The art of handpoke: Interview with Nia Dots
Her personal and delicate style reveals a person who is not at all afraid of the word experiment.
To meet Xenia, the artist behind Nia Dots, we just have to follow the dots. And that's because Xenia is a true hand-poke artist or, as she explains to us, tattooing done by hand, dot by dot, with no tricks or gimmicks.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
I am Xenia, although on social media and behind my project I am known as Nia Dots. I work as a tattoo artist using the handpoke technique, which is to say I tattoo by hand and without the use of machines, dot by dot, just as it has been done traditionally in different places and cultures.
My vocation was born out of a deep desire to tattoo myself. I remember how, after a bad experience getting tattooed—not so much because of the result, but because of how I was treated—I began to develop the idea of being able to do it myself.
For me, getting tattooed is a magical moment; it is very intimate and it is essential that this is taken into account during the process. So one day I bought all the materials, started experimenting… and here I am today!
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
There are many things that satisfy me about my work. One of them is the connection I build with people, getting to know the stories behind each tattoo. But also the opportunity for constant growth, for creating… and being able to do it anywhere in the world.
It’s hard to choose just one tattoo…
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
It totally depends on whether I'm working on a design for a specific person or if I'm drawing freely. In the first case, I always try to enter that person's world: get to know their tastes, find out what message or story is behind the tattoo they're looking for... mind you, if there is one!
My sources of inspiration are always: nature, the intangible and music. Sometimes I try to get music to generate specific states in me and, from there, I draw.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Purple colour.
I don't have a favourite book, but Maia is going to the Amazon it was a book that really left a mark on me when I was little and The Little Prince o The Art of Loving they are the ones I have read most repeatedly.
As for music, it goes in phases, but not long ago I discovered a band: Hermanos Gutiérrez and since then it appears on all my playlists or I play it on a loop while I design.
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
I don't own a home and at the same time... my home is wherever I am. Right now I live between Andorra and Barcelona.
My favourite corner will always be a window overlooking the outdoors.
I don't have any pets, but I have lots of plants… though I'm terrible at looking after them!
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
I'd buy a campervan or a bus so it could become my home!
A great plan at home always includes...
My grand plans are always away from home. Especially if there are waves and I can go surfing!
Do you have a signature dish?
Mmm… pumpkin and coconut curry.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
The sea. Anywhere in the world.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
Ever since I was a little girl, I always liked getting my hands dirty. I enjoy anything that has to do with the word experiment.
