issue#3 Oct/Nov

Nicole Ryan Danielle B Bella V

Ashly Ann Summers Amanda H Tessa M Cyd

So where were you born and raised and what was it like growing up?

I was born in Santiago de Chile on June 6, 1989, but I lived almost all my life until I was a teenager in Talagante, a small town to the south of the capital. Growing up there as a child was a great and fun stage, full of games, friends and lots of pranks, back then there weren’t many comforts so the games arose from imagination and fantasy. As a child I was very curious so every month I liked to do something different, I played many sports and I also ventured into drawing but only in a playful way, like every child. I remember that I really liked drawing cathedrals and fantastic beings, my father drew very well and I was a little frustrated not being able to draw better. He was very demanding for a child haha. I was lucky to have a great Mother and brothers, from whom I received the best possible example and support in almost everything.

My adolescence was a little more difficult, I remember Chile of that time as a very restric tive and conservative culture in many aspects, cultural, social, political and religious, so it was a time of introspection. I think that in that reflective stage I connected more with my sensitive side and probably there I aroused a little interest in art. many times.

When did you start tattooing and what was it like?

The first tattoo was in 2010 and it came to me, almost by chance, I never thought about tat tooing or being a tattoo artist. It was born by chance, a good friend named Oscar, had recently started tattooing, one day he saw my drawings that I was doing while he used to tattoo and he encouraged me to try it. Another of my best friends who was there at that time told me “let’s go get me a tattoo and see if you like it or not” so I started tattooing.

During that first process, I was very intrigued by the idea of being able to bring a drawing to the skin, the technique, the process and the fact that someone trusts their skin to do it. As well as a totally new and unknown art for me, I had only seen it in metal magazines or music videos, so my link with tattoo was reduced, in my family there was no one with tattoos, nor was there ever much talk about it. I spent several weeks thinking about it. I couldn’t believe you could draw with needles! It was a mix of wonder and intrigue.

Tattooing at first was very difficult since in my case and in the town where I lived the information was scarce, nothing more than a couple of magazines, some youtube videos, very few tools and economic means to acquire them. There was a lot of misinformation about it and the tattoo in that area was considered a bit taboo. Being a beginner, there were very few people who trusted you and the opportunity to tattoo was very restricted. For my first tattoos I covered my legs and those of some friends, along with Chi nese ink Talens haha. I remember that there were months when he almost didn’t tattoo anything and it was very frustrating, I was on the verge of quitting many times.

But I think that these difficulties ended up being beneficial, since parallel to my introduction to tattooing, I began my studies in Artistic Illustration. So I was able to draw a lot and learn to develop techniques, first on paper. Then tattooing became an expectant event, every time I could tattoo I made the most of it, I remember that I thought for weeks and weeks about my next tattoo, how I would do it. I created a mental image of the process and I think I spent more time imagining tattooing than actually doing it!

I see that you like dark art, what led you to that style?

If I love it, I believe that in artistic matters all personal expression is the result of a process in which experiences, tastes, philosophy, etc., interact and converge. All those things that make up a human being in particular to his experience and those things that move him, either in the aesthetic or conceptual sense.

In my case, I liked heavy music, metal, rock, hardcore and punk from an early age. From what I think, the theme linked to the dark and its representations in the first instance comes from there, from that world, and also from a great attraction to fantasy art repre sented in strategy games.

Later in my student days, an event that was decisive for me was the fact of drawing human anatomy in-situ, in an anatomy center, seeing the human body from a scientific perspec tive, its dissections, organs, bone structures, etc. For me it was eye-opening and opened up an incredible world visually, along with reaffirming my leaning towards that area. Since I started tattooing, my goal has always been to develop myself in an area linked to this aes thetic.

4. I

Over time I try to dedicate myself only to my style, so I try not to do things that are too far from that aesthetic concept. When there is a requirement that is close to a style that is not mine, I generally recommend a suitable artist in that area.

Although I also make exceptions with some trusted clients. And sometimes it is beneficial to reinforce some different concepts and techniques. For example color, line, contrast, etc.

Methodological issues that are later integrated into what one does. I love tattooing and I think any opportunity is good to learn something new.

Is there a style of tattoo that you don’t like to do, and if so, why?

