Doc Forest Tattoo

Biography

I have been interested in tattooing since 1959 I liked to draw the the traditional, symbolic style. In 1961 I went at sea and tattooing became a hobby to me. I met a lot of tatto artists across the world and gained inspiration as well as many good connections. For me, as for many other sailor´s at that time tattoos were a way to show the world where you came from and that you were widely-travelled. In 1968 I signed out of my last ship with the ambition to become a painter, mostly oil painting and ink drawing. After a while I realized that tattooing was what I most of all wanted to do. In may 5th 1972, with the help of a good friend I opened the first Swedish tattoo studio that was approved by the The Swedish Environmental Health Officers'Association (SEHOA). Since then I've been on various journeys to international tattoo conventions in the US, Japan, Europe and the Pacific. I have arranged many exhibitions in galleries in Sweden. Tattoos have become a widespread craft and is a highly appreciated art form thanks to the high competence among tattoo artists. Choose your symbol with care, it's never too late but it might be too early.