Tattooing Behind Bars: Anthony Prince's Story of Survival and Art
Release Date: 02/12/2025
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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,...
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The Shift in Tattoo Culture ft Jake Danielson
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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...
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Tattooing, Painting, and Japanese Culture: A Conversation with Senju
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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...
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Breaking Cultural Barriers: The Evolution of Tattooing in Hong Kong with Derek Yip
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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...
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Self-Teaching and Perseverance in Tattooing ft. Sailor Bit
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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. ...
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Breaking Boundaries: The Truth Behind a 10-Hour Anesthesia Tattoo Session
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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...
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The Tex Effect ft. Ink Master Winner James Tex
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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...
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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...
info_outlineGuest Anthony Prince shares his proufound life experiences, which powerfully illustrate that past circumstances do not define our future and who we chosse to be. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, Anthony faced numerous hardships, including a chaotic, militant foster-family life that often resembled a criminal organization rather than a supportive environment. His story highlights how circumstances beyond one's control can lead individuals down difficult paths, often resulting in choices that may seem incomprehensible to outsiders.
Prince shares an intriguing personal story about his first day in prison and the pressure to demonstrate his tattooing skills using a prison-made machine. The narrative delves into the unique dynamics of prison life, habits of inmates, and the pressure to prove oneself. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges and unexpected situations faced in such an environment, and showcases Prince's vulnerability and resilience as he naavigated post-prison life andd a massively successful tattoong career.
Chat Breakdown:
00:01:12 - First Day in Prison and Tattoo Pressure
00:05:01 - Anthony Prince's Early Life
00:08:33 - Life in Foster Care and Crime Mob
00:10:54 - Petty Crimes and Organized Schemes
00:14:22 - Abuse and Running Away
00:17:16 - First Imprisonment and Sentencing
00:19:08 - Refusing to Snitch and Accepting Prison
00:21:13 - Sentencing and Legal Struggles
00:23:12 - Extended Prison Time and Appeals
00:26:02 - Discovering Artistic Talent in Prison
00:27:09 - First Tattoo Experience in Prison
00:32:05 - Learning and Improving Tattoo Skills
00:34:23 - Six Years in Solitary Confinement
00:36:31 - Returning to General Population and Tattooing
00:38:51 - Meeting Future Wife Ashland
00:42:03 - Writing Letters and Building a Relationship
Quotes:
"To be a part of that family, it was like being a part of a gang."
"A lot of people are cool with prison artists, but a lot of people don't care about them."
"When you have enough time, to kind of sober up, not from drugs and alcohol, but just to straighten up."
"If your body breaks down, your health breaks down, your marriage breaks down, all this work you've been putting in all this time, it's not for nothing, but it's a lot of wasted effort."
"Drinking water and doing 10,000 steps a day turned a stage three kidney disease to completely nothing."
"I told myself it's going to be 10 years in February out of prison. I told myself 10 years hard work, and then when we get there, then I'll go ahead and relax."
"Revolution Ink settles into the skin and the skin looks like normal skin again."
"I don't trust our government, to be honest."
"I listen carefully now because I've seen the times when I didn't listen, it was giving me hints."
"In that short of time, how did you get this good? And now I know you just worked twice as much as everybody else."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Prince:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/prince_artandink
Connect with Aaron:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com