Who are some artists that have inspired you to do the art that you do?

It is a difficult question, although I like many artists, I believe that all the situations that one experiences have contributed to the thematic development of a particular art, since inspira tion is nourished by various sources, by every thing that surrounds you or makes you a visual or emotional click, which leads to that particu lar result that is your art, or who you are. In my case, I focused on looking inward, in order to find something to tell.

I really like anatomical art, symbolism, surreal ism, and all the ways in which art is manifested. I think that throughout the history of its repre sentation, there are notable eras and artists who are a great source of inspiration. It would be very difficult to include them all.

I really like artists like; Bosch, Gustavo Doré, Kubin, Zechowski, Beksinski, Szukalski and Giger, among others. I think in some way they have had a lot of influence, at least visually. The Contemporary; I really like Samori, Bar lowe and Gwiazda.

I feel that it is very good to see and have refer ences, but that cannot overshadow your person al vision of seeing things. At least for the tattoo I try to support my references in other areas, such as painting, sculpture, concept art, etc.

In tattoo artists like; Hernandez, Shige, Aguilar, Tommy Lee, Lenu, Portugal, Aitchison, Booth, Leu, and Benvenuto. I think it shocked me a lot when I first saw them, I didn’t think such things could be done on the skin.

I see you’ve done some big pieces for three days straight. How difficult is that for you and your client? Have you ever worked lon ger than that?

If it is a difficult process, at least for the tat tooed haha. For me it’s like drawing so it’s great!I believe that it is a team effort between the tattoo artist and his client, in which sev eral things come together, mainly the confi dence and desire to get tattooed, along with the mental strength to face this process. There are elements that help to carry it in a better way, such as a pleasant space, where the person feels comfortable, a good work at mosphere. And a work methodology that is gentle and does not hurt the skin excessively. It is also important the state of mind and the previous rest for the client, good hydration and a good meal, as the work is divided into days, recharging energy is essential.

So far I have only worked 3 days in a row, al though if someone is encouraged to do more it would be great!

What do you like to do for fun besides tattooing?

In general, I always wander around drawing or digital painting, I really like visiting mu seums and going to concerts to see my favorite bands.I am also fond of practicing Boxing and strategy games, when there is some time I love to distract myself a bit.

If you could travel anywhere to work, where would it be and why?

I think I still have a lot of world to know, each place I’ve been has its charm, I would like to know more about Europe, North America and the East. Although I am happy where people like my work, I love tattooing and anywhere I can get my machine running or drawing is perfect for me.

Give us a short history lesson on your up bringing and are you originally from New York?

I’m originally from California from the Bay Area. I moved to New York in 2015. I’ve done a bunch of corporate jobs in New York and saved up everything I had, because I knew once I got an apprenticeship I won’t be making any money for years and man is it tough not having income living in the hustle bussle of New York, but you know what they say, if you can make it here you can make it anywhere. Being a tattoo artist was always a dream job of mine. I’ve been getting tattooed for the past 15 years, I’ve spent the better part of my adult life in and out of tattoo shops. So I’ve been around the tattoo culture al ways watching my tattoo artist tattoo me, asking questions etc.

Do you remember when you first started getting into art?

As far as I can remember, being creative has always been a part of me. From making jewelry, sculpting, to tattooing. I’ve always felt the need to create since I was young.

How has your journey in the tattoo industry been so far?

It’s been rough at first but I’m powering through it, especially when Covid first hit, I experienced some low key racism as an Asian American in New York. It’s still a bit rough but I’ve built a name for myself and let my work speak for itself :)

Your style is so form fitting, delicate, intricate , and seems to be mostly floral designs, what got you into that style?

I wanted to focus heavily on timeless tattoos. I can’t really think of anything more time less than floral, it’s been tattooed since forever in so many different styles from traditional, realism, neo traditional, fine line and so many new and ever changing genre of styles and I can see it to continue to be tattooed in the future. I really try focus on flowly florals that compliment the body like jewelry or an accessory. What got me into this style was at the time there wasn’t many flowly floral tattoos in the area at the time, majority of the tattoos I saw in person looked like a sticker as fine line and micro realism tattoos were beginning to explode in New York, I thought to myself I can do that but I can do that better and bigger. As an artist I’m always looking to improve and get better, the work is never really done.

