Kristen Rehak of Black Possum Ink
First off, who are you? I’m Kristen Rehak, owner and founder of Black Possum Ink. I live in Lewisburg, and my shop launched in Gum Store Studios in White Sulphur Springs, but I just recently moved shop locations into this amazing space in Ronceverte.
What exactly is it that you do? Hand poked tattoos! Both custom pieces and flash. The technique is also called stick n’ poke.
What are hand-poked tattoos, exactly? It’s a manual process where an artist uses sterilized traditional tattoo needles and ink to make a series of individual punctures to the skin. These punctures, essentially a series of dots where the ink is deposited into the upper layer of skin, can be used to create both lines and shading.
This is a slower process than using a machine, but is arguably less painful, less bodily trauma, and is often described as a much more relaxing experience.
I was first introduced to the stick n’ poke method by a friend a few years back. At the time, I had no intention of becoming a tattoo artist, but getting hand poked tattoos by her was such a cool experience it really stuck with me. Years later during the course of my apprenticeship, I actually practiced with a machine first, but found that I really preferred the hand poked method. It just worked better for me!
How long have you been doing tattoos? I started tattooing in 2021 at the Queens Ink with Evva Gilkeson. I spent hours watching her work with her clients and learned a lot of the basics.
Would you say you were an artist even before doing body art? I’ve been drawing ever since I was a kid. My mom went to art school and passed on her love of the arts to my sister and I. For years I told myself that being a “starving artist” just wasn’t an option for me—I wanted to have a career in science. Finally, about halfway through college, I changed my major to study Graphic Design. It was my way of compromising between being an artist and also having a technical skill to rely back on.
After graduating, I spent three years working for Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co. and Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider designing labels and promotional materials. I also did my own drawing and painting on the side, even participated in a few gallery shows around Lewisburg.
Do you like what you do? I love it! My clients always keep me going, I’m so honored by everyone who has chosen to have my artwork on their body.
Do you have advice for other artists? Never stop creating! And push yourself to try new things!
Black Possum Ink is located in downtown Ronceverte, next to the post office in the old American Legion building. Tattoos are scheduled by appointment only, Tuesday through Saturday. Booking is available online via blackpossumink.com or social media! The shop minimum is $100, although there
are specials and other events like the GWYG (Get What You Get) gumball machine tattoos, which are only $60 right now. Kristen specializes in small/medium design sizes, due to how long hand-poked tattoos can take.
Visit www.blackpossumink.com to book a tattoo, and follow @blackpossum_ink on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on shop hours and special promotions!
