The Prisoner, known for its bold and unconventional luxury wines, unveils its latest collaboration with renowned tattoo artist Melina Wendlandt, also known as @xoxotattoo. The unique bottle label and matching gift box for The Prisoner Red Blend stands for courage and innovation and represents creative freedom and rebellion against convention. Melina, known for her delicate, minimalist tattoos, has created a series of small abstractions that are characterised by their lightness and organic shapes. The tattoos capture the essence of wine by visualising the idea of movement, freedom and individuality - all qualities that are strongly represented in both Melina's art and The Prisoner brand. Only 999 bottles available.
We spoke with Melina Wendlandt about the collaboration, her inspirations for designing The Prisoner limited edition label and gift box, and also the challenges she faces as a tattoo artist.
Q: What parallels do you see between your art and The Prisoner brand?
A: There are several parallels between my art and The Prisoner brand. Both share a commitment to breaking free from conventions and expressing individuality. In my tattoo work, I strive to create unique, personal designs that challenge traditional norms and tell a story. Similarly, The Prisoner brand is known for its bold and unconventional approach to winemaking, breaking away from the traditional and expected. Both my art and The Prisoner embody a spirit of creativity, rebellion, and authenticity, celebrating the freedom to create without boundaries.
Q: Why is this collaboration important to you? What do you like about The Prisoner?
A: This collaboration is important to me because it bridges the gap between two distinct but equally passionate forms of artistry. Working with The Prisoner provides a platform to showcase my work to a broader audience and align with a brand that values boldness and innovation. What I appreciate about The Prisoner is their dedication to crafting wines that defy tradition and expectation. Their willingness to push boundaries and embrace the unconventional resonates deeply with my own creative approach. This collaboration is a celebration of our shared commitment to fearless expression and artistic excellence.
Q: Tattoo is a permanent art form – how does this influence you as an artist?
A: Being a tattoo artist means creating art that becomes a permanent part of someone's life. This permanence influences me to approach each design with great care and thoughtfulness, ensuring it resonates deeply with the individual. It drives me to maintain high standards of quality and precision, knowing the lasting impact of my work. This responsibility also fuels my creativity, pushing me to develop unique and meaningful designs that clients will cherish for a lifetime. The permanence of tattoo art underscores the importance of every detail and decision in my creative process.
Q: Where do draw inspiration from?
A: I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including design, interior architecture, and the abstract. The clean lines and innovative structures in architecture, along with the creative use of space and form in interior design, deeply influence my artistic approach. Abstract art, with its emphasis on emotion and interpretation, inspires me to push boundaries and explore new concepts. By blending these elements, I can create unique, thought-provoking designs that resonate on a personal and visual level.
Q: Why did you choose tattoo as your medium?
A: I chose tattooing as my medium because it allows me to transform my passion for art into a deeply personal and meaningful experience for others. Creating art that becomes a permanent part of someone's body is incredibly powerful and fulfilling. It’s a unique way to connect with people, share stories, and make a lasting impact through my designs. Tattooing challenges me creatively and technically, and I’m grateful every day to practice an art form that I love and am passionate about.
Q: Of all the challenges you’ve taken on so far, which one has been the most daunting?
A: Of all the challenges I've taken on so far, the most daunting has been proving myself as a tattoo artist, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. It was difficult to find support and recognition for my decision to become a tattoo artist, and in the early days, I often faced skepticism and was not taken seriously. However, these challenges fueled my determination to excel and push the boundaries of my craft. Overcoming these obstacles has made me more resilient and has reinforced my passion for tattooing, allowing me to build a successful career doing what I love.
We spoke with Melina Wendlandt about the collaboration, her inspirations for designing The Prisoner limited edition label and gift box, and also the challenges she faces as a tattoo artist.
Q: What parallels do you see between your art and The Prisoner brand?
A: There are several parallels between my art and The Prisoner brand. Both share a commitment to breaking free from conventions and expressing individuality. In my tattoo work, I strive to create unique, personal designs that challenge traditional norms and tell a story. Similarly, The Prisoner brand is known for its bold and unconventional approach to winemaking, breaking away from the traditional and expected. Both my art and The Prisoner embody a spirit of creativity, rebellion, and authenticity, celebrating the freedom to create without boundaries.
Q: Why is this collaboration important to you? What do you like about The Prisoner?
A: This collaboration is important to me because it bridges the gap between two distinct but equally passionate forms of artistry. Working with The Prisoner provides a platform to showcase my work to a broader audience and align with a brand that values boldness and innovation. What I appreciate about The Prisoner is their dedication to crafting wines that defy tradition and expectation. Their willingness to push boundaries and embrace the unconventional resonates deeply with my own creative approach. This collaboration is a celebration of our shared commitment to fearless expression and artistic excellence.
Q: Tattoo is a permanent art form – how does this influence you as an artist?
A: Being a tattoo artist means creating art that becomes a permanent part of someone's life. This permanence influences me to approach each design with great care and thoughtfulness, ensuring it resonates deeply with the individual. It drives me to maintain high standards of quality and precision, knowing the lasting impact of my work. This responsibility also fuels my creativity, pushing me to develop unique and meaningful designs that clients will cherish for a lifetime. The permanence of tattoo art underscores the importance of every detail and decision in my creative process.
Q: Where do draw inspiration from?
A: I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including design, interior architecture, and the abstract. The clean lines and innovative structures in architecture, along with the creative use of space and form in interior design, deeply influence my artistic approach. Abstract art, with its emphasis on emotion and interpretation, inspires me to push boundaries and explore new concepts. By blending these elements, I can create unique, thought-provoking designs that resonate on a personal and visual level.
Q: Why did you choose tattoo as your medium?
A: I chose tattooing as my medium because it allows me to transform my passion for art into a deeply personal and meaningful experience for others. Creating art that becomes a permanent part of someone's body is incredibly powerful and fulfilling. It’s a unique way to connect with people, share stories, and make a lasting impact through my designs. Tattooing challenges me creatively and technically, and I’m grateful every day to practice an art form that I love and am passionate about.
Q: Of all the challenges you’ve taken on so far, which one has been the most daunting?
A: Of all the challenges I've taken on so far, the most daunting has been proving myself as a tattoo artist, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. It was difficult to find support and recognition for my decision to become a tattoo artist, and in the early days, I often faced skepticism and was not taken seriously. However, these challenges fueled my determination to excel and push the boundaries of my craft. Overcoming these obstacles has made me more resilient and has reinforced my passion for tattooing, allowing me to build a successful career doing what I love.
When the first vintage of The Prisoner was released two decades ago as a complex, unconventional blend of some of California’s best and most unusual grape varieties, it broke the traditional rules of winemaking and changed the perception of what a luxury red blend wine could be. It was founded on the philosophy that fearless thinking leads to bold ideas, forsaking the rules for the purpose of progress.
Since then, The Prisoner Wine Company has grown to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs, being recognized by fans and wine critics alike as one of the most bold and innovative wine brands in the market, leading the resurgence of California luxury red blends and earning “cult” wine status.
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