InkSpired Magazine Issue No. 42 by InkSpired Magazine

Ghostcircus Apparel TATTOOED BOMBSHELL ANDREEA ROSSE

UNWRITTEN LAW ART OF WAR PROJECT

The Ethereal Paintings of CT Nelson

GhostCircus Apparel 18 InkSpired Story The Art of War Project:

Helping Veterans Through Art

Interview: Andreea Rosse 50 Music: Unwritten Law

Tattoo Artist: Claire Reid

10 Questions with

Carlos “Mr. Nasty” Orellana

Editor-in-Chief - Candies Deezy Liu Creative Director - Sean Hartgrove Art Director - David Rossa Piercing Editor - Sean Dowdell European Editor - Ákos Bánfalvi Website Manager - Cameron Cowan Staff Photographers - Radek Photography & Billy Ward Video Services - James Coulter of Moo Dog Productions, LTD.

The Ethereal Paintings of CT Nelson Story: Morgan Febrey GhostCircus Apparel Story: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Pages 20-25, 33-34, 36, 38-43: Tammy Newcomer (www.ahhmusephotography.com) Pages 28-29, 32, 44-45 Valery Latypov (valerylatypov.com) Page 30-31 Mason (www.hausofse7en.com) Page 35 Danielle Pruett (lightatlarge.blogspot.com) Page 37 Eli James (@EliJames) Models: @elijames, @kthrash (Escape The Fate), @ JadeEaly, @malcolmguess, @Miranda_Lynn77, @ Leann.Nicole, @AliciaVigil, @moorea.moonbeam, @ idelsyluvslatex, @nadjapeulen (Coal Chamber) InkSpired Story: The Art of War Project: Helping Veterans Through Art Story: Cameron Cowan Photos: Marla Keown

Interview: Andreea Rosse Interview: Candies Deezy Liu Photos: Mr Gri Unwritten Law Story: Candies Deezy Liu Photos: Sean Hartgrove Tattoo Artist: Claire Reid Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi 10 Questions with Carlos “Mr. Nasty” Orellana Interview: Candies Deezy Liu Photos: Sean Hartgrove Who’s on the cover Model: Shannon Sumner www.Facebook.com/PaintedLady8 IG: @PaintedLady8 Photography: Keith Selle www.Facebook.com/KeithSellePhotography IG: @RebelSelle

Advertising info: info@InkSpiredMagazine.com

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As we head into the 42nd issue of InkSpired Magazine, we are excited to bring you a fresh spin on our existing concept. Each new issue of InkSpired presents a different story, a contrasting mindset, another angle of the things we get to experience each month. A story came across my desk that reminded me of where I came from, where I’ve been, and where I’m headed: Unwritten Law. Not only have I been listening to them for more than a decade, “Seein’ Red” is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is one of those anthems that brings me back into a whirlwind of memories every time I hear it. As a band that has progressed with the evolution of alternative rock, interviewing them this month has been significantly symbolic of my own progression. GhostCircus Apparel graces the fashion section and our cover this month, featuring model, Shannon Sumner by Keith Selle Photography. Working with the fashion line’s mastermind, Eli James has been nothing short of a pleasure. Positive. Driven. Brilliant.

a beautiful photo set by Mr. Gri. We also interview Carlos “Mr. Nasty” Orellana. In 10 questions that he very entertainingly answers, we learn more about the heavily tattooed personality who has built an empire and large fan base around his personal brand. As we transition from spring to summer, InkSpired delves into stories that is representative of the core of tattoo culture progression, passion, support, and reminders of the lighter side of life. This month, we lost one of the greatest contributors and original documentarians of tattoo photography and underground culture: Charles Gatewood. An icon of modern photography, he will be greatly missed. ISSUE NO. 42 DEDICATED IN FOND MEMORY OF CHARLES GATEWOOD Signed, Candies Deezy Liu, Editor-in-Chief

As supporters of tattooed veterans since the inception of InkSpired, we are proud and excited to feature Curtis Bean’s Art of War Project in InkSpired Story. Guest writer, Cameron Cowan interviews Curtis to share how his awe-inspiring nonprofit helps veterans through the power of art. In “Interview,” we host a Q&A with alternative model from Romania, Andreea Rosse with

