BRAE in conversation with ABE GOBELLAN
Brae, a tattoo artist and ceramicist from Boone, shares her journey from DIY tattooing in highschool to co-running Hen Kitty Tattoo and High Country Clay. Their work is intimate, drawing inspiration from daily life, emotions, and past imagery that resurfaces across different mediums. Emphasizing experimentation, Brae embraces imperfection, finding creative renewal by shifting between tattooing, ceramics, and painting. They describe their studio as a vibrant, communal space where artistic exchange thrives. Looking ahead, Brae hopes to travel, expand their tattoo practice, and merge their love for art forms into a gallery or studio venture.

ABE: Can you walk us through your creative journey? How did you get involved with tattoo artistry, and how did that evolve into creating mugs, sculptures, and other pieces?

BRAE: I always wanted to do art whether I was gonna be painting or creating sculptures–if I’m broke I don’t care. As long as I’m doing what I like to do. I thought about tattooing many times and would have fun drawing all over my friends’ bodies and mine. I kinda just assumed that it would be a pain in the ass to start with all the rules and stuff so I set that goal aside for a while. Towards the end of highschool I was setting up a spot in my room and doing shitty tats for $20 and continued to do that during the first two years of college. I loved the challenge, but I hadn’t taken that official leap of faith yet so with the help of my friend Jeff, I dropped out of school, quit my job and made all the time in the world to start practicing tattooing as well as getting into pottery during Covid. I feel pretty blessed to have been able to experience so many positive changes during a time of such distress for many. Through opening and helping run the two studios, my love for tattoos and pottery have been intertwined.

A: What inspires your designs, whether it's for tattoos, mugs, or sculptures? Do you find that your approach to design changes depending on the medium?

B: I usually just draw what comes to mind. It could be something I saw at the gas station or about how I'm feeling that day. I try to have different projects I’m working on so that if I get in a creative slump with tattoos I can focus on painting or ceramics etc. Sometimes I take from my idea for a clay project and transfer it into a tattoo design or painting and continue the imagery throughout different pieces. It’s cool to look back on pieces during a specific time and notice what imagery I was holding on to, and maybe one day I’ll use it again in a different way. Recently, I’ve been trying to channel the work I once made when I was first starting out tattooing and making pottery. I love the chaos and organic nature I put out there and hope it can be a continuous reminder to let go in my art practice.

A: What role does experimentation play in your creative work? How do you approach trying out new techniques or materials in your different projects?

B: Starting my journey of tattooing and selling my work full time has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I actually learned a lot of that when I was in school surprisingly (lol). I would paint all the time for class and learned that I should just go for it and keep making things–if it doesn’t work out just paint over it or go back to it and transform it into something new. I approach experimentation in my tattoos differently, though. Starting off as a DIY artist, I tried drawing everyday and tattooing non-traditional images so I would say that that is experimental in its own way. It wasn’t just an image that had to be approved by anyone. They were my drawings and I knew how to recreate them. It was about the exchange of the experience we had, not just a simple exchange of money/time.

A: What’s your favorite medium to work with, and why? Do you find that certain forms of art feel more fulfilling to create than others?

B: I really enjoy working with clay and acrylic paint and being able to manipulate a medium. I love the open endedness of art and creating things that suggest instead of showing the realistic image. I like bright contrast and lots of textures. Sometimes, I try to paint with darker colors but in the end, my piece ends up being bright and showy and usually has some sort of animal or face.

A: What sets your tattoo shop apart from others in the area? How do you make sure that your shop is not just a place for tattoos, but also a space for creative exchange and community?

B: The tattoo shop I’m a part of is a pretty special place. Hen Kitty is alive with different mediums and people all coming together and working in a small house that has been transformed into a joint studio. High Country Clay and Hen Kitty Tattoo have given me the opportunity to meet new faces I would've never met elsewhere in the community. From mothers who work 9-5 jobs and highschoolers who just got into throwing on the wheel to people getting their first tattoo who travelled from two hours away. The studio is a funky and fun space for people to share their creative energy. Every day there is something different going on with different people and different situations and you end up naturally getting inspired while tattooing beside people or making mugs. It’s a fun and interactive space for members to hang out and eat their lunch and get away from the busy day. It’s taught me how to work around others as we all share the same goal of creating a fun and welcoming place for others.

A: How do you handle the expectations that come with being so involved in multiple creative projects and the community? How do you maintain your energy and inspiration?

B: I’ve learned that you can’t control how anything goes in a creative process. All you can do is prepare for constant change. Putting yourself out there and trying something new can surprise you in many ways. With constantly having to create things to make a living, I feel that having multiple art practices helps me not experience creative burnout. If I’m not feeling tattooing for a week, I can dive back into ceramics or painting and they can all bounce off of one another. I’ve also realized when I need to take a day off or go home for the day.

A: What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of your creative career so far? Is there a moment that stands out to you where you felt particularly proud or fulfilled?

B: Some of the most rewarding things that have come from my creative career so far cannot be materialized. It’s been amazing seeing the support from people who have recognized how far I’ve come and still continue to purchase a mug or come back for a tattoo. Feeling the support of others has helped me see the great shift in confidence over the years. I used to not be able to hold a conversation or look someone in the eyes not needed because I felt I wasn’t worthy enough to be here doing what I love having not come from any experience. It helps remind me that we all start from somewhere and there are no true rules to life in your art. At the end of the day, being able to have fun with a client and make them feel comfortable in their decisions and body and being able to feel support for my experimental art is what keeps me going.  

A: How do you see your creative career evolving in the future? Are there any new projects or goals that you're excited to explore?

B: I see my creative career evolving as I travel to new places to tattoo. Growing as a tattoo artist for me means practicing putting myself out there in new cities and new studios. I have the chance to meet new people, experience new environments, and gain more knowledge of tattooing such as tattooing different skin types and playing around with more color. I don’t have any set plans but I hope to combine my love of tattooing and painting/ceramics and plan a gallery show or help run a different shop in the future. Maybe add a vintage clothing shop next door, that would be cool.

A: What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue multiple creative interests like you have? How do you manage the different aspects of your artistic career?

B: I would probably say just go for it. I have come a long way but I also have so much more to go. If you start to take on something day by day, you’ll be able to visualize your goals and your progress and will be able to be one step closer to doing what you want to do. Selling your work, especially in a small college mountain town, comes with lots of instability. Every week is different and it’s important to take time for yourself and work out a schedule that works best for you using trial and error since for the most part you are your own boss. My studio mates have taught me so much and inspired me to take care of myself so I can continue doing what I love! My first initial thoughts were to isolate and grow but at the end of the day it’s important to ask for help and surround yourself with creative people. I can’t do it without the people around me that support me and create alongside me.