I caught up with Jessica Swaffer of Third Eye Tattoo a while back for chat. Jess does some fucking radical neo-traditional work, if you’re looking to get some work done hit the links for Third Eye’s contact details.
You might notice in the word association that Kevin Rudd is still one of the questions, this interview was done long before he was dusted!
Thanks for your time Jess, what’s been happening?
Hey Ben, well I just changed shops and moved house in the space of a week so a lot of packing and unpacking!
For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?
I make tattoos at a lovely place called Third Eye Tattoo in Melbourne, i moved here from England when i turned 18.
How does a typical day in your life usually unfold?
Coffee, Drawing, Ciggie, Tattoo, Coffee, Draw, Ciggie, Tattoo. Ride my bike, watch movies while drawing and then sleep.
What initially got you involved in art, and how did that lead you in to becoming a tattooist?
I’ve drawn since I was born really, i studied art for years then had a ridiculous dream of being a tattooer and some how it actually eventuated!
Favourite medium to work with apart from tattooing and why?
Watercolours and inks, as they look kinda like tattoos.
Who taught you to tattoo, and how have they had any effect on your style today?
A wonderful man called Allan Williams, he used to own a shop in Pascoe Vale south called Smart Arts. I don’t think it made any difference to my style but he taught me to work hard and always appreciate what i have.
And in saying that, how have your styles evolved since you began tattooing?
My work is all over the place always!! One day it’s real simple the next i throw loads of fancy things in, so i evolve everyday, well i hope to anyway.
What are your thoughts on the tattoo scene here in Australia in comparison to the rest of the world?
The Australian scene is amazing, the only problem is the rest of the world doesn’t really know it yet. Bugsy, who i worked with previously is making a book called ‘Done With Electricity‘ on Australian Tattooing, it should be out in the next few months, hopefully it will help showcase the brilliant work being done down here.
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?
Not at all, the more tattoos the better.
How do you think certain “reality” tattoo shows on TV have effected tattooing on a broad scale?
It has had a good effect on the general public as they are realizing tattoos are not just for criminals, but it also means alot of kids think they can be tattooers easily, they don’t get to see all the hard work it takes.
Shows like that combined with sites like ebay make it possible for anyone to become the next King Of The Kitchen Wizards, how does that affect you business wise?
I like to think people are getting wiser and realise a cheap tattoo is not good!
What’s been pumping through your speakers lately?
Bonnie Prince Billy.
Greatest accomplishment as an artist/ tattooist?
Being offered a job at Third Eye.
No doubt you have seen some pretty fucked tattoo’s in your time, what is the worst tattoo you’ve ever seen?
All the backyarders on Myspace, it’s bizarre how they can’t see how bad their work is.
Favourite place to kick it?
Melbourne parks.
What are your thoughts on the resurgence of traditional tattooing?
Love it.
What was your first tattoo, and who did it?
A toilet sign on my bum when i was 16…………Long story.
What’s in your pockets right now?
Ciggies and $1.20
What are your views/opinions on the World and Society today?
Depends on the day……..
Name 5 things you always take with you on your travels.
Pencils, Paper, ipod, clean Undies and a good book.
How much has tattooing changed since you began, and where do you see it going in the future?
There are just heaps more great tattooers, and it’s just gonna get better I suppose.
Advice to aspiring artists/tattooists?
Draw LOADS.
Anything in the mix or coming up that we should know about?
Bugsy’s book andthe Sydney convention!
Word association, you know the deal, say whatever comes to your mind when you read the word.
Australia – Best
Kevin Rudd – Undecided
America – Tattooers
Obama – Better than Bush
Religion – Next
Time – Need more
Greed – Silly
Humanity – Good
Peace – Hippies
Freedom – Tattooing
Tattooing – Life
Art – Fun
Life – Happy
Happiness – Smiles
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