In the Caribbean, local communities are imbedded in the church and societies are run by religion, meaning the old fashioned negativity connected to tattooing rest in disapproving nods across the Islands. Against all odds, at the age of 18, self-taught tattoo artist, Craig Bain Joseph, opened The Tattoo Flat and Art World, the first tattoo parlor and art gallery that introduced the wonders of body art to the small island of Grenada, showcasing his manipulation on canvas and skill with skin. Since its inception five years ago, Craig has expanded his business widely, offering piercings, airbrush designs, billboard designs and custom clothing.
Now aged 23, his attention to detail garnered him a place at the regarded University of the Arts London, where he believes he can enhance his creative abilities. "It's not just the process of paintbrush to paper, but a much deeper extension of myself," Craig explained. "Art is a part of me. It's all I've been doing since I was young. My homeland does not really have opportunities for young people wanting to develop creative skills; therefore, my main goal from the get-go was to open a tattoo parlor and art gallery to express myself and allow others to explore my capabilities." As a fine artist, Craig specializes in human portraiture, and his works outline intricate details and expressions in people's faces. The body has no become an addition to his canvas, as more and more of his clientele trust him to freestyle on their skin. "I love the vast flesh tones of skin, so tattooing was a natural transition," said Craig. Much of his tattoos reflect symbolic and religious imagery. "I really appreciate it when my clients ask me to do their memorial tattoos if their family members have passed away, and they want something to remember by. I feel good when I finish designs like these, as it means my clients trust me with something that is very deep and personal to them."
Adapting to a new territory, Craig admited that it was exciting being based in the UK, where there is a larger market for tattooing, particularly the tattooed flaunts of Camden Town. "Meeting others in the profession and attending conventions where you can see the work of artists across Europe and internationally is inspiring." But his long-term goal remains, as he hopes to gradually change people's perceptions of tattooing in the Caribbean, opening them up to alternative ways of expressing creativity and art.
