www.wildblood.fi WildBlood is a Finnish tattoo, motorcycle, music and culture magazine. WildBlood is quality lifestyle for people with interest towards alternative lifestyle in different forms running in their blood. Magazine includes interesting interviews of both enthusiasts as well as celebrities, introducing of extreme things, tattoos deeper than skin – told by both artists and bearers. WildBlood also tells you about customized motorcycles, cars and people behind them.
Wild Blood: Editor in chief Aki Häkkinen aki@wildblood.fi Art Director Vesa Rönty vesa@wildblood.fi Web content Tuomas M. Mäkelä info@tumma.fi Matt Gone Toni Korpela Maukka Laurila Mikael Saarnisto Samuel Heikkinen Sande Parkkonen Hannu Hämäläinen O.W. Kinnunen Xeniya Balsara Maija Rasmus Cover Photos: Justin George
WINTER BREAKING, BIKE CHOPPING! Us Finns are usually unhappy about weather conditions – it’s either too cold, too hot, too rainy and so on. We dream of riding bikes and cruising in convertible cars around the year as they do in warmer climate. But without winter we wouldn’t have so skilled handymen – and by that I don’t mean that type of persons who like to spend their free time in front of tv watching certain type of “entertainment” but more of the kind that spend their time in garage. Actually Finnish custom culture is much more appreciated outside Finland than most of us realize. When traveling around, one often hears comments on how beautiful machines we build. People in Nordic countries have several months each year to prepare their beloved vehicles to be ready for the summer and at the same time develop their skills in building them. Motorcycles and cars take lot of our free time, but what else would we do during those dark and cold months. Building cars and bikes is also good therapy outside of daily grind and it brings lot of like minded people together. And what could possible beat the feeling of hitting the first patch of dry road in the spring and enjoy the labors of hard work! Without the break provided by winter that enjoyment wouldn’t be half as great compared to having the possibility to ride year around. What do you think?
At least I enjoy both the freedom of riding as well as the joy of building. Creating something new, while challenging yourself, is fun but also frustrating at times, because things don’t always go as planned. You learn through trial and error and that “YES!” –moment when you succeed is what keeps me constantly trying to find ways to build something new. Bike and car hobby is year round in Finland also. Part of the year is spent enjoying the sweetest part of the pie and rest baking it. You grow into custom culture and soon you find yourself missing it. You keep having a constant flow of new ideas and need to put them into reality. The number of clubs compared to Finnish population tells something about our hobby culture. Some might find it insane that there’s over 300 mc’s and dozens of other motorcycle groups, car clubs and other gearhead groups – all in a country with barely over five million people. We are talking about serious amount of enthusiasts and vehicles! Lot of people don’t understand how can it be when the summer season is so short. But we are perverted people and like to fiddle with our equipment as a big part of the hobby. Lot of the times that also explains the high quality of our vehicles. As I write this, the sun is starting to warm things up nicely and lot of the equipment is eagerly waiting to get out on the road. It’s always nice to go to different shows and events to see these creations on the road. Fly the Finnish flag up high and enjoy your hobby! Keep the culture alive. In these strange political times you never know – it might be forbidden tomorrow!
Our culture runs deeper than blood!
Aki Häkkinen / Päätoimittaja
Contents:
Wild Girl
5
Futuristic V-Rod
13
Introducing master blacksmith Kirsi Vahtera
Wild Person: Master blacksmith Kirsi Vahtera
Wild Blood had a chance to meet bike builder Juha Sangi from Oulu and take a closer look on his creation
Motorcycle Exhibition and Kustom Kulture Show
24
Down Under Tattoo
30
Saab 96: Helga
34
Diao-Wen
40
Hibernating motorheads were woken up by two different events Introducing Markus Koskela, a tattoo artist operating in Järvenpää and Lappeenranta, Finland Who says that you can’t wheelie on a Harley
The general manager of Megakone Oy created a unique Saab low rider
A tattoo master with a studio in Malesia
Reindeershit MC
56
Finnish motorcycle club from Haaparanta
Do it yourself: Futuristic V-Rod
Colored man: Matt Gone
62
Lassi´s Blog
68
Matt is seriously ill 43 years old man. He started to cover his body deformations with tattoos. Now they are probably the last thing people notice.
Lassi Sidoro, body modification professional and freak show performer shares his life in his blog. This time interviewing Claudio Marrino
Matt Gone: Color by squares
Master blacksmith KIRSI VAHTERA Kirsi has a really rare profession, she is an old school master blacksmith and forces iron to obey her demands for living. Text: Vesa RÜnty Photos: Pasi Leppäaho
wildblood.fi
5
6
Originally from Lahti, Finland, 33 years old master blacksmith Kirsi Vahtera started her life with metal in Ikaalinen back in 2001 – and now we are not talking about the style of music.
forge felt good to her. She got a special permission to work at the school shop as part of her studies, sometimes late at night. Already back then she created hundreds of pieces of art.
She got accepted into to a school to study as a gun smith, but her interest towards older style of iron work led her to the forge right in the beginning of her studies. Working with metal and
Her first exhibition took place in KihniÜ during her studies in 2004. After that there’s been a steady pace with total of seven exhibitions so far.
Right now she is in the middle of organizing a Biomechanical –exhibition, where several artists from different fields of art share their view. The meaning is to gather craftsmen from different trades under the same roof. Besides blacksmiths, there’s a carpenter, tattoo artist, photographer and a designer.
a forged tree with a clear-cut wooden background completed in co-operation with carpenter Tapio Kangasniemi. Additional information of the exhibition can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Biomechanical/1440428289509794
http://www.routadesign.com
Kirsi has lot of new stuff in works where metal joins other elements. For example wildblood.fi
7
Väinämöinen and Impi
exhibition focusing only in Kalevala where Kirsi will display all her Kirsi admires Finnish culture and works concerning this epic. national heritage. Especially the work of Akseli Gallen-Kallela has Kirsi has dedicated her back for been close to her heart and a Kalevala. Her current back piece great influence to her own art. features Väinämöinen from the The poetry of Kalevala and early artwork of “Väinämöinen and Finnish mythology have been Impi” by Gallen-Kallela. There was already previously tattooed sources for Kirsi’s creativity. sun, which was accompanied by Lot of times Kalevala is almost a “World Tree” which supports too obviously connected to her the heavenly sphere and Väinäprofession, but for Kirsi it’s always möinen beneath the tree with his been important part of her life. kantele – all done by Takomo-TatShe did a relief of Kullervo and too of Tampere. The original plan the wild cattle of the forest as the wasn’t for such a large piece but final work for her master degree, having her whole back covered with Kalevala theme doesn’t complete with display stand. annoy her one bit. In Kalevala there’s plenty to work from for the rest of one’s life, but Protection of once in a while it’s nice to do something completely different. werewolves The Biomechanical exhibition is a leap to different subject, but On her wrist Kirsi has a little more after that there will be a private special tattoo art. It’s decorated with tattoo of Wolfangel that protects her of werewolves. This em8
bodiment of fear of werewolves was done by Mad Max Tattoo in Tampere with UV-color and white outlines. The Wolfangel rune was worn by SS troops of Nazi Germany so it might be good that it’s hidden away from plain view.
Ikiturso monster As for her future plans for tattoos, Kirsi reveals that she promised the team of Biomechanical exhibiton to take the logo of the exhibition project as a tattoo. Besides that, she’s been pondering the sharp toothed monster from Kalevala, Ikiturso. It would circle her arm as a scaly pike headed creature. Her feeling about the size of the pic seems to be growing with time, but still an idea of full sleeve has not quite had her convinced.
Being a woman at the forge
especially and there’s basically no difference between genders when it comes to working in the trade. The technique is much more imWorking as a master blacksmith portant than power, and modern in male dominated trade has felt machinery takes care most of the natural to her. A little credibility work. problem can be seen on thought level – not many believe that a woman works as a blacksmith, Burning passion and prejudice has lead – besides keeps the iron red “funny” jokes – to also direct hate hot and discrimination. “Forging itself is still done with a hammer on an anvil, just like in the ancient times of Ilmarinen, but I’ve never considered it being too heavy for me.”
Passion towards her work and endless desire to work with the material she loves is much more important than her physical strength.
As Kirsi aimed for the special degree of master blacksmith, she faced lot of opposition within her own trade. It felt challenging to even get to the final skill test, even with the required proof and work experience under her belt.
