Art & Soul: Tattoo artist exhibits diminutive paintings at Butcher Gallery

Kimberly Reed is an accomplished tattoo artist, inking biceps and other body parts with detailed portraits, geometric patterns, floral designs and animal images.

However, she's also a talented painter who has developed her craft over the years. In "56," a small works show on display at The Butcher Gallery, Reed exhibits 56 diminutive oil paintings, each of which retails for $56.

Notable for its ease and simplicity, this breezy summer show focuses the eye on a wide range of nature-themed subjects, from conch shells and starfish to skulls and squirrels. Highlights include loose, vivid paintings of red poppies and detailed, colorful portraits of roosters.

Inspired by abstract expressionism, modernism and impressionism, Reed excels with a paintbrush and a tattoo needle. This busy artist recently spoke with the Savannah Morning News about tattoo art, painting from nature and finding room to breathe in Georgia's First City.

How did you first get started as a painter and as a tattoo artist?

I was born and raised in south Mississippi, but left there at 18 to go to school at Ole Miss in Oxford. I studied under an amazing painter, Jere Allen, who truly taught me how to see. From there, I traveled around doing various odd jobs for a long time, mostly in the Dallas area. I moved from there to New York City, where some very good friends who were tattooing me encouraged me to learn to tattoo. I lived there and in Boston and Wilmington for a bit, before moving here to Savannah. I love tattooing and it's quite all- consuming. But I've never stopped painting.

Is creating art on the body similar to painting on a canvas or is it quite different?

The two are quite different. Tattooing is a collaboration of ideas with someone else's vision in mind. Ultimately, we are trusted to execute the design we draw as we feel best suits the body's format. Painting is an expression of a freedom of eye to hand to canvas, with no rules, no limits, no boundaries. It's quite freeing and exhausting at the same time.

Did it shock your family that you wanted to be a tattoo artist? How did they feel about your decision?

I had been getting fairly heavily tattooed before ever becoming a tattooer. My family always knew me as sort of outside of their box. I have quite a few artists in my family, though, and that's where I get my talent. I think my mom and dad were probably relieved that I found something I loved and a substantial career that could also support me. To do what is loved was important to my folks, for all their kids.

How do tattooing and painting interrelate for you?

Tattooing and painting are a push and pull. They share and they contradict. I've tried my best over the years to incorporate some of the painterly aspects onto human canvas. The transition isn't literal, but I think that the quality of being "a painting on skin" does translate a bit.

What are your favorite subjects to paint?

I love to paint anything from nature. I actually do pet portraits on commission, which I adore doing. I've gone from really large-scale painting to very small scale, and think I'm ready to go big again.

When and why did you move to Savannah? What keeps you here?

I believe I am in my ninth year here. I was living in the Northeast and was ready for some space, some room to breathe, to slow down a bit. It took me a year or two before I settled in and knew I would stay. After being here for a few years, I got my horse. I grew up with horses, but living all around the country, I quit riding. I love that I can have my horse, enjoy him, have a little house and work in a fun profession. In Savannah, I can ride year-round and go to the beach. Plus, Savannah has endless options for the most amazing food.

Why did you decide to focus on small-format work for your new exhibit at The Butcher?

The whole point of this show, "56," was to try to focus and commit only an hour or less - although some turned out to be a little more - and to include as much information as was necessary, then stop. I think I conveyed, in most all of them, all the information needed for success. It was an exercise in keeping it loose and real.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Originally from Mississippi, Kimberly Reed has enjoyed a successful career as a tattoo artist and currently works at The Butcher in Savannah. Her work has been featured in Tattoo, Electric Tattoo and Flash Magazine. "56" marks her second solo art exhibit since moving to Savannah nine years ago.

IF YOU GO

What: "56," small works by Kimberly Reed

When: Through Aug. 1

Where: The Butcher Gallery, 19 E. Bay St.

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon-8 p.m.

For more information: 912-234-6505 or www.whatisthebutcher.com