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 media and economic uncertainties, while also celebrating the artistry and inspiration that Chris brings to the tattoo community. Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with passion for the craft and the journey of a talented tattoo artist.

Chat Breakdown:

00:01:20 - Chris's Tattooing Journey

00:02:03 - Finding Tattooing

00:05:03 - Old School Tattooing

00:08:07 - Balancing Family and Career

00:12:06 - Improving Drawing Skills

00:15:00 - Cardio Exercise and Creativity

00:16:02 - Thoughts on Color Realism

00:18:18 - Minimalist and Abstract Tattooing

00:20:03 - Tattoos as Pure Decoration

00:23:14 - What Makes a Great Tattoo

00:25:07 - Composition and Simplicity

00:26:26 - Social Media and Tattooing

00:35:39 - Future Plans and Staying Relevant

Quotes:

"Everything teaches you something. So everything's perfect in some way in the universe."

"Your tattoo can just be beautiful. It does not have to always represent your grandmother."

"I just do a good job, and if I do a good job, that person tells somebody, and they come see me, and that's it. Simple."

"All your followers are just leads."

"Be smart with the finances so that in 10 years from now, there's more freedom to do those things that you want."

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 Patrick:

IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/⁠chrishenriksen

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 off with reflections on the future of tattooing, particularly the challenge of maintaining the integrity and longevity of tattoos over time. Aaron shares his fascination with how current artists push boundaries while also wondering if they can ensure their work stands the test of time. With a shared background in illustrative tattooing, Aaron expresses his admiration for Jake's artistry, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about their craft, techniques, and the evolving landscape of tattoo artistry. Tune in for insights and inspiration from two passionate tattoo artists!

Chat Breakdown:

00:00:32 - The Future of Tattoo Longevity

00:02:01 - Early Tattoo Influences

00:03:06 - Challenges in Large-Scale Tattoos

00:08:08 - Early Tattoo Career and Work Ethic

00:11:25 - The Role of Instagram in Tattooing

00:15:16 - Global Tattoo Community

00:20:10 - Future of Tattoo Techniques

00:21:48 - Traditional vs. Hyper-Realism

00:29:57 - Shift in Tattoo Priorities

00:33:09 - Custom vs. Flash Tattoos

00:35:10 - Specialization in Modern Tattooing

00:37:07 - Black Work Movement

00:39:03 - Tattoos as Body Decoration

00:42:43 - Dream Tattoo Projects

Quotes:

"I'd be interested to see if whatever crazy stuff people are producing now, if they find ways to maneuver what's possible and maintain its long life and integrity of the tether."

"I fucking scroll through your Instagram and I'm like, what the fuck is going on here?"

"I've been pretty blessed with the people that I've surrounded myself with for my whole career that I rarely ever feel like I'm the hardest worker in the room."

"I think this fucking rocket ship increase in radness is going to, it is going to go a little like this."

“How it lives on the person for the next like the rest of their life is so much more important than the Instagram photo"

"It's much more important to focus on the quality of your craft and longevity of the tattoo."

"I almost don't even want to tattoo subject matter anymore. I'm just like, can I just decorate you, please?"

"You're embedding some sort of energy into them, exchanging energy with them."

"Work hard, draw a lot, pay attention to what those before you have done."

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 Jake:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jaketattoos

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 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