Libsyn Directory

The Intersection of Art, Life, and Self-Love ft. Sean Foy and Michael Perry

Release Date: 11/06/2024

Ink and Energy: Exploring the Artist/Client Bond ft. Anthony Tex

Chats & Tatts

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vadova connects with talented tattoo artist Anthony Tex at the prestigious Gods of Ink convention in Frankfurt, Germany. They delve into the unique energy exchange that occurs during tattoo sessions, discussing the bond formed between artist and client during these intimate and vulnerable moments. Anthony shares insights about his 13-year journey in the tattoo industry, including his apprenticeship under his father, James, who has been tattooing for 26 years. The conversation highlights Anthony's unexpected path to becoming a tattoo artist,...

Passion, Pain, and Personal Connections ft. Albert (Zaf) Zafra

Chats & Tatts

In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with renowned tattoo artist Albert Zafra, affectionately known as Zaf. Broadcasting from Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany, Aaron and Zaf delve into the world of tattoo artistry, discussing the significance of personal tattoos over high-value pieces, and the deep connections they forge. With 20 years of experience, Zaf shares insights on his neo-traditional style and his journey from Barcelona, Spain, while contemplating the evolving landscape of the tattoo industry and future opportunities. Tune in for an inspiring...

Staying Relevant in a Competitive Tattoo Landscape with Chris Henriksen

Chats & Tatts

In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vadova welcomes esteemed Denmark based tattoo artist Chris Henriksen to the show. Recorded at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany, the conversation highlights Chris's impressive career in tattooing, particularly his mastery of modern Japanese styles. Aaron praises Chris's exceptional skills, especially his smooth shading techniques, and acknowledges the hard work and dedication that have contributed to his success over 16 years in the industry. The episode dives into the challenges tattoo artists face today, including the impact of social...

The Shift in Tattoo Culture ft Jake Danielson

Chats & Tatts

The evolution of tattooing has profoundly transformed the landscape of body art, leading to greater acceptance of diverse styles and allowing artists to explore and create without the necessity of specific meanings behind each tattoo. This shift can be traced back to several key developments in the industry, particularly the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and the influence of tattoo-related television shows. In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with renowned tattoo artist Jake Danielson at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany. The discussion kicks...

Tattooing, Painting, and Japanese Culture: A Conversation with Senju

Chats & Tatts

In the podcast episode featuring tattoo artist and painter Senju, a fascinating narrative unfolds about the interconnectedness of tattooing and painting, particularly within the context of Japanese art. Senju's journey illustrates how these two forms of expression can influence and inspire one another, creating a cyclical relationship that enriches the artist's work. Senju's story begins with his initial foray into tattooing, which he describes as a pivotal moment in his life. Growing up in the punk scene in Sweden, he was initially drawn to tattooing through friends who had tattoos. His...

Breaking Cultural Barriers: The Evolution of Tattooing in Hong Kong with Derek Yip

Chats & Tatts

The journey into tattooing can often be unconventional, as exemplified by Derek Yip's unique transition from graphic design to becoming a tattoo artist. Derek's story underscores how unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling careers in the tattoo industry. In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Derek at the prestigious Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron expresses his excitement about the gathering of some of the world's greatest tattoo artists, setting the stage for an inspiring conversation. Derek shares his journey into...

Self-Teaching and Perseverance in Tattooing ft. Sailor Bit

Chats & Tatts

The journey to becoming a skilled tattoo artist is often long and challenging, characterized by years of self-teaching and perseverance, especially in the past when resources and mentorship were scarce. In a recent podcast episode, Bit Schoenenberger (Sailor Bit) shares his personal experience of starting his tattooing career 36 years ago. He recalls being inspired at a young age by a tattoo magazine brought back from the United States by a friend of his father. This early exposure ignited his passion for tattooing, but the path to becoming a proficient artist was fraught with difficulties. ...

Breaking Boundaries: The Truth Behind a 10-Hour Anesthesia Tattoo Session

Chats & Tatts

The latest episode of "Chats and Tatts" explores a groundbreaking approach to tattooing: the use of anesthesia to enable individuals to undergo extensive tattoo sessions in a single sitting. This innovative method is particularly appealing to busy individuals who often struggle to find the time for multiple tattoo appointments, which can stretch over months or even years. Guest Jason Williams exemplifies the type of individual who benefits from this approach. As a family man with a thriving career, he shared the challenges of scheduling multiple trips to the tattoo shop, especially given the...

