Meet Parker Konchalski | Tattoo Artist & Printmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Parker Konchalski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Parker, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always known that I was meant to create things larger than myself. The creative process is something that allows you to access undertakings far greater than just existing, and brings meaning to whatever life you choose to live. I’d always felt like not pursuing art in the ways that I wanted would bottle and subdue the endless well of imagination that everyone has within them. There is a delicate dichotomy between existing and living that remains untapped for so many people, and choosing to pursue tattoo artistry in particular not only connected myself with boundless creativity, but also the creative dreams of others. Being able to facilitate the artistic control over other people’s bodies and support them in adorning themselves with their greatest loves and joys has been boundless in emotional rewards, and I cannot imagine living any other way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While my art itself is incredibly personal, I have been set apart from many artists due to my lovely clients and incredibly specific demographic. Instagram has completely changed how artists find their community, and mine has blossomed since making social media a full time job. I would consider my art whimsical, illustrative and a bit playful. The image I have created online has pulled many young individuals of varying backgrounds towards our studio. Houston is a beautiful and lush city, yet it was not hard to notice that there were few and far between spaces for women, queer people, and non-confirming individuals to safely adorn their bodies. My art has become a full time career because my coworkers and I have spent so much time creating a space where tattooing no longer has to feel intimidating. The most important thing that I want people to know is that despite the reputation that tattooing garners, my main priority is safety and care. While I deeply love what I create, it is more important to me that each client feels heard and validated during every step of their tattoo process. I could create world-renowned masterpieces, but it wouldn’t be fulfilling if my clients didn’t walk away with a peaceful experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Easily any event or location ran by the Orange Show Center For Visionary Art. I worked under this non-profit throughout college, specifically at the original Orange Show itself! It’s a small location close to Smither Park in Southeast Houston, just past the University of Houston off S45. While I am partial to its quirks after being an employee for so long, I would largely suggest enjoying any piece of the Houston art scene you can find. There are so many events, pieces of public art, and gallery shows that can potentially connect you to incredibly supportive and beautiful people. As a transplant, I was always weary of how fruitful the art scene in Houston would be. But if you take the initiative and visit as many creative spaces as you can, you will be rewarded with enriching experiences and lifelong friendships.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be miles behind my current progress without my friends and family of Tatter Tots Tattoo. I am surrounded by an incredibly talented and magical team of women who were kind enough to mentor me in tattooing and provide ceaseless emotional support. The chances they have given me are innumerable, and there are very few words capable of describing the impact they’ve had in my life and how towering my gratitude is for them. I have never met a group of people so abundant in kindness and care, and I can only hope to create art impactful enough to prove that their support has not been lost on me. I highly recommend visiting the Tatter Tots Tattoo Instagram and giving lots of love to all of the women who have changed my life.

Instagram: @The.magic.konch

Other: Other business Instagrams; @tattertotstattoo @littleseamoon @babaga.tat @earthrootink