Tattoo Artists Archives
06:57 PM
 Tattoo by Raffaela Olomhe Ricci Drawing & Tattoo by Brunella RicciItalian-born tattoo nomads Raffaella Olomhe Ricci & Brunella Ricci travel the world soaking up the art and culture of the places they visit, translating these influences into very different but highly skillful tattoo work that reflect their own approaches to the craft. In the late nineties, the sisters owned and operated Stigmata Tatuaggi, one of the first female run studios in Milan. While the shop was highly successful for many years, Raffaella Olomhe and Brunella wanted to concentrate more on their art, while seeing the world, rather be addled with the extra work tattooists must manage for a busy shop. So they closed Stigmata and hit the road. Brunella says, "Traveling is a great way to open your mind, to get to know other realities and meet other artists." In Raffaella Olomhe's work, indigenous tattoo art of the tribes she has visited have had quite an impact on her own art. She says of her style: I specialize in ornamental tattooing, solid black, shading and dotwork. I work exclusively freehand and custom, strongly influenced by Maori and Pacific tattoo art. My work is more aesthetic than symbolic with a careful study of shapes and patterns. I mix different styles from many cultures. I also specialize in Celtic dotwork. In quite another artistic direction is Brunella's tattooing, which she describes in this way: "My style is black and gray. I'm inspired by old lithographic prints, comics, graphic design, and look to interpret them in my own way." At the moment, the sisters are based at Tribe2 Tattoo in Glasgow, Scotland. They will then head to New Zealand in November & December 2012 and do some guest spots as well as work the New Plymouth tattoo convention on November 24 & 25th. Check their blogs for updates on their travels and for new tattoos and art. For an in-depth article on the Ricci sisters, pick up the May 2012 issue of Tattoo Revolution magazine (also available as a digital download).  Celtic Tattoo by Raffaela Olomhe Ricci Tattoo by Brunella Ricci
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Tattoo TAGS: Artist Profile Brunella Ricci Raffaela Olomhe Ricci |
05:30 PM
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I've gotten some backlash from last week's "Best Ink" post for daring to even mention reality TV, so what better way to make it up to you than by sharing this tattoo video by the people who bring us Sesame Street and Downton Abbey (addicted!). PBS's Off Book is a web series on the arts and those who make it and share it online. One of their latest videos is "Tattoos, the Permanent Art," which explores tattoo culture through interviews with super-skilled NY artists: Vinny Romanelli of Red Rocket Tattoos; Kiku of Invisible NYC; and Stephanie Tamez of Saved Tattoo. Here's what PBS says of the video: It seems that no matter how far we advance into the digital age, our bodies remain a place where we want to express ourselves. In this episode, we talk to three tattoo artists of differing styles. Vinny Romanelli embraces pop culture, tattooing detailed portraits of entertainment idols, Kiku works with the traditional Japanese form, and Stephanie Tamez embodies an eclectic mix of influences, with the occasional use of nice typography.It's a fantastic discussion of tattooing with thoughtful artists and a quick look into their work. And as expected of PBS, no drama. |
Tattoo TAGS: Kiku Off Book PBS Stephanie Tamez video Vinny Romanelli |
04:10 PM
 London's Somerset House is exhibiting silk paintings and photographs of Japanese tattoo master Horiyoshi III in a special series entitled Kokoro: The Art of Horiyoshi III.
The exhibit is open daily from 10am to 6pm until July 1st and admission is free.The arts center describes the work: Kokoro means 'heart' in Japanese; it is the 'feeling', the 'inner meaning' that underpins the Japanese approach not only to art, but to Japanese life as a whole. It is what makes Japan quintessentially Japanese. With this selection of paintings by Irezumi master Horiyoshi III, we hope to make you 'feel' Kokoro; leading you on a journey where the typical japanese nature and legends take life in silk paintings and photographs. Those who can't swing a London trip can purchase the limited edition "Kokoro" book online from Kofee-Senju Publishers for 199 Euro plus shipping. For more on Horiyoshi III's work, as well as some historical information on Japanese tattoo, check Don't Panic magazine's article "Horiyoshi III Inks Japan." In it, Kate Kelsall interviews Hiroyoshi's apprentice and assistant Alex Reinke, aka Horikitsune, of Holy FoxTattoos in Germany. Alex is renowned for his own masterful interpretation of Irezumi. He offers his thoughts on Japanese tattooing: The mystery involved in a Japanese tattoo is beyond Western comprehension as all the designs have deep philosophical meaning. They are heavy with messages of great virtue and portraits of the human condition, so important to the Japanese - to wear a Horimono or Irezumi [that's a full body suit tattoo to you and I] shows character, personality and perseverance and the tattoo master is purveyor of all these things. [...] Basically everyone carries the same designs like koi (carp), dragons, heroes and tenyo (she-angels) but the tattoo artist adapts the story for each individual, changing clothes, expressions and shades to fit that person.Hit up Don't Panic for more discussion on the art. 
