Tanya R Loewen

The trumpeter swan is the largest native water foul species in North America, driven to near extinction by early hunters, they’ve made a magnificent comeback over the last 100 years.
Folklore deeply associates them with loyalty, marital fidelity, and deep soulful connections, as they mate for life. These birds represent the spiritual journey from awkwardness to magnificence. Philosophers like Plato and poets like Ovid wrote that swans remained quiet in life, releasing a sad and lovely funeral song at the hour of death, also known as the “Swan Song.” (since proven untrue)
Growing up in Matsqui Prairie, I’ve been fortunate to have spent many days watching Trumpeter Swans sitting in the watery lows of the fields, singing, eating, and running across the surface of the water, before taking flight. Such a treat to have made this tattoo of one of my favourite birds, for a very kind, longtime patron of mine GREY TIDE | tattoos | aftercare |

I’m Potassiummaxxing 🍌and I’d love to make some silly banana themed tattoos. Email me to book. [email protected]
GREY TIDE | tattoos | aftercare |

You’ve probably noticed by now, that I truly enjoy cover up work. They are empowering, both for artist and client. They push my capabilities, and allow the wearer to feel like they are back in charge of their body.
This peony is a cover up, and a story of rebirth, and finding happiness again. I’m so proud of the person wearing it, she is so strong.
Made thoughtfully GREY TIDE | tattoos | aftercare |
MY BOOK OPENS SOON, please follow along for the most up to date information as this approaches!

Yellow and red-orange stamens fill quiet areas with a burst of colour and texture

Waxy dark green leaves frame the flower

I’ve been really into red carpel in the centre of my peony work lately.

Plasma blooming on the surface of the tattoo. This always tickles my brain.

This piece contains a tricky cover up that had really well tattooed lettering. The cleaner and darker the line work, the harder it is to cover imo

The peony wraps from the back of the bottom towards the front of the hip, while keeping a nice vertical presentation, which is more flattering on the body. It’s important to me that my designs flow with the body they’re on. Not changing the body, just highlighting its beauty.

POV style video from our last session.
When having your hip tattooed, a pair of baggy sweats are your best pal, allowing you to stay warm while having the working area exposed.

There is always a way to get tattooed in more intimate areas without being fully exposed. I am always happy to help my clients find a way to plan this, and I will always close the window curtains and put up a byōbu (screen) for client comfort.

Big thank you to my apprentice Franklyn Lefty for taking these thoughtful videos on our last session of this project.

Sunshine like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.
~Maud Hart Lovelace
GREY TIDE | tattoos | aftercare |
My book officially opens end of August, and I’m booking clients for Nov-Feb.
I have a few random dates available in August due to our Montana road trip moving to fall. I just have August 11, 25, 26 left. If you’re interested in one of these dates, please send me an email. [email protected]

GREY TIDE’S OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS 5th BIRTHDAY BASH IS APPROACHING!! SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13th!
I’d love to see you there, it’s family friendly! Show your kiddos where you get your tattoos! We are having a small local vendor market in the courtyard, flash tattoos, and live music in the courtyard in the evening! Details are posted on GREY TIDE | tattoos | aftercare | socials!

I will be tattooing at the Taste of Abby Fall Festival festival this fall. This is a ticketed event and was hugely successful last year. I’ll be tattooing my fellow foodies again!

“Composed of the cosmos above and the soil below, beautifully captured through the twin lenses of stellar birth and fungal connection.“ This tattoo tickled my brain in every way. My client brought me a doodle of her concept, and from it, we collided ideas together and I created this (imo) incredible design! I love everything about this project- from the floating stardust hair, to the fetal position she floats in, and her one toe touching the earth, communicating with the mycelium network, it brings me great joy to share this, in its completed form, with those of you who support my work. Swipe to the end to see her original reference image! I think we did do great with this one.
Made at mellow GREY TIDE | tattoos | aftercare | in Historic Downtown Abbotsford
My book opens end of summer, and I’ll be booking for late October- January. Please follow for updates! I would love to tattoo you! I love tattooing so much!
Come visit me at Grey Tide Tattoos 5TH BIRTHDAY BASH Sunday September 13th!!

Finished this gorgeous cover up the other day! I love how velvety these vintage purples look!
Have a tattoo idea you’d like to chat about? Email me! [email protected]
My book opens in September, and I’ll be booking October- January. Im known for my botanicals, but make almost all styles of tattoos!