“Iron is pleasantly basic material and as such ideal to form, it tells you how it should be worked into a piece of art or every day object.”
racks and jewelry that would be offered side by side with design products. Her personal dream is to forge few large axes for herself. This time consuming project was set as a goal already in the beginning of her studies, but so far they have not been made. For her children, Kirsi has managed to make forge hammers. Her daughter received the hammer and Slayer’s Reign in Blood album as her one year birthday present. Kirsi has not yet been involved with parts customized for cars or motorcycles, but she was interested when we asked about it. “If a suitable person comes along and our ideas meet, I’ll look forward to work with them.” Now we need to design a forged motorcycle with Kalevala theme!
Kirsi has a long time dream of a series of products that would fit Physically being a master blacks- in Finnish homes. For example, mith is not a challenge for women forged door handles, knobs, coat wildblood.fi
9
10
Hung man A romantic gift to Kirsi’s partner and the father of her children. This piece was received with joy and has been really liked – even though it’s not something that everybody would think as a great gift.
wildblood.fi
11
Texti:Aki H채kkinen Photos: Aki H채kkinen, Sauli Sassi
wildblood.fi
13
where the project started. The rear was already wide, but not wide enough. Better do it proper if you start messing with it. More room was gained by modifying the swingarm and a hefty 300 series tire with wide wheel was squeezed in. The wheel itself Juha Sangi is a bike builder from Oulu who he is a bit special, as the spokes are offset to the doesn’t build a new bike every year. But when drive side leaving a wide lip on the right side. he builds one for himself, then everything is done perfectly. Every part – be it steel or Lot of builders buy body kits for V-Rods from fiberglass – is made by himself. He really doesn’t catalogues, but since Juha had the skills and he build bikes in order to get to pose in magazines, was aiming for something unique he decided to or even visit many shows. Wild Blood had a make everything himself. Rear fender is steel chance to take a little deeper look into this while rest of the parts are fiberglass. For a mold, futuristic creation than it would be on the road he formed proper shapes out of urethane. He made front fender, tank cover and radiator as it passes you by. shroud using this method. Handlebars are also The basis of Juha’s show piece is a basic 2007 made by Juha. V-Rod - the first VRSCA with 240 rear tire to be exact. He had experience building tradi”Lot of builders buy body kits tional Harleys, but felt like doing something completely different and new school. Some- for V-Rods from catalogues, thing that is not so common among bike builbut since Juha had the skills ders. He began his search for a starting point by trying to find the cheapest possible V-Rod, and he was aiming for someeven without all the factory parts since he’d thing unique he decided to make be making them himself anyway. A graphite gray bike was found at a local dealer and that’s everything himself.” 14
The stock front end needed some beefing up just like the rest of the bike, so he had extra wide triple trees cut out of aluminum. After Juha got the trees, he set out to shape all brackets out of square pieces of aluminum. Fat covers were added around the stock fork tubes to give it a shape similar to upside down forks.
He came up with rather special saddle bag setup that slides over the rear fender creating a seamless combination that takes only few seconds to install or remove. Pieces join together better than most of the factory bolt-on solutions.
In total Juha estimates some 300 hours were spent building this bike and everything was done A exhaust resembling a Gatling Minigun is also in his home garage. Let’s hope we will see more made by Juha and brings more of the futuris- of his creations in the future! tic look to the bike. A set of Legends air shocks were chosen for comfort - they allow for height adjustment by a push of a button and come complete with air compressors. Since this bike is meant for riding, it’s been used also on longer trips. Since wearing the same pair of underwear for weeks is not exactly pleasant, Juha designed some touring options with luggage in mind.
wildblood.fi
15
16
UKNOWN INDUSTRIES
18
Uknown Industries Most of the Harley enthusiasts have probably heard the whining of the ignorant how they lack power, weigh a ton – not to talk about how they cost a fortune. Yes, the last part is mostly true, as Harley is one of the few brands of motorcycles that maintain their price level no matter how old they are. And they are not exactly lightweight vehicles as they are not made out of plastic. Some people even criticize the Americanism of a Harley since for decades they’ve been fitted with Japanese components like suspension, brakes, carburators and so on. But no matter what, it’s still one of the most well known brands and sounds in the world. Text: Aki Häkkinen Photos: Justin George
Lot of trash is being also talked about how it’s impossible to wheelie a Harley or do any other stunts with them. Jason Pullen was probably one of the few H-D stunt riders that really proved all naysayers wrong. I’ve seen his show up close in San Francisco and for sure it’s way cooler than when being done with machines 200 pounds lighter. Since then Harley wheelies have gotten more common and some have even done backflips on them. Unknown Industries is a lifestyle brand focusing on motorcycling and it consists of freestyle team of three Harley spanking guys. Their Youtube channel has gain lot of publicity and short videos named “Harley Wheelies” are really enjoyable.
Wildblood decided to look deeper into this group and their vehicles of choice. This threesome has been riding together since 2005 and became an official brand last year. These motorheads are happy being able to do what they love more professionally and produce a clothing line, DVD’s on the side – and actively tour around the country doing stunt shows in different places.
wildblood.fi
19
Kade Gates
1991 Harley Davidson FXR Motor - Stock 80” EVO Builder- Kade Gates Exhaust- Custom Thunder Header Transmission- Jim’s 5 Speed Front Suspension - Progressive Springs with Stiff Weight Oil Rear Suspension - Works 13 3/4 Front End - 2000 and later Dual Disc 39mm Front Wheel - 19” Stock Harley 13 Spoke Mags Rear Wheel - 16” Stock Harley 13 Spoke Mags Front Tire: Dunlop 401 100/90 - 19 Rear Tire: Dunlop 401 150/80 - 16 Front Brakes - Dual Disc Lyndall Brakes Rotors and Pads stock late model Dyna Calibers Rear Brakes - Lyndall Brakes Rotors and Pads stock FXR Calibers Paint - Jordan Graham and Kade Gates Gas Tank - Harley FXR Tank Handlebars - Sporter Bars with custom cut, sleeved and welding by Kade Front Pegs - Speed Merchant Rear Pegs - Speed Merchant Seat - Corbin Fork Brace - San Diego Customs
20
The first Harley Wheelies video was uploaded to internet in 2009, and unbelievably it got hundreds of thousands of viewers which in turn inspired guys to keep going and making more videos. They used to have also another channel
on Youtube, but it was deleted for their own safety since it included scenes of speeding away from the police while doing stunts – and who would want to get busted for doing something like that.
Harley will wheelie when you know how to do it! Stund riding with a Harley is challenging as they weigh double the bikes normally used for such – and they have about half the power. Co-operation with the bike requires some serious skill! But these three guys swear that a stock Harley will wheelie and burn rubber with ease – it’s all up to the rider’s skills. Yet they don’t recommend trying it to everyone for the difficulty involved – you might end up looking at expensive piece of scrap metal. Accidents are not uncommon for these gentlemen either. When being asked what’s best in riding, answer is simply: “All of it! Challenging yourself, crossing the limits and trying new tricks. It’s fantastic to see how far you can push yourself.” Part of mastering a motorcycle is that you work on your bikes and maintain them yourself. It’s important to know how to tune the bike and to know which part goes where, or know your motor so you can tune it to your liking. “You own the bike, of course you have to know it!”
Buddy Suttle
1992 Harley Davidson FXR Motor - 95” Twin CAM Builder - Big Al from Big Al’s Cycles
>>
Exhaust -Thunder header Transmission - Harley five-speed Front Suspension - RaceTech Springs Rear Suspension - Works Connection 13.5 Shocks Front End - Harley Narrow Glide Front Wheel - 19” Stock Harley 13 Spoke Mags Rear Wheel - 16” Stock Harley 13 Spoke Mags Front Tire: Dunlop 401 100/90 - 19 Rear Tire - Dunlop 401 150/80 - 16 Front Brakes - Dual Disc Lyndall Brakes Rotors and Pads PM Calibers Rear Brakes - Lyndall Brakes Rotors and Pads PM Calibers Paint & Pinstripe Artwork -Taylor Schultz at Schultz Designz Gas Tank - Harley FXR Lowrider Handlebars - Big Al Cycle’s Low Bend Bars - Powder Coated Black Foot Pegs - Front: Arlen Ness, Rear: San Diego Customs Seat - Custom Corbin Fork Brace - San Diego Customs
wildblood.fi
21
Nick Leonetti
1985 Harley Davidson FXRT Motor - 80” EVO Builder - Big Al from Big Al’s Cycles and Vic Exhaust -Thunder Header Transmission - Harley 5 speed transmission Front Suspension - Race Tech Rear Suspension - Works Front End - 39m OEM Harley Front Wheel - 19” Stock Harley 13 Spoke Mags Rear Wheel - 16” Stock Harley 13 Spoke Mags Front Tire: Dunlop 401 100/90 - 19 Rear Tire - Dunlop 401 150/80 - 16 Front Brakes - Single Disc Lyndall Brake Rotor and Pad Rear Brakes - Lyndall Brakes Rotors and Pads Paint & Pinstripe Artwork -Taylor Schultz at Schultz Designz Gas Tank - Harley FXR Tank Handlebars - Big Al Cycles low bend Front Pegs - San Diego Customs Rear Pegs - San Diego Customs Seat - Mustang Fork Brace - San Diego Customs
22
In 2013, this trio performed about thirty shows and for this year there’s already fifty of them booked with more to come. We are talking about a busy bunch and if you happen to be in the US, check www.unknownindustries. com if you want to see live stunting done the American way. Unknown guys want to send regards to WildBlood readers, they love the support coming from across the pond and eagerly wait for a chance to come over to show off their talent - all the way to Finland!
