T.U.K. x Suro

This weeks featured artist is Suro from Gold Leaf Ink in San Francisco, CA. Suro added her spin to the Black TUKskin™ Viva Mondo Boots. 

To check out more of her work head to her Instagram 

Tell me about yourself –

I go by Suro, and I was born in Dubai, U.A.E. Came to NYC around 2008 and started my apprenticeship around 2011. I started working at Red Baron Ink in manhattan around 2016, then moved to the bay in 2019. I have been working here at Gold leaf Ink since.

How long have you been tattooing for?

 I started about 9 years ago with my apprenticeship. Professionally it’s been about 5.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

 I have always been drawn to tattoos and see how they make the human body look and feel. Giving people what they want, permanent art to make them feel more confident and sexy is truly honorable. That feeling is like no other and I couldn’t see myself do anything else.

Why did you decide to customize the boots the way you did?

 My thing is tone work. I love playing with shades of grey whether it comes to tattooing, painting and even clothing haha. So I decided to play with different grey tones to give the boot a camouflage look with the shape of a butterfly to make it bold yet delicate.

How was working on this project for you?

 It was a lot of fun especially during these unsure times. I have never designed or painted on shoes before so this may or may not have opened some future ideas.

Are you currently working on any other projects?

On a painting I started right before this but that’s just for fun.

How long have you been an artist for?

Since i could walk. I remember my mom yelling at me as a toddler since I would be drawing on the walls and doors.

What’s your favorite tattoo that you have & why?

I enjoy all of them but i think a challenge was the “eye of soul” artwork by Gianluca Gambino. There’s always pressure working on pieces of art done by other artists. To take this piece and be able to add my flare on it was thrilling. So much details and tonal work.

How have you been keeping busy during quarantine?

I can say I have finally mastered the art of cooking rice without a rice cooker. No joke, making plain rice is tough AF.