Our Mission
Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective is a trailblazing queer-women-owned tattoo studio and art gallery in Vancouver, B.C., established in 2001. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing space for artistic expression that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for body art, where artists and clients from all walks of life can feel valued and inspired. Liquid Amber blends a high-quality tattoo studio with a vibrant art gallery, showcasing the talents of our resident and guest tattoo artists, as well as local visual artists. Through our ART SOCIAL events, we transform our space into a dynamic art market and community hub, actively supporting and celebrating local visual artists.
Our Origin Story
Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective was born from a spark of inspiration during a journey to Paris in 2000. Co-founders Justina Kervel and Luvia Petersen met tattoo artist Phillipine of Kaplan Art Studio, which ignited their vision to elevate the presence of women in the tattoo industry.
By the summer of 2001, when women tattoo artists were rare in Vancouver, Justina and Luvia opened Liquid Amber's doors in the Kitsilano area. After a few years, they relocated to Burrard and Davie, and in 2010, the studio found a home in the historic Gastown district for the next 12 years. In February 2022, Liquid Amber moved to a bright, accessible space in the culturally vibrant neighborhood of ‘The Drive,’ now situated at 902 Commercial Drive in Vancouver.
From its humble beginnings with Justina as the sole artist, Liquid Amber has blossomed into a thriving community. Over the past two decades, Justina has mentored 13 apprentices, and many talented tattooers have joined the ever-growing Liquid Amber family.
Meet Our Artists
Justina Kervel, owner & co-founder, has apprenticed over 13 artists, tattoos in a variety of styles.
Ashley Horncastle, an artist of diverse styles, has been a resident with us since 2014.
Milo Marcelo, a skilled artist from Toronto started as our guest and became a resident artist in early 2015.
Diana Lin, who completed her apprenticeship under Justina in April 2017.
Amelia Vogan, our resident cosmetic tattooer since 2018, who expanded into art-based tattoos in July 2020.
Ania Ray, who joined us in March 2019 after relocated to Canada from Belarus.
Alina Balahurchyk, a Ukrainian artist who moved to Canada in 2023.
Adrian Cier, an internationally renowned artist, originally from Spain, joined us as a resident artist in 2023.
Miranda Boire, a resident artist with us from 2016-2022, rejoining in July 2024 after a stint in Ottawa.
Helen, from Taiwan, apprenticed in Toronto and moves to Vancouver in August 2024 with a passion for revitalizing tattoos.
Angel (Nembone), owned a tattoo studio in Chile and has been tattooing since 2008
Liquid Amber also hosts guest artists from around the world, fostering a dynamic and eclectic environment for artistic growth.
Our Support Team
When you reach out to our studio, you’ll be greeted by our knowledgeable front-of-house team: Heather, Emma, Quetzalli, Holly-Ann, Jessica, and Jessie. They are here to ensure your tattoo experience is smooth and enjoyable.
