Specialist Areas: Maori, Polynesian, Samoan and Hawiian Tattoos, Graffiti, Religous and Biblical concepts and Thai.
Gallery
Contact: 0115 9324602
Hi
Having grown up through the 1980's when Graffiti or Urban art really took a hold of the UK. My first tattoo design was somewhat of an inspired accident.
"I designed a few rave T-shirts based on the DIY scene that was happening around where I lived. A few days after showing the new characters and ideas to a friend I received a message that some guy loved my work so much he had them tattooed and had requested more work, ha-ha I remember being pretty blown away by this idea and thinking it was kind of crazy too ".
At the time however Tony was concentrating on the Graffiti aspect and reached a much respected name in this art form. "Still to this day people call me by my old tag name and strangers have approached me and introduced them self and told me how my work back in the day has affected them in a positive way". "Always blows me away though, I was just doing what I did you know!"
I enjoy learning about most aspects of tattooing; I would never call myself a master of anything. There is too much to learn from being free of mental blocks like that. However the rhythm and flow of Kirituhi the Maori designs really speaks to me and the passion I have for this style is the reason I chose to specialize.
I have spent time on reservations and in the company of native peoples around the world. I have gained appreciation and a different way of looking at things and in many ways become comfortable in who I am and what it is I offer. This is not my job, this is who I am.
My work is heavily inspired by the Maori people; timeless is it's beauty and abstract in its form.
I will be sharing some of my other work here from Photography to Paintings. As far as advice on how to get into this, I don't know, just be yourself. It is a labor of love for the most part and don't give up.
My thoughts on tattooing
Since the emergence of Tattooing from a dark art to a more revered and accepted art form, the attitudes and internal appreciation for their meaning has grown. As people become more respectful of native cultures they also become more interested in their traditional meaning; for the individual the meaning behind a tattoo is just as valid as any historical cultural resonances and at least as valid as anyone else’s opinion.
The idea of Tattooing and body decoration is rooted in most, if not all, cultures. So, as well as in the South Seas, body marking was and is used by the Ancient Britons and Celtic nations, Scandinavians, Native North and South American Cultures, across Asia, and Africa too. For all our modern, technological changes to the way we live there is something primal and fundamental to most where tattooing is a thread through the years, directly connecting us with our forbears.
Although media icons still influence people into having tattoos for fashion reasons, the principle of belonging, identity and remembrance stays the same. We have seen a completion of a cycle of development that through learning has seen Tattooing and Tattoos find their once distant tribal past re-fitted into modern day.
My thoughts on studio/shop culture
For 6 years now, I have been developing my own work, portfolio and studio. My studio is a private appointment only business situated at my house. I have been lucky enough to demonstrate the professional requirements to get licensed in my own place. Although small, and out the way I prefer the relaxed atmosphere and the intimate experience of this space.
I do not suffer from an intimidating environment as every tattoo is original, my choice of staying in my place is beneficial for the work and the people who visit me.
Through my time traveling and working with studio's in Thailand, the mentality of some tattoo shop owners still amazes me. In Thailand among many other places, most shops have a friendly and approachable attitude and many studios get together once a month to draw and help each other progress and try different styles of work. The UK lacks this attitude. No sense of community and a fear of competition is all that you face. I think the time for these types of shops is numbered...