Far North Tattooist wins big at the international convention

Northland Tattoo Artist Among the Best in the World

Kaeo-based tattoo artist Matt Jordan received first prize in black-and-grey at the "Olympics" of tattooing, the Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany last week.

This exclusive event is by invitation only. Jordan has attended the event for nine years, but she received world-renowned recognition this year.

He described himself as "absolutely buzzing" after receiving first prize in the black-and-grey category.

"Even to go to the convention, you have to be nominated and prove that you're top in the world, I guess," he said.

Lee Johnson's body is covered with the winning artwork of his client.

Jordan described Johnson as "dedicated" to helping him with his craft, traveling from Melbou e and staying a week at a time to receive the art that now ado s his body.

"He's been flying to Whangaroa from Melbou e and getting tattooed for a week at a time," said Jordan, "he's probably spent about 40 days getting a tattoo."

"Not many people would spend that much time to collect this artwork and fly to Germany on a whim."

The front piece, "The Raft of Medusa," was initially painted by Théodore Géricault.

Matt Jordan is tattooing Lee Johnson's backpiece.

The process of building Johnson's tattoo was a long one. Jordan spent six days on the design, including attending a stunt riding school and a dog academy.

"He's all about it, so it's cool having clients like that," said Jordan.

Lee Johnson's front is now ado ed with the classic piece "The Raft of Medusa" by Théodore Géricault.

Jordan and his spouse moved to Whangaroa from Auckland three years after they spent holidays there. They spent as much time in the area as possible, camping and fishing at Matauri Bay.

"We just fell in love with the town and the community and decided to give it a go," he said.

Visitors from around the globe flock to his studio, where they can not only be ado ed by incredible body art created by a world-renowned artist but also experience the beauty of the Far North.

He described his studio as his "little paradise."

Jordan worked hard from an early age, working on farms. But he knew he wanted to pursue tattooing and eventually realized it was time to "give it a go."

He described himself as "that kid" in the back of the class drawing and dropped out of school at a young age.

Jordan was inspired by his father, who was a tattooist. He died when Jordan was very young. Jordan has perfected his tattooing over the years with help from family and friends.

He insists it's not natural talent he possesses but drive.

"I don't think anybody is naturally good at drawing," he said, "It just takes a lot of hard work. I wasn't necessarily the best artist, but, yeah, just lots of dedication and hard work."

Jordan said black-and-grey tattooing was always a style he "admired the most" and found "aesthetically pleasing."

Matt Jordan needed to watch horses create this composition.

"The problem is there are so many people that want to get into art," he said, "but the most important thing is to stick it out and actively pursue improving yourself.

"You just have to commit. It's like anything; to be good, you must work hard," he said. "You've got to love it to want it."