So I have red that you mostly free hand on your clients, tell us a little bit about the process.

I feehand a lot of the floral, I stencil sometimes as well, it just really depends on the project and the clients request. But free handing is always preferred because I can flow the tattoo exactly where the client wants it on their body. The process is quiet simple, my clients will tell me exactly where they want the tattoo to start and end at, I use that as a guide reference to make everything proportional in that frame and flow everything to the anatomy of the specific body part.

Besides the style your most known for what would be your second favorite tattoo style to perform?

I love Japanese tattoos, I did my apprenticeship some years back at a traditional oriental studio. I love the way that every Japanese piece and a lot of oriental tattoos has a meaning

What is one of your most memorable moments of your career?

It’s really an honor to be able to tattoo and do this as a living, I owe tattooing every thing. I constantly meet new people everyday from all over the country that get pieces from me. Every time I meet a new client is such an exciting and memorable moment for me.

What do enjoy doing outside of work and art? Hobbies ect….

I pretty much dedicated my life to tattooing now, but my hobbies outside of work is researching and finding new flowers that work well in fine line black and grey it’s a lot harder then it sounds because classic flowers like roses and peonies are too damn good!

Your currently in Milford Connecticut, are you born and raised there? Tell us a little bit about your self and background?

I’m a Tattoo Artist in Milford Connecticut and I was actually born in Brazil, but I have been residing in the U.S. since 2004. I moved here at the age of 17 and had started my apprenticeship at the age of 14 while still in Brazil, tattooing has passion ever since. I love old school cars and Harleys, and riding when I have time. I also enjoy my tattoo family at Valkyrie Tattoo Studio.

Do you remember when you first started getting into art?

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, I spent my time doing art instead of playing outside as a kid. From the first time I saw someone with tattoos it sparked some thing in me. And from there my Father started buying me tattoo magazines. I used those images as reference for my drawings and little by little I started to fall in love with the art.

Blessed to have the opportunity to start an apprenticeship at such a young age, I would travel to a different city on the weekends to learn. Now blessed that I get to do this for a living. To me, art is in everything and being able to create it is something that takes dedi cation.

You have been tattooing for 10+ years how has your journey been so far?

The last decade in the industry has had a lot of changes, not just in the tools I use, but the art in general. Social media has given us much more access to different art and Artists and that’s a great thing because it inspires me inspired to push myself, do better, and produce better art. Every time I open social media I see something new that someone produced that inspires me on my journey. It’s amazing where the industry has gotten, but we can never forget the ones that lead the way and are responsible for us getting to this point, the ones that pushed for this art form to become what it has.

You specialize in styles such as black and gray realism, color infused, portraiture, and more, what made you target those specific styles?

Focusing on these styles happened naturally for me. When I started tattooing of course I did everything, but I think since black and grey has always been my passion it was those pieces that stood out. Because my clients began asking for them. And now I’m blessed to be able to create what I love to do daily. Nowadays it’s easier for many Artists to focus on what they do best, be cause of the boom in social media we now have clients looking for Artists that specialize in spe cific styles. For myself, I appreciate the opportu nity to focus on what I excel in because to me it’s not just about the money but also being proud of what I’m producing. Seeing my clients happy and satisfied with their new piece. A great tattoo can bring people confidence and be something they are proud to wear for life.

What are some of your most achieved mo ments in the industry?

Being recognized for my work by other Artists that I have looked up to since the beginning of my career is definitely something I’m proud of. I have been featured in magazines here in the U.S. and other countries, having my work seen and appreciated is an amazing feeling. Having the chance to meet many people in the future that I look toward in the industry is a goal and hope fully collecting work by them. And being sponsored by companies that support the work of great Artists is an honor, and one team that I’m proud to be a part of is Tattoo Salve by Vaughn Ara.

Is there any style you prefer not to do and why?

I try to focus on black and grey realism, not only because it’s my passion but also be cause it’s where I’ve been focusing my ability. I steer away from color realism and styles that aren’t my strong suit currently as I’m still fully focused on this style and of course there is always so much to learn. Should I become inspired with other styles in the future I will put as much effort into refining my skill with them. But for now, black and grey real ism has my full attention.

