Tattoo artist helps grieving clients find comfort

Palmwoods Tattoo Artist Maya Malins has found a personal connection in particular with parents who have lost adult children.

BUSINESS WRITEUP: Cosmic Ink Tattoos 

After exploring a passion for art in many and varied forms, Palmwoods’ Maya Malins moved her creativity into the world of tattoos and at the same time realised her life purpose.

“I have studied, taught and exhibited my own works for decades. I had always been interested in tattoos and had designed a few for friends and family over the years” Maya said. 

“After losing my son Jethro in a tragic accident in 2017, I became resolved to take the leap from my secure job and follow my heart with tattooing.”

Maya compiled a portfolio of drawings and embarked on a year-long apprenticeship at North Lakes.

“Then I had a move to the UK, and I like to say that I basically completed my apprenticeship on sailors in Plymouth!” she laughed. “In reality, it was a wonderful experience and gave me the opportunity to learn and experience all styles of tattoo art.”

It was while she was still in the UK that Maya developed a connection with Trista, Tattoo artist and owner of Cosmic Ink Tattoo, Palmwoods and started working with her in December last year.

“The space at Cosmic Ink is very special,” Maya said. “Trista has created a space that showcases her art practice, love of crystals and healing. So it’s not your average tattoo studio with a rebellious vibe. Although I personally like to have a foot in both camps!”

Memorial tattoos become a speciality

It is not uncommon for a tattoo artist to do memorial tattoos for clients. Lost beloveds, be they human or pets, are frequently honoured with tattoos and Maya has found a personal connection in particular with parents who’ve lost adult children.

“About 20 years ago, I did a lot of healing work and it came up that I needed to work with people who have been bereaved. At that time I had no idea that I’d end up doing this through tattoos.

“Just recently I had a beautiful collaborative session planning a tattoo for a dad who had also lost his son. We took the time to talk and share stories, it was very deep and emotional. From this sharing and working together we came up with a plan for a leg piece that made us both laugh and cry, such a beautiful result!

“It was after this session that I had that ‘aha’ moment and realised that perhaps I had found that life-purpose I had previously thought unobtainable.”

Maya has become renowned for her delicate, detailed and intricate work.

“I really do love exploring all styles of tattoos but more often than not I find myself working in black and grey with finely detailed pieces. I’m enjoying working with soft grey inks in the mix in particular,” said Maya. “It tends to meld very well with the skin and it ages beautifully.

“I try to bring my knowledge of the world and life to my work and it is the most rewarding thing in the world to help people express themselves through tattoo art.”

You can see examples of Maya’s work on Facebook at @maya.m.tatt00