Where it all began...
Les Bowen with long time colleague and fellow tattoo legend, San Franciscos world famous Ed Hardy
In a roundabout way, the story of Chameleon Tattoo begins in Australia in 1959 when Leon's father Les Bowen, these days a tattoo industry legend, began tattooing in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.
At that time, tattooing was a very underground and little spoken of industry with only a handful of very tight lipped operators in the business. With natural flair and a keen desire Les was soon a very successful tattoo artist, and operated several studios mostly in and around Sydney, until 1980 when he moved his young family to Townsville in North Queensland, where he now continues to operate the World Famous Second Skin Tattoo.
Les Bowen and Australia's famous tattooed lady 'Cindy Ray' in the early 60's
Now with over 50 years of experience, Les's passion and talent has earned him the respect and admiration of peers, clients, and enthusiasts the world over, with Honourary Life Memberships to the Professional Tattoo Association of Australia, The National Tattoo Association (based in America), and the exclusive Japan Tattoo Club.
Les has launched many other artists into successful tattooing careers, including 3 of his Children, daughter Clare who works alongside Les at Second Skin, his Son Les Jr who has earned himself a stellar reputation in several fields of art (visit LDF tattoo to be blown away) and of course Leon, who began tattooing at Second Skin in 1993 and now heads the team at Chameleon Tattoo.
Leon's aim is to continue his father's tradition of quality workmanship and professionalism in his field.