Is there a funny moment while working that you can never forget?

Well we are always joking around at the shop, everyday is adventure with these guys so it’s hard to one thing in particular that stands out. The real show starts when we have the rare opportunity to get together outside of the shop. Somehow wherever we land, it’s your bday and you didn’t know it … until you are brought flaming desserts.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the art industry?

There are many amazing Artists that inspired me. Carlos Torres for his use of contrast and open skin. Robert Hernandez is another that has inspired me from the beginning for his attention to detail and eye for dark art composition and surrealism, his work to me is timeless. Victor Portugal’s eye for dark art as well, and his use of negative space and flow always amazes me. Since day one as an apprentice Paul Booth has been an inspiration. I remember flipping through magazines and admiring his work. I’m still amazed to this day. There are more of course, but these are the first names to come to mind when I think of big inspirations for my career.

You are known for many services including tongue splitting, subdermal implants, pierc ings, and suspension, but could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m from Southern California and currently reside in Michigan. I’ve been piercing for 22 years. I enjoy fitness and spending time outdoors with my girlfriend Frankie.

What got you in to piercings and body mods?

I started being interested in piercings and body mods when I was 14. Got a subscription to Savage magazine and was a part of Bmezine. Just walked in a shop one day and knew more then anyone working there and they hired me on the spot. I was 16 and still in high school. Opened my 1st shop when I was 23. Currently operating out of a private studio when not on the road.

At what point in your career did you start getting into suspension? And whats your fa vorite part about suspensions?

I started doing suspensions in 2009. I kept getting asked about it and finally felt confident to do them after helping at some suspension meets with other suspension artists. My fa vorite part about it is the connection with the suspendee and them enjoying their experi ence with me.

So we have seen that you just purchased a church! Do you have any big plans for that?

Church of suspension will be a private meeting space dedicated to suspension. Hoping to have it up and running within the year.

You and your partner Frankie travel all over year round, what is that like?

Traveling can be fun but is stressful at times. Being on one coast then the other back to back is a lot and leaves little time for home life. We enjoy it but after the last 4 years on the road full time we’ll be taking a step back in the future and spending some more time at home while also focusing on overseas and Canada

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

My hobbies outside of work include fitness and yoga. Outdoors with my girlfriend or going on an adventure somewhere. Antique shopping is always fun and helps decorate the church.

Can you name some of your biggest acomplishments?

My biggest accomplishments would be surviving in an industry that’s hit or miss. Some piercers barely make it or have to work a 9-5 before going to the tattoo shop. I’m fortunate enough to say this is my full time job, has been since I was 16, and wouldn’t change it at all. I travel all over and make my own schedule, pay my bills and have some left over for fun. Not everyone can say they survived off only piercing for 20+ years, I can.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where were you born and raised, ect?

I was born in Baltimore, but I’m from Ridgely, MD which is a small town on the Eastern shore. Not many people out that way are into the heavy stuff.

When did you first discover your love for music? And who are some of your biggest in spirations in the music industry?

I knew I wanted to play music ever since I was a little kid. I remember listening to the radio in the car with my family and being able to name all of the bands and songs that would come on the rock station. I knew I wanted to be a serious musician when I saw my little brother play in his first band ever. I was amazed at the talent and drive he had and knew I needed to do it too. I just wanted him to be proud of me like I was of him.

You are currently the vocalist of the band “9 dead”, tell us about that. How did the band come about? Etc..

Yes, it’s an absolute blast working with the members in this band. They are so talented. It’s truly a blessing I’ve found people as serious as me, let alone a whole group of them in the same band!!!! The band formed in the beginning of Covid as just something fun to do, then I joined a year or two later and we really started making noise!!!!

You guys have been working on some new music, will there be a new album out soon? And if so, tell the fans a little bit about what to expect from that.

oh yes absolutely!! We have a full length dropping in November and a music video com ing out in less than a week. For those of you who are excited to hear what we’ve made, be sure to look out for a lot of heavy SLAMS, BreakDowns and bone chilling vocals on this new album. We really hope you all enjoy it!!!!

Do you guys have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?

