In ancient Greek and Roman times, tattooing was associated with barbarians, a.k.a the uncultured and brute folk. It was only later in the 1970s that tattoos were deemed cool and common amongst all sexes, classes and age groups – and boy are we grateful it did!
In the words of the famous tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy, he once said: “A tattoo is an affirmation: that this body is yours to have and to enjoy while you’re here. Nobody else can control what you do with it”. And this quote is exactly how I have always perceived tattoos. A tattoo is a way to honour a memory, a significant experience, or a moment or situation in one’s life. They are a form of self-expression by using one’s body as a canvas – and I think that it is just beautiful.
Speaking of tattoos – if you haven’t heard of Mike Armstrong or Artura Tattoos – let’s just cut to the chase, in case you’ve probably been living under a rock. Mike is no stranger to the tattoo industry. His waiting list is booked up well over two months in advance; it’s safe to say that everyone wants a piece done by him (I’m speaking from experience here). He’s tattooed the likes of Jojo Robinson – whom you may have seen on the Real Housewives of Durban, local EFC fighter Amanda Lino, and probably your neighbour too. His latest business venture is the Artura Tattoo Lounge, situated on Park Lane Avenue in Umhlanga, and isn’t your average tattoo and piercing studio. Expect an eccentric, friendly and chilled-out creative destination hub with good food, great coffee, milkshakes and drinks to go with your fresh ink or piercing.
“I’ve wanted to open up the tattoo lounge and bar for at least five years, but I just needed to find the right partner to do it with,” Mike explains. “My business partner and I are on the same page about how we want to position ourselves. We wanted to create a universal space for people to be and feel creative. The perception of tattoos is becoming more commercial, so we wanted to bridge that gap and make it a full experience rather than just a quick in and out tattoo session,” Mike continues.
Mike’s vision for the space was always to be an intimate Creative Social Club, promoting the fact that it’s social – for clients and artists alike and for them to utilize the creative space. “If artists want to come through and do guest spots, we have the booths available for them. I know artists worldwide love to guest at various tattoo parlours all over the world,” he adds.
They had Big Money’s album launch, donned with a red carpet and VIP guests filtering in and out of the lounge, truly using the space for its purpose.
At Artura Tattoo Lounge, aside from the well-sought after Mike, there are two uber-talented artists – Dennis and Jono. Dennis, who you would probably never guess at first glance, is a tattoo artist. “Dennis has been tattooing for six years and does not have a single tattoo,” Mike adds. “I have commitment issues!” Dennis interjects. “Apart from his tattooing, he’s an exceptional painter too, but a man of very few words. He’s the blank canvas fairy man, in the best kind of way,” Mike explains.
Jono, an import from Johannesburg, is the nomadic gipsy of the crew. “He’s a veteran in the game,” Mike continues. Jono has his own nationwide clientele and has tattooed the likes of Glen from the Parlotones. “You can hear him from around the corner,” Mike adds. In the most perfect timing, Jono arrives on his motorcycle, pulls up a chair and shares a bit of his journey with me. “I fell in love with tattooing from a young age. I’ve been in this industry for over 26 years – it’s been part of my spiritual journey. It’s a rock ‘n roll lifestyle!” he laughs. “It’s really a hoot when Jono is in the studio,” Mike gushes.
Heading up the piercing department, is 19 years old, straight out of school, and is an inspiring tattoo artist, Shai. “Shai is shy,” Mike laughs. “I pierce everything from above the belt,” she explains. “She’s gentle and makes everyone feel completely comfortable,” Mike adds. After spending a few moments with the team, it’s clear that you’re well looked after by the crew at Artura Tattoo Lounge. They love what they do and have a load of fun while doing it. You’re in for a real treat on your next visit!