From skateboarding streets to tattoo studios, Evaldas Gulbinas’ journey is a vibrant fusion of art forms. Starting in Lithuania and evolving in London, his relentless passion for creativity transforms traditional fine art and body art into a dynamic expression of emotion and experience. Discover the story behind his art.
Early Beginnings
Evaldas Gulbinas’ artistic journey began early in his childhood, where his fascination with drawing quickly became a passion. By the age of six, Evaldas had already discovered a love for art, which would shape his entire life. Growing up in Lithuania, he began his formal artistic education at thirteen, enrolling in Kedainiai Art School. This experience was more than just learning; it was a crucial period where he started channeling his thoughts, emotions, and observations into various creative forms.
Skateboarding and Art, A Dual Inspiration
Alongside his artistic pursuits, Evaldas was deeply involved in skateboarding, which he considered another form of art. This duality influenced his unique style, blending the raw energy of street culture with traditional fine art techniques. After Kedainiai, Evaldas moved to Vilnius to attend the National M.K. Ciurlionis School of Art. The transition to the capital city was challenging, especially for a young teenager, but Evaldas’ passion for art kept him focused and driven.
London Calling
In Vilnius, Evaldas explored different artistic mediums, each one helping him grow and refine his skills. His work often reflected his emotional states, using art as a means to process and express his experiences. Upon completing his studies in Lithuania, Evaldas sought new opportunities and inspiration, leading him to move to London. The vibrant street art and urban culture of the city resonated with his skateboarding background, but a severe knee injury forced him to reconsider his path. This setback, however, became a turning point, as it led him to discover the world of tattooing.
Expanding Horizons
Tattooing quickly became more than just a new craft for Evaldas; it became a limitless canvas for his creativity. He pursued several apprenticeships to refine his skills and soon found himself working professionally in various tattoo parlors across London. Despite his growing success as a tattoo artist, Evaldas’ thirst for knowledge remained strong. He enrolled in a Foundation in Art and Design course at West Thames College while continuing to tattoo clients, balancing both academic and professional demands with dedication.
Achieving Mastery
The foundation course allowed Evaldas to delve into multimedia and mixed media arts, broadening his artistic horizons. He continued this exploration during his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, focusing on mixed media at the University of Westminster. The freedom to experiment in this academic environment was something he relished. Throughout his studies, Evaldas continued tattooing, using each medium to inform and enrich the other, creating a unique interplay between his fine art and body art practices.
Evaldas took his academic journey even further by earning a Master’s degree at Chelsea College of Arts. During this time, he actively participated in numerous art exhibitions, showcasing his work while continuing to tattoo. The concepts and techniques he learned in academia seamlessly integrated into his tattooing practice, blurring the lines between traditional art and body art.
Returning to Lithuania: Rekindling Pure Creativity
Returning to Lithuania after years in London, Evaldas has spent the last two years immersed in both creating art and tattooing. Back in his homeland, he rediscovered the joy of pure creativity. For Evaldas, art is not just a career; it’s an essential part of his being, something that gives him purpose and fulfillment.
Evaldas’ journey is defined by his relentless creativity and his ability to bridge the gap between fine art and tattooing. His unique approach to art, constantly learning and evolving, allows him to navigate different media with a playful, experimental spirit. For Evaldas, success is not just about recognition but about the connection his work fosters with others. When people engage with his art, understand the emotions behind it, and appreciate its depth, that is true success for him. His journey is one of passion and dedication, a life committed to exploring the endless possibilities of artistic expression.
