INVITE IMAGINATION. Old North Tattoo artists Garrett Friede (left), Shannen Fredrickson (center) and Shannon Nordin (right) have created 20-plus works of varied scale and imagery, now adorning the walls of SHIFT (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire). Fredrickson and Friede officially joined the shop – owned and headed by Nordin – in 2024.

Tattooing has long been accepted, in many cultures, as its own form of visual art – spanning generations of artists with their own expressive styles and inspirations. A new exhibition from the artists of Old North Tattoo (209 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire) asks viewers to consider tattoo art as something separate from the permanent ink work on our bodies.

Born from late nights with one too many cups of coffee paired with intricate paint brushstrokes, the artists in “Over Caffeinated” view this work as a continuation of their passions beyond occupation alone.

Tattooers Shannon Nordin, Garrett Friede and Shannen Fredrickson have created 20-plus works of varied scale and imagery, now adorning the walls of SHIFT (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

The downtown coffee shop installation features classic Japanese traditional iconography and delicate abstract portraiture. Each ornate piece highlights how these artists bridge the worlds of custom ink work for clients and their own creative journeys.

“My art exists for the purpose of storytelling,” Fredrickson shared with locals during the gallery’s reception on Oct. 9. “The most impactful picture conveys action and feeling – one which requires no explanation, but invites imagination.”

Fredrickson and Friede continue to hone their craft under the guidance of Nordin, a seasoned tattooer whose distinctive work has made its mark across the Chippewa Valley and the wider Midwest for many decades.

Though Old North established its presence in the North Barstow district in 2022, Fredrickson and Friede officially joined the shop – owned and headed by Nordin – in 2024.

“(The gallery) is a way to show the community we care about making physical art: drawing on paper, painting on paper.” –Shannen Fredrickson, tattoo artist with Old North Tattoo

Under the mentorship of Nordin, it comes as no surprise the trio draw influence from each other. He explained that ink work offers an ideal balance of both passion and connection; Old North Tattoo enables each artist to partner directly with clients to bring their long-term visions to life.

Artwork featured in “Over Caffeinated,” also features mirrored stylistic choices from each artist, the trio agreed.

Artwork by Garrett Friede in "Over Caffeinated," pictured.

Artwork by Shannen Fredrickson in "Over Caffeinated," pictured.

Fredrickson crafted three-dimensional wooden structures to display classic bird motifs, whereas Friede highlights bird imagery by leaning into paper textures and cross-stitch decorations.

“(What) has always elevated appreciation for the art is seeing the minor imperfections or the texture of paint and paper,” Nordin said. “You actually have to sit there, paint every single brush stroke and (see) the time invested into all of it.

“That’s very similar to seeing a tattoo,” he continued. “It’s blood, sweat and tears – to be cliché about it.”

“When it comes to hand drawing, I feel like it makes our tattoos better,” Friede added. “Most of the time, we’re drawing stuff (to) size, so we know the power that everything holds in the composition.”

Whether you’re walking into SHIFT for a cup of coffee or to gain inspiration for your next appointment at Old North Tattoo, exhibit viewers are sure to note the exhibit's clear demonstration of deep understanding of – and appreciation for – human-made art.

Akin to the familiar rush of receiving a new tattoo, these area artists are itching for more opportunities to connect through art – as they've done with “Over Caffeinated.”

“The art on the wall (at Old North Tattoo), it’s either all been done by us or people that we know,” Friede said of the Barstow Street studio. “There are connections in everything. I think that’s something special.”

Stencils of previous work at Old North Tattoo, each drawn to scale for the clients.

Fredrickson paints one of the wooden blocks featured in "Over Caffeinated" at the tattoo shop on Barstow Street.

“Over Caffeinated” will be on display at SHIFT (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) through January 2027 • Pieces from the exhibit are available for purchase; buyers can contact each respective artist via social media to inquire • To book an appointment for your latest ink at Old North Tattoo, call (715) 514-1646 or email shannonnordin@gmail.com