Ben Rorke

Posted on Monday, 16 November 2009 by Benny

Welcoming this weeks feature artist Ben Rorke.

Ben tattoos at Valley Mall Tattoo, Fortitude Valley QLD.

I was stoked when i came across Ben’s work, though i suppose he is what some would call a “traditional tattooist” he has a rad and unique style like no other, check the pics of the roses he did, you’ll see what i mean!

Thank you for your time dude, whats been happening?
Not alot, working, being sick and Playstation

For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Ummm…..27 year old tattooer from brisbane that hates being sick and likes playstation

How did you first find out you had a talent for art and tattooing, at what point did you decide to persue it as a career?

Always drew when i was a kid and was around tattooing a bit when i was younger and i always thought it was cool and interesting……..As for persuing it as a career i guess i had thought about it for a while so i worked hard at it, and just happened to sort its self out from there

I guess you could say Tattoo’s have become accepted in today’s society, possibly even expected, obviously there being more people for you to tattoo is a good thing, but do you think there is a downside to it?

Yeah, kids wanting neck and hands tattoos for their first tattoos its actually stupid, how many people have no tattoos and they want their first tattoo on their face or something….But overall its a good thing tha societys is opening up to it

How do you think certain “reality” tattoo shows on TV have effected tattooing on a broad scale?

I think it has probably effected it in a good way i think that the previous question is a result of these shows…..Me personally i dont watch them i think its a bit of a soap opera, but i guess thats what keeps mum and dad interested

What other tattooists and artists are you into or influenced by?

Anyone that does cool stuff…I think subconsciously everyone is influenced by whatever they see that they like whether we know it or not

Favourite style to tattoo, and medium to work with apart from tattooing?

Traditional, old school or anything that i think is cool

You designed Josh Rio’s pro model Element board, how did that come about?

He is a buddy of a good friend of mine

Where do you, or what do you draw inspiration from as an artist?

Anything really, i think the internet is a good thing it makes it really easy to see what other people are doing so that helps keep you on your toes and working hard

What’s been pumping through your speakers lately?

Thrice, Chuck Ragan, Raised Fist and alot more

Greatest accomplishment as an artist/ tattooist?

Being able to feed myself

No doubt you have seen some pretty fucked tattoo’s in your time, what is the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen?

This backyard job of an “I killed The Prom Queen” cd cover it was fucking terrible

What are your thoughts on the Tattoo scene here in Australia, compared to the rest of the world?

It’s good and getting better there are alot of awesome younger artists coming through….It’s good it forces you to work hard to keep up

Favourite place to kick it?

My couch

What was your first tattoo, and who did it?

A dragon on my upper arm, it sucks and some guy done it

What’s in your pockets right now?

In my boxer shorts so nothing