Feature Spotlight Interview: Avali Henderson - Redefining Tattoo Art with Nature-Inspired Designs

In the vibrant world of tattoo artistry, Avali Henderson shines as a true gem. The owner of POKES STUDIO, Avali, also known as "Little Av Pokes" on social media, has carved a unique niche for herself by specialising in hand-poke, machine-free tattoos. Her work is a celebration of fine-line, illustrative, and nature-based designs, with a particular penchant for animals, botanicals, and found objects on a small scale.

Avali's journey into the art of hand-poke tattooing is a testament to her passion for artistic expression. Raised by a mother who was an art teacher, Avali's early exposure to art and her innate love for creativity laid the foundation for her career. As she puts it, "My love for art was what inspired me to tattoo. I fell in love with the idea of tattoos becoming permanent art, forever etched on people's skin." This vision led her to teach herself the art of tattooing, starting by inking herself, her partner, friends, and family. Her unique approach set her on a path less traveled, as she aimed to create a peaceful and comfortable tattooing experience, far removed from the traditional tattoo studio environment. Avali's work is heavily influenced by her deep connection to nature, particularly Australian native plants. She grew up in the picturesque town of Yamba, surrounded by the ocean and lush forests. This upbringing immersed her in the beauty and serenity of the natural world, a connection she carries with her to this day. As she says, "Something about the calmness of nature keeps me drawn to it. When I think of what I would want tattooed on myself it's always things that bring me a sense of calmness, and nature provides me with unending inspiration through all of the plants and animals that surround us." One of the most remarkable aspects of Avali's journey is her ability to connect with people through her tattooing. Hand-poke tattooing, known for its quiet and meditative qualities, creates an intimate space for communication. "I truly believe there is something to be learned from every person, and I feel honored to get an insight into other people's lives, careers, stresses, and lessons on a daily basis." For Avali, the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist is the direct connection she has with her clients. Unlike other forms of art, in tattooing, she gets to witness her clients' reactions when their tattoos are completed and how happy it makes them. She recounts a poignant experience: "I did have one particularly important appointment this year. Very sadly, one of my regular clients passed away unexpectedly a few days after the last time I saw her. I had the honor of getting to tattoo that last design again on her partner after the fact. It was a really beautiful opportunity to get to spend time with her partner and commemorate such a wonderful person in this way. I still think about her often and the people I got to meet through her." Looking ahead, Avali envisions maintaining her focus on plants and animals, while also delving deeper into her stipple-shaded work. She is drawn to the soft and intricate nature of this style, both in how it looks and how it heals, promising exciting developments in her future work. As for upcoming projects and events, Avali remains open to new opportunities. While she doesn't have anything scheduled at the moment, she expresses a desire to explore tattooing in diverse spaces such as galleries, weddings, or pop-up events. She is eager to establish connections with other local artists and potentially collaborate on exciting projects in the thriving Sydney art scene. Learn more about POKES STUDIO Website: https://www.littleavpokes.com/ Instagram: little_av_pokes