Region Category: All of Manitoba

In 2012, I graduated from The University of British Columbia with a BFA in Creative Writing. Since then, my written work has been published in Canadian anthologies and literary magazines such as onecoolword, CV2, Prairie Fire, Poetry is Dead, The Winnipeg Free Press, and Oratorealis.

While attending classes at UBC, I was introduced to spoken word and performance poetry through the Vancouver Poetry Slam community and my writing was forever changed. Since moving back home to Winnipeg in Treaty One Territory, I’ve built a presence in the local community as a fixture on stage at the Winnipeg Poetry Slam where I am also its co-artistic director.

As the former Winnipeg Individual Slam Champion, Grand Slam Champion, and Uniter 30 Favourite Writer, I’ve featured on stages at local writers, spoken word, improv and fringe festivals – the latter for which I’ve produced multiple engaging shows. I’ve also toured the nation, featuring on various community and festival stages like the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, The Victoria Spoken Word Festival, and The Saskatoon Poetic Arts Festival.

As a mentor I’ve facilitated various groups and workshops via programs with The Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, Creative Manitoba, The Manitoba Writers Guild, and Poetry in Voice, and have developed lesson plans for classroom residencies with the Manitoba Arts Council’s Artists in Schools Program, where I empower students to explore their self-expression and community building through spoken word poetry.

Hi! My name is Allison, and I am a professional tattooer working at Albert Street Tattoo — but I’m also a multi-disciplinary artist, illustrator and visual storyteller. My work is known for its high level of detail and vibrant use of colour, ranging from serious science-based illustration, colourful nature pieces, queer or neurodivergent affirmations to silly pop-culture and video game tattoos. Picking one focus has never been easy for me — I am always learning new skill and mediums, both traditionally and digitally.

I have education from RRC’s graphic design and adv. graphic design program, which built a strong foundation for running my tattoo career. Outside of tattooing, I am particularly interested in getting into mural work, augmented and virtual reality experiences, science and art exhibits, and set design (for example, designing a stage for a rave would be incredible, as I am an avid raver)

I am a fantastic communicator, which is a necessary requirement to build some of the high-level concepts I enjoy working on, tattooing or otherwise. My strengths lie in translating complex information into striking visual concepts and experiences. I am always looking to push my brain to create with new mediums or types of art.

If my work and approach speaks to you, let’s connect!