Indelible art that’s about “self-care, healing, celebration, mourning and expression”
Tattoo artist Bee Smyth resides in Dawson City where, all summer long, locals and tourists can get a unique northern tattoo. Smyth is the artist and owner/operator of Double Denim Tattoo and an English-Irish immigrant who has been in Canada for 14 years and who has been calling the Yukon home for eight years. She started her tattoo business in Dawson City in September 2022 and has since flourished in providing an exceptional experience for her clients.
“I love how my previous career in wellness and support work plays such a significant role through tattooing,” said Smyth, adding that “getting tattooed, for many, can be used as a great tool for self-care, healing, celebration, mourning and expression.”
For a tattoo artist, a client relationship is important to foster trust and to ensure an exceptional piece of artwork. “I love seeing clients beam when we’re done with our session,” said Smyth. “I see them walk out of the studio feeling good in themselves and hope that they feel that they are, in fact, ‘art.’”
Here we get to know Smyth and her business more intimately …
What made you want to be a tattoo artist? As a young child, my older brother’s friends would tell me I should be a tattoo artist. I would often find myself daydreaming in school whilst drawing elaborate designs on my hands and arms. As an adult, the goal was to be my own boss within a creative career, one that would bring me contentment and joy—and to be able to connect with others creatively.
Have you always wanted to be a tattoo artist? As a younger adult, my focus was on travelling and working: for many years I worked supporting children and youth; and also in Europe, within the ski industry. After immigrating to Canada and putting down roots in the Yukon, being a tattoo artist blossomed into a dream of mine.
I’m an established artist in both painting and pyrography (wood burning). I participated in the Fireweed [Community] Market for many summers in Whitehorse, selling my art, which was a great little community to be a part of.
I‘ve created many commissioned pieces of art, from day-school signs to memorial portraits to huge-space wolf paintings, which are my two favourite things combined—wolves and space! I have had my art exhibited in the ODD Gallery in Dawson City, in Carcross and twice at the federation of Canadian Artists Gallery (in Vancouver), and I hope for further exhibitions in both The Yukon and in B.C. in the coming years.
Why tattoo in Dawson City? Dawson City is a unique and special place. My partner grew up in Dawson and we moved there a few years back. We both have summer businesses in town. At that time, there was no tattoo studio in Dawson City. I felt there was an opportunity to provide the community with a safe, welcoming, health-inspected, hygienic space to be tattooed.
Can you tell me about your studio? The studio is within the historic Monte Carlo building on Front Street. Inside, think Victorianesque, gold-rush-era decor with a focus on good vibes, inclusive of age, race and gender. I’m also very excited to be able to offer a guest artist station within the studio. I believe the community deserves to have an established tattoo parlour where multiple talented artists can come and provide people with their unique tattooing styles.
What is your favourite tattoo? There have been many for different and unique reasons, such as memorial pieces and artwork that represent significant moments of achievements in people’s lives … but, if I had to choose one right now, I’d say my favourite piece is the largest one I have done so far, which was for a client who flew to Dawson, especially, for a full back piece. It was such a unique concept. She asked me to design it, and I have to say I was quite nervous about the design brief as it was intricate and wonderfully bizarre.
I loved it once I showed the client her design, and she expressed that it was everything she had envisioned. This piece took twelve hours of ink to skin, over two sessions. I’m definitely really proud of that piece of art and I know the client absolutely adores it.
Are you open year-round or only in the summer? I started off being open year-round and, since this winter, my partner and I are spending winters in southern B.C. where I am expanding my knowledge and skills in the artistry of tattooing, and broadening my horizons as an artist.
How can people contact you? I have a website, doubledenimtattoo.ca, and there is a link for booking and inquiries on the website. People can also visit social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram: the handle is double denim tattoo.
Where do you see your business in five years? I would love to become a tattoo travel destination! I’d love to be able to bring on a local young Dawsonite as an apprentice.
For more information or to book, visit doubledenimtattoo.ca, email
[email protected] or visit 1072 Front Street (right-side entrance of the Monte Carlos), open daily from noon to 8 p.m. and closed Mondays.
