Merging contemporary design elements with old world storytelling.
As a tattoo artist, I bring a unique perspective to my craft, having honed my artistic skills and knowledge as a freelance painter and portraiture artist. My focus is on heritage designs and ancestral stories, which I bring to life through realism and contemporary markings. Let me help you tell your story through a one-of-a-kind design.
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About Me
Welcome to MANA Studio, where art and heritage come together. I'm Lib, Owner and Tattoo Artist at MANA studio. As a modern artist with over 20 years of fine art experience and 2 years of tattooing experience, I'm dedicated to honoring human history through the fusion of classicism and innovation. My goal is to provide a safe and private space for Pacifica women to embrace their cultural customs and receive modern heritage tattoos. Join me in celebrating our stories and identities through art.
I come from mixed heritage family, which has granted me the unique privilege of embracing both cultures throughout my life. This rich experience has not only refined my skills and values but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility in me. I am committed to using my abilities and passion to serve, preserve, and protect the sacred practices of my cultures. I am truly grateful for opportunity to contribute to this important work.
WHAT IS TATATAU?
Tātatau is a word from the Tongan language. It is an ancient and sacred practice of marking the skin with dark pigment. This term varies in pronunciation and spelling throughout the Moana Nui (Pacific Ocean).
Tatau, from Samoa, is the direct origin of the English word Tattoo. These words represent the repetitive tapping sound made during the traditional tattooing process in which a wooden dowel is used to tap another dowel affixed with a serrated comb. With each strike the serrated comb pierces and marks the skin with pigment. These motifs are significant cultural symbols and represent ancestors, achievements, and position in family and community. They can be likened to a prayer or inheritance from the past.
Many Island Nations lost or abandoned these traditions of receiving and wearing our markings due to colonization or acculturation.
This is my north star, my purpose for joining the modern tattoo industry. I set out to reclaim and normalize the practice of wearing our heritage motifs on our skin in the modern world.