Stepping beyond the smart facade of Obsidian Ink, featuring a beefy Harley Davidson in place of our previous article’s pedal pusher, one is immediately hit by the ‘dentisty’ aroma—uber clean and immediately reassuring for somewhere that gets pretty intimate with one’s skin. Ollie Barkin’s outfit is not like tattoo studios of old. No dingy lighting or slightly intimidating atmosphere, but instead an almost clinical brightness and friendly bunch who clearly enjoy working together.

The ship is run by Ollie, owner and chief artist, who previously worked in Chelmsford but dreamt of opening his own shop closer to home, which came good on the 1st of April this year. Ollie’s keen to tell us he worked on every aspect of the studio except the electrics, to make the place exactly what he wanted, for himself and for his clients. His affable nature, no hint of arrogance in sight, may well stem from his previous career—as an art teacher, no less, which might also explain his keen eye for detail. To say Ollie’s work is staggering would be an understatement. Jaw-dropping or mind-blowing might just about cut it. A specialist in black and grey realism, his style lends itself to large pieces, arms, legs and backs especially. A full back may take up to six or seven sittings, and with customers coming from as far afield as Brighton and Glasgow, it’s a real testament to Ollie’s ability. Along with his year-long waitlist. Yes, really.

Juxtaposed, but rounding out the talent very nicely is Alice Kiff, whose dot and linework is oh-so-intricate, often whimsical and very, very pretty. On the day we visit, she’s working on a back piece of sea creatures—whales, octopus and fish abound. It’s amazing to watch this seascape come to life and no surprise that Alice brings a BA in illustration to the tattoo table. This client has also made multiple trips, from Plymouth, further evidence that people feel the Obsidian Ink experience is one worth travelling for.