Jenna Bouma is a talented young artist. At just 22 years of age, the Vancouver tattooist is engaging in a delicate form of indelible art. Bouma loves the simplicity that comes from engaging in such a traditional artform, and is one of the rare artists practicing the hand-poked method today. Bouma’s style is stunning, using thick black lines to build the basis of her striking designs. Check out what she has to say about her passion for hand-poked art.

Hey Jenna, can you introduce yourself to us?

Sure. Hello, My name is Jenna Bouma and I am 22 years old. I live in Vancouver.

When did you first start tattooing?

Interest in hand poking sparked four years ago, but I’ve only seriously been tattooing since the beginning of 2012. I’m new to the game.

What was it about the medium of the stick and poke method that you were attracted to?

The simplicity is the best part. It’s also primitive.
The fact that people were, and still are, willing to endure pain for pleasure is attractive. There’s satisfaction in laying something so permanent into a persons skin by means of a tactful hand, and their willingness to put up with the pain in order the receive something they really want. I’m humbled by that. Even more so humbled that friends and strangers want me to do it.

Can you walk us through the process of a hand poked tattoo?

Sterilization, lighting and comfort are integral to a well executed tattoo. With that being said, you’ll have to forgive me for not being able to say more than that. The way I tattoo is important to me. I can’t just say it without feeling uncomfortable. I’d feel like the kid in school who studied hard, yet had her work copied.

Why hand poked tattoos?

Simply put and straight to the point: Because it makes me happy.

One of the things that sets your work apart from other DIY tattoos is the refinement, they aren’t the regular messy home jobs. Is that clean line important to you?

Bold and straight thick lines are pretty integral to what I do. I’m not interested in thin lines or a messy job, and neither are the people who want me to tattoo them. I know what I can pull off, and 99% of those tattoos look best if they’re solidly lined, and produced in a solid shop or studio. No messy home jobs.

You engage with a lot of traditional tattoo flash, where do you see hand poked tattoos in the context of wider tattoo culture?

I’m not sure if my opinion would validate as a worthy answer to your question. I say that because I’m still new at tattooing. I don’t know where I’m going, let alone the direction of this type of tattooing.

Is that traditional tattoo culture something that you see as being lost?

Traditional will never die, so long as there are good artists around.

What do you think of the state of global tattoo culture at the moment? It’s something that’s certainly more prevalent than it’s ever been before.

Again, I don’t feel like I’ve earned the right to really even chime in on this sort of question. I am sorry.

Who do you have your eye on at the moment?

Long list, so I’ll shorten it to last names: Cripwell, C Soos, Sage, Erl, Kuhn, Ritson, Whittaker, Yarnell, Tompkins, Fjellman, Adams, Schubert, Hardy, Simms. etc.
There’s something about each of them that is inspiring. I’m always excited to see their tattoos or paintings.

Is there a more honest exchange between artist and sitter when it comes to hand poked tattoos?

I think tattooing is an honest act in itself. A lot of people who come to me have never been hand poked before, so the anticipation and excitement normally overcomes a persons demeanor. They tend to be honest in that regard.

You travel widely with your tattoos, how close are the links between art and travel to you?

I know I wouldn’t be writing this if I hadn’t traveled. Traveling inspired me to draw more, tattoo more, and the people I’ve met have fully encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing. Im the most fortunate person in the world for that.

Any plans of settling into a shop?

Yes. I feel like I’ll constantly be learning new things and growing if I work in a shop. Friends in England helped me realize this.

Any designs that you’d love to poke but haven’t had a chance to yet?

Anything with lots of black and bold lines.

What’s coming for you?

I’ll be leaving England in a week and going back home to Vancouver.  I intend on working in a shop and traveling when I can. Australia, Europe, England, Japan, US. Anywhere.