We sure do. We are playing a music festival in Atlantic City, NJ on the 28th of October. It’s called Electric Halloween. It’s supposed to be a very crazy and fun filled event so be sure to catch us on the main stage!!!!! We have a very heavy tour in the works for you all as well!!!

Tell us about some of your tattoos. Do you have a favor ite? And if so, why?

I have many favorite tattoos for sure, but the ones that stick out the most to me would most definitely be the one on the back of my head that says, “Count Your Blessings” and the Edger Allen Poe tattoo I have on my arm. They remind me of where I came from and that it is more than ok to be forever SPOOKY.

I understand you are also currently a tattoo apprentice. How has that been going for you? And what’s it like juggling the music and tattoo industry?

Yes indeed, I am a full-time apprentice at an amazing shop called InkedSociety13 in NJ near Atlantic City. I truly feel blessed that I get to do so much with the arts in my life. My boss, who just so happens to be one of my best friends in the world, believes in me and has given me the opportunity to succeed in the tattoo industry as well as the music industry. Sometimes it’s hard to juggle big life situations, but if I’ve learned anything in life it’s that the most important and biggest opportunities don’t come easy and I am No quitter!!! Anything that’s worth having in life is worth working hard for everyday.

Are there any long or short term goals for “9 dead” that you’d like to tell us about?

There are many goals for the band and the members as a whole. We want to take over the scene and really take metal to another level with our music. We plan to push as hard as we can for as long as possible to make our dreams a reality and that’s exactly what we are going to do!!

Who are some of your favorite bands that you’ve got to play shows with?

Personally, between both of my bands I’ve had the pleasure to play and see almost every single heavy band I listen to and some. Truthfully, being able to play shows with the people you grew up listening to and looking up to is life changing. A short list of some of my personal favorite bands that I’ve gotten to play with would be; Suicide Silence, Chelsea Grin, Traitors, Thy Art Is Mur der ,Lorna Shore with every singer they had and many many more.

Sarah

Tattoos: Love, Sex, and Pain

I used to hate my body. I used to sketch on it with razor blades. I developed early and stopped early too. I always felt so far ahead, so far behind, and so far removed. I never felt like it was mine. It’s belonged to men, to my daughter, to alcohol, and to self-loathing. In the process of healing, I discovered tattoos. Tattoos represent love and sex and pain.

I started small before my journey back to myself with a playboy bunny I later had removed because I decided I didn’t want anyone to think I belonged to them anymore. I reclaimed myself. But it taught me I can express myself in ways without self-harming. Every tattoo I have now tells a story.

One of my most recent tattoos are cherries on my bikini line. Sex and pain. There has been a lot of pain, but I embrace my sexuality now. Nobody can touch me anymore without my permission. I can enjoy consensual, responsible sex with any partner now.

When I was a teenager, I was high and drinking with my guy friends and I had one to my right fingering me, and one to my left having me jerk him off. I was also sexually assaulted by a boyfriend shortly before I got pregnant. Pain.

I hated my stretch marks on my breasts from pregnancy, so I got a chest piece to honor that part of me and when I look at myself in the mirror now, I am in awe of what my body was able to do, to create, and I can appreciate myself shirtless. Underneath my breasts I have the words “Live, loss, love” because that’s my hearts motto. To remind myself to love despite loss.

I lost my innocence at an early age, not just my virginity at 14, but with my pregnancy at 15. And I’ve lost a lot of people in life and death. To drugs, cancer, and the legacy in my family that is low functioning mental illness. I have tattoos for my immediate family in honor of and in remembrance of.

In honor of my sister, an anchor, because she is my best friend and confidante. In honor of my daughter, matching tattoos when she was old enough, and before she was old enough our astrological signs surrounded by a cherry blossom heart with a keyhole.

I etched my dad’s remembrance on my right ring finger because he’s the first man I loved (and the first that broke my heart), and years later, a Parkinson’s flower for my mom so she would know I loved her just as much. She never seemed to believe that. But I never got to show her because she died not long after, right at the beginning of the pandemic, due to COVID complications. Then, to reunite them, I got their September birth flower intertwined with that same flower to show I could make art of out something so horrific, and that I loved that they made me. They made me and they broke me. But mostly, they made me who I am today. Love and pain.