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InkSpot - What “InkSpires” You? “A tattoo is more than art, it tells a story.” - Andrew Vasquez “Artists truly inspire me to be myself during the whole process of taking a piece of my personality and giving it to them to interpret into my next tattoo. That’s what constantly drives me to get more. Watching something come to life in my skin interpreted in each artist’s unique way is a thrill and a privilege. ‘InkSpired’ is a perfect word for the way I feel about getting my tattoos. I love watching an artist work away at a piece that is inspiring them almost like it’s a collaboration of souls when a piece is a part of your personality and the artist is pushed, challenged, and inspired by it. I’m very passionate about my ink...can you tell?” - Christy Dellaney “Art elevates and brightens our moods. Great art is timeless and never goes out of style. Our tattoos are a representation of who we are and what we love. Tattoos are an art. Just like my house is filled with beautiful art from local artists to enhance the beauty of my home, my body is covered with beautiful art from fabulous local artists. With the help of some gifted artists, my tattoos tell MY story.” - Natalie Culbert “I think it means taboo freedom. Our society believed that tattoos were for military or prisoners. Now it’s a free expression of art on skin. And most times it’s a conversation starter.” - Danielle N Leroy Scott “Being ‘InkSpired’ feels like obtaining world knowledge...with one tattoo inspires a whole lot of tattoos; one amazing piece can inspire a dozen more either to create something mind blowing, a memory, or even your vision of a dream. It’s not fiction, it’s in ink, it’s life…” - Aaron Russell

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The Ethereal Paintings of CT Nelson

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ETHEREAL PAINTINGS OF CT NELSON Words: Morgan Febrey If you were to ask me to describe CT Nelson’s style, I’d be at a loss for words. I’d reach for my phone to show you a photo; so, hopefully you aren’t reading this article on some non-smart flip phone relic. Recently, I visited CT at his studio in Denver to explore this enigmatic quality of his work. As a default conversation backdrop, I brought beers with me. Let’s get the ol’ conversation machine greased a bit, right? But when I arrived, the warm-hearted and grateful CT let me know that he doesn’t drink during the day. While this may seem like a pointless detail to recall, it illustrates a point. We’re talking artistic style. Often, when something is difficult to describe [or simply original] as CT’s art is, “what drugs were they on?” gets tossed around. I mean, even the pope drinks wine, but not everything with vibrant color is psychedelic or in the visionary category. CT uses color in a very fresh and unique way. Is there a need to slap a name tag on it? After the standard pleasantry exchange, we walked back into his studio. It’s unassuming and rudimentary. A table with an art supply store’s worth of oil paints spread across it and zero distractions from focus or flow. We jumped right into the fire. Mind if we start out talking about your style? I’m struggling for descriptors. CT: Sure. You can call it non-objective realism. A lot of abstract painters will start with an actual thing: a person, landscape, bowl of fruit, etc. Something in this physical world. I like to use just the feeling of those objects. To paint those feelings as if they were a tangible thing that had light, shadow, and texture. The title of an important transition painting I did, ‘The Aura of Something That’s Actually Nothing At All,’ opened my eyes to this potential. I’ve painted enough real things and don’t want to look at a thing. It spoils the visual feel that’s in my head. For example, you can communicate ice and how it feels without painting ice. A photo of ice on your computer isn’t very interesting. I’d be obsessed about copying what I was looking at. I never want to do that again. What helps, too, is sometimes I’ll switch direction in the middle of a brush stroke as I’m painting “the feels.” That’s my wild card. Helps with distorting my notions and keeps the work honest and fresh. I also layer paint very thick in strategic parts of each piece. It figuratively and literally jumps off the canvas. This creates a feeling you can jump into the painting. I really enjoy the unexpected and that is a very important to my process. It creates an unrealized, then realized energy that allows painting to be fun and not a drag. Expect the unexpected is my motto. CT has been painting since ’96. He decided it was what he wanted to do and taught himself oils in ’06. Since moving to Denver in 2002, CT has found a worldwide following. “So, Denver. Treating you well?” CT: “I wouldn’t be the artist I am now if it wasn’t for Denver. The West Coast has an established illustrative feel. The East has the conceptual. Denver has a large and growing art community but it hasn’t taken on a specific identity yet. It’s allowed me to go any direction I want and still be received very well.” CT went on to explain that he is actually influenced by every artist and every painting he’s ever seen. Each of his paintings contain not just the art, but every experience he’s ever had. This has helped him grow as an artist. And after speaking with him, his style started making more sense to me. Energy as a subject. The culmination of every moment he’s experienced. Whether I think his painting is a nebula birthing a constellation or some quantum phenomenon at CERN, it’s all true. It’s energy and that’s enough of a description. CT has a show coming up, Sept. 2016, at Last Rites Gallery in NYC. If you’d like to see more of his work, follow him on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CTNelsonArt or Instagram: @CTNelsonArtist.

