An hour into my Instagram feed I had a blackwork-induced epiphany. A certain artist’s work had caught my eye and I instantly forgot about the surrealist watercolor works I had been ogling over for the majority of the morning. I came to realize that while undeniably exciting, color tattoos just weren’t going to be part of my immediate future. I owe this minor revelation to the work of Polish tattooer Uls Metzger.
Metzger has a way about his work that few other artists can claim. His portfolio consists mostly of dot and linework but each piece has a distinct subtly about it that can only be described as simply divine. Each piece has a softness to it that’s reminiscent of an 18th century line engraving.
We recently had a chance to talk to Uls via email and he was kind enough to answer a few questions.
I see that most of your work is in black and grey, do you do color work or is black ink just too raw?
I made a few color tattoos but I like black the most.
You seem to favor the dotwork technique, how did you get into this particular style of design?
I actually do raw linework and other stuff often too. I think it correspondents with themes I like and it’s a natural continuation of what I did on paper before I started tattooing.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a tattoo artist?
Around the age of 14.
If any, what’s the best perk associated with your job?
Possibility of traveling.
Do you collect anything?
I like skulls, old books and vintage cameras.
What’s the oddest request you’ve ever had?
“The design is ok, but could you make it uglier?” I really loved it.
If I was coming into your shop to get some work done, what’s the one question I should never ask you.
“Any idea how to solve Hilbert’s 16th problem?”
Do you have any tattoos?
Yes I do and I want more.
