Based at Working Class Tattoo in Syracuse NY, the 24 year old is pumping out some damn fine ink, not to mention mind blowing fine art. The dude is so on point with the things he is saying, so take note!
Thanks so much for your time, what been happening?
Not a problem at all. Quiet a bit actually, I’ve been trying to stay as busy as possible. The less down time, the better.
For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Sure. There’s not much to me really. I’m a 24 year old gentleman who’s just trying to stay afloat. Unfortunately, I’m not the strongest swimmer. In fact, I never learned how.
What originally got you into art, and how did that lead into becoming a tattooist?
I’ve always been interested in art. In elementary school, I was trying to draw my ninja turtles in epic battle scenes. I got caught up in photography through middle and high school, but lost interest when I realized i sucked at it, ha. By the time I was 18, I already had plans for a full sleeve and was working a crappy mall job to save up money. I never really went through any formal art school training, I just worked the counter at a few shops, asked a lot of questions while getting tattooed, bought some watercolor paints and started painting flash. I moved to a few different cities, ended up in Boston, and finally got the apprenticeship I was looking for.
I guess you could say Tattoo’s have become accepted in today’s society, possibly even expected, what’s your take on that?
Its rad that people are loosening up. If I can blast some soccer mom’s kids names on her leg and have her be happy with it, it’s a good day. The day that anyone can walk around with hand and neck tattoos and not have to worry about finding a job is the day that tattoo’s will truly become accepted. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be anytime soon.
Say i had a time machine, and you could choose to permanately go back to one period of time, which would it be?
I think that every time period has its drawbacks. I suppose I would have to chose sometime around the 1850′s. Americans still felt like they had a shot. Whether it was oil, gold, or robbery. You still had a shot. I feel like today there’s nothing left for the normal human to accomplish besides watching next weeks episode of some television series and paying your taxes.
What are you doing when you’re not tattooing or making art?
Anything to keep myself sane really. A majority of my free time goes into reading, anything and everything. Bukowski is one of my personal favorites. I’ll read anything I can get my hands on though. I have a pretty serious relationship with my bicycle as well. Late night riding is the best.
What other tattooists and artists are you into?
Oh man… I think name dropping is one of my biggest pet peeves. I’m heavily influenced by American Traditional Tatttoing, so the obvious old timers like Jerry Collins, Bert Grimm, Owen Jensen, Paul Rogers, Percy Waters, etc. Honestly, there’s such a massive amount of talented tattooers today, it’s hard to say who i’m not impressed with. The guys who taught me the most during my apprenticeship and along the way: Jason Loui, Ian Camp, Chris Barnett, Victor Kensinger, and Brad Stevens the whole crew of the shop I apprenticed at. Victor does some phenomenal things with a paint brush. Its nice to have genuine friends who are constantly pushing you to become a better artist. The second you are content with what you are doing, is the second you have failed.
How would you best describe your style as a tattooist, and why do you prefer that style?
Like I mentioned before, I rely heavily upon the American Traditional aspects of tattooing. Tons of black and 2 or 3 colors in a tattoo is all I ever aim for. 10 to 15 years from now I want that thing to be solid and clean. I strive to make tattoos that keep that feel, but are drawn in a more delicate way. You can’t be afraid to use smaller needle groupings when necessary.
Apart from tattooing, what is you favorite medium to work with?
Watercolor is the only medium I can make look halfway decent, haha. It works for me, so i’ll keep using it.
Where do you/what do you draw inspiration from as an artist?
Anything and everything. Reading a book. Listening to a band. Riding my bike to work. Reference is key. The internet has really developed a new aspect to progress in my opinion. Seeing other artists put out solid tattoos and paintings, it almost forces me to stay busy and push myself to keep a positive work ethic.
What’s on your current playlist?