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Tattoo TAGS: Alex Reinke exhibit Horiyoshi III Irezumi Kokoro London Somerset House Tattoo |
04:46 PM
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Color Outside the Lines (Trailer) from artemus jenkins on Vimeo. In 2009, Miguel Collins interviewed Miya Bailey, tattooist, painter and co-founder of Atlanta's City of Ink. It remains one of our most popular posts, particularly because it dispels a lot of myths about tattoos and people of color. In their Q & A, Miya explains that, yes, you can put color in dark skin, but no, don't think you need to drill it in there. He also talks about his difficulties getting an apprenticeship as a black artist, what he's taught his own apprentices in turn, the relationship between tattooing and fine art, as well as the business behind running a successful shop. It's a great read.Since that interview, Miya has been working on a film, with director Artemus Jenkins, on the experiences of professional black tattoo artists across the US: Color Outside the Lines is one of the first of its kind to tackle the issue of race in the tattoo community. It does so in a way that is at times serious and at other times really funny; however, the film is informative and engaging throughout. [I had the pleasure of seeing a preview at the Complex Mag screening.] The documentary is not yet released -- they are entertaining offers and looking for the right distributor -- but you can get the feel of it from the trailer. My own Q&A with Miya about the film and his art will be in an upcoming issue of Inked magazine. You can also check Miya out on Blogspot, Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. |
Tattoo TAGS: Artemus Jenkins Atlanta City of Ink Color Outside the Lines Miya Bailey |
02:21 PM
 Artwork by Timothy HoyerOver the years, when interviewing renowned tattooists about the greatest influences on their work, the name Eddy Deutsche is constantly being dropped. As part of the first crew of artists at Ed Hardy's legendary Tattoo City and later working with Horitaku of the Horitoshi family, Eddy developed a style that has inspired other artists to go beyond traditional tattoo tenets and experiment in their compositions and techniques, to meld various artistic influences and create unique works of tattoo art. Eddy is a consummate innovator, and his latest project, featuring the fine art of tattooists, is another exciting example of this: Raking Light Projects is an online art gallery featuring fine arts and collectible prints created by stellar tattoo artists. With co-owner Andrew Fingerhut, Eddy invites a select group of artists to create a work of fine art based on their interpretation of a theme, along with several single-edition prints to showcase their individual artistic style and creative perspective. The work is then made available for viewing and purchase exclusively on RakingLightProjects.com. The first theme is "Liberation," interpreted by Guy Aitchison, Jondix, Timothy Hoyer, Bert Krak, Carlos Rodriguez and Derrick Snodgrass. It's fascinating to see the vastly different approaches to the theme. Andrew offers more on this: The overall collection successfully showcases the diverse perspective and the true depth of talent found among a select group of working tattooists. Some art proudly reflects the expressive, bold elements long associated with the best tattoo work. Other work reveals alternative facets of creativity that are as uniquely suited to paper and canvas composition as they are distinct from ink on skin. The tattoo commonality among participating artists can be celebrated, critiqued or ignored because the body of work stands strongly on its own. Andrew also explained more about the process: A variety of traditional and digital printmaking techniques were utilized to create the prints. Each participating artist created original artwork that served as source material for a single edition of 20 or 25 prints. Once the prints were produced, the original artwork was destroyed or cancelled to preserve the underlying value of the edition and to ensure that the prints are objectively considered limited edition works of art. All prints are signed, numbered and include an artist-verified Certificate of Authenticity. Each artist was closely involved in the printmaking production process and their time, attention to detail and effort is proudly reflected in the resulting artwork. I can personally attest to the print quality, having a hand-signed mixed media print on canvas of Timothy Hoyer's "Void," which hangs near my desk as I write this. As noted on the Raking Light site, it is giclee on gallery-wrapped canvas with silk-screen overlay; printed on Lyve fine art canvas using Epson archival pigmented inks; coating applied and pulled by hand on silk-screen machine using Glamour II varnish. The result is a powerful piece that is worth much more than its $250 price. To view all available works, check the Raking Light gallery.  Tim Lehi laser etched wood print (above). Mixed media print by Jondix. |
