By Xavier Smerdon
WERRIBEE’S first professional tattoo artist is still going strong after 40 years of spreading the ink.
When Patsy Farrow first learnt the art and business of tattooing four decades ago she had no idea she would be doing it for the rest of her life.
But the founding member and national secretary of the Professional Tattooing Association of Australia said the job still has its ups and downs.
“Sometimes you have your moments and could rip your hair out, but it’s the same with any job I guess,” Ms Farrow said.
Patsy was introduced into the world of tattooing by her husband who passed away seven years later, leaving her with two young children to raise.
But it has been through her work that she has been able to grow as a person.
“It’s the people you meet,” she said.
“I’ve met such incredible people over the years and some of my best friends I’ve met through work.”
Patsy, who has run her own professional studio out of her Werribee house, Tattoo Tapestry, for the past nine years with her business partner Bobby B, said there were still some tattoos she will not do.
“I had a chap who came in and he wanted a toilet,” she said.
“I’m damned if I know why, but I just refused. You have to look at the bigger picture and how it will look down the line.”
Patsy works by appointment only.
