Photo by Chiara Rai.
By Tayvie Van Eeuwen
@tayvieeee
Moonflower Tattoo is carving a fresh feminine space in Vancouver’s crowded tattoo scene. While countless downtown tattoo parlours boast incredible talent, Moonflower Tattoo’s serene suburban studio steps away from the norm.
Nestled in East Van, Chiara Rai’s studio is a blend of magical elements and home-like touches. The bright space welcomes clients in with rows of dried flowers, fairy lights, and raw crystals.
Rai’s whimsical, feminine designs are displayed across the walls and are created with a deep love for nature. Her designs give her clients the chance to reconnect with both themselves and Mother Nature.
However, Moonflower Tattoos tranquil experience is translated through more than just her space and art. Rai, the artist behind Moonflower, is dedicated to providing her clients with an experience.
“It’s not just about the design, it’s about the experience as well,” explains Rai. “It’s just like life, we hurry to experience the future, but we don’t take the time to enjoy the process of getting there and the transitioning of who we are. It’s really sacred to slow down.”
Moonflower’s private studio gives the opportunity for client-artist connection. Without a constant stream of people, the anxious nature of busy parlours is eliminated. In every aspect, Rai strengthens the accessibility and consciousness of tattooing. Her business is both environmentally friendly and cruelty free, utilizing vegan inks and sourcing plant-based materials.
“It’s really hard because you look at the environmental changes that are happening and it’s so clear, but people don’t want to pay attention to it,” examines Rai. “The best you can do is always make sure that you live by what you believe in, so that you can lead by example.”
As Rai explains, the generational challenges of tattooing is the cause of both unethical inks and solely profit-based artists. Her dedication to respective practices even extends to her goal of sourcing UK plant-based plastic supplies, despite the higher costs. While many artists will neglect to go the extra mile, for Rai this is simply part of who she is.
“I don’t like doing repeating tattoos. I would rather give every person a tattoo that is completely original and unique for them,” says Rai.
“Everyone’s bodies are different with the way that they flow and it’s really important to me to make sure it’s right for them.”
Her journey to becoming a tattoo artist started when she was very young, but was made an official reality when she turned 20.
“I’ve been drawing since I was able to hold a marker,” Rai happily recounts. “That’s all I remember, I don’t know of a time in my life that I wasn’t drawing.”
“I spent a lot of my time in the forest. I was 10 and my mom bought me this big sketchbook and I would take it into the forest and just sit in the fields and draw all the nature,” remembers Rai.
“I feel rejuvenated outdoors, everything that feels like a big deal just kind of melts away. You start to realize that things are more temporary than we think.”
Her refreshing and grounding style has led her to attracting wonderful customers. The incorporation of fine lines, animals, plants, and feminine energy has been key to her success.
“It doesn’t matter what gender someone identifies with, it’s more about the feminine energy that everyone has,” suggests Rai. “I think if we all connected to feminine energy, the world would be softer.”
Adding on to her remarkable portfolio, Rai has recently started Intuitive Tattooing. Prior to May, she had never heard of the practice, but was unexpectedly given the opportunity to hone into her spiritual side.
“I had a client say that they loved my work and had no idea what they wanted, but they were going through certain things at the time,” explains Rai. “Prior to that, I had always believed that following my intuition and leaning into spirituality was really important.”
After this eye-opening interaction, Rai realized that the practice of Intuitive Tattoos was a cathartic experience for healing.
“Being able to design something for them and help them go through that experience is sacred.”
As Rai continues to grow her following in Vancouver, she is humbled by both her practice and clients.
“My heart is filled with gratitude because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and it’s now manifested into something real.”
If you would like to book an appointment with Moonflower Tattoo, find her on Instagram here.
A self-declared witch, Tayvie spends her time with all things magic. She loves a good sunset, iced coffee, and every known essential oil. Catch her chilling with her black-cat sidekick, Shadow, and hiding by the ocean. Look for her bold eyebrows and vintage style, and you’re bound to find her.
