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Featured Artist: Bodine Ester / Amsterdam

Bodine Ester is a highly accomplished visual artist based in Amsterdam, with a diverse body of work that spans tattooing, painting, and sculpture.

“The painting of the girl’s face with the dragon is my biggest commission so far. It’s 300x200cm and took 4 days to paint. It was a commission for a Queer bar that opened in Haarlem.”

Renowned for her distinctive and versatile tattooing style, Bodine has become one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in Amsterdam. While her signature style primarily focuses on black-and-grey work, she skillfully integrates colour in unique and unconventional ways, showcasing her versatility across different tattoo genres. Bodine’s creations range from lifelike portraits to surrealist designs, as well as traditional tattoos inspired by Japanese and American styles.

“The tattoo of the blue heron in neo-Japanese style. One of my favourite ways of tattooing; I did this piece on a regular customer who gives me complete freedom on his idea, and has exactly the taste that suits my style.”

Bodine fostered a vibrant creative community as the former owner of The 9 Muses, a well-known tattoo studio in Amsterdam. The studio served as a space for her artistic expression and a nurturing environment where she mentored up-and-coming tattoo artists, helping them develop their distinctive styles. Although The 9 Muses is no longer operating, Bodine’s influence on the tattoo industry remains significant. She continues to push artistic boundaries and remains committed to creating innovative art. Her journey reflects a deep dedication to her craft and a broader commitment to artistic excellence. Bodine’s work, filled with passion, creativity, and depth, continues to inspire her clients and peers in Amsterdam’s art community.

“These little masks can be worn as necklaces or hung on the wall. Each one is unique and completely handmade from ceramics and polymer clay, painted with acrylics and finished with thread, beads and varnish.” 

In addition to her renowned tattoo work, Bodine Ester is also gaining a following as a painter and sculptor. Her approach to painting is as bold and innovative as her tattooing, often exploring themes of identity, emotion, and transformation. Sculpture offers her another avenue for creative expression, allowing her to work in three dimensions, experimenting with form, texture, and space. These additional mediums further demonstrate her artistic range, cementing her reputation as a multidisciplinary artist to watch.

“The oil painting of the ear is an example of how I express myself at home whilst I’m trying out new ways to level up my skill in painting.”

Bodine Ester is available for commissions, more information on the following links: