& CULTURE MAGAZINE

ON THE COVER KYLE COSMAN Kirt Silver Billy DeCola AND MORE STORIES FROM WEST COAST ARTISTS

Men of Venice Beach Kyle Corbin Noah Valinsky Qwentell Paulings

PLUS: Ink by SAGA The History of American Traditional Tattooing MODELS ALICIA NICOLE

ISSUE 3 | 2014 JOSH MARIO JOHN 16 INDEX. 06

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05 - DARKHORSE TATTOO 12 - SEAN ANDERSON 20 - THE MEN OF VENICE BEACH West Shore’s brand new tattoo and Find out the story behind Sean’s West Coast Ink travels to Los Angeles piercing shop. creativity and passion for art. to explore the tattoo community.

06 - KIRT SILVER 16 - KYLE COSMAN 28 - DAVID GLUCK World-recognized tells us Maybe the most interesting style of How David’s background in oil the inside story to his success. you’ve seen. painting helped him with tattooing.

09 - GREG CLEAVER 18 - BILLY DECOLA 29 - CRYSTAL WALTS Check out the amazing photography We caught up with NY INK apprentice This island girl loves the camera; read from Greg Cleaver. Billy DeCola for a look into the what her tattoos mean to her. spotlight of tattooing.

West Coast Ink is a tattoo and culture magazine established in Victoria, BC. Created by owner Ryan Bishop, the magazine has been developed to showcase the incredibly talented tattoo community on the west coast. From tattoo artists, to shops, to models and more, West Coast Ink Magazine has your daily fix to everything tattoo...

2 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 3 ARTISTS

DARK HORSE “For me, tattooing is extremely gratifying.” - Shawn Steinberg

started off by bringing in my own clientele, and as the from my clients. I love going above and beyond for them and word got out we gradually became busier. You will find my converting the vision in their mind into a work of art for their body. shop to have a very relaxed atmosphere, as well as friendly I try my best to bring their vision to life. It really means a lot to Iand mature customer service. We have a great location and are me knowing that another person is willing to display my art on looking forward to tattooing Langford. Kelly Auclair is the pierc- their body for the rest of their life. For me, tattooing is extremely er at our shop. If you ever need something pierced, he is your gratifying. guy! Kelly is awesome at what he does and he always informs you about the proper techniques regarding aftercare. Expect my Do you have any specific style you enjoy the most? team and I to always be pushing ourselves for a greater challenge I wouldn’t say I specialize in one particular style of tattoos. I’m and taking our art to a new level. You could definitely say we are always pushing myself to be well rounded. It’s great to be known beyond driven! for specializing in a specific style, but personally I enjoy a different challenge each time. It keeps things fresh and exciting. Can you give us a little background about Darkhorse? I first started tattooing in 2006. Two years later, I started my own shop which lead to many exciting new opportunities for myself, including hosting Vancouver Islands very first tattoo convention. The Capital City Tattoo Convention in 2010 and 2011 started with a lot of hard work from myself and my two partners, Erik Van Kobra and Scott Petterson. As fun as it was to host two tattoo conventions, I don’t see myself doing it again anytime soon.

What is it that you love most about tattooing? What do I love most about what I do? Easy, I love a challenge

Model: Tessa Pimlott

Photo4 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM by: Julia Loglsci ISSUE 3 | 5 ARTISTS tubes and a power supply. I tattooed a lot of matter to gain a better understanding of the grapefruits and oranges before I finally received tattoo and to begin designing the working piece. an apprenticeship at Iron Mikes Tattoos in Truro, Nova Scotia; it was here that I met Mike Leblanc. Sometimes if my client is open to it I will just free Until then I had never seen work like his anywhere hand a sketch on to the body and create the except for magazines. After a great deal of floor details as I go such as Biomech or Japanese sweeping and tube cleaning, Mike finally agreed influenced art. With more realistic subject matter to teach me the art behind tattooing. I like to have the art well prepared and enhanced with Photoshop. I will never forget my first client! It was some sort of Ying and Yang, angel/devil kind of thing. Achievements and tools from Sponsors My hands were trembling and I was sweating I have had the opportunity to travel all over through the whole thing. I quickly found out Canada and the United States to teach my tattooing was a lot harder than it looked. seminar, Back 2 Reality, based on my approach to color realism. I also have a color realism DVD I later opened my own shop, Silver City Tattoos, out and plan to release a second one very soon. in Elmsdale. I became well rounded to different Within the last two years I have worked hard on styles of tattooing due to client requests. At my art to make an impression on this industry.

Born in Kingston, Nova Scotia; moved to Truro, Nova Scotia - Kirt Silver now calls My hands were trembling and I was Elmsdale, Nova Scotia his home. sweating through the whole thing. I

efore tattooing I had several different quickly found out tattooing was a lot jobs. I worked as a personal trainer, sport harder than it looked. supplement manager and believe it or not, “ BI was even a hair stylist before becoming a tattoo arist. That is how I met my beautiful wife Amy. I found myself unsatisfied with these jobs and first people sought me out for my larger black I have landed features in publications and great seeking new direction in life. Through reflection and grey Japanese inspired work, which I still magazine, such as this one, all across the world. and prayers I felt the desire to go back to my roots enjoy doing today. I found myself really wanting I feel blessed to have become part of the team at as an artist. Doors were opening in front of me and to expand from there, so I started to focus on Neo Tat Machines where Ray Webb designs their opportunities started to arise to pursure tattooing portraits and color realism. I began studying and amazing linear rotaries. I started using” rotaries as a career. following the tattoo art of Tom Renshaw, Bob about 4 years ago and found they were so much Tyrrell, Guy Aitchison, Joe Capobianco, and Mike smoother for packing color and allowed for more I had an interest in tattooing from a young age. Devries. My current style tends to focus around passes in the skin. This is great when doing a The first tattoo that I recall seeing was back when color realism. I feel that I am always seeking to color portrait with lots of detail. Also I have had I was ten years old, on my uncle’s arm. He had learn new and different styles to keep my art the great honor of teaming up with my ink line a blurry, green cross and some writing. I recall fresh and am humbled by the challenge. I am of choice StarBrite, from the makers at Tommy’s soon after this on family vacation sneaking off really interested in expanding my knowledge of Supplies. I find these inks saturate extremely well to a tattoo shop next to a comic book store and all styles but recently I have been focusing a lot and heal with great vibrancy. I have also had the admiring all the art on the walls. I would on animation or cartooning style. Tony Ciavarro opportunity to work with them to formulate my sneak in to shops any chance I could, but would and Jime Litwalk are a huge influence. I want own color set which is named the Kirt Silver series. usually get kicked out for being under age. Tattoos to merge the painterly realism with some bold My needles of choice come from a company that had caught my interest and I soon began drawing outer lines and exaggerated features - sort of a has shown me great support throughout my art on myself and friends often getting us all into neo-realism if you will. I found something I can career, World Wide Tattoo Supply. trouble with our parents. My parents saw early do day in and day out and am just as excited on that I had a natural desire to create art and now as my first day on the job. I do not see I want to thank my wife Amy & son Disiah for encouraged me to do so. They were always, and myself doing anything else. This is where I am all their support and love. My parents who have still are, one hundred percent encouraging about supposed to be! always encouraged my art. Mike LeBlanc for the my artistic abilities and tattooing career. We did opportunity to learn the art of tattoo. My clients not have a lot of money growing up, so my mom Day to day who inspire and support me and to God for all he would save Bristol board from boxes at her work I make it a point to meet with all my clients has seen me through. for me to draw on. My dad still has one of these personally to consult about their tattoo. Most old cardboard drawings, framed and hung on his clients have an idea of what they want their wall. My mom often told me that I was going to tattoo to represent or of the elements they want be successful, but I would have never guessed it to be included. Most clients have been referred would be as a tattoo artist. by friends and trust me to use my creativity and experience to shape their design. I always keep Start Into Tattooing in mind the client’s desire for the best tattoo, I started tattooing in 2002 after failure to get an so as I approach the design I will interview my apprenticeship. I bought a friend’s machine, a few clients to make note of certain features wanted. From there I will research the style and subject 6 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 7 THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN TRADITIONAL TATTOOING BY DUNCAN POLSON

ften pursued by those wishing to while there is no doubt of his great contributions Sailors have always had a special connection express themselves as different, worn to the art form; including the mentor-ship of two with tattooing ever since Captain Cook in 1769 as a badge of rebellion and proudly tattoo legends (Ed Hardy and Mike ‘Rollo Banks’ discovered tattooed natives in his first voyage Omarking men and women who identify with an Malone) the alleged invention of purple ink, to southern seas, many of his crew allowed ‘outsider’ label, ironically, getting a tattoo might and the popularisation of the hula girl pin-up - themselves to be tattooed before returning just be the most traditional and mainstream unfortunately his fame has overshadowed some home, which led to the tradition of spiritual and thing someone might ever do. other pioneers of modern tattooing. ‘Doc’ Forbes meaningful tattoos found aboard almost every of Vancouver, for example, who was (in)famous ship. Some of the more notable tattoos were After a dark period of disapproval and for his studio filled with medical journals and a rooster and pig tattooed on the feet, since condemning of the tattoo arts, including a wearing a white coat while he tattooed. ‘Captain’ many seamen were ironically unable to swim complete ban of any tattooing in Massachusetts Don Leslie, who was not only a tattooer, but a in the 18th century, and as birds and other from 1962 to 2000, it seems like the incredible sideshow sword swallowing attraction. Samuel livestock were kept in wooden crates, they history of the tattoo has been all but forgotten. O’Reilly, who invented the world’s first electric were more likely to float. The words ‘HOLD Model: Veronica Kitten I hope to have my entire right arm done From criminals to English kings, from ancient machine, making tattoos faster and introducing FAST’ were regularly tattooed on knuckles n the future from armpit to knuckles, and my whole left leg done Egyptian, Celts, travelling circus performers to the incredible buzzing sound all tattoo enthusiasts to remind men to form a firm grip on rigging Styling by: Amanda Rendulic from butt cheeks to toe nails! I promised my mother military officers, its not uncommon to feel drawn dread and long for simultaneously. Jack ‘Dracula’ during storms, and on their weaponry during Photos by: Greg Cleaver I would stop after that... to tattoo culture. Like music, it spans the human Baker of Coney Island had his face tattooed with combat. A dragon symbolized a voyage to I timeline entirely - as far back as a mummified an eagle. There was Cap Coleman, Lew the Jew, the east, a turtle for passing the equator, and man named Otzi found frozen since 3,300 BCE ‘Painless’ Jack Tryon, even some female tattooers sometimes a full rigged ship for ‘rounding the Left Sleeve of your inside personality reflected on the Sea turtles are an animal I respect and love. They have on the Italian/Austrian border, peppered with like Irene Woodward and Betty Broadbent. Most horn’ (sailing past the tip of South America). attoos to me are an expression outside, for everyone to see. I started getting inked very young, just four days to overcome great adversity before they get to live, and 57 ancient tattoos. As tattooing becomes more of these tattooists made their living with the circus. All of these classic naval tattoos have been after my eighteenth birthday. I got a lot of tattoos within a few years and noticed even then their lives aren’t easy. They are gentle and obvious and accepted in mainstream culture, it popular in the service since men first realized that people were starting to look at me differently; elderly people were shocked when majestic - all around fantastic creatures. This piece was is more and more likely you might encounter a Tattooing sideshow ‘freaks’ or performing they could stick junk on their arms to make T I held doors open for them. Now, tattoos are more mainstream and accepted by the done by Jason Nowland from Bolder Syde Custom police officer with a tiger neck jam, or a suburban themselves, the American public was enamoured themselves look tough, and they continue to general public; still, heavily inked people seem to be in a social category all on their Tattooing in Kamloops, B.C. mother with full sleeves - and while every tattoo with those few who had their bodies completely choose these designs today, with the notable own, which I am more than happy to be a part of! can be extremely personal to the wearer (or just and permanently etched with imagery. Those addition of the pin-up. be a super sweet dragon that looked rad as hell with the tattoos obliged, and added fuel to the Right Leg Piece I‘ve always enjoyed star gazing since I was very young, on the wall of a shop) it is also becoming more fascination with incredible and elaborate (totally Just as the United States had begun to join so naturally I wanted to get a space themed tattoo. I and more important to respect and remember false) stories of being kidnapped by Native the conflict in World War 2, there were very got the sun and the moon because we cannot exist the incredible history of the tattoo. tribes and being forced to undergo the needle. specific rules for the drafting of young men without them and Saturn because I’m a Capricorn. This In reality, most of the women were tattooed by into service; one of the more fun precedents piece was done by Jason O’Sullivan when he worked Probably the most natural place to start is their husbands or fathers, working as tattooists was that nothing pornographic or lewd could at Bolder Syde Custom Tattooing in Kamloops, B.C. with American traditional tattooing. This is the and hoping to make some cash. Female tattooed be tattooed visibly on your person, as it was American folk art style, often referred to as ‘old performers earned much more than their male un-becoming of a man in the United States school’ or ‘sailor traditional’. American traditional counterparts, which was unfortunate for the men service. A quick loophole meant there was Left Leg Piece This gorgeous collage of flowers and skulls was tattooing is defined by thick black outlines, who usually had to shell out incredible sums of a line of young eligible men outside tattoo poured out of the painfully talented mind of Roadkill minimal colour palettes, and deceptively money to the few tattooers working in the back shops, dodging the draft, and getting a very Riley, owner of Pirate Palace Tattoo shop in Kamloops, simple designs. Popular still with young men corners of barbershops, for the hope of travelling foxy young thing to take home to boot! (extra B.C. This piece is the beginning of my overall plan to of all backgrounds, in my opinion because with a show and making the investment back. points if you got her in a place you could flex cover my entire leg. The flowers were an attempt to they can take any skinny, pale, lacklustre lad dance). Sailor Jerry, being ex navy himself, showcase my feminine side. and make him seem like a hard edged man Unfortunately for all those who performed as famously refused to tattoo any nude women of adventure and vigour. The great Sailor Jerry tattooed freaks, the public lost interest in the on someone trying to irk their responsibility to of Honolulu (also known as Norman Keith spectacle. More and more people outside the the war, but would also offer free ‘clothing’ if Neck piece This was an addition to 3 music notes I had behind my Collins and ‘Old Ironsides’) has been called travelling freakshow began getting tattooed, patriotism took hold and you felt you must do ear. I wanted a simple, yet delicate neck piece; so my the ‘grandfather of the traditional tattoo’, and specifically those in the military, who adorned your part for the good ol’ US of A. ink slinging friend Matt Goodman and I sat down and themselves with tributes to patriotism, dreamed up this purple spray paint swirl. He works in a sweethearts, and the ever classic ‘mom’ heart. There it is, your shotgun-crash-course of home studio in Kelowna, B.C. Sailors were of course the largest group of American traditional tattooing, the bare benefactors to tattooists, turning port towns on minimum I can give you to possibly start both coasts into skin art Mecca. Samuel O’Reilly grasping the incredible history of that iconic 8 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM was quoted once as saying “A sailor without a style. But, shit, all you really need to know is- ISSUE 3 | 9 tattoo is like a ship without rum: un-seaworthy.” that anchor would look so seriously badass on your forearm, make your grandad proud! MODELS

Amanda Gunnarsen & Derek Lintaman

Photo by: Randy Allen at Powder Puff Vixen Pinup 10 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM PhotographyISSUE 3 | 11 ARTISTS people, the pace of life, nature, the ocean, the rainforests... my heart belongs to the island. SEAN It wasn’t until I met an amazing girl back in Calgary that I felt the need to travel back and forth from BC to Alberta. I decided to create INK BY “Ink by Saga” and start tattooing again, as SAGA full-time as I could make it. For a year, I would ANDERSON drive to Calgary to visit and tattoo, then I would come back to Victoria to live the party life for a couple of weeks. “Lots of people ask me where SAGA comes from. It is the initials to After a couple years on the island with limited my full given name. Sean Alexander Garfield Anderson... SAGA” success in art and tattoos, I decided to apply at shops in Calgary. Ten shops later and a trip up north to work the oil rigs, Brandi Lee, the y tattoos have a unique owner of Human Kanvas Tattoos and Piercing blend of realistic and abstract in Calgary, realized I had some potential and elements in them, and I enjoy gave me a shot. While it took getting rejected Mcreating works of art on skin that are at forty-five shops in total, I couldn’t be happier unique and original. My work is known with where I ended up. Nothing in life worth for vivid color use and photorealism. anything comes easy. Much of my work is created right on my clients the day of the tattoo; I find taking Starting as a junior artist, Brandi was able to fill a drawing directly from paper to skin the gaps in my learning and help me take my does not always adequately create the skills to the next level, something I’ll be forever best harmony between tattoo and body I realized early grateful for. Human Kanvas is a custom tattoo flow. I use bold slices of color across on that in order shop hidden away in north east Calgary. Super large sections of body, adding abstract friendly, clean, and diverse; We pride ourselves geometrical elements in motion to to stand out I on having artists for every style. counter the stillness of a portrait subject. “ would have to I realized early on that in order to stand out in All my work is based on my theory devote my life Calgary, a city with amazingly talented artists, of opposition: movement with static 80+ shops and 400+ artists, that I would have elements; black and grey mixed with completely to to devote my life completely to drawing, art, color; real with abstract; muted colors and the study of tattooing. I have always loved countered with ultra bright; nature with drawing, art, markers; I used to tag the walls of this city with mathematics. People can spot my work day. After winning the coveted city I could have shortened a five year and the study of magnum markers, and never lost my passion when they see it, and it makes me happy championship in Calgaery in my senior journey down to one or two. for them. I started creating art pieces with to know that I am leaving them with year, I was offered scholarships to play tattooing . markers, and got myself into a few art shows, a unique piece they aren’t likely to find ball at several local colleges. I had My career was going places, I landed where my work was well received. After picking anywhere else. opted out of the art career idea for the a highly coveted government job up a set of prismacolor markers, I have spent time and instead decided to pursue an as a counsellor. But it wasn’t until I the last couple years teaching myself the art I was born in Verdun, a little part of education in architecture. Feeling like I simultaneously went through a divorce of realism, first on paper, then on skin, as any Montreal, Quebec. After a few years my had chosen incorrectly, I dropped out and the death of my father that I tattoo art should be learned. Going from the family decided to take us to Calgary, and floated for a couple years, finally decided to live for myself for once. I ” graffiti, illustrative style to realism and portraits where there were more job opportunities. getting an undergraduate degree in quit my job, and moved to Victoria, was a lofty transition; I spend an average of 30 I’m told that I started drawing daily psychology from the University of B.C. on a whim. It was the best hours a week now practicing portraiture with from the time I could hold a pencil. By Calgary. choice I ever made. I was hell bent on copic and prismacolor markers. elementary school I was making litttle working only as a club DJ [my other pulp action comics starring all of my Fast forward five years, and I was passion, something I did successfully While people say artists have an innate talent friends. My mom enrolled me in a few pursuing a master’s degree in psych, in Calgary] and a tattoo artist. I went to for it, I say we just have the drive to put in the Alberta College of Art & Design courses and married to a trained graphic artist every single shop in Victoria and asked hours to practice. My drawings sucked for around age ten, which would prove and aspiring tattoo artist. Working for a job, but didn’t land anything. years but after thousands of hours of practicing to be my only formal education in art at the office during the day, I hung My drawings were weak at the time; anything, we will all be good at something. This throughout my life. out at the shop she worked in on I didn’t understand then how much applies to not just art, but anything you love. weekends for a year, and eventually time I should have been putting into In high school I drew for the school picked up a machine in our apartment my craft. I had to make it my entire life My marker portraits have taken on a life of their paper but opted not to take any art and began tattooing brave friends if I wanted to succeed. own now, in the last couple years I have had 3 classes, as basketball was my focus and my own leg. Finally I had found solo exhibitions, 8 group shows, and a show at the time. I fantasized about being a a way into the career I had always So I went back to the social work field, in the Museum of Contemporary Art Calgary. tattoo artist, something I wanted to be as wanted. I never did get the benefit of and fell in love with Victoria. Victoria is My work also hangs in the Motion Gallery of far back as I can remember, and would a proper apprenticeship, instead I had the most amazing city I have ever had Calgary. spend classes drawing flash sheets with to scratch my way into the industry. In the chance to live in, and the Island the hope of selling my drawings one hindsight, I don’t regret this but feel is my favourite place on earth. The

12 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 13 Ancient | Traditional | Custom Tattoos Birthmark Tattoos - Clean, health approved & fully licensed tattoo studio JOSH MARIO JOHN 194 East King Edward Ave. with award winning artist - Mayo Landicho. Photo by: Oz John Tekson Vancouver, B.C. y first tattoo was what 604-727-5399 eventually became a sleeve. It is a collection predominantly of Mflowers. My grandmother passed away last year at the age of 96; throughout her life she worked continuously on her artwork. She loved to work with water colour, and was an avid gardener.

“She loved to sit and paint wonderful landscapes and natural settings.”

Later in her life she suffered a stroke, which significantly impacted her ability to paint; yet it didn’t stop her. It was www.birthmarktattoos.com around that time that I decided to facebook.com/MayoLandicho put together a concept for my arm. @BirthmarkTattoos What I did was take a bunch of her old sketches from before her Call now for a free consultation... stroke, and had the artist capture facebook.com/BirthmarkTattoos some of the flowers and other Instagram: Birthmark Tattoos Be born again.... elements and mold them into one flowing piece.

Most of my other pieces have been traditional, and are more or less pieces that had caught my eye, or artist choice; so lots of them don't have a particular "meaning". At this point it means more to me who tattoos me as opposed to the actual imagery attached to the piece.

14 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 15 KYLE ON THE COVER COSMAN yron Bay, Australia was where Kyle first began working on his full sleeve tattoo. He lived there Bworking as a manager at a hostel for ten months. Kyle says he became very spiritual at that time in his life and found a special relationship with god; his sleeve tattoo resembles that time. After he moved back home to Victoria, Kyle met with Colin at Government Street Tattoo where he had some of his other work done. The large tattoo on his neck is a dagger going through a heart. “It cuts through the bad part of my life and separates the good from the evil, Kyle says. The right side of my heart is on fire which resembles pain and all the bad in my life, but the left side is the opposite, it resembles the good.”

The dragon which is on Kyle’s side, was tattooed on him because he was born in the year of the dragon according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. From straight on, Kyle’s body looks half tattooed and half not, which he says is exactly the look he was going for.

16 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM Photos by: Julia Loglisci ISSUE 3 | 17 ARTISTS

BILLY DECOLA

Model: Alicia Nicole How did you begin tattooing? How has TV publicity impacted your tattoo Photos by: Sterling Legacy Art I started out hanging around the career? How is it received by other tattooists tattoo shop which is where all of my friends and shops that you have worked in? worked. I was friends with those guys long TV has boosted my career right from the before the TV show was developed and I beginning and I’m grateful for that. If it weren’t for always enjoyed the tattoo environment. I was the TV show I wouldn’t have had the opportunity going through some financial hardship when to travel the world and attend the industry’s best I was offered an opportunity to work the conventions so early in my career. Some tattooers floor - you know, selling tattoos, setting up & in other shops are haters, but most guys accept breaking down the artists, cleaning the shop. the fact that I had an opportunity of a lifetime. It It was hard work but it was a crash course really comes down to my attitude towards them in the tattoo business. After what seemed and the industry. As long as I respect the game, like forever, I received the opportunity of a which I think I’m doing, and keep my side of the lifetime, Ami James encouraged me to tattoo road clean, I expect to be treated as a regular his friend. It was a small, simple tattoo but it tattooer working hard to become a better artist. was an eye opener. From that time on I knew I wanted to be a tattooer. What direction will you take with your tattoo career? What is your favorite style? 10-15 years from now I probably won’t be I really love traditional Japanese tattooing. recognized as the apprentice on NY Ink but I Flat, simple, easily readable and bold. I do hope to be recognized as a great tattooer. spent a long time in Japan, 10 years to be Once again it’s up to me and the way I use the exact, and while I was there I got to know the popularity that I’ve been blessed with. Horitoshi family very well. I had the honour of getting tattooed by them and during my time Where have you travelled to in your career? spent there we became friends. Their style is I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over Canada my favorite and I constantly study Horitoshi’s and the United States tattooing at conventions work. He’s taught me some invaluable lessons and doing guest spots - NYC, Philly, Miami, Saint about composition and I’m truly grateful to Petersburg, Houston, Chicago, LA, San Fran, have had the opportunity to speak about Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver - to tattoos with such a legend. name a few, I’ve also been to Australia 5 times in the past year! I’ve tattooed in Japan and I’m How did NY Ink affect your career? What is your take on all of these reality TV finally heading to the UK in Feb for the Brighton I appeared on the TLC reality show, “NY Ink,” shows around the tattoo industry? show which is going to be amazing! which was shot at Wooster Street Social Tattoo Reality TV Shows have gone from being Club in NYC. Not every tattooer goes through popular to simply played out. I think it would be Lastly, where are you tattooing now? their apprenticeship in front of a worldwide an insult to the intelligence of the viewer to tell you I’m currently tattooing in Vancouver, BC in a audience. It was a difficult experience but I that ALL tv shows aren’t spiced up for your viewing private studio. I only take appointments - no walk consider myself lucky to have been brought pleasure. But real things do happen and that’s ins. While I do miss working in a busy shop, I into the public eye so early in my career. what makes these unscripted shows interesting. feel working by appointment only allows me to be prepared for the job. That’s important when 18 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM doing large scale Japanese work. ISSUE 3 | 19 FEATURE THE MEN

OF West Coast Ink had an inside look at the tattoo culture along the famous VENICE Venice Beach Boardwalk. BEACH

BY JULIA LOGLISCI

20 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 21 Being offered the opportunity THE to travel down to California to represent West Coast Ink Magazine was truly an incredible CITY OF ANGELS experience. n the three months that I was there, I immersed myself in the hugely recognized tattoo community that is known in the city of ILos Angeles. The diverse culture in LA was so cool to see. There are so many different types of people and a heck of a lot of different types of tattoos. Oh and did I mention that almost everybody is drop dead gorgeous?! It really is a city filled with Angeles…

Within just three months, I fell head over heals in love with the city of Los Angeles... I can’t wait to go back in the new year.

Models: Kyle Corbin (left) & Noah Valinksy (right)

While in LA, Venice Beach was one of my favourite spots to hang out; it’s like a giant freak show. In fact, I think there actually is a TV show called Venice Beach Freak Show. I was fortunate enough to meet some very cool tattoo covered individuals who were ecstatic about the idea of being featured in West Coast Ink Magazine. It was easy to see that the tattoo culture in LA is HUGE. Everywhere you look you’ll find tattoos, especially along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Noah Kyle Qwentell Sean Rick

The Men of Venice Beach.

Model: Qwentell Paulings Model: Kyle Corbin Photos by: Julia Loglisci “Everywhere you look you’ll find tattoos, especially along FEATURE the Venice Beach Boardwalk.”

22 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 23 ARTISTS RICK MEYER of OCEANFRONT TATTOO SHOP

SEAN

HEIRIGSof ARTISTS HOUSE OF INK alking along the Venice Beach board- “You have to have the willingness to learn an artist. He says it’s nice to not be limit- Venice Boardwalk, perhaps one of Photo by: Julia Loglisci walk, we met thirty two year old tattoo and be professional with what you do. ed when working with people in different the most well known beach side artist Rick Meyer at Ocean Front Tattoo Where I am today hasn’t been an easy genres of tattoo art, such as polynesian, boardwalks along the West Coast. Twenty years ago, House of Ink was built from Summer is the busiest time of year for all shop WShop. He kindly took the time to show us his work journey by any means, but it has been black and grey, color, and realism. Now People from all walks of life are seen the ground up. Sean Heirigs, proud owner and owners along Venice Beach. Around 200,000 and tell me a little bit about where he came from as extremely rewarding. Knowing that my Rick is moving on to new opportunities tattoo artist came to Los Angeles to continue his people walk along the Venice Beach boardwalk along Venice Beach, and if you have a tattoo artist. artwork is being enjoyed by my clients which will take him to the East Coast. He passion for tattooing. He figured Venice Beach every day between the months of June through around the globe makes it all worth it.” says that Ocean Front Tattoo taught him been there, you know exactly what we was the perfect location to open up a shop, and August! Originally from Philadelphia, Rick has tattooed says Rick. a lot about West Coast black and grey mean. he knew there would be huge potential here. professionally around the United States spending tattoos and he is now looking forward to n the midst of all the street artists, curious Sean did his formal apprenticeship in Honolulu, "Every day is different,” Sean says. time in California, Hawaii, and Vermont. Rick tries to be as versatile as he can as taking his visions to the east. tourists, and eccentric locals sits a very Hawaii. It's been a little over twenty years since “I've been here for over 14 years and unique tattoo shop. The bright red cement he first started tattooing, so experience is there's never a day that's the same." Iwalls stand out with paintings that resemble definitely something Sean does not lack! the "Sailor Jerrys" laying over top of There are 11 tattoo shops along the 8km Venice them. Along the side of the building sits a big Ever since its grand opening, House Of Ink has Beach boardwalk. House of Ink is the only red leather couch - perfect for a photo shoot made quite a reputation for itself. In fact, Sean Artist-owned tattoo shop. Sean's perspective back drop. A big garage style door welcomes has a very impressive list of celebrity clients on business is very hands on and he feels that you into the shop. The huge sign "House of that have been tattooed in his shop. Shaquille its important as an owner to be 100% involved Ink Tattoos and Piercing" plastered on the wall O'Neal, Robert Downey Jr., Katt Williams, in all aspects of the business. outside is impossible to miss. players from the LA Kings, LA Lakers and even a gold medal Olympic swimmer - to mention Not only does Sean own this shop, but he owns Inside, the tattoo shop is decorated just like a few. The shop has also been featured in two more as well. One also along the boardwalk any other. Artists portfolios are displayed in many different television shows, such as MTV, just minutes away from House of Ink, and the books, glass cases filled with body piercings, Lifetime, and VH1. other closer to town called Ink Monkey. hundreds of tattoo examples on posters, black leather reclining chairs, and not to mention "There's never a dull moment!” says Sean. “You Watch Sean at the House of Ink in Tattoos a glass case in the lobby with a giant cobra never know what's going to come through the After Dark, premiering in January on Oxygen snake hissing inside of it! But nothing out of the door. Every walk of life comes down to Venice Network. ordinary for Venice Beach. Beach and I love it!" 24 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 25 Photo by: Julia Loglisci Photo

26 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 27 ARTISTS DAVID GLUCK

We talked with David Gluck about how his artistic beginnings in oil painting helped him to become a more successful tattoo artist. Here’s what he had to say.

How did you get into tattooing? I was a gallery oil painter for a number of years, and it was a bit of a struggle. The funny thing about fine art is, even if you're a success, you're still not making decent money. I'd always toyed with the idea of tattooing, but never really pursued it. Years later, I met Joshua Carlton online thanks to Facebook. We struck up a friendship based on my admiration for his tattoo work, which completely reframed my expectations of the medium, and his desire to learn more about oil painting. What are the main differences between your One day he offered me an apprenticeship, so I jumped at it. fine art and tattooing? I learned a lot from him and have benefited tremendously Compared to the medium of oil paint, I have to from his help. I subsequently continued my learning with my say that tattooing sometimes feels a bit more current employer (Mike Gariepy) in Canada, who has been an narrow in scope. Unless you're a huge name unstintingly helpful mentor. I currently divide my time between in the industry, with people walking in the door tattooing and oil painting. saying "do whatever you want!" you're going to be limited by what the client wants. It is How did you find the switch from one medium to one of the few visual art forms that rely on a another? collaboration between two people; the artist and CRYSTAL The fundamental principles of art are the same regardless the client. Add to that the fact that most human of medium. Whether I'm painting or tattooing, shape, value, canvases are limited by time, money, and even edge, line, or color are all things I have to think about. And pain tolerance. Oil painting, on the other hand, no matter whether you're a fine artist or a tattoo artist, it's doesn't have to be limited by those factors. important to have drawing skills. Having a strong foundation However, tattooing as a medium has a far greater in drawing gives you the ability to represent things objectively, mass appeal. Far more people get excited about while still being able to express things creatively. WALTS tattoo work than paintings, and far more people (everyday people with normal paychecks) are When Crystal decided to get her first tattoo, she definitely had the Where might we have seen some of Mikes or your work? more likely to shell out for tattoo work than a thought in mind, go big or go home. When Crystal was nineteen Mike has won many awards and has appeared in many painting. Between these two mediums, I find she went to Sacred Heart Tattoo in Vancouver to get a three-quarter magazines for his airbrush work. In addition, his work was a balance between creating work for myself, sleeve; her largest tattoo yet. She doesn’t regret a thing. most recently featured on an episode of “Highway to Hell.” which is harder to market, and making work for Most of my oil paintings are in galleries in the US and in private other people, which is met with a lot of gratifying “My three-quarter sleeve tattoo is of the four seasons; winter, collections. I have also had a piece hanging in the Beijing enthusiasm. spring, summer and fall. What inspired me to have a fetus in the International Museum in China and Shanghai. center of the sun was my soon to be little sister Keira. My mother, Deanna, became pregnant in the summer which was the same time How did having a painting background and I was planning this tattoo. I wanted it to represent Keira as the light Do you have any advice for tattoo artists that might education help you to become a better of my life”. want to start oil painting? tattoo artist? Don’t be afraid to contact other fine artists or explore learning As Mike says “professionalism is professionalism.” opportunities such as workshops and classes. There is so If you can achieve success in one field, you can The tops of Crystals feet are also tattooed. One, as an evil jack-o- much information and so many resources available, there achieve success in another. You know what it lantern because she is born in October and she believes Halloween is no reason one shouldn’t fast track the learning process takes to work hard to appropriate your talents is the best time of year. The second, a beautifully done sea turtle. instead of trying to figure it out on their own. I have seen great to something new. To gain a mastery of anything Crystal says, “the Pennywise Full Circle and Misfits Crimson Ghost artists like Joshua Cartlon, Nikko Hurtado, John Lally, Carlos it takes ten thousand hours, and having the are with me forever, along with a Frankencake, my own weird idea Torres, and Ian Robert McKown take to oil painting extremely patience to do this has to be intrinsic. The only of having the Frankenstein monster’s face as an evil cupcake.” quickly because of their mastery of basic art principles in their person that can make you work hard is you. tattooing. That being said, I think that fine artists shouldn’t be Several other works are sprawled on her skin ranging from nautical scared to explore tattooing as an art form as well under proper stars, Friday the 13th creations, skulls and crossbones, roses and guidance. It is so similar in many ways to painting and drawing one of her all time favourites, a Lego Ninja Turtle. “Of course it’s of and is a new and exciting art form that is still in its early stages Michelangelo because he’s the best ninja turtle!” says Crystal. in history. Getting more fine artists into tattooing will hopefully bring new imagery and ideas to the medium. Photos by: Randy Allen at Powder Puff Vixen Pinup Photography 28 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 29 @WestCoastInkMag WWW.WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM

Black Label Tattoos Powder Puff Vixen Pinup Photography Editorial Director 1-250-715-6039 1-250-619-9756 www.inkfiend.com www.powderpuffvixen.com Bringing Ryan Bishop Philip Bisset-Covaneiro Make Up by Alexandra Forman colour to Editorial Assistant Investors Group 1-250-661-9819 new Julia Loglisci 1-250-727-9191 www.alexandraformanartisry.com Editorial Design Darkhorse Custom Tattoo & Body Mike’s Tattoo and Airbrushing heights. Piercing 5982 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan BC Stephen Richter 711 Goldstream Ave 1-250-701-9114 1-250-478-2221 www.mikestattooandairbrushing.com Photography Julia Loglisci Worldwide By Saga 1-888-255-1189 1-403-880-8992 Sterling Legacy Art www.worldwidetattoo.ca [email protected] Powder Puff Vixen Pinup Photography Greg Cleaver Steve Drane Harley-Davidson Shizen Sushi Oz John Tekson 2940 Ed Nixon Terr, Victoria BC 1706 Government St, Victoria BC 1-250-475-1345 1-250-381-8228 Printing www.stevedraneharley.com www.shizensushi.ca Rhino Print Solutions Rhino Print Solutions Tommy’s Supplies 13880 Mayfield Pl, Richmond BC 34 Egypt Rd, Unit A, Somers CT 1-604-232-5600 1-866-209-7361 Special thanks to... www.rhinoprintsolutions.com www.tommyssupplies.com

Alexandra Forman Birthmark Tattoos www.rhinoprintsolutions.com Dave Van 194 East King Edward Ave Cloud City Merchandising 1-604-727-5399 VANCOUVER • CALGARY • TORONTO Duncan Polson www.birthmarktattoos.com Incediary Tattoos (West Rock Tattoo Convention) Sebastian Brodowski 30 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM ISSUE 3 | 31 WestcoastInk_RhinoAd_Vertical_3.375X4.75.indd 1 13-12-04 3:26 PM 32 | WESTCOASTINKMAG.COM