UVE RIVERA, she/her/they/them, lesbian/queer tattooer from Barcelona, working between my home town and London.

How would you describe your work?
I try to reflect my perspective and vital experiences through a variety of queer and kink imagery expressed in black illustration/graphic work that helps me to identify myself and, at the same time, the other person whom I am working with.

How did you come in contact with tattooing, how did you learn?
I was always intrigued by the craft and tattoo scene but it wasn’t until a few years back that I got into a non traditional apprenticeship in a studio. I have been extremely lucky since then as I never had a bad experience with customers nor fellow tattooers and everyone has appreciated my art as it is.

Where do you find inspiration for your tattoo art? What makes you happy/curious? Do you work with art in other ways than on skin?
As I was mentioning before I like to get my ideas (for tattooing as well as for illustrating) from the LGBTQIA+ community and my own experiences. Breaking the established rules of patriarchal and conservative tattoo scene is what keeps my ball rolling.

Talking about tattoo culture, What changes would you like to see? In what way can we as tattoo artists make a change?
It is crucial to be able to identify/relate with a public figure, to be seen and considered by society. I would like us tattooers to keep taking the craft to its inclusive, countercultural origins and keep helping non-conformist identities to express themselves. We need to create a solid network on media platforms not only to make information/imagery/aesthetics available but also to provide us with the opportunity of creating bonds in real life.

For info and bookings with Uve write directly to uverivera@gmail.com!

Uve the Kid guest tattooed at StaDemonia Tattoo Stockholm and at Queer Art Fest Stockholm mid May 2019.