The Tex Effect ft. Ink Master Winner James Tex

Chats & Tatts

The tattoo community is currently experiencing a significant divide, as highlighted in a recent podcast episode. This divide is marked by a growing trend of judgmental attitudes among some artists, which starkly contrasts with the original ethos of acceptance and individuality that has long been a cornerstone of tattoo culture. In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova connects with renowned tattoo artist James Tex, freshly crowned winner of Ink Master Season 16. Recorded live at the prestigious Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany, Aaron and James dive...

Skepticism and Innovation in Tattoo Art ft. Philipp Trier

Chats & Tatts

The tattoo industry has long relied on traditional methods for creating stencils, typically using carbon copy paper or drawing directly on the skin with markers. However, these methods often present a range of challenges, including difficulties in positioning, the risk of smudging, and limitations in material quality. Enter Standstill, a groundbreaking stencil product that allows tattoo artists to print designs onto a flexible, transparent film, fundamentally transforming the stencil application process. Aaron Della Vedova explores groundbreaking advancements in tattoo stenciling technology...

More Episodes

Creativity often arises from moments of frustration, leading to breakthroughs that feel almost effortless and meditative for the artist. This phenomenon is explored in a podcast episode where Aaron Della Vedova discusses the intricate relationship between frustration and creativity with well-known tattoo artists Sean Foy and Michael Perry.

They delve into the creative process, exploring the often frustrating journey that leads to those exhilarating "aha" moments. Aaron reflects on how these breakthroughs feel almost spontaneous, emerging from a deeper place within ourselves. They discuss the neuroscience behind creativity, revealing how moments of frustration can signal that a breakthrough is on the horizon. Sharing personal anecdotes, this profound episode emphasizes the importance of embracing these challenging moments as part of the creative journey. Join Aaron, Sean and Michael as they navigate the complexities of creativity, seeking truth in a world saturated with information.

Chat Breakdown:

[00:01:06] Creative frustration.

[00:03:40] The journey to becoming an artist.

[00:06:41] Artistic nurturing in family.

[00:11:23] Art as meditation.

[00:19:10] Overcoming life’s obstacles through art.

[00:22:33] Bankruptcy as a turning point.

[00:25:35] Self-love and personal responsibility.

[00:33:20] Sociopaths in leadership positions.

[00:35:38] Tattooing as a form of care.

[00:45:14] Overcoming addiction and recovery.

[00:48:55] Managing the ego's influence.

[00:59:10] Awareness and self-forgiveness.

[01:07:38] Tuning into creativity and emotions.

[01:09:50] Gratitude in challenging times.

[01:21:37] Community and spirituality in tattooing.

[01:30:15] Trust in tattooing and artistry.

[01:36:57] Tattooing under anesthesia debate.

[01:48:49] Tattooing: Trends and Counterculture.

[02:00:10] Adaptation to change in tattooing.

Quotes:

"Now when that frustration happens, I welcome it. I'm just like, oh, I know what this is. This is the part when the breakthrough has got to be really close because I'm fucking really agitated."

"It takes a little courage and it takes you kind of being like, fuck it, I'm doing this, even though it doesn't make a lot of sense."

"Then I turned to gangs and drugs to console myself, because I was so heartbroken."

"Bankrupt and busted, fucking best thing that could have happened."

"The question is, what am I doing that's not allowing it in?"

"If you want to look in that mirror in a few years and love the person staring back at you, you better do right by fucking everybody all the time."

"I like to picture in my own head that I'm the soul. And then I hear the thoughts and I examine them just like a judge."

"In that moment, you just moved the entire human species one millimeter closer to world peace and all the things we all say that the world should be like."

"What other art form do two people get to collaborate at that level?"

"One of the beautiful things about tattooing to me also is like seeing the evolution of what you're doing like any other art form but add into it the trust of the human allowing you to experiment on their body."

"I feel like things just in general in society are kind of like splitting and becoming more polar opposite."

"We're a fully mature industry. And like any mature industry, visibility and marketability are now essential."

"That not giving a fuck thing, good luck. Good luck with that."

Stay Connected:

Connect with Sean:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sean_foy

Connect with Michael:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelperryart

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova

⁠Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com

Chats Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