Spotlight on Pacific Tattoo

Kapiti filmmaker Gaby Lingke has just released a short film showcasing the work and philosophy of Paekakariki tattoo artist Tim Hunt. The German-born filmmaker’s ten-minute multimedia portrait Tim Hunt’s Pacific Tattoo explores the fascination, ethics and intricate beauty of Hunt’s contemporary Pacific designs, highlighting the role of the tattooist as artist and interpreter.

Tim Hunt, who sees in his designs an expression of our links to the natural world, began his training under Los Angeles tattooist Leo Zulueta and draws his inspiration from the work of Polynesian master tattooists Sua Sulu'ape Paulo and Keone Nunes, and Maori stone carver Gordon Toi. After training at Wellington studio Tattoo City for five years, Hunt opened Pacific Tattoo in 2008, where he has continued to develop his own unique Pacific style. A Pakeha artist, Hunt has experienced his craft as way of exploring and grappling with cultural identity. Tim Hunt engages his clients in an artistic dialogue, resulting in unique creations that blend traditional Polynesian and Maori motifs with contemporary and international styles.

Filmmaker and multimedia producer Gaby Lingke has called Paekakariki home since early 2009. As a documentary filmmaker and producer she has worked on productions in Portugal, Chile, Indonesia, Germany, Argentina, Spain and now New Zealand. From her beachside haven she provides multimedia services to NGOs, artists, community groups and not-just-for-profit enterprises including still photography, film-making, and slide show and audio production. Tim Hunt’s Pacific Tattoo can be viewed online at Lingke’s website (www.livlin.com).