I’ve got the wildest array of music on my itunes… If I had to say the most recent, I’ve been listening to the newest Brand New record a lot. Alkaline Trio, Copeland, The Avett Brothers, Chuck Ragan, Elliott Smith, Elliott, American Nightmare, Modern Life is War. Not too mention a few of my good friends bands: Polar Bear Club and Another Breath, two very excellent bands from Syracuse area.
What do you think about certain “reality” tattoo shows, would you say they are having a positive or negative effect on the tattoo world?
Honestly, I haven’t had cable television since before those shows came into existence. Stardom is something I have never had a grasp on. It blows my mind that humans beings think that their lives are boring enough that they are intrigued by the lives of other more “famous” people. I guess the short of it is that it’s not effecting me.
Greatest accomplishment as an artist/ tattooist?
Being able to call myself a tattoo artist. I spent roughly 5 years, bouncing from shop to shop, city to city, looking for the right opportunity to learn the ways.
No doubt you have seen some pretty fucked up tattoo’s in your time, what is the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen?
An older woman came in a few weeks ago with a hand poked rose on her back about the size of my fist, she told me an ex-boyfriend did it, and it took him 16 hours.
Favourite place to hang out?
I spend a majority of my time at my drawing table. I am particularly fond rooftops and climbing trees though.
What was your first tattoo, and who did it?
My first tattoo was a very poorly referenced samurai committing seppuku with some straight edge nonsense under it that was spelled wrong, by an unnamed tattooer. he basically fucked the top half of my arm, it has since been covered.
What’s in your pockets right now?
$6.28 and my driver’s license. I’m not a fan of wallets.
What are your views/opinions on the World and Society today?
I could write pages here… Short and unsweet. Its fucked. A majority of us lead lives blindfold from the injustices that are committed by world governments on a day to day basis. It’s very easy to ignore a problem that doesn’t immediately effect your daily existence. I think its really important that people research as much as possible, and do anything and everything they can to fight the system that is being laid down for us. We are fortunate enough that the internet has really opened up new and clear channels for people to research, report, and question the system by which we all live. I beg each and every reader to question everything! to read, to communicate, and to act in any way they can.
Name 5 things you couldn’t live without.
1. My fixed gear bicycle
2. A paint brush
3. My true friends
4. Star Wars
5. Coca-Cola Classic
Advice to aspiring artists/tattooists?
Pray to whatever god you believe in that the economy gets better. That, and to always stay hungry.
Any up coming projects that we should know about?
I’ve been staying busy both traveling and painting. I’m trying to move out west within the upcoming year, working guest spots where ever I can squeeze it into my schedule, as well as conventions. I plan on putting out a sketch book within the next month, entitled year one. Art shows including the “Love Thy Neighbor” art show in Providence, The “Coquille or be Killed Show” and book in Texas, as well as the “Growing Roses on a Sailor’s Grave, A Tribute to American Traditional Tattoos” art show and book in Philadelphia. As I mentioned earlier, the busier the better.
Word association, you know the deal, say the first things that come to your mind when you read the word.
Australia
Gnarly accents and kangaroos.
Obama
The Obama Deception. Watch it.
Religion
Purge and Conquer.
Time
Never stops moving forward.
Greed
Human progress.
Humanity
Down but not out.
Peace
Death.
Freedom
World Police.
Tattooing
The reason I wake up every morning.
Art
The reason I get 4 hours of sleep every night.
Life
A crock pot steaming full of stupid.
Happiness
Still searching.
Space
Carl Sagan
Love
Strokes To Nowhere – Bukowski.
Ashley Says:
Live Fast, Die Last.
Where can people follow what you’re up to and view your work?
I haven’t made the jump to a real website, since myspace seems to work quiet well. www.myspace.com/vagrantheart and for those who enjoy the twitter biz, and want to hear me complain endlessly. www.twitter.com/asherkillz
Last words, shout outs?
Working Class Tattoo, Good Faith Tattoo (until the name change goes down), Iron Works Tattoo, 713 Tattoo. Anyone who has ever made me use my brain in a positive or a negative way.
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