The Gypsy Life of Tattoo Artist Cindy Maxwell
Chats & Tatts
Pain management is a vital component of the tattooing process that can significantly influence both the client experience and the quality of the final artwork. As discussed in the podcast episode, effective pain management not only helps clients endure longer sessions but also enables tattoo artists to work more efficiently and produce superior results. This week's guest is renowned tattoo artist Cindy Maxwell, whose stunning, large-format, Japanese-inspired tattoos have captivated many for over 27 years. Hailing from San Francisco, Cindy shares insights into her tattooing journey, her passion...
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Control, Discipline, and Meditation ft. Oliver Kenton
Chats & Tatts
From South Africa to the global tattoo stage, Oliver Kenton didn’t follow a straight line — he followed geometry. In this episode of Chats & Tatts with host Aaron Della Vedova, we sit down with Oliver to talk about the long road behind his unmistakable geometric and ornamental tattoo work. What started as an obsession with pattern, structure, and precision became a way of making sense of movement, identity, and starting over in a new country. Oliver opens up about: Growing up in South Africa and how that environment shaped his eye and why geometry became his language when words...
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Artistry and Empathy: A Conversation with Tattoo Artist Jen Tonic
Chats & Tatts
Creating a comfortable and empathetic environment for clients during tattoo sessions is essential for enhancing their overall experience and effectively managing pain. In a recent podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Jen Tonic, several strategies were discussed to achieve this goal. Host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes Jen from Lüneburg, Germany. Jen’s unique style blends neo-traditional and large-format decorative elements with a touch of art-nouveau and nature themes, creating stunning pieces that reflect her artistic vision. As the conversation unfolds, Aaron and Jen discuss the nuances...
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#102: Erotica, Leather, and Tattooing ft. "Savage" Sal Leon
Chats & Tatts
Sal Leon has developed a niche in traditional tattooing with an erotic gay flair, setting him apart from other artists in San Diego. This distinctiveness not only attracts a loyal client base but also fosters a sense of community among those who resonate with that particular style. Sal shares his journey through the tattooing world, highlighting the unique intersection of his identity as a gay man and his artistic expression through traditional tattooing with an erotic flair. This discussion with host Aaron Della Vedova opens up a broader conversation about the evolution of tattooing,...
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#101: Mushrooms, Mayans, and Masterpieces ft. Freddy Jay
Chats & Tatts
Freddy Jay’s journey into tattooing is a captivating story of unexpected beginnings and unwavering commitment. At the age of 19, he found himself at a crossroads in life, having once aspired to become a pilot due to his love for surfing and the freedom it represented. However, as he matured, he realized that the life of a pilot was not meant for him. Instead, he began to explore his creative side, which ultimately led him to the world of tattooing. In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova returns to his home studio, bringing a vibrant tribal energy to the conversation....
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#100: Tattoos and Sacred Geometry ft. Dillon Forte
Chats & Tatts
The belief in separation is a fundamental issue that contributes to ignorance and suffering. Recognizing our interconnectedness could lead to a more harmonious existence. This idea is deeply explored in the podcast episode featuring host Aaron Della Vedova and guest Dillon Forte, who discuss the implications of viewing reality through the lens of separation versus interconnectedness. Dillon is a renowned tattoo artist located in Austin, TX, and is credited with helping to launch the geometric tattoo movement in the U.S. in the early 2010s. The conversation blends art, spirituality, and the...
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#99: The Intimacy of Tebori with Horikei
Chats & Tatts
Tebori tattooing, a traditional Japanese hand-poked method, is more than just a technique; it embodies a philosophy that emphasizes a profound human connection and energy transfer between the tattoo artist and the client. Practiced for thousands of years, this method involves using a long stick with needles attached to the end, allowing the artist to create tattoos without the aid of machines. This simplicity lies at the heart of the Tebori experience, fostering a unique and intimate atmosphere during the tattooing process, and our guest today is one of the masters of this craft. ...
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#98: Queen of Neo Trad ft. Fiori Lorett
Chats & Tatts
Inspiration for creativity often arises from active engagement rather than a passive search for it. This concept is vividly illustrated in the conversation between host Aaron Della Vedova his guest Fior Lorett, a seasoned tattoo artist. Fiori emphasizes that her creative process is deeply intertwined with her daily artistic practice. She states, "the more I do, the more inspired I may be," highlighting that involvement in the creative process itself can ignite new ideas and motivation. Fiori shares insights into her unique neo-traditional style, which features an ornamental flair, and...
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#97: A Body of Work: The Matt Jordan Episode
Chats & Tatts
In this episode, host Aaron Della Vedova delves into the importance of creating art for oneself rather than for external approval, highlighting the personal connection and significance behind each piece of work. The discussion with New Zealand-based tattoo artist Matt Jordan emphasizes the value of handmade artistry in an increasingly digital world, celebrating the unique and analog nature of tattooing. Matt is a phenomenal tattoo artist whose work has left a lasting impression on many. "What are you going to do to separate yourself? What are you going to do so that you can look...
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#96: The Art of Surrender - Greyson Savo's Story of Recovery, Tattoos, and Redemption
Chats & Tatts
The journey of healing and transformation can be catalyzed by profound life experiences, such as accidents, which compel individuals to confront their past and redefine their identity. This theme is vividly illustrated in the story of Greyson Savo, who endured a life-altering accident that not only changed his physical state but also prompted deep introspection and a transformation of his identity, including the incredible covering of his scars by tattoo artist Patrick Sweeney ( https://www.instagram.com/patricksweeneyart ). In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova...
info_outlineThe 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.
Host Aaron De La Vedova sits down with Bit in Frankfurt, Germany, at Gods of Ink. With an impressive reputation in the tattoo industry, Bit shares insights from his extensive career, including owning Ethno Tattoo in Lucerne for 22 years before joining forces with Fillip Leu, where he has been working for the past decade. The conversation delves into Bit's journey in tattooing, reflecting on the evolution of the art form and the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with history, passion, simplicity, life away from tattooing, and the intricacies of an ever evollving tattoo culture.
Chat Breakdown:
00:01:29 - Bit's Tattoo Journey
00:03:27 - Challenges in Early Tattooing
00:04:38 - Learning from Filip Leu
00:05:05 - Self-Taught Tattooing
00:06:30 - Huck Spalding Book and Early Techniques
00:07:28 - Making Ink and Needles
00:10:00 - Coil Machines vs. Modern Pens
00:15:17 - Changes in Tattoo Shop Culture
00:18:50 - Longevity in Tattooing
00:21:23 - Learning Full Body Tattooing
00:27:33 - Color Realism and Japanese Style Tattoos
00:30:34 - Sailing as a Second Passion
00:35:21 - European Approach to Work-Life Balance
00:38:39 - Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists
00:43:01 - Marketing and Business in Modern Tattooing
00:46:51 - Old School Tattooing Values
Quotes:
"You entered the dragon's mouth when you pushed that door and you hear this noise and you smell the hash."
"I did my time, so I'm happy with what I did."
"I call it, we had the full ride, meaning we got in when it was still the old ways, making inks, making needles."
"Leave your ego at the door when you work with this guy."
"For me, it's more scary to be in a big city than in the middle of the ocean."
"You have to be conscious that you can choose your life, right? You don't have to complain. You choose it."
"I was living like a fucking homeless guy, right? I suffered a lot until I can live from tattooing."
"There is like a split between this tattoo world. Now you have that. The old school guys and this new generation."
"The experience to share something with your customer, that will always stay there."
"That influence of Filip and you and all the people attached to him is... so influential and important to what tattooing is today."
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