In the heart of Southeast Portland, tattoo artist Ruby Gore works diligently in her studio, Black Thorne Tattoo, crafting an imposing harpy eagle tattoo for her client, Selena Barnish.
As she cuts and tapes together printed pages to form the eagle design, Gore emphasizes the importance of ensuring the tattoo is the right size before applying it to Barnish’s skin.
With excitement filling the air, Barnish shares her admiration for the harpy eagle, a creature she describes as magnificent, with claws resembling those of a bear.
This transformation from paper to skin is a testament to Gore’s artistic skill, honed through her passion for scientific illustration and nature-inspired tattoo work.
But there’s more to this collaboration than just artistry—Gore is also Barnish’s mentor, guiding her through the intricacies of becoming a tattoo artist.
Barnish’s journey into the tattoo world began at art school in Philadelphia, triggered by a personal experience when her mother underwent a double mastectomy due to breast cancer.
She came across a stunning scar cover-up tattoo depicting a fairy scene—a moment that illuminated a path for her, compelling her to reach out to Ruby Gore for guidance.
Gore, known for her specialty in scar cover-up tattoos and a trauma-aware approach to tattooing, welcomed Barnish with open arms.
This specialty emerged from Gore’s first experience of covering a client’s stretch marks—a challenging yet rewarding process that spurred her to explore the nuances of tattooing on scarred skin.
Through careful observation and practice, she began to understand the intricacies of different scar textures, leading her to develop a successful technique for covering both self-harm scars and other types of scars.
Gore emphasizes the importance of communication and careful consideration when dealing with sensitive areas, often meeting clients face-to-face to assess the unique characteristics of their scars.
Her ability to create tattoos that not only cover scars but also help transform clients’ narratives is deeply meaningful.
The personal stories she hears from clients further drive her passion for this work, revealing how significant a successful cover-up tattoo can be in a person’s healing journey.
For many, these tattoos signify a new beginning, a transition away from past pain, and a way to reclaim their bodies from the scars of self-harm.
Gore recounts an emotional encounter with a client who expressed profound relief after having a successful tattoo cover-up, sharing how their family now viewed the tattoos as expressions of art rather than points of pain.
This has reinforced Gore’s belief in the power of tattoos to act as symbols of healing and empowerment.
Gore’s approach to trauma-aware tattooing extends beyond just covering scars; it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment for clients.
From the initial booking process to the actual tattooing session, she strives to maintain an inclusive atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable and respected.
She discusses the importance of clear communication, consent, and accommodations—everything from ensuring the client feels safe to offering breaks during the process as needed.
This compassionate approach stands in stark contrast to older traditions in the tattoo industry that often overlooked the emotional needs of clients.
Ruby Gore’s career unfolded amidst her desire to escape a mundane office job she held in Portland.
With a background in graphic design, she eventually decided to follow her lifelong passion for tattoo artistry, despite her initial reservations about entering a predominantly male industry.
Upon discovering a local tattoo school in Portland and with encouragement from friends, she took the leap of faith and became a tattoo artist, adopting the name Ruby Gore—a nod to her past as a roller derby athlete.
Her first experiences as an artist included tattooing friends and drawing on herself, eventually culminating in a deep commitment to her craft.
In 2022, after years spent working in Philadelphia, Gore moved back to Oregon and invited Selina Barnish to join her there.
Now living together as more than just artist and mentee, they share a familial bond as Barnish prepares to begin her career at Black Thorne Tattoo upon completing her training.
As Barnish eagerly anticipates her new tattoo of the harpy eagle, she reflects on the impact that Gore has had on her growth and aspirations as a tattoo artist.
She hopes to harness her future talents in a similar manner, helping clients find healing and transformation through their tattoos.
As Gore expertly works on the tattoo, Barnish feels the sensation akin to repetitive cat scratches, but she remains resolute, thinking of the future and the significance of this piece in her life’s journey.
This experience epitomizes the blend of artistry, mentorship, and healing that defines Ruby Gore’s work in the tattoo industry.
image source from：https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/31/at-work-with-oregon-tattoo-artist-heal-trauma-tattoos-cover-ups/