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GhostCircus Apparel

GHOSTCIRCUS APPAREL Words: Candies Deezy Liu

“WELCOME TO OUR WORLD, A LIFESTYLE WHERE MUSIC AND FASHION COLLIDE.”

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GhostCircus Apparel is a high end, rockstar chic, lifestyle oriented fashion line created by drummer, producer, and designer, Eli James. In his time as a performer, Eli constantly found himself altering his clothes from different designers. As he began customizing clothes for himself and his friends to wear, he quickly gained the attention of fellow musicians who would ask to buy and wear his designs. When it came time to think of a name for his newfound passion, Eli decided to combine his love of the supernatural, ghosts and how he describes his life, “a circus.” And thus, GhostCircus Apparel was born: March 1st, 2015. Though in its early stages, GhostCircus is quickly taking the musician’s fashion world by storm.

As a busy musician always on the run, Eli wanted to create clothing that would fit his active lifestyle, whether he was practicing with his bands, including Julien K, Skold, and his solo project, the Eli James Experience, traveling, playing shows, going to meetings, hanging with friends, and everything in between. “I don’t want to change five thousand times a day, and I love to layer. Living in Los Angeles, it’s super hot. So it’s nice to wear comfortable clothes that are light and breathable that you can layer wherever you go. That way, you’re not wearing the same thing throughout the day,” says Eli. GhostCircus brilliantly meshes comfort with style fit for any occasion.

Because everything at GhostCircus is designer in all its glory and handcrafted, Eli says that every piece is a little different from the next. When it comes to inspiration, his visions for designs come from the fabric. Eli’s individual style is raw and edgy, with post-apocalyptic influences. Think - Edward Scissorhands meets Star Wars and Mad Max, and had a stylish love child. Though he credits a lot of his stylistic influences to futuristic appeal, Eli also pulls from the trends of the ‘80s, creating a fashion all his own. www.GhostCircusApparel.com www.Facebook.com/GhostCircus Instagram & Twitter: @GhostCircus_

“JUST BE. THE REST WILL FOLLOW.”

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InkSpired Story The Art of War Project: Helping Veterans Through Art

THE ART OF WAR PROJECT: HELPING VETERANS THROUGH ART Interview: Cameron Cowan / Photography: Marla Keown Curtis Bean, a veteran who was helped by art therapy brings the practice to Denver, is confident when we speak. Curtis is the mastermind of The Art of War Project, a unique nonprofit supported by donations and small grants, helping veterans process their PTSD and war experiences through the crucible of art. He knows first hand the horrors of the War on Terror and the massive operations the US military has been performing Iraq and Afghanistan for the past 15 years. He served for two and a half years in Iraq in a combat role as a scout and a sniper. In those roles, a man can see many horrible things and have experiences that are far from the normal everyday experiences of most of humanity. Curtis found an art program to help treat his PTSD. He started to paint in interesting, layered abstract expressionist styles. Military and veterans affairs have used a variety of medication to create “zombies” (as Curtis put it) out of veterans returning from the war. Rather than actually dealing with the problem, many veterans have been subject to this pharmaceutical bypassing. This has left many veterans with lots of pain and emotions, and has manifested itself in a variety of destructive ways ranging from drug abuse and alcoholism to domestic violence and suicide. The response from the military hasn’t been as enlightened as what private solutions like the Art of War Project has created. Curtis talks about how veterans need “options” and the ability to use a variety of tools, including medical marijuana, to help treat their symptoms and finding a place of healing and hope. Although the Art of War