wildblood.fi
23
24
Text: Samuel Heikkinen, Aki H채kkinen Photos: Maukka Laurila, Samuel Heikkinen
wildblood.fi
25
MP14 / Petrol Circus It was time for one of the biggest public events in Finland, annual Motorcycle Exhibition in Helsinki. As usual, there would be new models of both motorcycles and ladies presenting them, and people had come by busloads to admire all of them – that meant the crowds were packing the entrances miles away. The crowded main halls are also a tradition, so a quick check to next years hot colors and length of the miniskirts was enough – only interesting new bikes for yours truly were the new Indian and Norton. Latter had created a beautiful café racer styled urban bike that was crammed with modern technology in form of top of the class suspension and brake components. Indian with its touring and cruising models is aiming clearly for the same big money market where Victory has basicly been the only one trying to strike a wedge to Harley dominance – Japanese custom bikes cater for customers in lower price class. Future will show how strong the brand loyalty of people is, however healthy competition is always welcomed.
Kaikki verhoilutyöt ammattitaidolla Kansipojantie 6, Toppila, 90520 Oulu anton.mustonen@luukku.com 044-541 5609
www.verhoomoanton.com
With the positive experience from last year in mind, my biggest expectations for this year’s exhibition were set on Petrol Circus – a sideshow with all kinds of chopped bikes. Was it because these expectations, but somehow I wasn’t quite convinced and got a feeling of half empty hall and only handful of true show quality bikes. I have to admit though that these few were top of their class with Segu’s Atom Nucleus making its debut and Ali’s perfect Panhead chopper continuing its victorious tour after winning basicly every single show it attended previous summer. Or maybe it was just the new voting system and class division that scared most of the builders off – it’s really not that difficult to find show bikes for display in Finland, since dozens of them are being built every year. The bikes in Petrol Circus were divided confusingly to different classes so that basically most of the true show bikes ended up competing against each other despite the different build styles. While at the same time other classes had barely enough participants to give out all the prizes. And the judging was done only by visitors with SMS’s – even the organizer admitted afterwards that maybe it wasn’t exactly the best option. Now some of the first place trophies were clearly given to bikes whose owners were able to use social media to create more votes for them. But all in all, the Motorcycle Exhibition stands as the biggest motorcycle event in Finland and as such provides all visitors a start to upcoming season on that February weekend. It doesn’t matter that normally there’s snow up to your waist, in the warmth of a exhibition hall that kind you tend to forget small matters like that and your thoughts escape to winding summer roads on a saddle of a motorcycle.
Kustom Kulture Show I think it’s great that there’s different events that tickle your senses with all kinds of vehicles and good vibes outside the actual riding season. The second annual Kustom Kulture Show took place in Helsinki at Kaapelitehdas (Cable Factory) in the middle of February, and this time WildBlood was there to check it out.
28
It’s really not such a gigantic event like Motorcycle Exhibition above or American Car Show later in spring, but the groove is totally different and more intimate. Even visitors have dressed up little better than usual and clearly come to the show to spend a whole day in Kustom atmosphere – not just to take a quick look and leave. There’s all kind of Kustom related stuff on display, even though the general feeling is more of a vintage type. The amazing vehicles have clearly been chosen carefully and the amount is just right. There’s also supply of music, clothes, instruments, tattoos and different businesses and associations related to the theme. >>
The most distant visitors had come all the way from Japan, displaying pinstriping and other kinds of art. On stage there’s live music, fashion shows as well as dance act in form of burlesque show. A charity auction and photo exhibition was also a nice touch.
If you haven’t been to this event yet, you better find yourself to Helsinki in the middle of winter and check out the wide selection of kustom culture. I was just going to get one of the much praised pulled pork sandwiches when the guy in front of me just got the two last ones – I have to come back next year to give it another try.
wildblood.fi
29
Text: Aki Häkkinen Photos: Markus Koskela, Vesa Rönty
30
Markus Koskela is a household name in Finnish tattoo scene and he has visited the shows of the trade for years. This gentleman, originating from west coast of Finland, is now working in two shops and has to shuttle between Järvenpää and Lappeenranta.
These styles are both the easiest and hardest for him. His typical customer usually knows what they want, has a large size work done and gives lot of freedom to the artist.
His clients have usually found Markus themselves, as he tries to Markus tried tattooing already in stay in the shadows. The waiting list the 90’s, but then it didn’t really is at least two months long, except work out. Bad starting point really in conventions where you can get didn’t take him forward and graphic under his needle lot faster. design occupied him for next ten years, until capitalism destroyed Visions for his images come from customers ideas and 99% of the the trade completely. designs are drawn by himself. Dogs In 2008, tattoo business grabbed are really important for Markus hold of him again and some extra so naturally he loves to do canine push came in form of some help tattoos. The most challenging thing from Rossi of Fireline Tattoo as when working with portraits, is to well as coaching from fellows from get the right person – or dog - on the skin, not just to produce a copy Otherside Tattoo. of a picture. Markus specializes in realistic, neoclassic and neojapanese styles.
Markus Koskela at Helsinki Ink
Tattoo machines made by Markus wildblood.fi
31
So why are tattoos ”the thing”? “Ever since I was a kid, tattoos have interested me and I’ve always followed the scene. Tattooing brings just about everything together. It’s really challenging, if you want to be good at it. It has long traditions all over the world that describe life in different times and cultures. It combines handwork with art. Originally I was also interested in underground and kustom culture. As an old greaser those were the ultimate extreme” Markus sums up. He likes to point out an important reminder to young, fast developing generation; they should respect the older tattoo pioneers and remember where it all came from – and what kind of work has been done to reach the present situation. Markus himself doesn’t tattoo necks or back of hands until more traditional tattoos have been done. Those spots have to be earned! 32
Who does Markus follow the most? “Few of my favorite artists are Jeff Gogue, Aaron Bell, Chris O’Donnel, Mike Rubendall and Chris Trevino. I also follow pretty much all Finnish artists. But few that get my closer attention are the guys at Otherside Tattoo, Tino and Jarno of Tatuata. There’s plenty of skilled realistic style guys in Europe.” Since kustom culture is close to his hart, lot of the times he can be found in the garage. There he builds custom motorcycles and his own tattoo machines. “Being alone in the garage is my quality time. Welding or grinding while jamming to good music is the best.” Regards to our readers? Full speed against the flow!
www.downunder.fi
wildblood.fi
33
The master of south-east Asia DIAO-WEN pepper sized lady a bit better but a reason. Diao-Wen doesn’t do tattoos from a sketch brought in maybe next time. by the customer, but everything is The Chinese population had few full custom. tattoos here and there and I got to know a biker named Ozzy who Of course you can bring your ideas had quite a steady collection of and drawings, but all they go Tattoos are not very visible in Ma- ink. He gave me a hint of a artist in are being modified by the artist laysian street life, so I had to use Johor Bahru who had done some before getting inked on the skin. a bit of time to get to know the seriously good pieces on him. Self taught master draws a lot culture in this part of the world also. Malaysian tattoo scene has Diao-Wen is well known around and you can also buy art on paper few strong names that lot of the Asia and this Chinese master has from him if you prefer decorating Europeans have never heard of. been tattooing for over 17 years. your home instead of your skin. My original plan was to check out He has scored trophies from Kinki Ryusak’s Bloody Ink in Kuala tattoo conventions in Thailand as Lumpur and also get to know this well as Taiwan, and all of them for When visiting Malaysia, I’m usually the only westerner – and a heavily tattooed one to boot. One could almost say I’m a local attraction – a kind of freak to some people.