There is something about the tattoo needle that is therapeutic, hypnotic, and meditative. It buzzes with self-expression, transformation, creativity, collaboration, and connection. It connects to me where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. My moon phases on my left pinkie remind me of that, and that life happens in cycles and seasons, and so does the fern that only needs a drop of water to revive itself because I’ve come back from a lot. My compass and clock remind me to wander but stay focused in the present. The needle connecting me to my truths connects me to myself.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in 1992, right after the collapse of the Soviets, in a small military town near Moscow. My childhood passed there, among forests, lakes and fields. My grandparents were service men who fought in World War II. My father is a doctor and mother is a teacher. Thanks to them, I learned a lot of things earlier and in more detail than all my friends did. We traveled a lot, wentabroad every year, which broadened my horizons. I thank them for that!

When I got older and went to the university, I began to travel on my own. I tried to choose more interesting and unusual routes - it’s in my nature to look for something new. So I pickedup hiking, surfing, photography. I met my wife, got a diploma of Organization Management, but decided to continue tattooing. I have been doing it for 13 years now and I don’t want to stop!!

You have been tattooing since 2009 what made you get into this industry?

The times of the 90s/00s were turbulent and taught me a lot. I am not afraid to dream and do what I like, otherwise life could crush you, chew you up and spit you out, and all that could be left of you is a small A4 format instruction “who to be, how to live.”

So I got into graffiti at the age of 14. I painted on the yards and the trains themselves. The police caught me many times, but let me go after finding out my age. Then I realized that graffiti would be outlaw for a long time in this country, and I really wanted to continue painting. So, thinking about tattoos which I made at the age of 15-16 while visiting my rel atives in Ukraine, I’ve considered becoming a tattoo artist. I have studied everything my self, starting at the age of 17 with my first Chinese kit and three friends who were ready to be the canvases. I no longer needed to run from the police, and my works remained with people forever, and were not painted over by workers. I did tattoos free at first, so there was a queue of those who wanted it, so that is how it all started!

It seems like you travel a lot for work con ventions and events. You’re also a multi award winning artist, tell us about that?

First convention I took part in was held in Moscow, I was 16 and very impressed by it. At that time, I didn’t really understand what was happening, so I just enjoyed the moment. The next two conventions were in Brighton, England where I took a language course. Then came Moscow conventions, where I began to exhibit my works from 2013. It was difficult to win, Russian con ventions are rare and mostly for “local tattoo community”, there were not many tattoo art ists in those years and everyone knew each other. A real success for me was a trip to the USA where I worked and participated in competitions. I really liked the atmosphere at the convention, it is nice to see familiar artists and meet new ones! This is a great opportunity to test yourself and show others what you are capable of. Victories have become a well-deserved result on a long jour ney. As it turned out later, they helped me to get recognition and stay in the USA. Now I continue to do interesting projects to par ticipate in conventions, realizing that more and more younger guys are doing incredible things, and if you do not improve yourself, you can get worse at your art and become a mediocre artist. An opportunity to be a judge was a new stage for me! This is an in teresting experience and I’m looking forward to being able to test myself in this new role!

It looks like you do many different styles but it looks like you mostly do a unique style color would you say that’s your favorite style?

In 13 years of practice, I have seen how new trends in tattooing spread through social networks. And by my nature, I do not like to stop there and always try to make something new, achieving a certain skill in each school. Thanks to that, my multi-style has developed and I am free to invent and mix different tattooing styles. Among my personal achievements, I rank my own color-graphic style, called the watercolorblock style. In this style I could divide any image (from realistic to fictional) to color groups / blocks, and depending on how detailed I want each block to be, I increase its concentration or simplify the drawing. The result is a bright image with rich, pure col ors, made with no black or color outlines. Such works look very cool on the skin, especial ly from afar. (I borrowed this technique from Impressionist while admiring their works in galleries around the world, as their works should be viewed from distance too).

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the art industry?

