago. What made you decide to make the move? Was it to pursue your art?

Monica: Well I got out of school, and I decided to go to the university which I didn’t pass the test for. A little disappointed, the opportunity to travel to the US showed up. I didn't think twice. The tattoo industry in Colombia wasn't as developed so I didn't think I could make this my career. It was a different world over here....So I wouldn't say I moved here to pursue my art – I called [it] destiny.

INKEDblog: Your style I suppose could be described as beautifully macabre. Do you remember where and when your love and fascination with that style first began?

Monica: When I got here and realized how big an Artist could make it I started buying tattoo magazines [and] going to conventions. And the scary/realistic tattoos always struck [me] more, not just because they look cool and all, but the skill that the artist had to have became a challenge for me.

INKEDblog: You and Dan [Henk] -- two tat artists under one roof. Do you guys push each other to grow as artists? Or, be honest, you're just too busy competing with each other.

Monica: We definitely are growing together in tattooing. I think his art skill I will never be able to reach. I love the fact that I do what my husband does. We are always asking opinions on each other’s work and all that fun stuff.

INKEDblog: I read some time ago that you were studying art at the New School was it? Why was it important for you to go back to school? It seems to me a lot of younger tat artists have college degrees in the visual arts. It's like this new breed of ink slingers. And the things they can do on the skin are outstanding. Do you need a degree nowadays just to compete in the tat world?

Monica: I went to school seeking more knowledge of anatomy, perspective and skill. To tell you the truth I hated it. I didn't find what I was looking for. I got better instruction at home with Dan. I don't think to make it big in this business you need to go to school -- I think you need to have ART SKILLS and good ones.

INKEDblog: I love your paintings. “Su Corazon” is an amazing self-portrait and I dig that it was done in tattoo ink. Which is more fun for ya, painting or tattooing?

Monica: I love both for different facts....Tattooing: unless you are doing a butterfly or a tribal arm band, is fun because somebody out there is walking with a piece of your art that [you] have created and that is a huge satisfaction for me. Painting: you can do anything you want without hearing someone in pain or telling you that they don't like red [and that] they looove pink.

They are both art and craft.

INKEDblog: The eye -- you've got it branded on your hand and tattooed huge on your chest...can you tell me a little about the significance of that symbol to you?

Monica: It comes from high school. It comes from a pair of friends -- it was our symbol and with time it became more serious: "..... observe, look.... there is more to see, than what you see..."

INKEDblog: Dude, you're modeling and selling your own thongs on your website! Nice! How hot is that?

Monica: I say exploit everything you can to the max. The average lifetime of a female in America is 75-80 years old -- I got a good half of a century to produce :)

INKEDblog: So, the way I figure it, if people know what's good for them they'll stop by and see ya for some ink. Where are ya working now?

Monica: I split my time between two shops: Cliff's Tattoo in Centereach, Long Island (NY) and Pure Body Arts in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (NY)

Check out Monica’s awesome tats, paintings, and underwear at www.monhenk.com

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Posted by: Cameron Cole at February 9, 2006 10:26 PM

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