Tattooing, Painting, and Japanese Culture: A Conversation with Senju
Release Date: 05/21/2025
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_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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. ...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineIn 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 first experience with a tattoo—a simple abstract eye—sparked a realization of the permanence and beauty of body art. This moment marked the beginning of his journey into the world of tattooing, which he pursued passionately for over three decades.
Senju's journey from tattooing to painting and back again illustrates the interconnectedness of different art forms. His story highlights the importance of cultural exploration and the willingness to adapt and evolve as an artist. By embracing both tattooing and painting, and utilizing modern digital tools, Senju not only honors the rich traditions of Japanese art but also paves the way for future generations of artists to explore the boundaries of creativity.
Tune in for an inspiring exploration of art, creativity, and the interconnectedness of different mediums.
Chat Breakdown:
00:01:16 - Gods of Ink Convention
00:02:08 - Meeting Senju
00:03:11 - Tattooing in Sweden
00:05:18 - Early Tattoo Influences
00:07:22 - Apprenticeship and Learning
00:09:08 - Discovering Japanese Culture
00:10:22 - Transition to Painting
00:12:03 - Return to Tattooing
00:14:45 - Painting vs. Tattooing
00:17:06 - Shunga: Japanese Erotic Art
00:19:48 - Japanese Cultural Attitudes
00:22:47 - Kinbaku and Shibari
00:25:42 - Work-Life Balance
00:28:28 - Creative Process and Meditation
00:32:01 - Retirement and Lifelong Creativity
00:35:28 - Digital Art Techniques
00:40:16 - Analog vs. Digital Debate
00:44:51 - Acceptance of Digital Art in the Community
Quotes:
"I started to paint Shunga, which is like Edo period porn... I was painting porn but it looked nice, you know, beautiful."
"Because they didn't have Christianity, there was no taboo around sexuality."
"They adapted to a more Christian way of viewing sexuality in the human body, and this has kind of dragged on into the common, to now, you know, contemporary times."
"Yes, this is more, maybe more, seems nicer than ordinary S&M."
"You're 100% in the now. There is only right now happening."
"We are the outliers. We are the outcasts, supposedly. We're the ones that were, I thought, saying to each other, do whatever you want. Live a happy life. And now we're turning on each other?"
"In our minds, change is a tiger coming, you know?"
"Because all art forms are just different expressions of the same thing, you know."
Stay Connected:
Chats & Tatts:
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
Connect with Aaron:
Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
Connect with Senju:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/senjushunga