Meet Lucy Gombas

An artist who’s stunning line work and playful illustrations will put anyone who is on the fence about getting a tattoo right over the other side. Like all the best tattoos Lucy Gombas uses them to tell amazing and thought provoking stories.

Get to know the artist in our latest interview as we talk NYC, social media and their favorite quote.

A Self-Portrait by, Lucy Gombas

Would you rather…

be carried everywhere you go by a giant person, or be confined to a segway? Why?

Giant person without any doubt. I could hide things under her fingernails and knit with her arm hairs. I don’t know how to knit yet, but she sounds like the type to be patient about teaching me. She might feel a bit cramped in NY, but we could work something out. In return, I would pick the dandruff off her scalp and itch her eyes for her.

Some questions with Lucy Gombas

How do you feel about the role social media plays in an artist's carrier?

Most of the time, I wish I didn’t have to monitor my Instagram app as much as I do, but it is definitely one of the main ways I am able to connect with clients. I do love how much it allows me to keep up to date with all of the work my friends are doing. It feels like almost a must now as an illustrator or tattoo artist to have some sort of presence online in order to find clients and art directors.

What artist has influenced you the most?

Maria Pryimachenko has been a huge cake for my brain worms. The first tattoo I got on my body was a replica of a painting by her (The Tiger Laughs) and I plan to get at least two others inspired by her work as well. I think she has such a way of making her work come to life, every flower and star and shoe feels like its breathing and thinking and humming and I want to make my work feel alive too. I have always salivated for any Slavic folk art, and her work takes it to a very personal and imaginative place. I also wanna mention Yeha Leung, FKA Twigs, and Parker Day.

Are you better at thumb wrestles or staring contests?

Thumb wrestling. I will use any means necessary to win, including tooth and nail and spit.

What was the most memorable interaction you ever had with a fan?

I don’t think I have fans, but people’s pets seem to agree with me most of the time.

What kind of impact do you think COVID 19 will have on the tattoo artist community in NYC?

A big one. I think the important thing is to stay focused on keeping as many people as healthy and safe as possible. I am fairly new to the industry, so I don’t want to speak too much for the rest of the tattoo artists in NYC, but I think we can all agree that the work is very intimate and sometimes, for very long sessions. Everyone should really evaluate how to best protect themselves and the community from spreading the virus. And donate equipment if possible!

Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?

Not sure I have a single favorite, but here is a quote from Gef the Mongoose, who was a supposed poltergeist of sorts living in the walls of a 1930s home: "If you are kind to me, I will bring you good luck. If you are not kind, I shall kill all your poultry. I can get them wherever you put them!” He was a Gemini, as are many of my closest friends.

Can you remember the first tattoo you ever gave someone? What was the experience like?

I remember it very much so. It was a gossiping woman with chicken legs on a rotary telephone. And that was just the client! Joking. She was a very kind first client. I cemented the tattoo to the back of a burlesque dancer’s left calf. I thought I would feel panicked the whole time but instead, I was just too excited to do anything but keep going. It was so much energy and a new way to convey my art that felt right. My mentor, Pony, stood behind me and gave advice when I needed it, which helped a lot. Afterwards, I got pizza with my coworker, Amanda, who is a vegan (she got vegan pizza). I went home and was so happy and excited to finally start this chapter in me life. Argh, but a young scallawag am I.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Stay safe please and be kind to others.

The site blacklivesmatters.carrd.co has a constantly updating list of both donations and petitions that are easily accessible as well as tips and information for protestors.