34
wildblood.fi
35
Master doesn’t have any apprentices, and it looks like there won’t be in the future either as in his experience people have lost their sense of loyalty. They learn from you for few years, and when they think they are good enough they run away and start their own studio even though the master knows that they are not ready for that yet. This studio and the artists are not the cheapest ones in Malaysia, but definitely one of the best. Lot of different Asian tattoo artist come here to get tattoos, which tells lot about the quality of the work. Diao-Wen also does lot of beautiful cover-ups over old, not so good tattoos.
36
It was fun watching his relaxed way of working – smoking is also part of the culture here. An ash tray has to always be close by so the master can take a puff while thinking about his next move. If you ever travel in Johor Bahru, this place is definitely worth the visit – you might even get the chance to have some ink from the master or beautiful art for your walls!
”They learn from you for few years, and when they think they are good enough they run away and start their own studio”
wildblood.fi
37
It’s time consuming to create something new and a Softail bagger is an interesting challenge. Since there’s no ready made parts available, ideas come up during the project. Not everything was handmade though, like Carlini Evil Ape handlebars that bring a totally different attitude and expression to the bike. Internally run wiring makes everything clean and extending the wires is a small price to pay for the end result. Having the wires go inside the bars also protects them from any outside risks. The air cleaner was chosen from Arlen Ness catalog as it follows the future lines of the bike and I had never seen this a/c being used before. The curved shape and big enough intake works perfectly with bagger look, bringing some extra power in the process.
Mock-up of the new handlebars and air cleaner. 38
The shape of the tank is still under consideration as well as whether it’s made out of steel or fiberglass. The touring model tank covers from Baggerland are in the pics just for mock-up, as they would require lot of work to fit softail – just the oil cap location itself makes fitting them difficult. We’ll come back to this in the future issues as we make some more tests.
It takes time to test and shape different parts, but it’s rewarding in the end. The purpose is to find just the right solutions to make building of future Softail baggers as easy as possible.
To be continued...
The saddle bag lids will also have to be shaped more round to match the rest of the bike. The shape of the rear fender will be used to make new lids so they match when the bike is done. A rear fender suitable for Softail frame is also in works - and if that doesn’t work like designed, a back-up plan for making one out of steel is already thought of. We will cover also this in the future issues. Text: Aki Häkkinen Photos:Sauli Sassi, Aki Häkkinen
Helga on the hood shows the direction
When he started the work he soon realized that the car was in really bad shape. The body was severely rusted and they bought a similar Jari Luoma owns this inspiring, parts car for an amount of 150 one of the kind modified Saab 96. euros. Named by the hood ornament and decorated with Viking themes, the The car required massive amounts quality of work on “Helga” is really of body work. Fenders were fixed detailed and there’s definitely no and welded to the main body so lack of innovations. there would be no longer moving seams. The top was chopped four Originally made in Finland in 1976, inches and the front and rear were this Saab served a long career as modified to achieve the round Jari’s hunting vehicle. The large shape. After all welding and mooriginal tires made it possible to difying was done, all welds were reach places where normal car finished with lead, body sandblastwould’ve been stuck easily. After a ed and painted. long period of hard use, it seemed that poor Saab had reached the Jari had smaller windows made to end of its life span - the final strike fit the modified body and stock tailcame when Jari’s hunting dog chew lights were replaced with modern the back seat into shreds. But so- LED’s. Up front, round headlights mewhere he got the spark to start and turn signals were fitted. restoring the car and turning it into a lowrider.
44
Low Rider Helga’s chassis received new joints, bearings, rotors, drums, brake lines and cylinders. Stock shock absorbers were fitted up front - and for the rear, shorter custom made shocks were ordered from Gazmatic International Ltd. in England. In the trunk they installed compressed air system for the air bags. Both front and aft got SS-5 bags from Slam Specialties that are 2.7” at the lowest and 8.625” at highest setting. The bags will raise Helga about six inches, when parked she is a classy low rider.
The motor was completely overhauled and in current shape it’s a bit perkier at 84 hp than when stock. Cylinders were overbored and fitted with new pistons, crank was polished and installed with new bearings, the balance shaft and camshaft bearings were also replaced. A two throat intake from Saab Super was installed together with Weber two throat carburator. The oil pump had to be replaced twice, as the first one seized under test run and snapped the axle. Luckily no damage was done to the rest of the engine.
Copper leaf pinstriping
and
look and shine.
people mainly smile when they see Helga.
The dashboard is also copper and has extra gauges and switches Jari has owned this Saab already for air bags besides all the stock for 18 years out of which the tranequipment. sformation to Helga took two. He doesn’t have a new project yet, The original seats have been mo- but he has a dream of building dified and covered in leather. even more showy American car Front seats have embroidered for the road. Helga logos that are a combination of factory Saab logos and name Helga. Also doors and top of the dash are covered in leather. The roof is black fabric as well as the carpet on the floor.
”People mainly smile when they see Helga”
Tapio Mäntynen from Lapua is responsible for the stylish Viking themed paintjob. Lot of pinstriPositive vibes ping took place and the Viking details were done with copper Helga is pleasant to drive in traffic. leaf that gives the paint a unique The car is mechanically sound and wildblood.fi
45
46
SAAB 96 ”HELGA”
Jari Luoma
Modified body, 4” chopped top Slam Specialties SS-5 air bags Gazmatic International custom made shocks Leather upholstery Special paint with copper leaf Custom made windows Personalized license plate wildblood.fi
47
”
The twentieth Helsinki Ink Tattoo Convention took place in Helsinki, and WildBlood was there as usual. The Merikaapelihalli of Kaapelitehdas was packed with international tattoo artists and people with fully decorated skins. The convention was for three days and started on Friday afternoon. People flowed slowly into the arena and tattoo machines started buzzing. There was also traditional Tebori tattoo at the convention as the Japanese master Horikyo 1st had his own booth. He is a total super star among Finnish tattoo artists. With tens of years of experience, he drew intensively colored traditional Japanese tattoos. Musical act of Friday night was provided by the Blanko from Lahti, Finland. Semi-acoustic set played with acoustic guitar with effects, electric bass and Cajun drum beat to a groove enough to open your eyes. My first thought was that you just can’t play acoustic instruments like that, but that’s what they did and it sounded great!
”
At the end of the day the best tattoo of Friday was awarded and the prize went to full color Muerte styled neck piece.
48
”
When the doors opened on Saturday at noon, there was already long line waiting to get in. The day seemed busier also inside the arena.
20.th HELSINKI INTERNATIONAL TATTOO CONVENTION
The WildBlooded attack crew took part at the 20th birthday of Helsinki Ink Tattoo Convention. The party packed Kaapelitehdas in Helsinki full of colorful individuals. At the WildBlood booth you got to join the Wildblooded and test brand new Tattoo Artist Collection t-shirt.
Text: Vesa Rönty Photos: Vesa Rönty
During the day, the girls from Helsinki Roller Derby and burlesque group Shimmering Sheilas entertained audience. There was also an art exhibition and auction during the show. Cross shaped artwork done by involved tattoo artists were up on exhibit and for sale. All the profits were donated to the new hospital for children. On Saturday night, the best tattoos were awarded in four classes where one of the most interesting was “Best Japanese Tattoo”. The master himself, Horikyo 1st took the stage along with people who had dedicated their bodies to Japanese tattoo art. Warm and sunny day drew lot of people on motorcycles to the event. The unusually warm winter this year has made it possible to ride almost year around in Helsinki. After the convention was over for Saturday, party continued at Virgin Oil where Barbeque Barbies and Knucklebone Oscar kept people rocking with their never ending beat.
Sunday started with internationally awarded burlesque artist Loulu D’Vil. Anyone tired from last night party was definitely woken and left audience gasping for air as she left the stage wearing clothes that would fit in a matchbox. Tattoo machines kept buzzing the whole Sunday and awards were given at the end of the day in Best Black&Gray, Best Neo Classic and Best of the Day classes. There was plenty to see at Helsinki Ink. Both audience and artists were very international and you never knew whether to speak Finnish or English to people you meet. Despite the colder and damper weather, plenty of bikers arrived on motorcycles on Sunday also.
