Tattoo artists Bryan and Ashley Tarver have opened a tattoo and piercing studio under the name of Cirque du Freak Body Art in unit 13 of the Artist Village in Kremmling. Their vision is a unique parlor experience where clients can receive customized artwork in a comfortable, clean, and relaxing environment. The parlor boasts no flash art on the walls, electing instead to showcase historical photos of tattoo parlors, machine patents, and the tattooed damsels of the past.
“Each tattoo we create is unique to the individual,” Bryan stated. “It’s like a fingerprint, it becomes a part of that person’s identity.”
The local artists, former owners of Six Guns Body Art in Dillon, decided to relocate closer to their home on the Green Mountain Reservoir. Bryan has 33 years of experience, and Ashley has 10 years of experience in tattooing and piercing. Both were licensed in Arkansas and moved to Colorado in 2011. The two enjoy collaborating on pieces to create the best possible customized artwork for their clients.
“People rarely walk into a tattoo shop, look at the flash art, and think ‘there’s the tattoo of my dreams’” Bryan explained. “The appeal to custom work is that each tattoo is original. It belongs to that person.” “Flash” is the industry term for the prefabricated tattoo designs adorning the walls of most tattoo shops.
“We each have our strengths. Bryan is great with black and gray work, and he enjoys doing portraits. I prefer clean
The duo operates by appointment only and can be contacted via their Facebook page, Cirque Du Freak Body Art, where prospective clients can view their portfolios. They are compliant with OSHA standards of aseptic routine and cross-contamination prevention, and both have their bloodborne pathogens certification.
