Our Artists
Meet the artist
Kansinee de Graef
Born and raised in the Netherlands to Dutch and Thai parents, Kansinee now works and lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. Here, the salty ocean air drifts in from the Strait of Georgia, mingling with the towering evergreens and the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island. The misty coastal mornings, lush rainforests, and vibrant seasonal shifts offer endless inspiration, each tide and trail bringing fresh creativity to her work as a multimodal artist and Nanaimo tattoo artist.
As a tattoo artist, Kansinee focuses on fine line, floral, and nature-inspired tattoos that flow naturally with the body. Her designs often feature botanical and animal elements, reflecting an appreciation for the quiet elegance of the natural world.
Kansinee's principal mediums beyond tattooing are digital, watercolour, and pencil. Her subjects of interest are vast and evolve alongside her. You will often find she is captivated by themes including the natural world, flowers, plants, mushrooms, femininess, animals, geometrics, fractals, and psychedelics.
Kansinee is experimenting with a diversity of canvases for her art, including indie clothing designs, nature-themed art prints on mulberry paper, and much more!
Travels & Adventures
Kansinee's Artistic Inspirations from World Travel
Kansinee’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by her travels and the places she has called home. She has worked as a tattoo artist in the Netherlands, Mexico, Ecuador, Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, each environment shaping her style in distinct ways. In Mexico, she traveled by bicycle with her tattoo equipment, watercolours, graphite pencils, and iPad on her steel steed, letting each journey unfold into new encounters and lessons. In Newfoundland, the somber charm of “The Rock” provided a backdrop of melancholy and serenity for her art. In Ecuador, the soaring Andes and lush jungles infused her art with a sense of vibrancy and depth. Whether on the Canadian coast, the riverside towns of Ontario, or abroad, her art continues to be inspired by the connection and learning she shares with those she meets.
Connection & Community
Art as a Medium of Expression and Connection
Beyond capturing the natural beauty and delicate intricacies of the world, Kansinee’s work is driven by a desire to create genuine connection through art. She uses her artistic practice to help clients express, honour, and celebrate meaningful moments and emotions in their lives. Each piece is approached as a collaboration, an opportunity to translate stories, histories, and feelings into designs that speak beyond words. Through her fine line, nature-inspired tattoos, Kansinee offers not only art but also a space for reflection, growth, and transformation.
Non-judgement & Inclusive
Creating a Space for Authentic Expression
Through her own journey of discovery and growth, Kansinee has developed a deep passion for fostering connection and transformation through art. This dedication is why creating a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment at Discovery Ink & Art is paramount. Kansinee uses her platform to promote creativity, self-expression, and community connection. She warmly invites individuals who seek to use art and tattoos as a way to honour their stories, express emotion, or celebrate change and individuality.
At Discovery Ink & Art, all bodies and stories are embraced. Kansinee welcomes clients in Dutch, Thai, English, and increasingly, Spanish, ensuring a diverse and inclusive space for all.