The main source of inspiration is nature that surrounds us. Everything in nature is simple yet thoughtful and very harmonious. A riot of colors and shapes could be found in remote corners of the planet! That is the reason why I travel, getting inspired by what nature has created, and how people were able to interpret it and create their works in architec ture, painting, technology based on it! I consider my next idols Alphonse Mucha and the Pre-Raphaelites movement. Which, contrary to classic academic painting, tried to convey elegance, smoothness of lines, and color saturation. Their approach to details made me in describably delighted and I wanted to achieve similar effects in my works! Modern tattoo artists make a huge impression on me too. I cant name all of them - there are too many I like. After all, each individual artist pictures the World in his works as he sees it. And I really like to find hidden authors marks and recognizable stylistic features in such works. It is as if you seem to recognize a person just by studying his or her work, and being an artist, it’s even more interesting for me to do this, because you understand all the technical subtleties and could appreciate the skill!

Do you have any big plans coming up?

My biggest plan is to move to the USA, everything that happened before, in unpredict able ways, led me to this. Everything that I used to do just for pure interest turned out to be very important. However, at the same time, I want to keep in touch with friends and colleagues from around the world. I’m talking about live communication and an opportu nity to see each other, interact with them! Therefore, I plan to continue the series of in credible trips and new acquaintances! I am very glad that my family shares this desire, as well as my beloved wife, my most faithful partner in life in all adventures! Thank you for always being with me! I am now actively looking for ways to expand the boundaries of my creativity. New collaborations, exhibitions and publications will allow me to convey my vision of the World to more people. If this can help or interest someone, then I’m doing everything right! Sometime later it would be interesting to look back and think to your self: “Could you have thought of this before?”

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

The desire to move forward boost my hobbies and my creativity. They are closely related and at the same time radically different. So after working in a rush schedule for a month, I would look for an opportunity to go somewhere where I could clear my head, relax my soul and body. For me, mountains, the ocean, the forest are the places of power. In this environment, I reboot and gain strength. My passion for photography helps me capture everything I see, and like any passionate person, I began to look for something new. Flying with a drone, underwater photography with aquabox camera, telephoto lens, 35mm film photography help to capture best moments of my life for others. The fact that many plac es in the World are so hard to get to, inspired me to get a backpack and gave a chance to overcome the difficulties on the path and to become my better self during this path. Hik ing, rafting, climbing! How much beauty on Earth, which you would like to see! My new hobby this year is a project of an off-road car/home, in such car my wife, friends and me would be able to see places that are even more unusual! All in all, I am always happy to get involved in something new, although not forgetting things learned in old hobbies of mine!

If you could tattoo any person in the world who would it be and why?

I’m not really sure if my Grandfather would like an idea of getting a tattoo (he was a man who went through hard times during the years of WORLD WAR II, which tem pered his character alot). But I would really like to have a possibility like this and just talk to him for a couple of hours, to know about his life. He died a couple of years before my birth, but he was always my idol and somehow I have always felt his presence in everything that surrounded me. First being just a cadet, he later reached the rank of a General, and was awarded a medal «ЗаОтвагу» or «Personal Valor in Battle» (USA: Medal of Honor).

He did not lose simple human qualities, remaining a man of honor and of his words. He followed the principles of helping the weak, not using his position for his own good, did the right thing until his last years. Everyone who mentioned him told a lot of good things. I was named after him, Ivan, and having inherited the name of a great ancestor, I adopted his virtues, which I share with other people. I put my soul into every work, because this is the only way art truly comes to life, and I am pleased to think that a particle of his soul and all my ancestors passes to other people, living out of time.

Where you born and raised in Greece and what was it like growing up there? Tell us a little bit about your self

I was! I lived there for the first 24 years of my life give or take before moving to Finland. I grew up in the suburbs of Athens, and my childhood and adolescence was an interesting mixture of big city life and life in nature, since the (admittedly very small) suburb I grew up in is on the foot of mt Imittos and somewhat cut off from the rest of the city, unless you had a car or were willing to rely on the inconsistent public transportation. So getting a little bit of everything at the same time made me appreciate both worlds. My childhood consisted of either playing in the forest up in the mountain, swimming in some Attica beach with my family or doing anything arts and crafts-related at home.

At what age did you start getting into art?

