Pepa Heller can't lay fame to tattooing anyone quite as big as "Michael Jackson" but, here at home, he did etch the Olympic rings and silver fern on to Olympic athlete Moss Burmester's chest in 2004.
The owner of Bohemian Tattoo Arts in Tauranga has been creating human canvases for 15 years and tattooing in Tauranga for eight.
He is one of two tattoo artists from the Western Bay heading to next month's New Zealand Tattoo and Art festival in New Plymouth, where they will showcase their work and tattoo with a live audience.
Joining Heller will be Stu McDonald of Moana Moko.
Originally from the Czech Republic, Heller said tattooing was a growing art and he's been around the world doing it.
He's inked "thousands" and said he loved the freedom and creativity.
The bi-annual festival, which also features live music, art exhibitions, and aerial and burlesque performers, runs at New Plymouth's TSB Stadium from November 27-28.
More than 130 top international and local tattoo artists are expected to attend.
For more information log on to www.nztatooart.com
In today's Bay pf Plenty Times: WHY PROFESSIONALS ARE UNDER THREAT (Page 19).
Creating body art with live audience
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