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Project doesn’t have any current efforts involving medical marijuana, Curtis was in full and open support of that method in my talk with him. “Healing is more than pills,” he iterates. The project creates art focused events around experiencing and creating art. For Curtis, it’s about the art as much as the process. Art is a journey with a disappointing final product. Because the work of art is never done; you just stop painting, writing, or creating. Curtis mentioned process a lot. In the healing process for the men and women who taken advantage of what he freely offers to veterans, the focus is on the doing of art and the process of putting brush to canvas, knife to woodblock, or pen to sketch book. Although many of his events take place in the city, the project hosts quarterly retreats in the Colorado Rocky Mountains to give “people a chance to grow away from distractions.” The retreats have been so successful that he is working towards hosting them monthly and is working on creating a dedicated retreat center to host even more events and provide even more services to veterans. Decades of a volunteer military has meant that the military does not always represent the cross-section of America that it might once have in years past. Let’s face it, in our era of income inequality, the military represents a way out of poverty for many people both white and minority. This means that when it comes time to seek treatment, there is less opportunity and fewer options for treating a condition as complex as PTSD. Veterans who come from more affluent

backgrounds have support networks, family, and resources to seek out whatever treatment they might require. Veterans from more difficult circumstances like Curtis can find it hard to find services or simply don’t even try. Combine that with the stigma around PTSD, and it creates a recipe for disaster. Curtis brings a human face and voice to a community that many regular people view as damaged, broken, or simply not useful. “Veterans are leaders, they are natural leaders. Veterans are not a problem,” he says. The Art of War Project brings a fascinating collection of hats, socks, t-shirts, and tanks to us to wear as an everyday reminder of what they are doing. The t-shirts are soft and of high quality, like you’d expect from some of your favorite brands and some of the signature designs are things you would be proud to have on your body. The best part is that the proceeds go to support the Art of War Project and the good work they are doing serving our veterans. There are plenty of veterans in our InkSpired community and they deserve all our help and support. To help support the great work of Art of War, visit their shop: artofwarproject.com and click on Store. Cameron Cowan is an author, host of the Cameron Cowan show, and guest writer for InkSpired Magazine. To hear more about Curtis Bean and his Art of War Project on the Cameron Cowan Show, tune in to podcast #48 available at: cameroncowan.co.

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Interview: Andreea Rosse

ANDREEA ROSSE Words: Candies Deezy Liu / Photography: Mr. Gri

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Karma Owner Peter Hsing

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InkSpired Magazine: How and when did your modeling career begin? Andreea Rosse: I’ve been involved in this industry for the past 8 years, but as a retoucher. Many of the photographers I worked with kept telling me I should model, and eventually I did. I loved the feedback I received, and now it’s something that I do as often as I can. InkSpired Magazine: Do you have any advice for aspiring models? Andreea Rosse: Yes. What I learned is that you need to be constant, and you need to work hard for what you want. Being pretty and good looks help, but let’s face it; there are SO many beautiful girls out there. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. But when talent and hard work meets, you become unstoppable. Oh, and be real. Always be yourself. InkSpired Magazine: What else do you do? Andreea Rosse: My main job is retouching. I have been doing this for many years now, and I love it. I got the chance to work with and for so many talented photographers from all around the world. And it helped me understand better what I should and should not do as a model, as well as retouch my own images. InkSpired Magazine: What inspired you to start getting tattooed? Andreea Rosse: I’ve been involved with art my entire life. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, I did composition and digital paintings growing up, so obviously I wanted something on my body. But I wasn’t sure just what, because I wanted something with meaning. When my grandmother passed away I got a tattoo in her memory. InkSpired Magazine: Tell us about your favorite tattoo. Andreea Rosse: It’s actually the first, the one I mentioned above. It was done a couple of months after my grandmother passed away. I was raised by her, she’s the one that I called and considered my mother. I chose to do a guardian angel holding a baby, because that’s what she meant to me. And I chose to do it on my back, to symbolize the fact that she’s always there - guiding and protecting me. Many people ask why did I put it somewhere I can not see it if it means so much to me. Well, here is your answer.

