custom tattoo machines by norm at will rise studio in LA

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.

a custom tattoo machine adorned with gucci print

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

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

norm at work

another series of tattoo machines

full closeup view

steel-cut personalized machine

examples of norm’s custom-made machines

detail view

the metal shells

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

still from the lady gaga video

example of norm’s work

interior of norm’s shop, ‘will rise’

the exterior of ‘will rise’