BIOGRAPHY

Marlee Watts is one of Hemlock’s original co owners and general manager. She is the person behind the scenes that helps to keep Hemlock running smoothly. Watts has worked in the tattoo industry for 8+ years in a managment positions and started her apprenticeship journey in 2021 under the watchful eyes of her three mentors, Taylor Hudson, Janeen Scott and Geneva Haley. Watts' practice is informed by consent based and trauma aware tattoo training. Watts' work in an illustrative tattoo style and works in both colour and black and grey. She loves utilizing nature imagery, especially fish, amphibians, birds and botanicals.

Watts' interest in body adornment has influenced her artistic practice well beyond tattooing. In 2000 she attended The Alberta University of the Arts to pursue jewellery + metalsmithing which she graduated from in 2015 with honours. Since 2009 she has been running her small jewellery business, North West Jewellery, which is still going strong today.

ABOUT THE SHOP

Hemlock Tattoo is a femme and queer-owned tattoo shop located in Moh’kinsstis (also known as Calgary, AB). Guided by the principles of trauma-informed care and consent-based tattoo training, Hemlock strives to create an environment that fosters healing and empowerment. The shop remains mindful of boundaries, bodily autonomy, and the comfort levels of both clients and staff throughout the tattooing process.

Hemlock employs concrete, tangible conduct procedures to ensure accountability for both artists and clients, providing a framework to address any issues that may arise. These measures include ongoing education, public conduct policies, the establishment of an anonymous conduct email, and third-party reporting system/mediator. Through these initiatives, clients can have peace of mind knowing that their security and comfort remain the shop's top priorities during the tattooing process.

Hemlock stands in solidarity with all marginalized communities, embracing all gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, bodies, skin tones and textures.

For more information visit www.hemlocktattoo.com or our story highlights.