A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Raven Scratch

Meatshop Tattoo is quickly becoming one of the names to watch in terms of both abstract and dotwork tattoos.  You’ve seen Peter Madsen‘s works on ModBlog quite a bit over the past couple of weeks, and now he’s joined IAM, allowing us to get to know him a little better.

The last 12 years of my life have been all about creativity: big or small, simple and sophisticated, everything from painting and sculpting to building special-effects. The same creativity has sent me in many interesting ways, I used to run a Special Effects company, and resided in the United Kingdom and Sweden.

At some point in my creative rush, I realized that I was not doing anything in particular that had deep meaning for people. I began to wonder how I could put my creativity to some more rewarding use. One day it struck me: tattooing was simply the way.

In early 2010 I did my apprenticeship with an old friend of mine, Jesper Berthelsen, who now works primarily as an armourer and silversmith, but also has been a tattoo artist for many years. He taught me the basics of the ancient art form that is tattooing, and I had a good start before I was allowed to throw myself in the actual craft. Since then I have worked very hard every day to perfect my craftsmanship and I am very pleased to say that I do not regret my choice. Tattoing is live-giving, both for me and my customers.

About my work: Tattooing for me is an art that must be combined with man’s natural beauty. Trying to do “painting” on the body does not work for me – my desire is to create art that goes hand in hand with the skin and the body. For the same reason I have a fondness for ornamental designs, dotwork tattoo and scratch-work tattoo. My style is heavily inspired by Old Norse and Scandinavian art, Middle Eastern, geometry, black work and body dynamics.

Here’s one of his scratch-work pieces, a full raven sleeve.

Be sure to check out his BME Portfolio Gallery to see more of his work.

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