At the tender age of six, Evaldas Gulbinas picked up a pencil and began to draw castles—a creative spark that would shape his life and career. While other children played outside in the warmth of the Lithuanian sun, Gulbinas was deeply absorbed in the world of art, nurturing a passion that would eventually take him from small-town Kedainiai to the vibrant streets of London. His journey from fine art to tattooing is a testament to his commitment to self-expression and relentless pursuit of creativity.
Early Beginnings in Lithuania
Gulbinas’ first formal step into the art world began at Kedainiai Art School in Lithuania, where he honed his skills before enrolling in the prestigious M.K. Čiurlionis National School of Art in Vilnius. This early education laid the foundation for his artistic career, instilling in him a love for creativity that transcended traditional boundaries.
The Move to London and the World of Skateboarding
After completing his studies in Lithuania, Gulbinas moved to London, United Kingdom, a city where he discovered a deep passion for skateboarding and urban art. The vibrant street art scene in London mirrored the adrenaline and freedom he experienced while skating, forging a connection between the two. Unfortunately, a knee ligament injury curtailed his skateboarding days, but it also opened a new door: tattooing.
“I fell in love with tattooing because it was a perfect mixture of my fine art background and street art influences. Skateboarding and street art are intertwined, and I see tattooing as an extension of that culture,” Gulbinas recalls.
Apprenticeship and Art Studies in London
Gulbinas began his tattooing career by taking on apprenticeships at tattoo parlours throughout London. Simultaneously, he pursued his academic interests, enrolling in the Foundation in Art and Design at West Thames College. The course introduced him to life drawing, mixed media work, sculpture, installations, and multimedia art.
“I was thrilled by unlocking the potential of new technologies in art,” Gulbinas says. “The intersection of tattooing and my academic studies created new styles and techniques that I could apply to both.”
Evolving as a Fine Artist: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to refine his craft, Gulbinas continued his academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Art – Mixed Media at the University of Westminster. During this time, he exhibited his work across various galleries while continuing to develop as a tattoo artist. His work flourished as he merged elements of traditional fine art with his tattooing practice.
His creative freedom reached new heights when he pursued a Master’s degree in Fine Art at the University of the Arts London. Surrounded by like-minded artists, Gulbinas thrived in an environment that pushed him to think conceptually and explore new artistic forms.
“I met so many incredible people, many of whom remain close friends today,” he reflects. “I exhibited more art and learned so much about the conceptual side of art. It was a fantastic experience.”
The Creative Balance: Tattooing and Fine Art
Throughout his academic journey, Gulbinas never stopped tattooing. He found joy in balancing the demands of his studies with his tattoo work, seeing both as a way to stay creative and constantly challenge himself. “It’s like playing a game,” he says. “You have to stay super active to achieve the best results.”
After completing his Master’s, Gulbinas returned to Vilnius, Lithuania, where he found a sense of calm while continuing to create both art and tattoos. “It feels like I’m in a relaxed mode here, but I’m always busy keeping my mind sharp and my art alive.”
A Life of Artistic Exploration
Today, Evaldas Gulbinas continues to travel, create art, and tattoo with the same passion he discovered as a child drawing castles. His work, whether on canvas or skin, is a testament to his belief in constant growth, exploration, and creativity.
“I love to go to new places, experience new things, and see what’s going to happen. Art and tattoos keep me alive and make me happy.”
Evaldas Gulbinas’ story is one of dedication to art in all its forms. His journey reflects the power of adaptation, creative exploration, and the pursuit of one’s passion, no matter where it leads.