� wildblood.fi
49
All in all tattoos competed in total of nine classes and prizes went to amazingly high quality pieces. The Best Japanese Tattoo –award of Saturday went righteously to tattoo master Horikyo 1st and his magnificent Tebori tattoo on Uki Matsuura’s skin. Best of Saturday –award went to Ukrainian artist Sivak who came up with a colorful image of Joker played by Jack Nicholson. Victory in Black&Grey class went to Tatuata Tattoo’s Gustav and his breath taking realistic creation.
Best Black & Grey 50
Best Japanese
Best of Saturday: Tattoo artist Sivak & Jack Nicholson as the Joker wildblood.fi
51
52
Tony Raita celebrating Helsinki Ink birthday. On the backround German staff member wet from champagne.
Helsinki Ink celebrated its 20th birthday with cake and champagne. The convention is one of the longest running events in Europe. In attendance was a couple that has visited the show 14 years in a row.
WildBlood had a stand at Helsinki Ink, where they gathered new WildBlooded members and talked to the existing ones. Also new Wild Blood Tattoo Artist Collection t-shirts with graphics by Tony Raita and Samuli Pinola saw the light of day.
wildblood.fi
53
Malaysia, a country in far east, is a true melting pot when it comes to people as the population consists of culturally rich base. The main religion is Islam and majority of people are Malays. But there’s also remarkable minorities of Chinese and Indians and many different religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Sikhism and many nature religions. Naturally, western culture has come along with Christianity long time ago and most of the fast food chains are well represented everywhere. Besides Malay, locals speak amazingly goo English. The area of Malaysia is slightly bigger than Finland, but population is six times as big. So why this Malaysia special in WildBlood Magazine? My friend invited me to appear as a lead singer in Malaysian metal band called Wynken Delirium. This uprising band had just lost their main man as his work career put an end to his singing activities. WD comes from the second largest city in Malaysia, Johor Bahur, and has operated under the same name already since 2004. A thought of a post as a lead singer for a band across the world seemed a little absurd, but it’s not the first crazy thing I’ve done. What made it even more interesting was that I’ve been playing in different Finnish bars with numerous bands for 20 years so it would be a welcomed change. The climate, spicy oriental food and, according to rumors, fanatic fan culture didn’t make it seem any worse decision to make. Some people I know had already been playing with them and I got more information about the band itself as well as local culture. You only live once, so full steam ahead! Modern online network makes communication between continents lot easier and making and practicing songs was piece of cake as the files flew across the globe in cyber space. For a singer it was easy to familiarize yourself with the songs anywhere.
54
Text: Aki Häkkinen Photos: Regina Rahma Fitriani, Karina Damayati Pamungjas Aki Häkkinen
After the final decision it was only bit over two months before our first mini tour in Malaysia. This tour would be done together with a Thai band In Vein playing technical killer metal, melodic death metal band Beside from Indonesia and a hardcore group Devadata. These bands are pretty well known in their home lands even though I’d never heard of them. It was interesting to see how things would work out. The Malaysian metal scene is not that big yet, even though some world class bands visit there every now and then. Muslims don’t consume any alcohol and swearing is not tolerated either. The venues are mostly small underground type of deals with no bars. There are usually many different bands playing different kind of music. And on actual festivals, there’s even more bands and music styles combined with metal – punk, ska, reggae, rock and everything in between. On our tour, there was always couple of local reinforcements warming up for the four main bands. The concept of a gig was a
bit different to what I’d been used to in Finland where bands usually don’t start playing until midnight. When nobody drinks alcohol, they get straight to the point – music – and concerts start already around 6 pm. People come in happy and energetic and ready to enjoy live show all the way to passing out or getting injured. Band rehearsal culture is also little different to what I was used to. In Finland, a band usually rents a practice place where they keep their equipment and use it to practice. In Malaysia, they get a rental “studio” every time they get together for a rehearsal and all the instruments and equipment is included in the rent. There’s several of this kind of places available. Before the tour we had rehearsals in couple of different locations - first one was close to what we have in Finland, except for air conditioning to fight the heat. On the second night we went to a local concert arena which was a small hall with a stage. Both suited the cause just fine. But as a former drummer, the thought of having
to play different drum set in every practice seemed a little weird – especially when the drummer himself own two different sets. But they are only used at home practice and some own gigs. Since the whole metal scene in Malaysia is just starting out, we were doing quite a pioneer work on our tour. Each booked event was happening for the first time ever. The first gig was in Melaka, a town with great historical importance. The event took place on eight floor of the building, and if I understood right, it was a government funded recording studio and music school. They had never had a metal concert so we were happy to start a tradition!
wildblood.fi
55
The supporting act was a heavy metal band consisting of the music school students, and a little darker metal band whose drummer was the leader of the school himself. The space was a smallish room with a stage and very well built acoustics. Despite the size, the moshpit was running well and those who found the place liked it. Lights were done with good sense of humor and with a normal light switch. The school leader was a long time metal fan himself, his personal tape collection found in his office included couple of Finnish classics like Senteced and Amorphis that were really important to him.
first band that got to enjoy the provided lightning after the sun set, which was a nice experience in a hot summer festival atmosphere when at the same time it was the darkest winter in Finland. There were few tv-cameras with screens so people could also enjoy the concert live even from a distance. This was the first time for “Art-Splash” festival and it was a three day event. There were lot of bands and many different styles. We lived in small beach bungalows which were really hot and sweaty during the night. Locals preferred sleeping on the patio where slight breeze made it more human. Another exotic thing was a local toilet, basically a hole in The second gig was at an open the floor and shower was a faucet air festival “Art-Splash” on an on the wall, bucket and a scoop. amazing beach area which to my There was also always company understanding is a vacation spot in the shower in a form of a huge for Malaysians – just like Nalli- cockroach. kari in my home town Oulu. A decent size stage was built right The third and final gig of the tour at the beach and sound system was in the capital of Malaysia, and lightning was just as good as Kuala Lumpur and yet another anywhere in the world. After the first metal concert in a new lodayshift on Saturday, we were the cation. This time it was painfully 56
hot space on third floor. Luckily there was air conditioning in the backroom but the in the concert hall it was no opposition to the fanatic metal crowd. Temperature must’ve been around 50C (120F). The space wasn’t big compared to European venues, but lot more intense. They only let 120 people in at once, and at least the same amount was outside waiting to get in. A shallow stage marked a spot for the band, it was totally impossible to get anywhere during the gig otherwise than surfing the crowd. The atmosphere was amazing and people literally fought in the pit as long as they retained consciousness. Afterwards I heard that three people had passed out and one hurt his ankle during the show. I passed most of the water I had reserved for drinking to the crowd and don’t recall ever sweating as much.
One of our guitar players had to skip the Kuala Lumpur gig and we did a special set to honor the last gig. The original singer for Wynken Delirium, Asri, did a duet with me for two songs and Rizky from Beside was our guest star as we played some Pantera and Sepultura to the fanatic crowd. For the Chaos AD we got some back up shouting from the lungs of Bodas from Devata so a perfect mix of the whole tour wrapped it up!
turn on the cold multiple times a day and getting cold is certain, at least for me. There are not always showers, food, drinks or towels or any other special raider stuff at the concert places. You have to take care of everything yourself, prepare drinks for the stage and look for dry clothes after the gig and try to find a shower. Sometimes a shower is a faucet on the wall or extra deodorant under your arms but hey, that’s show business!
For me as a westerner, it was remarkable how intense the crowd was and I must have posed in few hundred pics with the fans. They came eagerly to greet and take pictures. The whole vibe was positive and drunken morons were nowhere to be seen. It was also pleasant not having to worry about your band mates drinking and being hung over, or having to find them when you have to leave the next day. You have to prepare for the heat by drinking – a lot! Also air conditioning in cars will trick you easily – you get in all sweaty and
I’m looking forward to seeing how the scene develops in Malaysia and I can influence that myself in future. There’s new gigs coming up and the shouting sound of the white man seemed to fit Asian metal. It’s exotic both ways and also building a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Text: Vesa Rรถnty Photos: Vesa Rรถnty 58
Reindeershit MC
waiting for me in front of a red builis located inVojakkala of Haaparanta. ding. After I pass the invisible border from Finland to Sweden on my Once I get inside, I notice that one way to meet a Finnish motorcycle of the fellows is working on a harclub, there are founding member dtail Shovelhead and other booths Taisto and german shepherd Nemo are filled with beautiful, mainly
American, motorcycles. Marko, Taisto and Arto welcome me as we enter the club and discuss what Reindeershit Mc is all about.
wildblood.fi
59
Reindeershit MC was founded by three guys back in 1993, making the club respectfully 21 years old. Back then there was only one club in Lappland, Karu Mc in Rovaniemi and not so many Harleys roamed around.
on the Swedish side of the border is simply lack of suitable premises. They tried to find a place on both sides of the border with no luck. Vojakkala turned out to be a nice place and they decided to stay there. Even though it’s in Sweden, they use Finnish time zone Nowadays there are twelve members and all the members are Finnish. In the in the club and the clubhouse is located beginning there were we Swedes but in Vojakkala of Haaparanta. The reason they have dropped out over the years. why a Finnish motorcycle club is located
60
”Reindeershit Mc is a name with northern resemblance, yet it’s not too serious.”
