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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 29, 2019)
Continued from Page 8 whether or not you think you’re ready for this, here it is,” Barasch said. Empowerment and self-expression In a self-described “drastic move,” Bar- asch returned to Jerusalem in 2016 to work at Sam Tattoo Art. Due to bureaucracy around her work visa, she returned to Portland in 2017 and worked at shops around the city. Humanizing the tattoo experience Barasch was born and raised in Portland. Her parents are both painters and encouraged Challenged by the uncertainty of this Barasch to make art. In particular, her own time, Barasch began to grow her vision as drawings growing up were infl uenced by her an artist and defi ne her niche. Female clien- father’s “heavy metal” and “creepy” comics tele were drawn to her for custom work and collection. a compassionate experience, no matter what As a teen, Barasch sought out her fi rst part of the world she was in. tattoo from a friend of a friend. Looking Claire Walber, a client of Barasch’s, said, back, the experience was “a bit sketchy,” but “what I love about Renee as both a tattoo nevertheless an empowering way to com- artist and a person is that she doesn’t just memorate her budding passion for artistic do only what she would like, but rather tai- self-expression. lored [my tattoo] to my personality, style and “I started getting tattooed very young,” emotions.” she said. “I immediately felt this sense of Barasch has found that females particu- empowerment and self-expression that goes larly may feel too intimidated to approach along with tattooers and the conversations an artist for a tattoo which motivated her that happen after you get tattooed.” even more to advocate for women “within an Another formative experience for Barasch industry that isn’t always particularly kind to was traveling to Israel for a study abroad women.” program at an integrated Arab and Jewish “There’s this sense that you need to school called “Hand-in-Hand.” The program prove yourself constantly and front with this was accessible to Barasch through the Met- aggression and masculinity. I think soci- ropolitan Learning Center where she gradu- ety sees tattoos like that. There is a level of ated valedictorian. toughness to get through Her continued inter- the tattoo, but it doesn’t est in Israeli politics defi ne who you are,” Bar- led her to study at the asch said. Hebrew University of A collaboration Jerusalem after high between client and school. She contin- artist ued to draw and dream Barasch’s commitment about tattoo art. After one year, Bar- to running a welcoming asch left Jerusalem to studio is why she opens pursue her Oregon tat- her shop for every single tooing license back art walk. While she fea- in Portland. Post tat- tures discounted designs, too school she began her priority is connecting working in a group stu- with clients and letting dio run by the school. them feel at home within The environment was the space. supportive, yet she “Everyone is welcome wasn’t challenged and I really emphasize If You Go enough to truly grow consultations,” Barasch Simply Human Art in her practice. said. “It’s okay to come “The schooling pro- in and just say hi and if Makers Space, 10th and Duane cess is mostly about we don’t vibe then I’m so Street, Astoria sanitation and gets you glad that person took the For an appointment and to learn through some techni- initiative to connect with more, visit simplyhumanart.com or cal stuff but as far as their artist.” email reneebarasch@gmail.com. composition, drafting Barasch noted that she process and technique, doesn’t take it lightly that you’re just not exposed people are trusting her to it in school. You only get that by being physically with their skin but also emotion- around other tattoo artists,” Barasch said. “In ally with the stories that surround their tattoo the studio I had a great support system but experience. I was just sort of wondering, where do I go “While personal, there’s also a commu- from here?” nity piece of caring for each other and setting Eric Thornburg Renee Barasch Simply Human Art tattoo studio in the basement of The Maker’s Space in Astoria. An example of one of Barasch’s original black and white illustrations. up an environment that is safe and nurturing and allows for conversations about tattoos to happen, “Barasch said. “It makes me happy that I can try to bring an element that I feel is lacking in an industry that has given me so much.” Architectural Salvage and Home Furnishings Reclaiming, Repurposing and Inspiring our Community Since 2008 Open Every Day - 1162 Marine Drive - (503)325-1313 CBD/THC Flower Concentrates Edibles Extracts PreRolls Accessories hi Casual Cannabis 503-325-4078 193 Marine Dr. Astoria, Or hi Casual Ca nna bis Astoria BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR 10% OFF YO U R E N T I R E O R D E R ! expires 9/5/19 Open 9 to 9 Everyday Daily Happy Hour 3-5 Home of the Bud Mentors - Cultivated to Serve Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults twenty-one years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children. Popcorn • Fudge • Chocolates • Ice Cream • Taffy • Cotton Candy • Carmel Apples Astoria • Cannon Beach • Manzanita • Rockaway Beach • Seaside THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019 // 9