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InkSpired Magazine: Who are your tattoo artists? Andreea Rosse: I’ve been tattooed by a lot of great artists from our country and other countries as well - Marius (BAS Tattoo), Dorin (Old Bastards), Ktt Murder and recently, Sfantu (Red Ink) who became my favorite. But there are still many out there I absolutely love and I hope one day I’ll have something done by them. InkSpired Magazine: What role do tattoos play in your life? Andreea Rosse: They’re part of me. Every single tattoo I have on my body, it’s part of my story. Some are done to heal wounds, some are done to represent something from my life, some are just things I love. I could not imagine myself without them. InkSpired Magazine: What inspires you? Andreea Rosse: Life, people, experiences. I’m a very positive person and I try to find the good in every situation and the light in every dark corner. As I said before, art was something that has been around me since I’ve known myself, so I tried to find different ways to express what I feel: drawing, writing, or maybe - getting a new tattoo? InkSpired Magazine: Do you have any people that you are inspired by? Andreea Rosse: People that do good. I love that kind of people. People that are humble, kind, and positive. People that work hard and stay true. First, to themselves and then to everyone else. It’s a pretty fucked up world we live in, and I honestly realized I do not have time for anything else but good, happiness, and love. InkSpired Magazine: What is something that many people don’t know about you? Andreea Rosse: I’m very shy and I struggled with depression and anxiety. Thankfully, the dark clouds are gone for now, but there are still times when I get anxious and sadly, many people mistake it for arrogance. It’s not. I’m kindhearted and very friendly.

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Music: Unwritten Law

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UNWRITTEN LAW Words: Candies Deezy Liu Photography: Sean Hartgrove “What’s wrong with you’re kickin’ it when you’re bored and lit?” It was a question I often found myself asking as I had the Unwritten Law CD on repeat during my days of high school and teenage rebellion. With another one of their major hit songs, “Seein’ Red” burned into my memory of recalling the good ol’ days, every time I hear this song, I’m still reminded of where I came from. Their music played a pivotal role in getting me through the tough times and reminding me of the good times. It was an era of alternative rock that has shaped my love for music to this day. Formed in the early ‘90s in a city in San Diego named Poway, Unwritten Law rapidly established themselves in the California music scene and continued to take the 2000s by storm. With their defined rock sound and intense punk rock energy, the band was a major part of the evolution of alternative rock during that time. As they toured alongside bands such as Blink 182, Sum 41, and The Used, they created a revolution in the genre of skate punk. After releasing seven studio albums, completing several international tours, performing at the Vans Warped Tour, experiencing lineup changes, and more, Unwritten Law continues to dominate the live rock music scene with sold out shows and no signs of stopping. As they continue to garner new fans with their new music, Unwritten Law has successfully maintained a loyal following since their early days. Current member and guitarist, Chris Lewis joined the band in 2014. As a fellow musician who has been a fan and toured with Unwritten Law for many years prior to joining the band, he comments, “what I’ve always loved about Unwritten Law is that they were always really honest with their music. They weren’t trying to do what everyone else was doing because it was the easy thing to do. They were always the ones breaking barriers…” www.Facebook.com/UnwrittenLaw.Music Twitter: @Unwritten_Law

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Tattoo Artist: Claire Reid

CLAIRE REID Interview: Ákos Bánfalvi Claire Reid was born in England in 1982 and has always had an obsession for art. As a child, she was constantly drawing or spending time in nature. She loves all forms of art and self-expression. Over the years, Claire delved into many different mediums that enabled her to express her voice in many ways. She has a story to tell and a perception of the world as distorted as the next person and she loves to express this in her art. “I am an artist primarily and foremost interested in the other realms beyond our conscious mind and the beauty of our planet. My main inspiration and drive as an artist comes from these two things and I am on a constant journey to be able to portray them on skin and canvas. Tattooing is an incredible medium to work with as not only am I able to create beautiful images, I am also portraying people’s journeys on their skin. I love to try and connect with what my customers want to get tattooed, and understand who they are and what they are trying to express.” How long have you been a tattoo artist? Did you have a formal apprenticeship? I first became interested in tattooing when I was 16 as I loved art, anything alternative, and body modification. I went to college and studied sociology as I was told that art would not get me a job and didn’t follow up with tattooing until I finished college in 2004 and I became a piercer. I started tattooing in 2005 and had a 6 week apprenticeship that gave me the basics of what I needed to know. From there, I started a journey to study with some of the most incredible tattoo artists around the world. I have been incredibly lucky and worked alongside many famous tattoo artists who have all taught me everything that I know. After 9 years of tattooing, I still feel that I am an apprentice just scratching the surface of tattooing and all that I could know about the profession. What is it like being a female artist in a primarily male industry? I love working in a predominantly male industry with male tattoo artists and have always been treated with the utmost respect. There is always so much laughter in the studios and I think that tattoo artists are a whole different breed to others in normal society. Many of us do not fit into the box or society and it takes a certain person to be drawn to this lifestyle. We have the freedom to travel all over the world with our art and experience so many