The club name has been Reindeershit Mc from the beginning. It’s a name with northern resemblance, yet it’s not too serious. Club was founded since they wanted colors and rock ‘n roll. They’ve never been too serious about it and rather smile than frown.
than the bar. They’ve always loved to build bikes and most of them ride older Harleys. There are several Panheads but only three Twincams which are common elsewhere.
equipment for machining and welding, proper space for latter and a paint booth. They strive to do all the work in house.
Besides their own bikes, club Every member has their own members help their friends builbooth at the clubhouse where they ding bikes when they have room can build their bikes and the club is and time. The workshop has always been very self-contained when it comes more important to the members to tools and work space. They have
wildblood.fi
61
On the wall there’s a special birthday gift Pata Mc gave them for their 10th birthday - an unborn reindeer calf.
62
Despite crossing the state border and wearing colors, members have been pretty much left alone by the authorities. In the beginning, when Finland was not a Their own annual event, Lapland member in EU, they were little Tattoo Weekend, has taken place more strict at the border and since 1997. It’s always been in Feb- kept an better eye on the club ruary and is kind of a motorcycle members, but today the border is event without motorcycles. With nearly invisible whether you pass top class tattoo artists, bands and it with your colors on or not. a great party in the middle of the winter it has taken its spot in nort- The Swedish police doesn’t hern Finland event calendar. bother them much as they know that none of the members speak Swedish. Poronpurijaiset arranged by Karu Mc is one of the events where Reindeershit is used to going together.
Town of Vojakkala has welcomed Reindeershit Mc with open arms. When they bought their premises switching from tenants to owning class, the town elders presented the club with a pennant which is normally given to a home when a new baby is born. Reindeershit Mc welcomes everyone next year to the Lapland Tattoo Weekend to check out the exotic tattoo & motorcycle even without motorcycles.
wildblood.fi
63
64
Text:Aki Häkkinen Photos: Matt Gone
Matt Gone – from the square one
his present colorful body he get’s lot of media attention and uses it to speak about these diseases and educate people about them. Matt Gone is known around the Matt tells us that many doctors world as “the Checkered Man” don’t even know about them and for a reason, since of all of his he thinks it’s important to speak tattoos 99% is done with squares. about the subject so anyone with This seriously ill 43 years old man similar symptoms can get better keeps on entertaining people treatment. Matt has gathered lot and traveling around in different of information on the subject over events. He’s been in publicity the years, and tries to do his best for over 25 years and constantly to help other people get proper attends tattoo and art events as care and raise public awareness well as car shows and numerous on them. TV programs.
” Which places are the most painful to take ink? Behind the genitals. Behind them. Understand?” His tattoos started in 1986 with checkers because it was something original and now he is the only person with full checkered suit in the history of mankind. At first he started getting tattoos to cover up the deformities in his body caused by inbred illness – and nobody certainly notices them anymore. Matt has a severe kidney disorder as well as rare inbred Poland syndrome. With
done by Roy Boy Cooper during a period of 1986-90, but he died four years ago. Dennis Dwyer did his part after 1990, those pieces have been fixed afterward. Dennis has retired from tattooing already long time ago. Besides these main artists, there are smaller tattoos from about 90 people in total. These smaller things consist of flags of the countries Matt has visited and currency marks inside the checkers.
”At first he started getting tattoos to cover up the deformities in his body caused by inbred illness – and nobody certainly notices them anymore” Most of his tattoos are done by five artists that have either died or quit tattooing altogether. Sailor Moses did most of the work on his body, but he died in 1997. Sailor Sam Cook finished Moses’ project. Henry Goldfield has since done some final touches and Dave Lum tattooed Matt’s ears. Some of the early work was
wildblood.fi
65
Inner body tattoos Besides body tattoos, Matt holds a record of a man with most inner body tattoos. They include his tongue, throat, mouth, inside his eyelids etc. Tattooing eyeballs is not unusual today, but Matt is the only one who has done it twice! He got bored of the first color so he had it changed. Getting eye tattoos is really risky and Matt has had his share of the danger. Only three hours after having his other eyeball done he had to rush on a flight. The pressure inside the aircraft made the eyeball swell and it took three months for it to heal. He was lucky though and has maintained his sight. Matt is currently holding several different records and the latest is a long coveted Guinness World Records “Most checker tattoos” –title. Being in publicity means lot of traveling and Matt spends approximately over 100 days on the road each year. That means 30 days spent just on the airports! You could call it crazy but that’s his lifestyle. His illness limits his travels so that each trip doesn’t last longer than three weeks and 20 trips a year is the max limit. There’s only few events that he visits more than once. To find out where to catch a glimpse of Matt, visit his website http://www.mattgone.net He is really worth having a talk with!
66
Text: Vesa Rรถnty Photos: Xeniya Balsara
68
In the last interview, Mikael Saarnisto said that he would try something even crazier than the freefall suspension he did that time. In the end of March 2014, a carefully planned stunt was carried out in Tammela, Finland. An excavator was parked on a beach and a hole cut in the ice. Mikael was suspended from his piercings to the sky, and slowly dipped into the icy water. Check out the crazy video of this suspension at: https://vimeo.com/89526696
wildblood.fi
69
Text: Lassi Sidoro, body modification professional, freak show performer www.scar.fi
Body modification: Scar tattoos
Frequently the deepest motivation of getting a scar is the experience and the technique used to Throughout the history, man has had a habit to create the scar, not only the visual effect. Scars have mark his body in different ways. The first indications much stronger ritual tendencies than conventional of tattoos come from 5000 years ago, and reasons tattoos. There’s sort of a primitive function in every have varied from spiritual healing to aesthetic scar, the shape is not as important to the bearer as causes. Even older way of decorating your body than the experience. No matter which method is used, tattoos is scarring. Scar tattooing is rather small getting scar is much more painful process than a culture compared to conventional tattoos with ink, normal tattoo. but it’s still living and breathing tradition. Scar tattoos are not very common in Finland, as Scar tattoo is not as exact way to mark your skin as there are not many artists doing them. Branding normal tattoo, but when done right the end result style is mostly done with diathermy equipment that can be outstanding. There’s several different ways burns the top layer of the skin off with electricity. to create scars like branding, incision, rubbing ink in Ritual branding with irons is very rare since it takes to the incision, chemical burning and even burning lot of work and knowledge of metal preparing the iron. Incisions done with scalpels create more accuwith sunlight. rate scars but there’s so much room for error that Some techniques aim for a smooth even scar where professional artists are hard to find. just the surface color of the skin changes and the end result is a subtle figure. Some result in a clearly elevated scar that creates sort of a 3D-effect. Most of the functional scar tattoos are rather simple patterns, because more detailed ones tend to disappear as the scar heals.
70
Claudio Marrino: Documentary of Little Swastika Claudio Marrino is a Swedish graphic designer who is known for example the website and graphic outlook of the band Ghost. His first movie is a short documentary of German tattoo artist Marc “Little Swastika”. This documentary will be shown around Europe at different tattoo conventions. Oulu Tattoo Exhibition managed to get the premiere in Finland for this film. Lassi interviewed Claudio via Skype about the documentary. Claudio is really busy because the documentary has gained so much popularity, it’s supposed to be shown for example in a modern art gallery in New York besides all the tattoo events. After negotiating our schedules we had time to sit down for a video conference and talk about the documentary, tattoos, Little Swastika and Claudio’s work. Let’s start with the basics: Claudio is a graphic designer, tattoo collector and a musician. His work consists of designing graphics and websites for different bands. I asked what got him into making a documentary and how did Little Swastika end up as the main character. >>
wildblood.fi
71
“I’ve always loved movies and wanted to get involved in making them. Previously I’ve done few music videos for my own bands but this was the first time for me as a director. The original plan was to make a documentary of different tattoo styles and the masters of the trade. Little Swastika is an old friend of mine and I started the project by asking him to represent his style. After we had already started with him we realized that other artists were hard to reach and some didn’t even want to take part in the project. I thought that out of all these artists Little Swastika was the one that was worth documenting so we focused on him.” Claudio answers.
