Written In Skin

Pop in the Annexe to watch the progression of a project that dissolves the boundaries between literature, art, love and pain.

The first collaboration between tattooist and fantasy artist Loren Fetterman and performance artist Stefanie Elrick; Written in Skin will see the stories of an international group of strangers be ‘blood-lined’ across the entirety of Stefanie’s body in one sitting.

Blood-lining’ is a semi-permanent form of tattooing without ink, the results of which are akin to scratches visible for weeks that gradually heal and disappear. Literalising the emotional marks we inflict and receive through experience, then transforming them into a customised piece of body art, this project explores vulnerability, intimacy and the regenerative process of love.

Written in Skin illuminates the idea of wearing our experience on our bodies, not with hearts on sleeves but with memories etched onto our flesh.

The first stage of the project involves collecting and selecting writings, relationship commentaries, stories and poetry from anonymous contributors across the world via an open virtual hub. Successful submissions will then be integrated by Loren into an intricate full body design that represents the fluctuating ideal of love and its effects.

As the skin begins to restore itself the following weeks, photographer Jamie Alun Price will document the healing process via an online picture diary.