My Skin, My Story
Roger Bartlett
- Sitter: Brock Guymer
- Medium: Photograph
- Dimensions: 51cm x 70cm
- Representation: This artist represents themselves
About the artwork
In this evocative portrait, Brisbane tattoo artist Brock Guymer sits bare-chested in front of an old-fashioned mirror, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on his own reflection. His skin serves as a living canvas, adorned with intricate tattoos that cover his torso, neck, arms and hands, each design carrying its own unique meaning and story. Displayed on his back is a large tattoo of two birds in flight accompanied by the words “True Luv” – a nod to the name of his reputable Sherwood parlour, True Love Tattoo.
“I had a desire to photograph tattooed people. Brock was one of the first people I contacted with the idea… He started his tattoo studio in 2006 and is one of only a handful of tattoo artists in Brisbane whose business is still owned by its original owner.”
The image invites the viewer to consider the stories behind the inked artwork, while the composition draws attention to the intimate encounter between artist and self, emphasising the connection between identity and the body as a medium of expression.
About the artist
Roger Bartlett is a self-taught emerging portrait photographer based in Brisbane. With a passion for photography as a powerful storytelling medium, he creates fine art photographic prints designed to capture and hold the viewer’s attention. Bartlett’s work explores the depth of human expression and connection. He was shortlisted for the Olive Cotton Award in 2025.