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incredible cultures. It takes courage to live a form of selfexpression that many hide from the rest of the world and because of this, we are free. I love the family that I have found through tattooing. Do you feel that male customers treat you differently? I have the most incredible customers, the vast majority being male. All of my customers have had amazing journeys and I feel honoured to be a part this. My customers generally know that I believe tattoos to be a rite of passage and they want their tattoos to have that deeper meaning also. I love talking over the metaphysical aspects of their journeys and delving under events for greater understanding. By marking the skin people are transformed and wear their journey and transition that took them from where they were to who they are now. It is important to express who we are with tattoos being a window to the soul as such, and it is important to find the right tattoo that can portray what the person is wanting to express. Though the dynamics are constantly changing, there are still obviously many fewer female tattoo artists in the industry than men. Has being a female ever presented challenges to you along the way? Do you feel you have had to work even harder to achieve the success you have than might have been necessary for a man? I have found that my success has come from the standard of my work, I have only experienced equality as a tattoo artist in a male industry. My main observation that is not equal would be the constant portrayal of women as sex symbols in tattoo culture (websites, magazines, at tattoo conventions). Tattoo magazines are filled with beautiful women wearing nothing and showing their bodies as if that is all that they are. As a tattoo artist, I am respected as equal, but in tattoo magazines tattooed women are encouraged to be boxed into a stereotype as if this is their identity and all who they are, this is what is revered. The power of a woman is within. Can you tell us more about the shop you work at, what it’s like working there, and what a typical day is like there? When I’m not traveling and doing guest spots, I work from my private studio that is in the rainforest on the east coast of Australia. The studio is 25 minutes from a shop and has incredible nature and wildlife all around it. There is an 80 foot waterfall up the road, the ocean is 40 minutes

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away, and I often take customers out to beautiful places in the area before getting tattooed. I also have pet peacocks roaming around the studio. My customers all love the experience as many of them fly in to get work and come from the city. I tattoo from solar power, use as many earth friendly products as possible, have planted an orchard, veggie patches, keep chickens and have a nice creek down the hill where we can swim. I work with another tattoo artist who is one of my best friends. His name is Jacob Gwynn and tattoos beautiful realism and paints like a renaissance painter. We bounce off each other all of the time with ideas and I am constantly inspired by him and his work. I love to come home to this environment after being on the road as I can reconnect with the earth and clear my mind. The forest helps me to become more intuitive and relax. I only tattoo one person per day so that I can take time to design and understand what that person wants, I love tattooing this way. Do you see tattooing as a job or a way to express your creative side? Tattooing is a way of life for me, I live and breathe it. I am serious about what I do and have a great respect for my customers. I feel that since I started tattooing, I have never worked a day in my life as it is such a great passion for me. I feel that there are unlimited avenues to explore with tattooing that expend me constantly. For the 74

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past 5 years, I have been greatly interested in indigenous cultures and the practice of shamanism and healing through tattoos. This is an ancient practice that I see playing out in the present day with people going through incredible transformation and healing when getting tattooed. Many of my friends who are tattoo artists are also interested in shamanism and I love to hang out with them to expand my knowledge further. I especially love to spend time in New Zealand with shamanic tattoo artists who have taught me a great deal about their spiritual practices behind tattooing. I have great respect for all indigenous cultures, especially in Australia as the Aboriginal culture is so ancient holding vast knowledge about the land and the universe. I only hope to gain a fraction of this knowledge in my lifetime and use it to help those around me. What inspires you when you create? I am inspired to create and portray my view of the world. I dream of

