By: Barbara Lawn
California-based tattoo artist Mariia Avinova is a well-known name in professional circles. Her talent is not the only thing that makes her popular; she’s also recognized for developing a unique style called “Eco-symbolism in Tattoos,” which has been embraced by tattoo artists around the world. Mariia is also the author of the book Eco-symbolism: The Art and Ethics of Tattooing and teaches educational courses “Sustainable and Ethical” that she founded.
But Mariia Avinova’s work stands out in more ways than one. Not only is her tattooing technique distinct, but she also strictly adheres to sustainability principles, ensuring harmony between civilization and nature. She exclusively uses vegan ink, free of any animal-derived ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste and resource consumption during the tattooing process.
Why Mariia Avinova’s style is called “Eco-symbolism”
At the core of Mariia Avinova’s style is the concept of a harmonious connection between humanity – nature’s most exceptional creation – and the surrounding environment, including plants, animals, and natural elements.
Every detail in her designs carries a profound message: no one in this world is separate from nature. The symbols she uses are always carefully chosen for each client, as Mariia believes that a tattoo is not merely a skin decoration but a reflection of the individual’s inner world, like a personal totem. For example, trees symbolize roots and a connection to ancestors, flowers represent the purity of one’s soul, and animals “grant” their wearer certain qualities: the fox for cunning, the owl for wisdom, and the wolf for strength.
How Mariia Avinova works with clients
A key aspect of “Eco-symbolism” is the conscious choice of symbols for each tattoo. Before beginning any project, Mariia Avinova spends a lot of time talking with her clients, discussing which images and elements will best represent their inner feelings, dreams, or life goals. She offers symbol recommendations based on her observations of the person. As a result, each design becomes deeply sacred and profoundly personal.
What else makes Mariia Avinova’s tattoos unique
Another distinctive feature of “Eco-symbolism” is the minimalist approach to imagery. Although Mariia works with a variety of sizes, her designs – despite their obvious recognizability – conceal a deeper meaning: the undeniable connection between the tattoo bearer and specific memories or life events.
“In contrast to traditional tattoos, which often feature large, complex compositions, my ‘Eco-symbolism’ focuses on simplicity and clarity, yet leaves plenty of room for imaginative interpretation,” Mariia Avinova explains.
Where to learn more about Mariia Avinova’s style
Mariia Avinova’s book Eco-symbolism: The Art and Ethics of Tattooing dives into the philosophy and practice behind her style. Additionally, you can explore her online course “Sustainable and Ethical,” where she not only teaches general theory but also offers insights into interpreting and conveying meaning, always intertwined with the principle of sustainability.
A regular participant in international conventions, Mariia actively promotes “Eco-symbolism” worldwide, and it’s clear that her efforts are paying off. The unique blend of ancient tattoo artistry adapted for the modern world – aligned with today’s trends of sustainable living – has become a global trend itself, followed by thousands of tattoo enthusiasts.
And according to Mariia, this is just the beginning. “As nature is vast and mysterious, so is ‘Eco-symbolism’ – it can expand infinitely. We are surrounded by millions of cryptic signs that we have yet to decipher”, she says with a smile, promising to introduce more symbols with intriguing interpretations in the near future.
For now, we’ll have to be patient. In the meantime, check out Mariia Avinova’s official website to view her work. You might just be inspired to get a small tattoo that holds a big meaning – it’s not just trendy, it’s truly original. What do you think?
Published by: Nelly Chavez
