Sublime Sideshow Tattoo Emporium, Hartbeespoort

Bringing over 20 years worth of experience, Candice made the cut as a brilliant tattoo artist the old school way. She did her apprenticeship with the late Anthony (Ant) Simmons, her husband that tragically passed away in 2013.

Being a deeply spiritual artist, she believes that a tattoo should be a reflection of the soul; a form of visual self expression; a spiritual thing…

“I’ve watched this industry grow and push boundaries to become an undeniable art form capable of as much as anyone’s imagination could allow.”

Her work speaks of a solid background in fundamentals, strong artwork and colour saturation with beautiful contrast and soft shading.

“I like beautiful, colourful pieces. People like Corey Miller, Bernie Luther, Guy Aitchison and Freddy Negrete have had a huge impact on my work.”

So where does she draw her inspiration from, you ask?

“I love the odd, the surreal, the rebellious…” She smiles. “Hot rods, lowbrow, sideshows, pin-ups, gypsies, pirates, cowboys, the eclectic probably…”

She also draws a lot of inspiration from her clients, a lot of whom have been with her from the very start. “There is no better feeling than when a client gets up from my stretcher and just glows with pride – that’s what inspires me the most, I guess, creating beautiful art that exceeds my client’s expectations”

And the future?

“Bernardt and I are expanding the new shop to include some amazing tattoo-lifestyle inspired apparel and skin products, all tailored to our client’s needs which will soon hit the shelves. I am also in the process of designing a traditional Japanese bodysuit for him which is a huge project…”

And hates?

“Weeeeeeeeell….. E-tolls and brussel sprouts!