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world peace and of a time when everyone becomes one realising that we are all the same. A lot of my artwork comes from this place and a lot of my customers are attracted to my art wanting designs that represent similar things such as their own spirituality. What do you enjoy most about tattooing, and what are some of the challenges? I love everything about tattooing, I love interacting with my customers for so long, I love being creative and artistic all day, and I love traveling, I love the depth and spirituality behind tattooing, I love the inks and the technical side, the actual art of putting ink under the skin, the colours, and playing music all day. Ilove the whole process. Art could be a great influence on someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality. What is the best lesson that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned from your art journey? Art has taught me to connect with my soul. When I am painting and

tattooing I am in that place and feel like the creation comes from there. Art has carried me through all of my lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journeys and I am grateful to have had that there as a means of expression and consistency through all situations. How did your style progress and develop to the point you are at now? I am constantly developing the way I tattoo and paint through technique, subject matter, and finding a way to communicate clearly. I try not to think too much when I am creating. My style has progressed from the influences around me. I notice that my art is always changing and reflecting my environment. I

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have had many incredible teachers along the way and enjoy learning. At this point, I feel really inspired and ready to go again. I feel like I’m coming into a new phase and am keen to paint and tattoo a lot at the moment. Describe how your role models and any other sources of inspiration have affected your tattoo style. My main role models inspire me to live life to the fullest and put my all into every moment, to live in a space of love and not fear, to be completely present and attentive on what I am doing. They inspire me to live true and be free, to express who I am and live with compassion. I have been deeply affected by some incredible people in my life and I will carry their effect on me throughout my life. I am lucky and honored to share their time in such a profound way. What is one of your favorite pieces that you’ve tattooed on someone else? My favorite piece is on my friend Brad, it’s a sleeve of cycles from creation, to birth, to death, and so on. There’s an eye in there, a hand with a seed, nebula, a skull with orbs, a portal, and a man creating energy. We did ceremonies taught to me by my Maori friends with each session, with Brad experiencing big shifts in his life each time. After finishing the tattoo we got the opportunity to travel across Australia together from east to west on a journey to help protect the land from mining with many other people. The journey was incredible and the protests were successful as the land is now protected. What is one of your favorite pieces on your own body, and who did it? I have many. I love my full back piece by Paolo Acuna. I have a full leg piece by Jeff Gogue and a sleeve by Robert Hernandez and Chris Nieves; thank you guys! What is your favorite thing about being a tattoo artist? There are too many things… One of them is being free. Have you noticed a change in the types of images people have asked for over the years you’ve been tattooing? I think I get asked to tattoo a certain type of imagery, but I have noticed that people are wanting more supernatural tattoos that represent the universe now. Tattoos seem very mainstream now. Do you think that’s good or bad? I think that things will change and it is really great that people are expressing themselves and tattooing is such a positive thing now. www.ClaireReid.net www.AjnaTattoo.com www.Facebook.com/Claire.Reid.9400 www.Facebook.com/pages/ClaireReid/219343994802110

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10 Questions with Carlos “Mr. Nasty” Orellana

WITH "MR NASTY" ORELLANA Words: Candies Deezy Liu / Photography: Sean Hartgrove So, my secret is: stay away from negative people and surround yourself with the most respectful and positive people. Can you tell us about the tattoo psycho movement? I was getting tattooed one time by a tattoo artist in Lompoc (Eddie Tovar). He was tattooing my chin and a customer walks in and says, “Mr.Nasty, you’re a Tattooed Psycho.” I said, “hell yeah I am!” 2 to 3 days later, I told myself I was going to name myself Tattoo Psycho. Months went by and I ended up using it as my clothing line. Now the brand is a known all over the world. I have friends, fans, and supporters that have Tattoo Psycho logos tattooed on them. My business partner and I own the Tattoo Psychos brand. Check it out at: WWW.TATTOOPSYCHOS.COM.

How did the persona of “Mr Nasty” develop? Well, my persona as nasty boy started when I was in kindergarten. I was always girl crazy. I never had any filter in the way I talked and I was always straight up and nasty with the girls. To this day, nothing has changed. I stuck to the name and use it as fuel to come up with music lyrics and comedy; that’s mostly my rap name. I love the ladies. You’re so heavily tattooed with a such positive vibe, what’s your secret? I have been getting tattooed since my 18th birthday. I was always so happy every time I got tattooed. It was a good way to build the kind of person I was. I’ve always been a happy person and always made sure everyone around me was laughing and smiling. Since I was in school, teachers always told me I was wild, fun, and crazy. It’s crazy because when people see me, they think I’m this hardcore, fully tattooed motherfucker. I’m just a regular, respectful guy who comes to find out you can’t judge a person by his looks. I get along with everyone. I keep my mind in a positive zone and that’s why people like to be around me.

