The Artist Who Engraved the Shape of Life

​​Wukang Road was covered in dappled shadows on a Saturday afternoon as the sun slanted through the paulownia trees' limbs. With the tinkling of bicycle bells in my ears and the gentle clinking sound of coffee cups touching, I was wandering on the street. The noises of office workers in suits and ties mixed with the sounds of an elderly woman carrying a basket of veggies in this busy but calm street.

Wukang Road

With her golden hair pulled back in an untidy bun and numerous earrings sparkling in the studio lights, Shi- the tattoo artist I met- is already achieving her dream at the age of 23. She loves to cruise the streets after work, as evidenced by the scarred surface of the skateboard that leans against the corner of her tattoo studio.

After graduating from college, Shi chose to forgo the traditional route to start her own business, needle in hand. Shi’s studio has a strong antiseptic and ink odor, and the walls are covered in flamboyant designs, some classic and some her peculiar creations. This is her world—unrepentant, colorful, and wholly her own.

When I asked her about her career, she told me that it’s getting prosperous and that she’s delighted that more people are embracing the tattoo culture. 

"Running my own tattoo studio keeps me quite busy, but I do enjoy it! The place is usually full, with mostly young people getting tattoos or piercings.”

As a tattoo artist, Shi thinks that it is no longer just about art; rather, pursuing this passion is all about a unique culture.

“This is what I wanted when I first started: to get more to embrace this culture and to be a part of something bigger than needles and ink.”

However, she mentioned something to give attention to. "Look, I love what I do, but I always warn my customers straight up: don't act on instinct. A tattoo is not a transitory sticker; it will most likely be with you for the rest of your life.” She said this with seriousness. 

“Laser removal? It is painful and expensive, and there is no guarantee that it will be eradicated. So, if you really feel like getting a tattoo, think about it carefully. I'd prefer you wait to be certain than regret it later. Believe me, your future self will thank you.”

I love how she uses multiple perspectives to delve into the culture of tattoos and piercings, so I asked an interesting question—what superpower she would like to have if given such an opportunity. Surprisingly, it’s not those that I thought of.

 “Well, if I could have any superpower, it would not be flying or invisibility—it would be the ability to cure my customers. So many of them enter the door burdening weight, and it's clear that they're not simply looking for a tattoo or piercing; some are looking to escape from their lives.”

She says that it's incredible how conventional it has grown to use physical pain to numb the other sort. “Genuinely, I want this place to feel less like an escape hatch and more like a couch where you can relax. Even if only for an hour.”

A snapshot of the street scene

The chat soon ended with not only waves of laughter and fun stories but also bits of deep conversations. The tiny stores down the street resembled open candy boxes: some vintage clothes store featured models dressed in 1980s flower shirts, the flower shop had hydrangeas packed together, blue and brilliant, and the Japanese cuisine smelled of miso.  

As I wandered, the steps fell into the most vivid pulses of this city. Not only is there pressure and intense work, but also kindness from strangers, a breeze across the streets, and the aroma of the flowers.