Tattooing, often seen as a form of self-expression, has evolved over the years from a subculture to a globally recognized art form. One artist who stands at the forefront of this evolution is Evaldas Gulbinas, a Lithuanian artist whose mastery of both fine art and tattooing has set him apart in the creative world. Combining the precision and elegance of traditional fine arts with the bold energy of modern tattoo culture, Evaldas has crafted a unique niche that merges two seemingly distinct worlds into one.
Early Foundations: The Spark of Artistic Passion
Evaldas’s journey as an artist began at an early age. Growing up in Kedainiai, Lithuania, he was drawn to the world of art from the moment he could hold a pencil. At just six years old, he started sketching, instinctively capturing the world around him with the simplicity of a child’s eye but with the depth of someone far beyond his years. Encouraged by his family, Evaldas pursued his artistic endeavors by enrolling in formal art education at the age of 13.
His years at the local art school were formative, exposing him to a variety of artistic disciplines. These included painting, sculpture, drawing, and textiles—each discipline helping to mold Evaldas into a well-rounded artist. It was here that his technical skills were honed, and the understanding of design principles such as composition, shading, and texture became ingrained in his artistic process. From the very beginning, Evaldas demonstrated a capacity for creating not just pictures, but stories, each piece he crafted telling its own unique narrative.
Expanding Horizons: From Lithuania to London
After completing his early training, Evaldas sought broader horizons for his artistic growth and moved to the capital city, Vilnius, to attend the M.K. Čiurlionis National School of Art, one of Lithuania’s most prestigious institutions. There, Evaldas delved deeper into the complexities of contemporary art while also immersing himself in the culture of skateboarding, a pursuit that would later have a significant influence on his tattoo work.
Skateboarding, often associated with street art and counterculture, gave Evaldas a new lens through which to view the world. Just as each skateboarder creates their own individual style and pushes the limits of their environment, Evaldas came to see the world of tattooing in a similar light. Both art forms—whether creating on a canvas or on skin—require risk, creativity, and innovation. It was this mindset that made his transition to tattooing a natural evolution, allowing him to merge his academic fine arts training with the energy and rebellious spirit of street culture.
Determined to expand his knowledge and skills, Evaldas later moved to London to pursue a Foundation in Art and Design at West Thames College. The city’s rich artistic landscape offered him an opportunity to explore new styles and connect with like-minded creatives. However, a major turning point came when a skateboarding injury led Evaldas to re-evaluate his career path. Forced to abandon the sport due to knee injuries, Evaldas redirected his focus and found a new canvas to work with: skin.
The Fusion of Fine Art and Tattooing
Tattooing, at its core, is a deeply personal form of expression. For Evaldas, it represented an exciting opportunity to combine his traditional fine art skills with the vibrancy and immediacy of tattoo culture. Tattooing, he realized, was more than simply applying ink to skin—it was a form of storytelling, a way of communicating through imagery that was both personal and permanent.
Evaldas took multiple apprenticeships in London, learning the ins and outs of tattoo artistry under the tutelage of skilled professionals. It didn’t take long for Evaldas to develop his own distinct style, a blend of the intricate techniques he had mastered in fine arts with the bold, free-flowing aesthetics of tattoo culture. His work stands out for its detail, creativity, and emotional depth, combining elements of surrealism, realism, and abstract art. Each tattoo, whether it’s a portrait, a geometric pattern, or an abstract composition, is meticulously crafted to suit the individual wearer’s story.
Through his tattoos, Evaldas has redefined the boundaries of what tattoos can be. His work doesn’t simply adorn the body; it transforms it into a living piece of art, capturing both personal meaning and artistic mastery. Each tattoo tells a story, and Evaldas works closely with his clients to ensure that their stories are reflected in the art he creates.
A Scholar at Heart: Advancing His Craft
Despite his success in tattooing, Evaldas has never lost his desire for academic and artistic growth. His commitment to furthering his knowledge of the arts led him to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Mixed Media at the University of Westminster, followed by a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London. These academic pursuits allowed him to expand his artistic vision and integrate new perspectives into his tattoo work.
During his studies, Evaldas continued to build his tattoo career, simultaneously exhibiting his fine art in galleries and growing his clientele as a tattoo artist. This dual path of fine art and tattooing is a testament to his versatility and dedication to the craft. His tattoos are not just a reflection of traditional tattoo culture, but an integration of multiple artistic disciplines, creating an entirely new form of expression that bridges the gap between fine art and tattooing.
Building Community and Empowering Future Artists
As Evaldas’s career continues to thrive, he remains committed to helping others navigate the world of tattoo artistry. He views mentorship as an integral part of his artistic journey, seeking to inspire and guide emerging tattoo artists who share his passion for creativity and innovation. Through workshops, guest spots, and collaborative projects, Evaldas aims to foster a community of like-minded artists who can learn from one another and push the boundaries of their craft.
He also advocates for greater recognition of tattooing as a legitimate art form, hoping to see it respected alongside traditional visual arts. By participating in art exhibitions, tattoo conventions, and working alongside other artists, Evaldas strives to elevate the status of tattoos in the broader art world. His work serves as a reminder that tattoos are not just ink on skin but a unique form of expression that blends history, culture, and personal significance.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Pursuit of Artistic Expression
Evaldas Gulbinas’s journey from a young art student in Lithuania to a leading tattoo artist in London is a story of transformation, passion, and artistic discovery. His work exemplifies the blending of fine arts with tattoo culture, creating a new paradigm where tattoos are viewed as a sophisticated and deeply personal art form.
For those interested in experiencing the artistry of Evaldas, follow him on Instagram at @efka_tattooart, where he regularly shares his latest creations and artistic insights. Evaldas’s tattoos are not just decorative; they are stories captured in ink, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be an artist and a storyteller.
In a world that is constantly evolving, Evaldas Gulbinas is proof that creativity knows no bounds. Through his work, he continues to inspire others to embrace their individuality and express their stories through art—whether it’s on a canvas or on the skin.