He Lives, Breathes, and Bleeds Art The Story of Evaldas Gulbinas

Some people spend their whole lives searching for their passion. Evaldas Gulbinas never had that problem.

Born in Kėdainiai, Lithuania, and now making waves in London, he was drawn to art before he even knew what it meant to be an artist. Whether it was a pencil, a paintbrush, or eventually a tattoo needle, Gulbinas didn’t just create art, he lived and breathed it.

But his journey wasn’t smooth. It was filled with late nights, relentless work, and moments where everything nearly fell apart. And yet, through it all, he built something truly one-of-a-kind, a career that blends the worlds of fine art and tattooing, proving that creativity has no limits.

A Childhood Defined by Art

While most kids were out riding bikes or playing video games, Gulbinas was immersed in art. At seven, he was already sketching and experimenting with different techniques. By thirteen, he had enrolled in Kėdainiai Art School, diving deep into sculpture, painting, and mixed media.

But even then, he wanted more.

In 2007, he moved to Vilnius to study at the M.K. Čiurlionis National Art School, one of Lithuania’s most prestigious art institutions. There, he honed his skills in life drawing and avant-garde techniques, unknowingly laying the foundation for the bold, unconventional style he’d become known for.

But no school could have prepared him for what came next.

The Unexpected Turn That Changed Everything

In 2009, London called.

The city’s energy was electric, chaotic, and filled with opportunities. But it wasn’t easy. Away from home, juggling studies and side gigs, he had to fight for every inch of progress.

Then he discovered tattooing.

At first, it was just something interesting, something different. But as he started experimenting, he realized that tattooing wasn’t just a job, it was an extension of his art. The idea of putting something permanent on someone’s skin, something deeply personal, fascinated him.

He threw himself into it, taking apprenticeships, working long hours, and learning everything he could. It paid off.

His ability to blend abstract pop-art surrealism with avant-garde tattoo techniques set him apart. His tattoos weren’t just designs, they were stories, emotions, pieces of living art.

The Struggle No One Saw Coming

Balancing a burgeoning tattoo career and a desire to make it as a fine artist wasn’t easy.

While working in tattoo parlors, he was also pursuing formal art education, first at West Thames College, then earning a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the University of Westminster in 2019.

By day, he was creating inked masterpieces on skin. By night, he was in his studio, painting, sculpting, and experimenting with digital art. There was no off switch.

Until his body forced one.

The pressure of constantly pushing himself to the limit took a toll. The stress, the perfectionism, the endless work, it all crashed down on him. He ended up hospitalized, struggling with exhaustion, anxiety, and medication-induced hallucinations.

For the first time in his life, he had to stop.

And that’s when he learned his most valuable lesson, art isn’t just about working harder, it’s about working with intention.

After taking time to rebuild himself, he went back stronger. In 2022, he completed a Master’s in Fine Arts at Chelsea College of Arts, not just with more knowledge, but with a new perspective on what truly mattered.

A Career That Defies Categories

Today, Gulbinas refuses to be pigeonholed.

He is a fine artist, a tattooist, a sculptor, a mixed media creator. He moves between worlds, taking skills from one discipline and injecting them into another.

His metal sheet engravings, where he combines sculpture and painting, have become his signature, attracting attention from art lovers worldwide. His tattoos continue to push the limits of what body art can be.

And the world is noticing.

His work has been featured in top publications, including:

• AATONAU Magazine
• NYK Daily
• London Daily Post
• Artist Weekly
• Hudson Weekly

He has exhibited across the UK, Italy, and Canada, with standout showcases like:

• "Sisyphean" – Fitzrovia Art Gallery, London (2022)
• "Perception" – Koppel 540 Art Gallery, London (2021)
• "Be Rosso Cinabro" – Rosso Cinabro Art Gallery, Rome (2021)

And in 2024, his groundbreaking work earned him The Premier Artist Prize, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

A Mentor, A Creator, A Movement

Despite everything he’s achieved, Gulbinas isn’t just about his own success, he wants to lift others up too.

Through mentorship programs, workshops, and collaborations, he helps emerging artists break free from traditional molds and embrace their creativity fearlessly.

His advice?

"Don’t chase perfection. Chase expression. Art isn’t about following rules, it’s about breaking them."

What’s Next for Evaldas Gulbinas?

Gulbinas isn’t slowing down. Not even close.

From digital art to large-scale installations, he’s constantly pushing into new creative frontiers. His vision is bigger than just producing art, it’s about starting conversations, challenging perspectives, and making people feel something real.

One thing is clear, he’s not here to fit into the art world, he’s here to change it.

And he’s just getting started.