Leather is a noble material of great charm, decorated and transformed over the centuries. Leather craftsmen have long been making true works of art, dyeing, painting and carving it. But fashion and art have no limits, and the real revolution is tattoos. Tattoos have been employed by many cultures, accompanying humans for much of their existence by representing both a kind of identity card for the individual and a rite of passage. Now, the tattoo can also accompany you in clothing or decor, thanks to Elena Lodi's achievements. In this article we will discover her history and the art of tattooing on alligator skin.
A little history..
Having always been fascinated by the world of colors, creativity and fashion, Elena entered the fashion world working as a salesperson for 18 years for a few shoe and leather goods boutiques, eventually managing two in Lombardy and Tuscany. In 2006, her meeting with Olga Berluti allowed her to renew her passion for color by directing the Finishing Atelier of the prestigious men's luxury Maison Berluti, creating and researching new patina techniques on exotic and non-exotic leathers. Driven by curiosity, Elena developed the technique of tattooing on calfskin, and it was at this moment that her art began. Several months of trials and failures, but ten years later, she invents a unique tattoo technique: tattooing on crocodile skin. He then revolutionized the mix of colors used for the calf and studied how he could give three-dimensionality to his work. One of the many difficulties lies precisely in the particular three-dimensionality given by the scales and inter-scales, which makes it necessary to do the work with absolute precision and skill.
How processing takes place
The hides are first grade crocodile niloticus, sourced from ethically managed farms, taking care of animal welfare and the environment. The leather, previously treated in the tannery, arrives in the white workshop. And it is at this moment that the artistic process begins: the crocodile is transformed into the client's desires, going freehand to tattoo the desired subject. She can thus represent a tiger, a lion, figures from the Oriental tradition, pets, portraits and much more. Elena does not create a catalog of tattoos, precisely to give the client the opportunity to best express her desire.
The background, is colored by hand using a technique called patina. Finally, a fixative is placed on the tattoo, which will make the artwork eternal.
Each artwork is unique. Luxury items such as handbags, shoes, and interior design items such as sofas, paintings are thus tattooed and patinated.
Make your objects unique
Elena Lodi creates true works of art on calfskin and crocodile leather, fulfilling customers' requests. To all her subjects she gives a touch of Light and Life, so you can make your objects such as bags, suitcases, but also interior design items such as furniture, doors, cover panels, sofas unique. Give free rein to your imagination, contact me.
