Monthly Archives
 

Syndicate (RSS/XML)

04/16/2007
Paris Tattoo Convention

Despite living with a Francophone, my French skills are merde, but I've been crackin the verb conjugation books in preparation for next week's Paris Tattoo Art Fest, held at the Park Floral April 27-29. While knowing the saucy chorus from Lady Marmalade got me a Belgian husband, I don't think it will help when I interview the fabulous local artists in attendance at this first annual event. In fact, I just may lose said husband.

My goal is to learn more about the avant garde tattoo style that is so popular and well executed in France but hasn't translated as well beyond it's borders: without a name, it falls under the general new school catch-all genre, but could very well be seen as tattooing's Art Brut, best exemplified in the work of Yann, Noon, Cy, Navette, and Lionel (whose work is pictured here), among others.

The work may seem simple to some but that's largely deceptive--the line thickness, the spacing, and overall readability is not easy to achieve when telling these type of body stories. There's definitely method behind the madness.

Beyond this type of work, the Paris Tattoo Art show will include ...

One of the first artist profiles I wrote for Needled was on Beverly "Vyvyn" Lazonga, the female doyen of the fine art tattoo movement, which began over thirty years ago.

Vyvyn or Madame Lazonga not only pioneered the painterly style of tattoo but also advocated a spiritual connection between body art and people seeking "the divine".

It's this spiritual connection that was the focus on an SF Gate article this week on the Seattle tattoo artist.

The article includes a short slideshow of Vyvyn's tattoo work and an interesting Q&A that's well worth the read. Here's an excerpt:

What does a tattoo do that the more standard rite of passage rituals don't or can't, do you think?

I think tattooing helps push a person over the edge and opens up their sensibilities. Because the person getting a tattoo is in pain and pain is going to just naturally do that. Pain changes how we think.

As Nietzsche said, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger"?

Right. Enduring pain gives you a new awareness, gives you a tool you can use in other life experiences. I can't speak for everyone's motives or the benefits they may get from being tattooed, but ...

When I think of contemporary fine artists who have greatly influenced the tattoo world, the first names that come to mind are H.R. Giger, Mark Ryden, and Alex Grey. Their art have inspired works on skin that often translate beautifully.

More and more these artists are collaborating with tattooers on projects and events -- one such event is Alex Grey's Visionary Primitive this Saturday, December 16th, from 10PM to 5AM at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors Ethneocentric Salon in NYC.

The highlight is a live tattoo and art performance by renowned tattooists Guy Aitchison & Michelle Wortman, Jon Clue, Corey Kruger and James Kern.

There will also be a daytime tattoo fusion event from 2PM to 8PM.

Both the day and evening admissions are $20 each. I'll be at the evening show with Dan; can't pass up seeing all that talent in one place.


To check out more Alex Grey inspired tattoos, click here.


Tattoo by James Kern.

Pierre Chapelan, owner of Tattoo Mania, is a second-generation tattooer who has made a name for himself beyond the reputation of his father, Michel de Bordeaux. Leaving France, Pierre opened up shop in Montreal, which soon became a premier destination for serious body art collectors. Over the past few years, Tattoo Mania has consistently been voted as one of the best tattoo studios by the Montreal Mirror.

Pierre and his wife Val also host the highly successful Art Tattoo Show Montreal, a tattoo expo that also highlights the fine art work of the over 150 international artists that gather yearly to the historic Gare Windsor. The Fifth Art Tattoo Show will take place September 14, 15, & 16, 2007.

Pierre and I talked about what it's like growing up in the tattoo community and whether there'll be a third-generation tattooer in his family.

Being the son of well respected tattoo artist Michel de Bordeaux, and then becoming a renowned tattooer yourself raises a lot of interesting questions. Is it correct to say that you grew up in the tattoo world in France and this inspired you to become a tattooist?

Yes, you can say that I grew up in the tattoo ...

"I put pictures on skin."

Quite a humble explanation of one's work, especially if you're considered one of America's rock stars of tattooing. But Joe Capobianco's focus is on art, not fame, and his down-to-earth straight talk made him one of the most enjoyable interviews I've done for Suicide Girls and Needled.

Joe and I found a rare quiet corner in the London Tattoo Convention and talked about his gorgeous new art book and sketchbook that were recently released.

The books are a collection of work amassed from over 15 years of Joe's illustration and tattooing career, with a focus on classic pin-up art, and can be purchased online.

Because the interview was for SG, we spoke a great deal about pin-up art's influences on Joe's tattoo work.

MDM: You’re the perfect interview for Suicide Girls because of your tattoo tributes to pin-ups. You also have a new art book out devoted to pin-ups as well, so let's talk about that first.

JC: That started as an idea to do a sketchbook. A friend of ours, Brett Bryan who owns Pulse Tattoo Supply suggested that we do the book, and I put together a bunch of work ...

A few weeks ago, I interviewed a new boy wonder of the tattoo world, Nathan Kostechko of Tried-n-True Tattoo in Moreno Valley, CA. I was looking through his tattoo portfolio and all I kept thinking was He's only been tattooing for three years? Three years? No way. It's a marketing ploy.

What makes Nathan stand out for me is not just his firm grasp on traditional tattooing technique but how he is able to translate his own fine art work and illustration on skin so seamlessly, making his new school work truly exciting and fresh for tattoo fans. I spoke to Nathan for Suicide Girls as he was the official tattoo artist for the SG Burlesque Tour. Now that I'm back posting to Needled, I wanted to give readers a glimpse into the work of someone I consider a rising star of tattoo. Here's just a bit of what we spoke about:

I've heard that you're 22 years old and have only been tattooing for three years. Is that true or some kind of ploy to be marketed as the boy genius?

I got into tattooing at a really early age. I started my apprenticeship when I was 18 ...

Tattoo artist Michelle Myles is feeling the heat from the spotlight these days. The boss lady of Daredevil and Fun City Tattoo studios recently has been featured in Inked Magazine, quoted in almost every New York newspaper, and even chatted with Barbara Walters on The View earlier this month. But Michelle is not some hot news flash. Beautiful blondes may make for good television, but they don't get tattoo credibility unless they have the portfolio to back it up.

Michelle has earned her respect as a fixture in the NYC tattoo scene, starting out over 14 years ago in Andrea Elston's underground apartment studio, Eastside Ink. That was a time when the art was still illegal in the city and no neon sign hung outside welcoming you in. Fast forward to today where tattoo trends are excitedly discussed on day time talk shows by aging TV personalities. Michelle and I talked about how the times have changed, perhaps sounding like old ladies ourselves.

Before we talk about Daredevil and Fun City, I have to know what hanging out on The View was like? How did the show go?

The show was great but totally nerve wracking. It was ...