Tattoo artist leaves his mark leaves his mark

Tattoo artist Kamal Beharrysingh is a wanted man in Princes Town. At Exquisite Crafts in Harris Mega Store in Princes Town, people literally put their body parts in his hands.

As manager of the shop, Beharrysingh, has been putting in long hours trying to get the perfect mark in permanent ink for his customers. Beharrysingh said that apart from the fact that this art has become high fashion in the US, many of the young people in TT are crazy about getting personal etchings on their body. He is well known for accuracy in completing the most complicated and intricate designs freehand and with the machine operated needles and ink. To ensure high standards,  each customer is treated with new needles and sterilised equipment for every job.

The south-based artist shows his skill and talent by slowly engraving a design just by looking at a picture on the wall. While many would choose to first draw the design before attempting it, Beharrysingh does much of his work freehand.  In order to do this, he applies deep concentration and effort to bring out the best finish, he said. Talking about all aspects of tattooing, Beharrysingh explained that there are many perceptions concerning poisonous ingredients used in the ink. “The ink that is being used comes directly from the US and is made from the bark of trees. It is all natural and non-poisonous,” he said.

He noted that tattooing is an attractive art that can add to the general appearance of an individual. “While many see this as a mark of being an outcast, it is now a fashion craze in many parts of the world.” He noted that this art has been condemned by many religions, but many people are slowly accepting it. And there is a thriving market in TT. Beharrysingh who is also a wood artist, and airbrush painter has many artworks to his credit. The lion in his shop, for instance, is an eye-catcher. He started his shop three years ago and has expanded into a major business in south Trinidad, will soon be opening a school for the arts.