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I understand you’re a rapper, tell us a bit about that. I have been rapping since I was in high school but I never took it seriously. I was always just pretty much rapping comedy to make people laugh. I started taking it seriously when I was 23 and I started making music with some neighborhood friends. I never really thought I would be able to record an album until I came up with 17 songs. So, I released my album, “The Life Of Carlos O” which caught the attention of a lot of rappers I grew up listening to. I ended up getting signed by the legendary Latino label, Low Profile Records in San Diego. I am in the process of recording my first mainstream album. You’re also a comedian, where do you find inspiration for your comedy? I love this question. I always told people if you mix Jackass star, Steve-O, Adam sandler, George Lopez, Cheech Marin, and Jeff Ross, you get Mr. Nasty. I’m inspired by those guys; as a matter of fact, I’m all over my Rincon Carpinteria High School yearbook nominated as “Class Clown,” “Funniest Laugh,” “Loudest,” and “Most

Likely To Succeed.” I love to make people laugh; that brings joy to my heart. I started just rapping jokes but now I have a YouTube channel (805CARLOSORELLANA). That’s where I have comedy prank videos, stand up, and behind the scenes working with famous people. What other hobbies do you have? I also grow chile plants. I have been growing some of the hottest chile plants in the world from Carolina Reapers to Scorpion chiles, Ghost Peppers, Naga Vipers, Chile Pequin, Manzanos plants, the list goes on. I got into growing because I love hot food, You can see me on YouTube eating the world’s hottest chiles, it’s crazy. If my career goes as planned, I will try to open a chile company, growing and selling plants. I grew up having chile eating contests with my friends’ dads. I used to win all of them at 14 years old. Now I’m obsessed with salsas and super hot food. What is the craziest tattoo you have? The craziest tattoo I have I would have to say is the 3 butt naked girls I have clear across my back. 15 inches long and 15 inches wide. I had my friend draw me 3 of the sexiest women naked. The tattoo took 3 sessions over 15 hours. I love it though. I wish I could have made it bigger but at the time, I was 19; I was just experiencing the pain. What is something not many people know about you? Well, people assume I’m Mexican because I’m a Latino in California but I’m actually Guatemalan. I was born in 1982 and came to California as an illegal in 1984. I also have 3 kids and I’m a full time dad. I’m into sports with my kids; I have them in football and wrestling. I train my kids to be aggressive athletes, haha. I have two boys, ages 5 and 9, and my daughter is 10. What is your response when people comment on your tattoos? To be honest, a lot of people act disgusted

when they look at me in public. I get a lot of people that love the tattoo culture that come up to me and ask me for pictures, and of course, there are the negative people that look at me like my life is ruined. A lot of people think that I would never get a good paying job because of my ink, but little do they know, I have my own business, my music career, and comedy. I respect people’s opinions but people mostly talk shit on social media when they know they can say whatever they want without saying it to my face. Every tattoo expo and car show I go to, I take pictures with tattoo lovers. I just stay positive no matter what. You’ve become quite a social media personality, what keeps your fans engaged? I stay working on social media 24/7, making sure my fans see me every day live on Facebook and/or I’ll make funny videos talking shit about stupid and funny things going on in this world. I always respond to my social media fans and make sure I post where I’m going to be doing shows or signing autographs. My fan base has grown so much thanks to the 8 years of hard work, staying true to myself, and paying my dues. I’ve actually been working with a lot of cool people, such as Papa Roach, The Game, Tyga, Nipsey Hustle, Cypress Hill, Bush, Ty Dalla $, the list goes on. I also just recently did a badass photo shoot with German clothing company, Yakuza. I’m a really down to earth person; I show the same love to everyone that shows me love. When I go up on stage, people already know my vibes so everyone smiles. I’m thankful that I can represent myself and my lifestyle in my comedy and rap.

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