Finished design for Alexa USA. Please respect the copywrite the wearer and myself and do not copy.
Completed back design for Bret Wooten - USA. Please respect the copywrite of this website and respect the wearer of this tattoo and do not copy.
first sitting...
I am always asked to design work that holds meaning for the wearer. The word Kirituhi is Maori for ‘Skin Art’ although visually similar in the look of TaMoko, especially if the style is based on the Maori tribal patterns but the meanings held withing are very different.
As a none Maori the meanings withheld in the patterns and shapes can NOT mean anything specific, within Moko the symbolism, shapes and references indicate a specific, tribe, family, job, status and lineage within society. The Moko itself is a historic ledger of and the markings are specific to the ancestors of the individual, therefore as a none Maori person wanting to wear a tattoo inspired by Maori artwork, cannot have the same connection through the Moko as a Maori person, understandably.
However, tattooing is a very personal experience and the reason people get tattoos is wide and various. Kirituhi tattoos themselves stand for protection, growth and new beginnings and learning. Above that as a none Maori, no tribal meaning can be claimed from the patterns you wear in the same way Tamoko is for the Maori wearing Moko.
Kirituhi is a ever expanding artform, constantly developing and pushing it's own boundries. Recent design hybrids with Maori based Kuro and Celtic/Native American inner patterns are being designed within the tattoo. This crossover lends itself more to the idea of applying meaning to a Moko design on a person of a different ancestory origin to the Maori/Polynesian people.
Tattooing Aftercare
Recommended ointments include Prep H, Bepanthan, Tattoo Goo
What is Normal
Itching, burning, Stinging, bruising, redness, swelling and some discomfort.
The formation of crusty looking scabs.
Pale or dull colours in the tattoo during the first two weeks of healing
(This is just new skin healing up, your tattoo will be back and bright in just a few days).
What Not to Do
Pick it, scratch it or play with the scab.
Expose your tattoo to untreated water such as lakes, streams or ponds.
Soak your tattoo for any length of time
(Exposure to water must be brief enough to prevent the scab from softening).
Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or sun-beds until fully healed.
Over apply ointment to your tattoo.
Apply lotion to wet or damp skin.
Take the advice of others.
Cleaning (Use Antibacterial soap)
Remove dressing in one hour (DO NOT RE-APPLY).
Wash hands first and then your tattoo very well with antibacterial soap
(DO NOT USE SPONGES OR CLOTHS).
Pat dry with a new clean paper towel.
Continue to wash your tattoo in this way 2 -3 times a day for the next 7 – 10 days.
Lotion (Use none fragrant/Dye free lotion)
Wait 24 hrs after being tattooed to start applying any lotion.
On the first day of application, only apply a pea size amount of lotion to your dry skin.
On the 2nd day apply the same amount twice at different times in the day.
On the 3rd day apply the same amount three times during the day (repeat for two weeks).
DO NOT OVER LOTION YOUR TATTOO!
Using too much lotion will draw out the colour in your tattoo and can cause many complications.
Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and be nice to your new tattoo.
Upon entering the studio I was met by Tony who was extremely friendly and immediately made me feel comfortable in the studio - I had a few pictures of ideas I liked and was very impressed to find that Tony personally knew of the artists! We had a discussion as to the sort of thing I wanted and next he began with the outline throughout which he was constantly making sure I approved of the ideas. My piece all in all took 7.5 hours during which Tony was really professional and attentive, taking breaks whenever I required. Tony created amazing work, to the point I can hardly believe he did it freehand - stressing the point he truly is an artist with a lot of skill and just as much interest is his art making it well worth the journey 350 miles south to see him. Thanks again Tony, love it!
P.S Don't forget to send me a business card if you do make them with my piece.
Michael (Fort William, Scotland)
After a couple of years since my last tattoo due to not rarely finding a decent artist within a reasonable distance of where I lived and also the nature of the style I wanted my next one to be(Graffiti) I was given a heads up from a good friend and he put me in touch with Tony. From the moment I got in touch with him and tried in my own way of telling him what I was after he was a true pro. After agreeing a style Tony got to work on my Piece free hand and off the top of his head and well my thoughts straight away were WOW this guy is a true Artist and has a god given talent and on top of that he loves what he does. After searching for a long time I had and have found the artist I was looking for and you know what Tony is a proper nice bloke indeed, I still have to go for a second session very soon and cannot wait for it to be finished. Tony my friend maximum respect for the work so far. Outstanding work, awesome artist ,versatile .................A pleasure indeed.
Kevin (Nottingham)
I had been searching for somewhere and someone to do my tattoo for over 2 years. I'd traveled Australia and New Zealand and learnt a lot about the Maori culture and what the tattoo's mean, I decided this was what I wanted to remind me of my traveling and something that was special, different and my own. So once I got back I started the search, the last thing I wanted was to go to a tattoo shop and choose a print off the wall, after all this was my first tattoo. After 2 years I came across a forum in New Zealand, I first searched it out to see if I could get any feedback from them about any artists in the UK. However, I found a page where someone had already posted and there'd been quite a few responses most notably this one - "Inia Taylor (Moko art) is good, also Tony Unwin (Kirituhi) is also world class, hes actually based in Nottingham UK." (Inia Taylor is kind of a god when it comes to this kind of Maori/Kirituhi art). This was posted from someone in New Zealand, so with a bit of research and a meeting with Tony, here it was... I was finally getting my tattoo!!!
From start to finish Tony was awesome, I was quite nervous considering this was my first one but he made me feel at home and I soon relaxed. I can't fault Tony with his work, he listened to the kind of style I was after and how I wanted it on my leg, with that said he set about the design. Everything seemed to flow and I loved everything about it. After 10 hours and 3 sittings my leg was finished, I'm still in awe of it now. It's just a shame it's not warm enough yet for me to wear shorts so I can see it all the time!!!
