Not my usual style of work but i am happy with how these roses turned out.
This is the chest section of John Lyons Maori/Polynesian inspired Kirituhi tattoo design.
A solid tribal piece was the clients brief, so after the initial conversation we designed direct to the area the client wishes to fill and outlined the the tattoo, due to time constraints this was the first of three sittings.
After the first session for Mike Quin, his Maori inspired Kirituhi tattoo was free handed before inking started.
Ryan caught the train from London for this long sitting for his Maori infuenced kirituhi tattoo.
Freehand maori inspired, Kirituhi tattoo.
This Maori inspired tattoo wraps both lower legs, this is the outline after the second sitting, one to go for the remaining fill and shading.
This Maori inspired Kirituhi tattoo design is unique as the koru spell the names of the clients two daughters Nadia and Elena. The overall shape is a stingray, symbolizing Grace and beauty.
This Kirituhi design, I will be tattooing I will be tattooing in the coming weeks.
This challenging design is the main part of a back piece for milan in PA, USA. The Koru spell out his daughters names, abstract and unique. the tail section of tall stingray (beauty and elegance) is to follow.
I have been inundated with design requests recently, i am unable to tattoo everyone due to location in the world but I would always be willing to travel.
The three lilliws were designed to fit around and existing Angel tattoo.
Hi all,
Thank you for your patients, I have been informed that the email server issue is now totally fixed. So it's business as usual, however I am currently going through a huge inbox full of mail.
Thanks again
-- Post From My iPhone
Hi all,
Please be aware that following a hack attack. My email addresses are not working at present. Im not techy so thats all I know, sorry. Please accept my apology for the technical delay; however, this is beyond my control. As soon as I am able to send and recieve, I will begin touch with those waiting designs.
Regards
Tony
-- Post From My iPhone
Hi all,
It is stupid oclock in the morning and I should be resting but I want to share my thoughts at this time. You may have noticed that recently I have not been so attentive to the site. Their are a number of reasons for this including the popularity of my kiritihi designs worlwide, Please forgive me. As a result we are currently experiencing longer waiting times than expected. I understand this can be frustrating, especially when you are waiting on a design for yoyrself. However, please remember that all work is 100% original and bespoke. As such, the timescales can vary. On a technical side we are waiting new email facility for kirituhi tattoos, this follows a number of issues that have forced a change. Please remember this is mainly a creative process and we are designing something that you will wear for the rest of your life, we will take the time to design the best we can, if we are tattooing you or not, thank you for understanding.
-- Post From My iPhone
New T shirt design available soon, to pre-order please email.
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.
Just like to thank you very much indeed for your amazing work and this is my testimonial to your skill:
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
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
Kurtis Litchfield
Before contacting Tony I had been researching Maori/Polynesian tattoo meanings for over a year. I have known what i wanted for a while and have just been searching for the best tattooist to do the work. For me, as a tattoo stays with your for life it is vital for it to be perfect and good quality, therefore I was always willing to travel anywhere in the UK and pay any amount to have the tattoo completed to a high standard. So, when I was directed to Tony's website I was impressed by his previous work and to find out he was not far from me was a huge bonus.
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.
:::more:::
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.
Tim Coventry/Glasbury
I've just had a half sleeve Kirituhi design applied to my left arm and am delighted with the end result. I have wanted a Maori style tattoo for a long time and done a lot of research before stumbling upon Tony's site. The two hour drive put me off at first but the examples of Tony's work and the testimonials from previous clients made my mind up and in the end it was completely worth it. Tony is a top bloke and really knows his stuff, I got their at about 1030am and was all done by 5pm leaving me with a tattoo that exceeded expectations. If anyone is considering getting a Maori inspired tattoo then Tony is the man to see even if you have to travel it will be worth it in the end.
Dave, Widnes
Dave, Widnes
Tony, i just have to say one thing. AMAZING. This is just over from what i expect. I can't wait to get tattoo. As soon as i have it i will send you a picture.
Sebastian Espinosa, Chilli
Tony is the consummate professional. I spent months researching Kirituhi, trying to find a UK artist that not only produced great work, but also had a deep understanding of the cultural aspects of Kirituhi. From my first conversation with Tony, I realized that I found the artist that I was looking for. Tony discussed and described the intricacies of the type of design I was looking for and delivered an amazing piece of work. I was totally blown away by the finished tattoo; it met my expectations and more. Tony's personal approach and deep cultural understanding really set him apart. I can fully understand why people travel from all over the UK and overseas to work with Tony. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Thanks again for the amazing work.
Andy M - London UK
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