C3 Questions Profile –Thea Duskin

I co-own and curate Ghostprint Gallery located on Broad Street in the Downtown Arts District of Richmond, VA. I am also a fine art tattooist; My work has been featured in local and international publications.

How do you create?

In terms of my tattooing, I begin with a collaborate process to reach a concept and then use a combination of photographic references and free-hand sketching, sometimes directly on the skin. With my personal artwork I use many of the same techniques, but it is a more experimental process. I enjoy the versatility of multi-media art where I can employ more tangible layering and blending, with more control over subject matter.

How do you  connect?

The internet is a great tool for artists and gallery directors alike. Social media like Facebook in addition to having a web presence for both my work and Ghostprint Gallery is essential. I also love the monthly events surrounding First Friday that allow for mass-exposure. We now hold an artist's reception on the Thursday before First Friday, which gives serious buyers a chance to view the artwork in a more intimate setting.

How do you collaborate?

In tattooing, I work with each individual in a collaborative process to realize their idea into an original artwork that will be organically designed to fit their body and reflect who they are. At the gallery, while we do work with the artists, we like to give them as much creative control as possible over the content and presentation.

Thea Duskin was one of the featured presenters of our first Talk20 event in October 2009. To find out more about Thea’s work and Ghostprint Gallery, visit: www.ghostprintgallery.com.