I grew up in a very artistic family, and was exposed to arts and crafts ever since I can remember. My grandfather’s favorite hobby and eventually his job after retirement was making clocks from scratch, and my mom was always either painting or crafting some thing. So I have been very privileged to have been exposed to this world from very early in life. As cliché as that sounds in our industry, I have been drawing and painting with various media ever since I can remember and I also got into sculpting around the age of 5 or so, and that is something I still enjoy doing to this day. I also started ballet at the age of 3 until the age of 17. Around the age of 9 I started knitting and sewing, and at that period my mom tried to get me interested in cross-stitching as well but I quickly rejected it. Also

I got into pyrography and jewelry making when I was about 17. I even kept jewelry mak ing as a side-hustle during the time I was studying for my bachelor’s, in order to be more independent.

So when did you start start tattooing and what was that like?

I knew tattooing was something I wanted to do since I was 14 and was drawing with markers on my classmates during recess (or class even…). But tattooing in Greece in the mid-to-late 00s was very very different to what it is now, and it was very difficult to en ter that industry as an apprentice. There was lots of gatekeeping and no tolerance to new blood (bringing new ideas), not to mention we didnt have Instagram, which is far from perfect, but it’s still a useful tool for showcasing our work and connecting with like-mind ed people in order to create a community. So everything was very based on who you knew and in what kind of terms you were with them, and those relationships moved with a very slow pace. Long story short, I did find a tattoo studio to start learning the basics while I was still studying around the age of 21 or 22 (my bachelor’s is in Printing Engineering).

Considering how exclusive our industry was, it was the best thing that could happen to me, but still with lots of room for improvement. So having picked up many bad habits and generally starting “on the wrong foot”, I basically had to do another apprenticeship once I found a proper studio a little later after I moved to Finland and have tried finding my place in other studios in the country, with little to no luck. After a small hiatus and me drawing as much as humanly possible, I finally joined the crew of Below Zero Tattoo Gallery in Tampere. I stayed there for 4 years almost to the day and I learned a lot. I am currently working in Tattoo Ateljee in Helsinki, which is a private studio, with a very laid back atmosphere and a fantastic community to share the space with. I couldnt be happier.

I see you like using a lot of colors in your tattoos, what would you say your favorite style is? The chrome and gold affect you do is very cool.

Thank you for your nice words! My favorite style for me is the one I draw digitally in, as it’s the one that comes more naturally to me. Weirdly enough, my favorite medium to draw in on paper is graphite, and I thought I would be more comfortable doing blackwork or black and grey, but it turned out that when it comes to tattooing, strong outlines and colors is what’s the most comfortable and natural to me.

Do you ever travel for work? If so where are some of your favorite locations?

I do and I love it, I am currently replying this interview on my way to a guest spot in Finland! I have done a few guest spots and conventions around the country and in 2022 I started doing guest spots abroad. So far I have guested in Berlin and Athens, I have a guest spot coming up in Nicosia and working the logistics for a convention in Brugge during autumn. I honestly can’t pick a favorite as every location so far has been special for its own reasons. It would be an amazing experience if I ever got the chance to tattoo overseas as well, be that for a guest spot or a convention. I just love to travel, and if I can combine it with tattooing, even better.

What are some hobbies do you have outside of the tattoo industry?

Apart from the usual drawing-painting-general arts and crafts? Cooking is hands down my favorite hobby, I can spend hours in the kitchen. I also like to work out (to burn the calories from all that food I am always cooking…), I lift weights and do poledancing. Working out started as a necessity because of the toll our job is taking on the body, but I very quickly got into it, and since I have a background in ballet and wanted something more artistic but still demanding and strength-building than just weight lifting, I got into poledancing, with which I also fell in love almost immediately. I also collect vinyl and scifi/fantasy books. Another hobby of mine has been learning foreign languages (I currently speak 6 and understand around 10), but given the lack of time because of work, it’s some thing that had to be put on ice, at least for now.

If you could tattoo anyone in the world who would it be and why?

I am always happy to tattoo anyone who is willing to have my art on their body, it is and always will be at the same time humbling and the greatest compliment for me, it’s pure fulfilment.

Where do you see yourself in three years?

Hopefully with a little more experience under the belt when it comes to conventions and guest spots anywhere in the world, definitely still drawing and tattooing what feels right and fills my heart with joy. Most likely still living in Finland, but that’s something that sooner or later might change. Time will tell!

Photographer-jameserbacher