About Gravecraft
My name is Tasiyana. My pronouns are they/them/theirs. I am grateful to work and live on the lək̓ʷəŋən traditional territory — currently known as Victoria, BC.
I am a self-taught tattoo artist and have been tattooing since 2020. Tattooing is a part-time job for me, as I currently work full-time as a counsellor. I have a master’s degree in psychology and enjoy my practice deeply. My dream is to continue tattooing a bit more than part-time and do counselling part-time as well.
I have lived and living experience of mental illness and have been an activist and public speaker since I was 22 years old. I have worked/continue to work in research and in collaboration with many community organizations to provide mental health education that is from the voice of the marginalized.
“Nothing about us, without us.”
My Values
Evidence-Based
I always use the most advanced and safe materials while following best practice for sanitation and disinfection. Likewise when it comes to counselling, following the research in combination with clinical wisdom helps us create safe and cathartic healing experiences.
Equity/Empowerment
I am dedicated to maintaining a trauma and violence informed approach with all clients and to contribute to making the world a safer place to exist for everyone. For me this extends outside of the tattooing practice, whether it be political activism or other social justice actions.
Sustainable
I believe in taking care of our planet so I use eco-friendly and biodegradable supplies whenever possible. For items that are not eco-friendly, I take extra steps to ensure that all pieces can be broken down and recycled so less goes to the landfill. I am always looking to innovate.
Tattooing is an ancient art that has modern roots in racism and cultural appropriation.
Traditional American tattooing, which has played a significant role in modern tattooing, has a dark history. In the mid-1900s, tattooing was caught up in the same phenomena in America that included widespread of racism, transphobia, sexism, and colonialism.
My Continuing Education
Tinted ™ by Sophie C’est La Vie – A Workshop Exploring Colored Pigment Within More Melanated Skin
