Jimi May

Jimi May resides in Bondi, Sydney, AUS and was born in 1989. His love for drawing and illustration began at a young age, which inspired him to complete his Bachelor of Fine Art at the National Art School, Sydney majoring in painting. After completing his degree in Fine Art Jimi decided to further his knowledge in the method of Renaissance and journeyed to Florence, Italy learning the technique of the masters.

In 2007 after years of playing guitar through high school bands; Jimi was signed to Sony, Australia as part of Australian rock band outfit ‘Syndicate’. The band recorded their debut album self titled ‘Syndicate’; which was recorded in LA and featured writers and musicians such as Matt Sorum (Guns & Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult), Brent Fitz (SLASH, Alice Cooper), Gil Sharone (Dillinger Escape Plan), Rowan Robertson (DIO) & Jeff Blue (Macy Gray, Limp Bizkit, Linking Park). Their first single ‘Shout’ debuted at #1 on the physical single charts and placed back to position 4 times.

Jimi picked up his first tattoo machine in July, 2011 and became known for his speciality in black and grey human and animal portraiture. Upon finishing his apprenticeship Jimi had already earned himself an outstanding reputation, winning various awards and being approached for multiple publications.

It is Jimi’s artistic skill and loveable personality that saw him head hunted by Network Ten’s ‘Bondi Ink’. The show aired on ‘Channel Eleven’ in July 2015 and has seen rotation ever since with filming for Season 2 wrapped up in June 2016 and due to air later this year. ‘Bondi Ink’ is now owned by Freemantle Media and aired across Australia, UK and South America.

Whilst ‘Bondi Ink’ was airing in Australia – Jimi was travelling around the World as a way to further his skills in tattooing and art. Jimi guest spotted in London and LA tattooing celebrities and individuals; he visited art galleries across Canada, UK and India; and took photos all over Thailand and rural India for inspiration in his coming works.

Since returning to Australia Jimi has started work on his first major exhibition – the work will showcase his signature Renaissance style combined with modern social and animal welfare issues we are all faced with globally. It is important to note Jimi’s further work for charity and causes he believes in – Jimi has worked closely with organisations such as ‘The Cancer Council’, ‘The Australian Cancer Research Foundation’ and ‘Sea Shepherd’.

Jimi May lives and breathes art and is a true artist and advocate for the arts in every sense.