norm’s tattoo machines are both art object and tool

long interested in the fact that intricate tattoo art is generated using such bulky, industrial machines, norm, founder and tattoo artist at will rise studio in los angeles, california, began modifying tattoo machines early in his artistic career, before beginning a practice building frames from scratch in custom designs.

the machines are the same high performance tools that have brought high levels of precision to tattoo work. norm’s frames are cut a range of materials and adorned with engravings and printed textiles, adding visual interest and creating truly customizable pieces. the practice lends to the tools of the tattoo trade an increased sense of the personal aesthetic that is so fundamental to tattoo culture.

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA a custom tattoo machine adorned with gucci print

boston-based designer eiknarf visits will rise studio for a tattoo and interview with norm

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA interesting as art objects, the tattoo machines are fundamentally high-performance work tools, used here by norm at will rise studio

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA norm at work

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA another series of tattoo machines

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA full closeup view

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA steel-cut personalized machine

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA examples of norm’s custom-made machines

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA detail view

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA the metal shells

norm is featured in lady gaga’s ‘anatomy of change’ video

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA still from the lady gaga video

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA example of norm’s work

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA interior of norm’s shop, ‘will rise’

custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA the exterior of ‘will rise’