“I’ve previously designed the Little Swastika website. When I asked Marc to be part of the documentary he agreed immediately. Maybe it was because at that point he thought he would be only a small part of a bigger documentary displaying tattoo culture. When the project started focusing only on Little Swastika, he wasn’t perhaps as happy anymore” Claudio laughs. “What makes this documentary unique is that I wanted to create an intimate portrayal of an individual and art, not just tattoos.”
“Little Swastika was a great basis for the subject. He is a person for whom art is his whole life, not just a job. He lives in his studio that can be also described Marc “Little Swastika” is known for his personal style as a gallery. His visual view is very close to graphic and besides being a master of dotwork tattoo, he design and has always fascinated me. In his own has also made amazing tattoo collages consisting of field, dotwork tattoo, Little Swastika has been several people. He is also a very private person and is copied a lot. But he has developed his art constantly against traditional tattoo business. How did Claudio and all of his followers are always few years behind. manage to get him excited about being a subject for His psychedelic patterns and amazing collages are a documentary and has Marc’s distinctive graphical totally on their own level. We try to show all of this vision appealed to him? in the documentary, fifteen minutes is really limited time but we managed to get to a very personal level.”
72
CVLT NATION PRESENTS
The idea for the documentary seems interesting and Little Swastika is really compelling person – how much has there been interest in advance? Even though we have only published a website, a trailer and one t-shirt design, there have been massive amounts of interest. We’ve been really surprised about that.” Making this documentary has brought Claudio new plans for the future. “I want to do more projects like this, but not limited only to the tattoo business” he ponders. The art and life of Little Swastika can be checked out at www.little-swastika.com and the document trailer can be seen at Claudio’s website: www.claudiomarino.com/ink-blood-and-spirit/
Text: Quote from the book ”Outlaw Biker History” by Sami Parkkonen Drawings: Maija Rasmus
In the past decade there has been an explosion of motorcycle clubs of fire fighters, military personnel and cops. Terry Katz, a retired Maryland state trooper, told in an interview that the number of these clubs had grown tenfold in the past 15 years. Katz was not just anybody. He was the vice president of the IOMGIA. The International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association is the body that formulates and develops the global policies against the outlaw community. You can’t be a cop during the day and a biker at night, Katz said and was talking about the new phenomena. Police biker clubs were becoming a real problem for other cops. While most of these clubs for cops and paramedics etc. are nice family oriented clubs, some have
began to imitate outlaw clubs, or more like act out the police fantasies of outlaw clubs. According to Katz they are trying to copy Hells Angels and Warlocks and what have you. Police bikers dress up like their idols in real life do, ride the same kind of bikes and break the laws, just like they believe the outlaws do. In Arizona, where the authorities and cops have been screaming about outlaw clubs for years, the most criminal club according to some observers is the Iron Brotherhood MC. Its members are mostly cops and others associated with them. In December 2012 Eric Amato, a veteran cop from Phoenix police department, and some of his buddies decided to have a night out and have some fun. They were all members of the Iron Brotherhood MC. Decking their biker outfits they drank in the bars of Prescott, Arizona. The first stop was the rightly named Hooligan’s. Some guys went to Moctezuma bar, where the doorman stopped them. The bar had a policy of not letting in bikers wearing their club colors. This didn’t stop the Iron Brotherhood. Narcotics in-
vestigator William Suttle from Yavapai county sheriff’s department flashed his badge, after which they entered the bar. The chief of Prescott police Clair Fessler was already at the bar and he was the president of the Prescott chapter of Iron Brotherhood. Unfortunately 23 year old Justin Stafford was also there. When he saw the club colors gathering at the bar he decided to approach those bikers and ask about their club. He wasn’t familiar with the Iron Brotherhood MC. Justin was just a regular guy with no connection of any kind; he had no criminal record, nor was he a trouble maker. He was just a guy who had couple of beers in the bar. The fight broke out immediately. Prescott New Courier got a hold of one the security tapes and it showed how more than one Iron Brotherhood member beat Justin Stafford. They also hit another man who tries to intervene. These bikers beating up innocent people at the bar are cops. One of them is the head of police. They beat Mr. Stafford to the hospital.
The state attorney’s office made an investigation and produced a report 350 pages long. In this report they claim that Stafford was very drunk when he approached the club members, guided by his curiosity. Police chief and chapter president Fessler told that Stafford had made aggressive questions, touched the club colors and was swearing badly at the time. Stafford told how one of the other club members grabbed him from his throat and pushed him against the wall and hit him first. This member was called Guido. He was Eric Amato, a veteran cop. The investigation was hampered by the fact that nor Fessler or Suttle were co-operative during the investigation. Not a single club member was accused or prosecuted even though they had beaten an innocent man in the middle of the bar and despite the fact that the whole incident was on tape.
because the accusations and rumors had hurt his feelings. William Suttle resigned from the sheriff’s department. Eric Amato went on to work in the Phoenix police department without arresting rights and the office refused to comment on “ongoing investigation”.
The fourth suspect was a paramedic. Along with Guido, they were known as Tarzan, Mongo and Top Gun. Yeah. For real. This was not the first incident with the Iron Brotherhood. They had a reputation for violence. According to some commentators they had been threatening people before. Some linked them in several previous muggings. Some outsiders called them the most criminal motorcycle club in Arizona. Even though the national leadership of the Iron Brotherhood MC refused to comment the beating of an innocent man, they announced that the chapter known as the 54 year old chief Fessler denied Whiskey Row chapter was no any part in the fight, even though more. the security cameras told another story, but resigned from his post
“Against the flow – different truths and points of view than what you see in public media” lifts up writings outside of the organized media and gives a freedom of speech to people with serious things to say.
The personnel management of the Yavapai sheriff’s department recommended that all those persons with membership in the club should be removed at once. The local Hells Angels handed out a challenge. They were organizing a boxing event in March 2013 and challenged any of the members of Iron Brotherhood to box with the Angel Michael Koepke for three three-minute rounds in the ring. The bet was that if the Angel would lose, they would donate 1,000 dollars for any charity chosen by Iron Brotherhood MC. If the Iron Brotherhood representative would lose, the whole club would pack its bags and get out from the state officially. The Angels were willing to guarantee the safety of the cop bikers at the event and said that this would be a chance for the Iron Brotherhood to show that they were tough guys and willing and able to stand by their words and actions. Nobody held their breath.
This time it’s Sami Parkkonen’s turn with a quote from his latest book, Outlaw Biker History.
“It’s just one way to stand up against these guys. They are ruining the reputation of the motorcycle clubs,” Yavapai County Hells Angels president Koepke said. Hells Angels didn’t like the fact that civilians were beaten up just like that in bars, without any provocation or reason. Iron Brotherhood MC didn’t comment the challenge, said nothing and was actually nowhere to be seen. In 2008, members of the Iron Pigs were in the Sturgis Rally, one of the most famous and oldest biker rallies in the world. It’s also one of the biggest. In the crowd there were also outlaw bikers. Five Iron Pigs were drinking in the Loud American Roadhouse bar, when around one o’clock shots were fired. One member of the Hells Angels was seriously injured and taken to the hospital. It turned out that the shooter was one of the Iron Pigs. No charges were ever brought up since the investigation concluded that the shooter had acted on self defense. Right. According to the official report the Hells Angels had surrounded the five Iron Pigs and attacked them. The media told that the attack was sudden and unprovoked. All of which is quite a feat since there were only two Angels there. The official version might have told the story that way simply because all the members of the Iron Pigs MC were Seattle cops. Iron Pigs MC is a club for cops, correctional officers and fire fighters and it’s trying to be as tough of a motorcycle club as it can be. It was founded in 2000 in Oroville California by members who had left the original police “outlaw” motorcycle club Wild Pigs MC. Iron Pigs wear similar vests as the real outlaws, they also have a diamond patch with 99% in it. The motto of the club reminds the members that they should never let the bastards wear them down. On their website they state that they have endured lots of bullshit at work so they won’t take any when they play. “Some of us get kicks when we stop at red lights and we can see people
closing their door”, the club’s national vice president Anthony “Kornbread” Barber said in a TV interview. Iron Pigs sued a little league baseball team for using the same name, even though the baseball kids had the name first. That didn’t stop the bully cop bikers from suing them. The Iron Pig who had shot the unarmed Hells Angel, Ronald Smith, was an officer in the Seattle police. When the chief of the Seattle police Gil Kerlowski called Smith an embarrassment and said that he had shot Jospeh McGuire with his work gun, Smith sued the department and demanded a compensation of 169,800 dollars. 150,000 dollars for emotional damages and 16,800 for legal expenses. Smith was especially irritated by the fact that in reality he had shot the Angel with a Glock gun he purchased from the Seattle police departments athletic club. In his compensation demand Smith also said he had used this gun for self defense only in the face of an unprovoked and premeditated attack. He also stated that the shooting was not unreasonable or aggravated. And if it was enough to get shot by a cop playing an “outlaw biker”, the authorities were planning to prosecute the shot unarmed Hells Angel. McGuire had knocked Smith to the floor, so that was the reason enough. In 2009 McGuire made a deal and got a lesser sentence. Even though the official investigation had painted Smith an innocent soul defending himself against a criminal biker, the eyewitnesses told a different story. They told that McGuire had been with a prospect at the bar, when Smith and four other Iron Pigs had surrounded him and started to verbally abuse him. This went on for a while until Smith had managed to get McGuire mad enough. The Angel had hit Smith once and he went down like a sack of potatoes. Smith told he had been under a life threatening attack and other cops believed him. None of other Iron Pigs made a move during the confrontation, other than using foul language, nor did they help Smith in any way.