If this is your thing, and you want something in the style that Tony specialises I could not recommend him enough, in fact to do any kind of work. If I have anything else I'll do my best to get Tony to do it for me!!!
Jonathan Midlands UK
"If you ever need a sign of faith in Tony's work and ability here it is: I travelled all the from the other side of the planet - Vancouver to be exact - to get Tony to design and ink my tattoo!
Right from the beginning Tony was super-friendly, open and encouraging from the start - helping me formulate an idea of the kind of design i had been trying to devise myself for years and also putting my mind to ease as to his experienced and in-depth knowledge of Kirituhi and Maori/Polynesian art and culture.
We went back and forth on email for weeks leading upto my trip to the UK, and once i got there Tony's warm hospitality and creativity was welcoming and inspirational. My design was a big one and took a while - and it also happened to be my first tattoo - but Tony's fantastic sense of humour and understanding got me through it.
I can't reccomend Tony enough - if you truly care about getting the best possible art done, with care, creativity, special attention and understanding then go the extra mile and make sure you have the pleasure to have your tattoo designed and produced by Tony Unwin. I can't wait to catch up with him again Canada-side again one day soon. Cheers Tony!"
Sushant Vancouver, CA
Having taken a long time to decide what kind of tattoo I wanted I eventually settled for a polynesian style design. I researched many artists and tattoo parlours to ensure I got exactly what I wanted. Tony had fantastic feedback and after a few consultations we agreed on the final design. Nothing is too much trouble for Tony and he is absolutely dedicated to his work. Meeting someone with a passion for his work and the skill to execute his ideas filled me with confidence. He is a consumate professional. I have no hesitation in recommending Tony to my friends and family. I can safely say I will be having other tattoo's in the future, I just hope Tony isn't too busy and can fit me in! Thanks again Tony. I'm delighted with the outcome
Prior to starting the process I emailed Tony a basic overview of what i wanted the tattoo to represent and a few pictures showing the size and placement I was looking for. Before starting the tattoo Tony drew the basic outlines straight onto my skin to get the perfect fit for my body. Once it was all drawn up I looked in the mirror and could not wait to have it completed in ink.
Now the tattoo is finished and healed it looks incredible. I had always imagined my tattoo to look the same as the photos i had sent to Tony but he has taken those ideas and put his own slant on them and made my tattoo look 100% unique and I am so happy with the outcome. He has managed to make the lines and patterns flow perfectly with the contours of my arm, chest and shoulder. He has also got all the meanings and symbols that i wanted to represent specific aspects of my life so the tattoo means a lot to me. Since having the tattoo completed less than a week ago three of my friends have taken Tony's details to have their own tattoos done by him too.
Thanks for the work Tony, I will definitely be coming back to have the tattoo extended in the near future.
Zico UK
Tony has done a great piece for me, he tattooed a design I commissioned Greg Ashwell to do for me. http://www.ataweraart.co.nz/theartists.html
Greg lives in New Zealand and did a full chest piece on me some years back while I was there traveling. I can't make the trip to NZ currently so Tony has done it and it looks great.
The design is genuine Maori and has great significance to me. It is a celebration of where I am at in my life journey.
Tony has a wonderful understanding of what traditional Maori and other native styles of tattooing means, which was very important to me.
I had a great experience all the way through, he did a great job and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of being in his home.
I thoroughly recommend Tony to anyone, especially those who are serious about getting a tattoo that is really connective, and means something.
Richard Kent
From start to finish the process of design to the ink going on could not have been better. Tony took the time to get to know me and discuss the type of design I was after. I already had the shark tattoo but felt it was just lacking something. After an initial chat and brief design I knew Tony was the man for the job. His obvious passion and knowledge for this style of tattooing shines through and he is the only person I would go to. His reputation is well deserved.
If you want a truly individual design that you just can't stop looking at then Tony is your man. The end result feels completely right on my arm and I am proud to be wearing Tony's art for the rest of my life.
Steve Craner/Nottingham, UK
Firstly, for me, tattoo's are a very symbolic, and personal addition to their wearer – traditionally they are seen in all civilisations and hold special meanings, from rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, pledges of love, and protection. When I decided to have a new tattoo, researching and finding the right artist was the most important thing to do, to ensure the final result was all I hoped it would be.
Since the first contact with Tony, you realise there is a person with a real passion about what he does. His knowledge and skill in Polynesian / Maori Kirituhi tattooing means there is no other choice if you want a bespoke piece of work that holds a personal meaning to symbolise why you are getting that tattoo. After talking through why and what I wanted in my new pieces, and how that would go with my existing tattoo's - Tony started his magic. In every step from just talking about a tattoo, to smelling of pen while he free hands his designs, to being inked - Tony is a complete professional, his attention to detail, and ambition to have every line meet his own high standards shows in all of his work you will see in his galleries. I am proud to wear his work, knowing it is completely unique and that he has put his heart and soul into creating something that means so much to me.
Tony – the tattoo’s are awesome, cheers buddy
Colin Glenn/Portsmouth, UK
My half sleeve has been finished a couple of days and i still can't stop looking at it. From the moment I starting talking with Tony up until the finishing ink, he has been a consumate professional. He is truly knowledgable and very talented at what he does, plus the man loves doing it which makes a huge difference. The design process was very cool and really interesting. He makes you feel at ease and welcome within seconds of being there. Thanks Tony for the great work and experience, hopefully see you in The Green Room in the near future, if i can convince Hayley. Oh, by the way he makes a mean cuppa.
Thanks again bro, I love my tatt.
Dave, Widnes
