Somatic Good Fortune Brings Tattoo Arts and Crafts to Long Beach

Since its debut in 2014, Somatic Good Fortune has explored Long Beach’s art scene with a revolving series of tattoo artists from all over the world, plus art objects and fine jewelry you can’t find elsewhere. Standing next to its parent company, Somatic Body Piercing, it maintains a cool, edgy, modern vibe thanks to owner Ericka Smicenski’s curatorial displays and decorative sensibilities.

“This one time, an older couple in their sixties from the Midwest was on vacation in Long Beach and just casually walked in to take a look and ended up buying a lot of art,” Smicenski says. “Everyone from rock-star wives to sweet grandmas buy art here.”

Smicenski owned Somatic Body Piercing for more than 20 years before taking over the space next door. With 15 years of curating art shows in the tattoo world under her belt, she aimed to build Good Fortune as a platform for tattoo artists to showcase original, personal art. To do so, she partnered with Andrew Fingerhut of Raking Light Projects, a publisher/retailer of fine art and a like-minded ally who had the same vision of bringing unconventional art to the forefront. Together, they’ve showcased limited-edition etchings, screenprints and paintings by the likes of Valerie Vargas, Bert Krak, Eli Quinters, Mike Roper and others. Once in a while, Smicenski steps out of her comfort zone to host photography exhibitions, including those by legends Edward Colver and John Gilhooley (our dude!).

Besides the art, find yourself some affordable, handcrafted designer jewelry with an edge by makers DMD Metals, Yael Levin and Smicenski’s own shop, Eleven Arrows; there are also specialty items including switchblade necklaces, engraved lighters, belt buckles, aromatic candles, wallets, fine-art books and gorgeous silver body jewelry.

This Saturday, Somatic Good Fortune opens its latest exhibition, “Provocative Squats,” featuring world-renowned tattoo artist and painter Bob Roberts. Come see what interesting treasures you’ll covet for your own personal collection.

“Provocative Squats” at Somatic Good Fortune, 3410 E. Broadway, Long Beach, (562) 434-5555; instagram.com/somaticgoodfortune. Opening reception, Sat., 6-11 p.m. Exhibit runs through May 7.

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