In reality Smith had been knocked down after disrespecting another biker and once the opponent had dumped him down with a single punch, he had shot him twice in the stomach. Smith was known for his hatred towards the Angels. In 2005, three years before the shooting, he had followed a motorcycle shop owner in Seattle. Eventually he had rushed in to the shop and threatened its owner. He called the owner a sack of shit, told him to be careful and to look around, and stated that a membership in the Hells Angels was a crime, which it wasn’t. The owner was a member in that club though. What Smith didn’t know was that there were security cameras rolling and recording his every word. Such was the hatred towards the Angels that he shot one of them three years later after having lost embarrassingly in a fist fight by one single punch. In 2008 Norman Stamp, 65 year old, was in a strip bar drinking with his buddies when a fight broke out in front of the joint. Stamp rushed out with brass knuckles on. Police officer John Torres shot him with a taser and once Stamp fell down, he tried to reach for a gun. At that moment Torres shot him with a gun. It was at this stage when Smith told that he was a Baltimore cop too, a veteran cop. Just like all the cops at scene, excluding Torres, Smith was wearing his club colors when he died. They were all members of the Chosen Sons Motorcycle Club. Smith was buried with full honors, bag pipes and flags, and the police chief of Baltimore Fredrick H. Bealefeld praised him and called him a mentor and a good friend. A year later the Chosen Sons were investigated by ATF. The reason was that former bounty hunter who had moved into potato chip business, Michael Papantonakis, had been selling something else than just chips. From his place in Lexington Market he had sold guns to Crips and Bloods. He was also accused to have sold guns to Hells Angels.
According to defense, it was all an honest mistake. Mr Papantonakis was a gun collector who had accumulated too many guns during the years. So he had decided to sell some off when he ran out of room for them. Nothing more than that. He never knew the buyers were gangbangers. The court didn’t believe him and put him in jail. He was a member of the Chosen Sons MC. The Chosen Sons MC was founded in 1969 and it may be the oldest cop club. All the original members were cops but during the years bounty hunters, private detectives and fire fighters were also welcomed in the ranks. In 2009 the club had four chapters and it claimed to be the biggest club in Maryland. Outsiders estimated that there were around a hundred members in the club. Some others said that if there was a criminal biker cop club this was the one. Chosen Sons MC was a real outlaw club, some said. Well, they were wrong. It was a cop club acting out what the cops think the outlaw clubs are. In 2013 in Melrose Park, Chicago Illinois, the police chief broke up The Reapers MC because it had been involved in bar fights and other incidents like that too many times. All the members in that club were police officers or officials of some sort. According to the veteran cop David Bertocchini, who was specialized in biker investigations, these Arizona kind of incidents will become more and more common in the future. Bertocchini reminded that nobody would tolerate cops dressing up like street gang members and flashing gang signs. The retired biker investigator Jorge Gil-Blanco was equally stunned. He said that this kind of behavior was confusing for the courts and juries. He also said that it’s not right that he has to witness this kind of behavior from other police officers. George Rowe, who had infiltrated Vagos MC, told about a run organized by the club. Being present was the Blue Knights
MC, the most decent of all the cop biker clubs. There was also the Green Machine MC, a Vagos support club, whose president was a Cathedral City police officer. Usually cops are almost non-existing in outlaw clubs. The president of Pagans MC Philadelphia chapter Gorilla Mondevergine was once a cop but he is almost alone among the outlaws. Iron Pigs MC and Iron Brotherhood MC are not real outlaw clubs. They are clubs for cops who wish they were outlaw bikers. Their membership roster is full of cops. They recruit their new members among the officials and authorities. But there are more than just these two. There is the Iron Order MC who had a confrontation with the Bandidos, Wild Pigs MC, the original cops’ “outlaw” club, Untouchables MC, City Heat MC, Blue Steele MC and others. They are all different from the Blue Knights MC, which is the biggest and international cop club. Where the Blue Knights try to hold on to the decent reputation, these other clubs do their best to pose as outlaws. Chosen Sons acted that out in 1995 in the TV show Homicide. Real outlaw clubs don’t like these biker cop clubs. Most outlaw clubs don’t take cops, and the reason is not that they have something to hide. The real outlaws see cops and prison guards as people whose job is to lock up other people, thus working against the freedom they hold so dear. More than that, the real outlaws are more than pissed off about the fact that in these clubs cops are acting out what they think is the reality. Whatever they have been saying in courts and media for years, now becomes reality in their own motorcycle clubs. Cops very often describe outlaw bikers as bullies. So when they play bikers, they are bullies. That is why Iron Pig members behave the way they do.They are acting out their biker fantasies. Cops believe outlaws are gun runners, and that is why the Chosen Sons member was doing the same.
Members in these clubs flex their muscles, are loudmouths and pose up, because they think outlaw bikers do so as well. “These guys have no clue what this is all about,” a real outlaw club member commented in the 1990s. “We are not a show or performance. We don’t give a fuck about what anybody thinks about us. We are who we are. Those guys want reputation and the people to shake of fear when they walk by in their colors. That is so childish and stupid.” Perhaps, but that is how many outsiders see the outlaw bikers. Authorities have begun to believe their own stories and spinnings and form their own clubs, where they act out what they think is the outlaw biker life. The fictional image has turned into reality, and not because of real outlaws, but because of cops themselves. They play outlaw bikers based on their own fiction, based on their own phony statements and reports, imagined habits and customs. The world of Sons of Anarchy has become more real than the reality itself. Sonny Barger and Zuck Zito, both of whom had appeared in the TV show Sons of Anarchy, have described it as Hollywood. It’s Hollywood. It’s not real. No real outlaw club would ever operate like the one in the show. In real life any club behaving like Samcro on that TV show would be done in three years. Easily. Members would either be dead, gone or in prison. That is the difference between fantasy and reality, which cops and officials seem to have forgotten. Reality TV shows like Devil’s Run are portraying club life of sorts but they are also TV entertainment. The very word “reality” should be banned because in television it doesn’t mean that. What it means is cheap production values, cheap acting and cheap story line, but it is fiction. You have real bikers playing fictional bikers.You even have former outlaw bikers as “outlaw bikers”.
The line between reality and fiction has evaporated into thin air. Some kind of a peak in this development is the fact that the ATF has used the “documentary series” Gangland as evidence. Yes, that is true. A federal law enforcement bureau has actually introduced a TV show into evidence. What the series Gangland has are entertaining footage, stories and a well-voiced narrator saying all kinds of stuff which even nine year olds can detect as inconsistent. They are not testimonies, nor are they proven facts. Nothing supports the sayings in the series, but nevertheless: according to ATF it is evidence. The creators of the TV show Sons of Anarchy have said it’s not true. It’s Hollywood, fiction, but for millions of viewers it’s reality. It looks like it, just like Iron Pigs MC. But just like Iron Pigs MC, Son of Anarchy is just fiction. But in the media, fiction has replaced reality. Fictional image of the bikers has replaced the real picture. Fiction had replaced reality even in the words and statements of the police and prosecutors. Reality is too real..
78
Thanks for supporters
wildblood.fi
79
Our culture runs deeper than blood