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04:08 PM
 Editor's note: I've been a big fan of the work of the Tatak Ng
Apat Na Alon Tribe, a group made up of largely young Filipino-Americans seeking to revive the tattoo traditions of their ancestors. One of the founders of the Tribe, tattooist Elle Festin, opened Spiritual Journey Tattoo last year, which offers traditional, hand-poked Filipino tattoos in addition to being a full service studio of all tattoo genres. For more info on Tatak Ng
Apat Na Alon and Elle's work, here's Tribe member Tina Astudillo-Ash's guest blog. By Tina Astudillo-Ash In the past few years, Tatak Ng Apat Na Alon (Mark of the Four Waves) Tribe has been blessed with continued momentum in their efforts to revive indigenous Filipino tattoos. The Tribe's family has grown throughout the United States, especially in California, as more people have reached out to get in touch with their Filipino roots through tattooing. The growing interest in the Tribe's work has allowed tattooist Elle Festin to continue to hone his skills at hand-poked tattoos. Elle utilizes several different hand-made tools, which he has been able to model after indigenous tools.  In
2008, the Tribe's work was further validated when Elle and other Tribe members including Zel Mayo and Jyroe (Jose Jimenez) traveled to the Philippines to
participate in the Cordillera Festival and meet Whang Od, one of the
last Kalinga tattooists in the world. Whang Od questioned and tested
Elle extensively about his tattoos and the motifs behind the patterns.
She was satisfied with his responses and she realized the
Tribe was sincere in its efforts to revive the art form. Whang Od
had confidence in Elle's skill and knowledge, and she invited him to
tattoo her. Elle obliged, applying a simple yet beautiful centipede
design on her upper back. Elle would later remark that even at over 90
years old, Whang Od did not flinch when getting tattooed. Elle also had
the opportunity to meet Whang Od's apprentice, her grand-niece. Although
still very young, her apprentice was eager to learn and continue the
sacred tradition. An encouraging sign tattooing will continue to
flourish in Kalinga culture. In 2011, Elle opened the Tribe's official tattoo studio, Spiritual Journey Tattoo & Tribal Gallery. The art found throughout the shop and applied on the walls pay homage to many indigenous cultures and their tattoo traditions. The shop also has a special room reserved only for applying tattoos by the traditional methods. Although a great majority of clients are seeking Filipino tattoos, the artists also do traditional American, Polynesian, color and black and grey tattoos.  The opening of
Spiritual Journey Tattoo has resulted in more positive exposure for the
Tribe and Filipino tattooing. In recent years, Filipino tattoos have
gained well-earned respect from other tattooing cultures. [Support and
encouragement have always been given by respected artists like Aisea
Toetu'u, Po'oino Yrondi, Orly Locquiao and Gilles Lovisa.] It is a testament to the significant impact of the beauty of
Filipino tattoos. Perhaps the most important result of this is reflected
in the growing number of older Filipino tattoo clients -- those who always
wanted to be tattooed but avoided getting them because they did not want
to be associated with the negative stigma surrounding tattoos. Through Spiritual Journey Tattoo & Tribal Gallery, the Tribe continues to educate the community about indigenous-style Filipino tattoos, as well as offer other traditional work and contemporary tattoo art. Spiritual Journey Tattoo & Tribal Gallery is located at 7159 Katella Avenue in Stanton, CA.  |
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11:11 AM
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Over at Last Sparrow Tattoo forum and gallery, there's a fabulous interview with the Henk Shiffmacher, aka Hanky Panky, conducted by Juan Puente, in which the Dutch tattoo legend discusses the Amsterdam Tattoo Museum and his vision for it as "Tattoo Disney Land Ikea" (he says laughing). There's also an interesting discussion on changes in the industry, which Henk describes as "fast food" tattoos, and the need to go back to the roots of the craft -- where tattoos were built to last through rigamortis, as Henk says. It's serious talk but fun nonetheless because of Henk and Juan's relationship and some seedy anecdotes that are dropped. Juan offers a bit on their personal history here. This video will make you want to head to Amsterdam, straight to the museum, and maybe knock one back with Henk to hear more stories. |
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11:54 AM
 Some of my favorite blog posts and videos document the creative process of large-scale tattoo projects by stellar tattooists, offering insight into the way an artist works as well as seeing a collector's body transform into awesomeness. One project I've enjoyed recently is Luke Holley's video series on a backpiece created by Darcy Nutt of Chalice Tattoo in Boise, Idaho.
