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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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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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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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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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...
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Breaking Barriers: Heather McLean (Hyphaea) on Women in Tattooing
Chats & Tatts
The evolution of tattooing from a taboo, underground culture to a widely accepted art form has significantly transformed the industry's dynamics, impacting both artists and clients in various ways. In the early days of tattooing, particularly in the 1990s, the culture was largely underground and associated with rebellion. In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova takes a unique approach by conducting the first-ever remote podcast on the show, reaching out to guests who are unable to join in person. He welcomes tattoo artist Heather McLean, known on Instagram as Hyphaea,...
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Art, Identity, and the Evolution of Tattoo Culture ft. Filip Leu
Chats & Tatts
The evolution of tattooing has been profoundly shaped by artistic trends and public perception, particularly in recent years. As discussed in the podcast episode featuring one of the world's most prolific and respected tattoo artists, Filip Leu, there has been a significant shift towards realism in tattoo art, which has gained popularity among both artists and clients. Aaron Della Vedova and Filip reflect on their early careers, noting that while there were many skilled tattoo artists, the quality of art varied widely, with a considerable number of less experienced practitioners. Today,...
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Building a Legacy: Henning Jorgensen on Tattooing and Community
Chats & Tatts
The significance of physical and mental well-being for tattoo artists cannot be overstated, especially given the demanding nature of the profession. Tattooing requires not only artistic skill but also physical endurance and mental resilience. In the podcast episode, both Henning Jorgensen and host Aaron Della Vedova emphasize the importance of maintaining one's body and mind to ensure a long and successful career in tattooing. In this episode of Chats and Tatts, Aaron welcomes the legendary tattoo artist Henning Jorgensen at the renowned Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany....
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Building Confidence as a Tattoo Artist ft. Chris Crooks
Chats & Tatts
The desire to pursue a passion can be a powerful motivator for individuals, often driving them to learn and grow despite feelings of unqualification or inexperience. This theme is vividly illustrated in this podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Chris Crooks, who shares his journey into the world of tattooing with host Aaron Della Vedova. From a young age, Chris was immersed in tattoo culture, with both of his grandfathers and his father sporting tattoos. This early exposure ignited a desire within him to become a tattoo artist, even before he fully understood the craft. He reflects on how...
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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,...
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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