“Gathering of Ink” to celebrate Indigenous tattoo traditions, artistry in Oklahoma

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) Despite Indigenous tattoo artists being around for thousands of years, Missy Mahan said she never saw Indigenous representation in the industry.

“Opening my own studio, I'm like, I want our artwork on the walls,” Mahan said. “I want our representation on the walls. I want that to be one of our main focuses, where tattoo artists can come and do their style of work.”

Originally from Kellyville, Oklahoma, Mahan (Tohono O’odham, Yuchi and Muscogee) now co-owns and operates Desert Bloom Tattoo and Salon in Phoenix, Arizona, with her sister.

Tattooing for 14 years and owning a shop for seven has led to Mahan’s latest adventure: NDN Territory Gathering of Ink, a three-day tattoo convention in Oklahoma City featuring Indigenous tattoo artists, presentations, vendors and more.

Oklahoma was the last state in the nation to legalize tattooing, lifting its ban in 2006. This November marks 20 years since tattooing became legal in the state.

Mahan said one of her goals was to bring a convention to her home state of Oklahoma that would represent southeastern tribes while making space for other Indigenous cultures.

How artists blend traditional practices with contemporary tattooing varies from artist to artist, Mahan said.

“Like me, for example, I am bringing my traditional tools that we used on my O’odham side,” Mahan said. “We traditionally use cactus spines to tattoo. So, I put in that time and research to ask elders and community members what the protocols are for using these plants and even asking botanists as well to learn about the plants themselves, like between a healthy plant and a sick plant. Just to learn all those aspects of tattooing with plants and blending in a way where I'm kind of creating my own designs using those traditional tools. I also do ceremonial tattoos for our young women in our community.” 

Mahan said both Native and non-Native clients can choose from her contemporary designs and receive tattoos using a cactus spine.

Fresh off of tattooing 21 people at zOyaha Fest, Nathalie Standingcloud (Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Salish-Kootenai and Colville) is one of the local tattoo artists invited to set up shop at the inaugural Gathering of Ink. 

“Most of the designs were from Yuchi ancestral artwork,” Standingcloud said of her work at the festival.

A specialist in cultural revival tattooing, Standingcloud said these types of tattoo conventions always feel like a reunion, especially for the Indigenous artists.

“We connect on multiple levels besides tattooing,” Standingcloud said. “There’s conversations about art but also about our culture and communities. Tattoo art in general is always candy for the eyes but there’s something special about Indigenous tattoo art that’s also visual food for the soul. Stories are shared, talent is celebrated, and the pain is transformative. I love this tattoo medicine.”  

Mahan said artists will be available for walk-ups throughout the weekend. 

“If you're looking for a bigger piece or something in particular, it would be smart to reach out to an artist directly or if you're not too sure what you want and you want to see some flash, that'll be available, too,” Mahan said.

She also recommended checking out the traveling artists while you are there.

“Check out their artwork, give them a follow or buy some artwork from them, check out the vendors,” Mahan said. “Definitely support your local Indigenous artists and vendors as well, a lot of amazing talent out there.”

“I have been noticing within the last five years, all these Indigenous conferences and conventions happening,” she said. “So, this resurgence, it makes me happy seeing that.”

Gathering of Ink will be held Oct. 23–25 at OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City. The opening ceremony is scheduled for noon Friday, Oct. 23. To purchase tickets, visit https://gatheringofink.com/