In November, we posted Luke's video of the tattoo first session on Darcy's client Graham. Since that time, Luke has filmed all 12 sessions, which are available for viewing on his Vimeo page. For those with attention deficit disorder, Luke has also created a video that shows the whole transformation under four minutes, which we've posted below. To check more of Darcy's work, head to her Facebook page and on the Chalice Tattoo site. A Back Piece Tattoo in Under 4 Minutes Tattooed by Darcy Nutt from Luke Holley on Vimeo. More work by female tattooists coming up during this National Women's History Month. |
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10:28 AM
 As March is National Women's History Month, we'll be doing even more profiles on female tattooers and collectors over the next few weeks.
To start it all off, it seems fitting that we profile the colorful Kristel Oreto as my feature on her for the UK's Total Tattoo is in the latest issue of the magazine (April 2012), and it also happens to be her first day working at Art Machine Productions in Philadelphia. Here's a taste of the Total Tattoo article:  There was a time when telling someone they "tattooed like a girl" would get you punched in the face. But Kristel Oreto unabashedly deems her portfolio "bubble girlie style," and has a clientele of both men and women who come to her for work that is sugar and spice, and occasionally, a death metal skull. Much of her fan base need not travel far as Kristel is a fixture on the tattoo convention circuit but you can find her full time at Art Machine Productions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but she continues to tattoo, four times a year, at Crimson Anchor studio in New Port Richey, Florida, which is owned by her husband Joe Tattoo. "Bubble girlie style" not only describes her tattoos, but her personality. "I'm a really girlie, over the top, bubbly person, so when people ask me to explain my work, it's just that: my style is me," says the 30-year-old native Floridian. "It's based off of New School--all my influences have come from New School--and things I love. I love filigree, old antique stuff and Hello Kitty. [...] I love the way the candy and cupcakes look. They are so happy and colorful. There's no way you can look at a cupcake or piece of candy and have a bad thought in your mind. To read the entire piece, look for the issue at booksellers in Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. You can also purchase a copy online. To see more of Kristel's work, check her online portfolio and Facebook page.  
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11:41 AM
 In this latest installment of The Proust Questionnaire for Tattooists, we hit up Lalo Yunda of Bogota, Columbia, who tattoos in a variety of styles at Sacred Tattoo in NYC. Here's how it went down: What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Thirsty, in your bed, dying for water, hungover, not being able to get up. What is your idea of earthly happiness? Being able to flow with life with a good rhythm, sometimes fast, sometimes slow and always curious to what's next. Your most marked characteristic? Ask other people because if I answer myself i'll probably say what I would like to be my most marked characteristic! What is your principle defect? None! Haha! Ok maybe disorganization. Who are your favorite heroes of fiction? All the bad guys who in the end are good. Who are your favorite heroes in real life? Banksy, Many Chao, and some regular people who live really tough lives with a smile on their faces and are able to share and care with others, expecting nada! Your favorite painters? Joaquin Sorolla, Miro...so many. Your favorite musicians? Systema Solar, Bomba Stereo, Buraka  Who are your favorite writers? Alejandro Jodorowski, Alvaro Mutis, Malcolm Gladwell. The quality you most admire in a man? Honesty, humbleness, funniness and good heart. The quality you most admire in a woman? Honesty, humbleness, funniness and good heart, smile, boobs and ass... Your favorite virtue? Being able to feel and understand that we all are one....on the same boat Who would you have liked to be? A better version of me, or some tribal man from the Caribbean, South Pacific like Bali or Hawaii who spent his days with littlle clothes on, fishing and swimming, all of these of course before the arrival of f**kin missionaries. Where would you like to live? I would love to live in a place with the perfect mix of warm weather, great waves and enough flow of clients and adventure...may be Hawaii, Brazil or somewhere in California. What are your favorite names? Simple ones. What natural gift would you most like to possess? Will power without being boring. How would you like to die? Fast and happy What is your present state of mind? Snowboarding What is your motto? I can't tell u. ;)  |
Tattoo TAGS: Lalo Yunda Proust Questionnairre Sacred Tattoo |
