This week we’re talking to Magali Corpas, who was all set to make her comeback to the studio on the 1st of April. Magali’s signature black work tattoos, tribal tattoos, pattern work tattoos, floral tattoo and ornamental tattoos have been greatly missed during her absence. A small blip in the radar called COVID-19 has prematurely derailed this, however it hasn’t stopped the lovely Magali from painting, creating new flash and corresponding with clients while in isolation with her partner Miles (owner of the fabulous Crumb Cafe in Grey Lynn) and new baby boy Akira. We know Magali’s loyal clientele are desperate to have her back, so to ease the wait we thought we’d bring you a few words of wisdom straight from the horses mouth.. Magali Corpas - Let’s talk about tatts, baby!
Magali Corpas in Nara, Japan.
Sunset: Hi Mags! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview with me. I wish we could do it in person, but this COVID-19 situation is keeping us all bunkered down at the moment. Hopefully this interview gives everyone sitting at home during lockdown something interesting to read.
Magali: I’m happy to!
What is your name, where are you from and how old are you?
Everyone at the shop says that I am a Russian spy cause of my accent but I am Magali Noe Corpas, born 1986 under the Gemini sign in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Where have you grown up? Have you lived anywhere else apart from Buenos Aires and Auckland?
I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina before turning 24 when I moved to New Zealand on a working holiday. I lived in Wellington where I met my ex, which is the reason I ended up staying. Also in Queenstown where I did my apprenticeship. I miss Buenos Aires, it is a really vibrant and cultural city.
Where else have you worked besides Sunset?
I apprenticed at a very busy street shop in Queenstown, and when I moved to Auckland I worked briefly with the awesome team at Black Cat Tattoo before being asked by Tom if I wanted to join Sunset.
How long have you been tattooing?
I did my first tattoo in May 2015, it was a Wu-Tang Clan symbol on one of the Moko artists. But I feel like I really started at the end of 2017 when I joined Sunset.
Black work kiku/chrysanthemum by Magali Corpas.
When did you know you wanted to become a tattooer, and how did you first learn to tattoo?
I was coming back from a three day hike, and while driving on Glenorchy Road the idea popped into my head, maybe I should tattoo? At this point I really didn't know what else to do with my art as I couldn't commit to any one art form in particular. I went to the two busiest shops in Queenstown, one had a really old school guy who asked me weird questions and belittled me, the other one had a crazy motherfucker who didn't even look at my portfolio when I left it there for a week. That same shop got so busy within a year that they started looking for an apprentice/cleaner so I went in again and I got the spot.
Can you describe your apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship was a bit of a meh, I didn't have much direction from the person who was meant to be my mentor. So I took information from anyone I could at the shop and especially the guest artists. I probably did a lot of fuck ups figuring things by myself while nobody was watching me. Also Camo, one of the residents who had 20 years under his belt working in street shops, he was one of the most genuine, helpful and knowledgeable people at the shop. I did learn a lot of cleaning, sanitising and dealt with clients of all sorts. Most apprenticeships require doing all the bitch jobs! I was working sometimes months in a row without days off and having two other jobs to pay up the bills for over two years. I ended up leaving because Queenstown became claustrophobic and I felt I wasn’t going to go anywhere with tattooing other than making lots of money on walk ins there. It was worth it though, I would do it again but it was very tiring, but not as tiring as having a newborn, haha. More on that soon..
Can you talk about previous art training, and other forms of art you create?
I formally did fine arts right after high school. There I learned anatomical drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking among other subjects. I also did jewellery, millinery, weaving and fashion (hated this one so I quit studying), but as I said nothing would stick with me or make me passionate until I started tattooing.
Do you think being trained in fine arts has helped you as a tattooer?
Absolutely, I really saved myself some time when it came to drawing and figuring out compositions and proportions. Also knowing art history added to the mix.
You're known as a very capable tattooer and you've experimented with lots of different styles of work. How have you developed your signature style? Is there a particular style you'd prefer to focus on, and if so, how would you describe it?
Am I? I am still searching for my style, I like so many! They say it could take about ten years to develop one, and you have to go through many to get there, which I am glad I did. So far I am wanting to do tattoos that people can tell what they are from a few metres away without squinting, haha. I really like ornaments more than anything, tribal, black line work, folk art, animals and flowers. Simple, timeless and long lasting. I don't think I have developed a signature style yet.
Tiger by Magali Corpas.
You've recently become a mother, congratulations! Has having a baby had any influence on your creative endeavours?
Yes it has profoundly. My brain has lost a lot of grey matter and I couldn't of think anything tattoo related for the past couple of months. All I could think of was what to snack on next and if it was ok to take a nap at 11am right after breakfast. I definitely feel that after having Akira I am not caring about what other people think about my art and I don't care about being the hot stuff within the industry. My insecurity disappeared, so my art became more naive and playful because I stopped judging it. At the end of the day art is relative and subjective and there is room for anyone.
Tui and kowhai flowers by Magali Corpas.
Do you think it's going to be a challenge being a mother who tattoos for a career? Both of those "jobs" take a lot of time and energy!
I am in a very lucky position cause I can go to the shop to work anytime and my partner is very supportive, he also works for himself and is happy to look after bubs. I am sure I will find my pace and make it work.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
Your pre-baby weight never comes back so forget about it hahaha.
What is your dream creative project?
I just made my biggest creation and his name is Akira. I hope I can always make a living out of art and being myself.
Can you please name 3 of your favourite or most influential tattooers.
Guy Le Tatooer, Valerie Vargas and Claudia De Sabe.
Sunset: Thank you Mags! We can’t wait to have you back in the studio soon.