When did you know you wanted to become a tattooer, and how did you first learn to tattoo?
I was coming back from a three day hike, and while driving on Glenorchy Road the idea popped into my head, maybe I should tattoo? At this point I really didn't know what else to do with my art as I couldn't commit to any one art form in particular. I went to the two busiest shops in Queenstown, one had a really old school guy who asked me weird questions and belittled me, the other one had a crazy motherfucker who didn't even look at my portfolio when I left it there for a week. That same shop got so busy within a year that they started looking for an apprentice/cleaner so I went in again and I got the spot.
Can you describe your apprenticeship?
My apprenticeship was a bit of a meh, I didn't have much direction from the person who was meant to be my mentor. So I took information from anyone I could at the shop and especially the guest artists. I probably did a lot of fuck ups figuring things by myself while nobody was watching me. Also Camo, one of the residents who had 20 years under his belt working in street shops, he was one of the most genuine, helpful and knowledgeable people at the shop. I did learn a lot of cleaning, sanitising and dealt with clients of all sorts. Most apprenticeships require doing all the bitch jobs! I was working sometimes months in a row without days off and having two other jobs to pay up the bills for over two years. I ended up leaving because Queenstown became claustrophobic and I felt I wasn’t going to go anywhere with tattooing other than making lots of money on walk ins there. It was worth it though, I would do it again but it was very tiring, but not as tiring as having a newborn, haha. More on that soon..
Can you talk about previous art training, and other forms of art you create?
I formally did fine arts right after high school. There I learned anatomical drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking among other subjects. I also did jewellery, millinery, weaving and fashion (hated this one so I quit studying), but as I said nothing would stick with me or make me passionate until I started tattooing.
Do you think being trained in fine arts has helped you as a tattooer?
Absolutely, I really saved myself some time when it came to drawing and figuring out compositions and proportions. Also knowing art history added to the mix.
You're known as a very capable tattooer and you've experimented with lots of different styles of work. How have you developed your signature style? Is there a particular style you'd prefer to focus on, and if so, how would you describe it?
Am I? I am still searching for my style, I like so many! They say it could take about ten years to develop one, and you have to go through many to get there, which I am glad I did. So far I am wanting to do tattoos that people can tell what they are from a few metres away without squinting, haha. I really like ornaments more than anything, tribal, black line work, folk art, animals and flowers. Simple, timeless and long lasting. I don't think I have developed a signature style yet.