Evaldas Gulbinas: From Fine Arts to Tattoo Mastery

Evaldas Gulbinas: From Fine Arts to Tattoo MasteryThe Journey of a Lithuanian Artist Who Combines the Worlds of Ink and Art

Tattoo artist Evaldas Gulbinas (@efka_tattooart) is a name that resonates across the artistic and tattooing communities alike. With a passion for art that began at just six years old, Evaldas has cultivated a unique artistic journey, blending academic fine arts and the urban energy of skateboarding into his tattooing career. His evolution as an artist tells the story of relentless creativity, personal discovery, and the fusion of two seemingly distant worlds: fine art and tattooing.

A Childhood Rooted in Art

Born in Kedainiai, Lithuania, Evaldas’s path toward artistry was clear from the beginning. By the age of six, he had already picked up a pencil and began drawing, and at 13, he took his first steps toward formal training by attending an art school in his hometown. There, he honed his skills in various disciplines, including drawing, sculpture, painting, composition, and textiles, showcasing his artistic versatility. This early exposure laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence.

Mastering the Craft: From Lithuania to London

After completing his early studies in Kedainiai, Evaldas continued his education at the prestigious M.K. Čiurlionis National School of Art in Vilnius, Lithuania. During this time, he also developed a passion for skateboarding. He saw parallels between skateboarding and art, describing both as acts of creation, whether it be painting on a canvas or perfecting a trick on a skateboard.

It was this mindset that Evaldas carried with him when he moved to London, United Kingdom, where his artistic journey truly began to evolve. At West Thames College in London, he completed a Foundation in Art and Design. However, a turning point came when a skateboarding injury led him to reconsider his path. With his knee ligaments torn, Evaldas decided to focus on a new form of art: tattoos.

A Fusion of Skateboarding and Ink

To Evaldas, tattooing was more than just body art. It connected deeply with his background in skateboarding—a countercultural, underground art form—and his academic art studies. His love for tattooing grew, and he took several apprenticeships in London to perfect his craft. His dedication paid off, and soon, he was tattooing professionally in parlors around the UK. For Evaldas, tattooing became an extension of his artistic expression, allowing him to combine his fine art background with the edgy, rebellious spirit of skateboarding.

A Scholar of Art and Tattooing

Evaldas continued to advance his artistic education, completing a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Mixed Media at the University of Westminster, followed by a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London. Throughout his studies, he balanced his academic work with his tattooing career, creating a synergy between the two worlds.

During this period, Evaldas participated in numerous art gallery exhibitions and expanded his client base as a tattoo artist. His work has been praised for its blend of traditional fine art techniques with the bold, intricate designs that define modern tattooing. Each piece of art, whether on canvas or skin, reflects his unique vision and dedication to his craft.

The Future of Evaldas Gulbinas

Evaldas’s artistic journey is far from over. He continues to push the boundaries of his creativity, enjoying every moment of his work as both a fine artist and tattooist. For him, the pursuit of art is endless, and as long as his heart beats, he will continue to create, inspire, and transform the world around him with his ink and vision.

Follow Evaldas Gulbinas on Instagram at @efka_tattooart to see his latest work and the remarkable artistry that continues to evolve with every stroke, whether on canvas or skin.