Mariia Avinova
– a participant in global tattoo conventions, creator of the unique technique "Ecosymbolism in Tattooing," founder, and instructor of the international courses "Sustainable and Ethical," and author of the book “Ecosymbolism: The Art and Ethics of Tattooing.”
Mariia exclusively works with eco-friendly products, particularly vegan inks, which contain no animal-derived ingredients. She minimizes resource consumption, conserving water and electricity, and reducing waste.
She developed her own tattooing style called “Ecosymbolism,” centered around care for the environment and maintaining purity both around and within oneself—body and soul. This direction has been enthusiastically embraced by the expert community and has become a global trend. She has personally created over 3,000 eco-tattoos.
Ecosymbolism
“Ecosymbolism in tattooing is a style that blends elements of nature and symbolism. It allows for the expression of profound ideas and feelings connected to the environment. This style often includes depictions of animals, plants, and natural phenomena, emphasizing the human connection to nature and reflecting their ecological values and awareness,” explains Mariia Avinova.
According to the artist, every element in an eco-tattoo represents a person’s bond with nature. For instance, a tree with roots symbolizes a deep connection with ancestors, while flowers represent purity of soul. Each flower carries its own meaning, and when combined into a specific "bouquet," they hold a special significance for the individual.
"Animals also carry unique associations, and for some, they become totems. People believe that if they tattoo an image of a fox, for example, they will gain its cunning," says Mariia Avinova.
Mariia Avinova detailed the philosophy and practice of her style in her book, “Ecosymbolism: The Art and Ethics of Tattooing,” where she also explores the principles of sustainability and ethics in tattooing. Entire chapters are dedicated to the art of interpreting and conveying deep meanings through small images.
“Readers of my book will not only learn about the importance of harmonious coexistence with nature, but also study the techniques for creating unique tattoos, and understand the profound meanings of plants, animals, and abstract states—like wind, hurricanes, rainstorms, and fire,” says Mariia Avinova. Tattoo artists worldwide use this book as a reference.
Tattoos by Mariia Avinova are preferred by those who do not wish to cover their bodies with large images but dream of encapsulating their most beautiful and touching stories in tiny symbols.
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