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 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 the "desire to do it was bigger than the capabilities," highlighting a common experience among many who pursue their passions. This intrinsic motivation propelled him to acquire the skills necessary for success in tattooing, despite his initial lack of experience.
Aaron sits down with Chris at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron reflects on the tattoo artist journey that is rarely straightforward and lacks a clear roadmap. The conversation explores the intricacies of the tattooing process and the passion that fuels artists in this creative field. Tune in for insights into the art of tattooing and the stories behind the ink.
Chat Breakdown:
00:00:00 - Overcoming Limitations
00:02:00 - Family Influence: Tattoos in the Family
00:03:56 - Ignorance and Confidence
00:04:56 - Imposter Syndrome: The Ongoing Struggle
00:06:25 - The Role of Ignorance and Confidence in Success
00:07:19 - Validation from Peers
00:11:06 - The Value of Hard Work: Learning the Craft
00:18:02 - Being Nice Pays Off
00:19:05 - The Global Tattoo Scene: Breaking Stereotypes
00:22:08 - The Digital Age: Accelerating the Craft
00:26:11 - Gratefulness and Opportunity in Tattooing
00:30:19 - The Pyramid of Tattooing
00:34:46 - The Pressure of Large Format Tattoos
00:37:23 - The Shift to Japanese Style:
00:44:15 - Empathy and Self-Protection
00:49:15 Work-life Balance and Creativity
01:01:45 Cultural Appreciation Through Music
01:15:04 Tattooing as a Human Experience
01:19:10 Inspiration in Tattooing
Quotes:
"The desire to do it is always stronger than the being able to do it."
"Ignorance and confidence of youth... you had nothing to lose."
"We have to allow ourselves to make mistakes and we have to be OK with those mistakes and not just beat ourselves up to the point where we are stifled."
"Just cover it with Vaseline. When your tattoo looks like shit, just at the end, just wad a lot of Vaseline so they can barely see what's going on."
"Just being nice to people. And then just that little bit of drawing for them or whatever, just a tiny bit of extra, it just naturally is what I felt like I wanted to do."
"If you wanna come in right now, you better end up being fucking really good at this."
"I just, I'm always curious, like, where'd that little part of me go?"
"Don't ever betray yourself by being indecisive and waking up and find yourself in a position that, you know, if you had a clone, it would tell you don't do it?"
"Tattooing is like this, this lifestyle, find a decision, make the decision, go all in."
"The biggest stumbling blocks for white guys aspiring to do Japanese stuff is other white guys that have been doing it longer."
"You have to engage with people... it's a new community and you have to treat people with the same respect you would in real life."
"Something was ignited in me that I haven't felt in a long time, and I think I needed it."
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/chriscrookstattoo