Art in Varying Forms
A corner of art in the gallery-style space of Red Lion Tattoo, home of 4030 Studio’s in Cleveland. Photo credit: Spencer Payton.
In between the bustle of business and the fast-paced nature of life, it can be difficult to remember that taking a moment to be creative is not a luxury or a task, but a necessity for human expression, and even self-care. It can be difficult to remember that art exists in every facet of the world, and there are dedicated communities of people that immerse themselves in this creativity to its fullest.
Art, coupled with the freedom of self-expression, have many purposes. Studies show it propels brain development and growth, as well as increases the development of language. It can lower stress levels, help with processing emotions, encourage creative thinking, and increases one’s ability to concentrate.
License tags displayed in a contemporary style as an archway leading into the Tattoo parlor of Red Lion. Photo credit: Spencer Payton.
Aside from the science of how art makes serotonin go crazy, it also serves as an emotional release, or something to mold into a career. Whether a painting on a canvas or spray paint on a mural; whether it’s the jeans you wear or the book you read in high school, there is art in everything
Art History: Media, Mediums, Movements at KSU
Kent State University is known for its fashion program, having one of the strongest programs in North America. Students such as Sophomore Fashion Design student Zoe Geiser came to Kent State specifically to seize growth from the program’s resources and opportunities, such as the annual Fabric Pantry Fashion Show. This year’s show and theme, Art History: Media, Mediums, Movements, inspired her, as well as her model, Sophomore Fashion Merchandising student Ella Kinman.
See a complete timeline of the historical KSU Fashion Merchandising and Design program here.
The Red Lion of Cleveland
A view of Tiny Shop: Episode II at Red Lion Tattoo, performed by Cleveland artist and rapper Malik X. Photo credit: Spencer Payton.
DAYZWHUN of Red Lion Tattoo and 4030 Studios completing a piece for the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Photo credit: Spencer Payton.
One hour away, on 4030 St. Clair, Dayzwhun of Red Lion Tattoo is further along in his artistry. No longer a student, Dayz is now a mentor to his community, capitalizing on his time in the music, art, and poetry scene in Cleveland.
Dayzwhun has been creating art professionally since before he could drive, moving from spray painting mural and pieces for his community to brighten the face of his city at the age of 13 to tattooing, having his own shop, Red Lion Tattoo, by 2013. Through his years as a business owner and creative, he has crafted his shop into a space that can not only hold his community’s attention, but draw it in with its celebration of the arts.
The crowd of Red Lion Tattoo’s Tiny Shop: Episode II after the main performance. The air is still alight with chatter, buzz, and excitement. Photo credit: Spencer Payton.
“I believe [Red Lion] is something that evolved. I always did say that if I was ever gonna open my own show, I wasn’t gonna have a wall full of flash.” He says, insisting that the tattoo’s he and his team create are drawn individually and uniquely, engaging his customers in a more intimate experience with designing the art. “It allows the artist to have more creative control, and it also just shows our ability to create. We’re doing our own artwork.” Dayz says.
From the tattoo’s that are etched into skin to the walls that surround them as they do it, the artists of Red Lion have surrounded their space with creativity in every sense of the word, and continue to spread color throughout Cleveland with 4030 Studios.
“Just like a Seed that you plant, you cannot control the direction that the roots go.”
DAYZWHUN of Red Lion Tattoo
A wall of art in Red Lion Tattoo. The placement of creativity and expression around the shop creates a relationship between art and the shop’s customers. Photo credit: Spencer Payton.
Dayzwhun’s vision for Red Lion Tattoo evolved as his business and network grew, and eventually incorporated the idea of having live sets in the shop as a way to bring music into his space. Tiny Shop, launched in 2024 to celebrate the premier of Cleveland artist Chanelle Kazadi’s album, Mean Mug. Taking the spirit of hip-hop and translating into a way to connect his audience with the artistry of his community, Tiny Shop is the kick back block party that you wander into because you heard the music booming down the street.
“Just being part of the community —part of the hip-hop community, part of the poetry community, part of the dj community—you know? We have networks of people in every sector,” Dayz says. “No one ever heard of doing performances in a tattoo shop.”
Since incorporating Tiny Shop as a regular part of Red Lion business, Dayzwhun has given people a “gallery experience”, and has had performances from artists such as Malik X, Chris Webb, Muamin Collective, Mondo Slade and Minister Hyde, and an upcoming set for Mixxed Rose. The ability to connect art to community is a crucial aspect to maintaining and growing a scene, and this is the result of Dayzwhun’s ability to invest himself not only in his creativity and his business, but also in his crew, and the artists around him.
Christa Freehands, an artist at Red Lion Tattoo, is a creative who impacts this effort, as well as paves her own way with her individuality and passion for the arts. Photo credit: Spencer Payton
Listen to the exclusive interview with Freehands below.
The artists in Northeast Ohio (whether students, full time crafters) are hard at work in developing and refining their art, whether in personal or professional spaces, whether consistent or stagnant.