sorry, it has been dead over here… it is just me. working on a full tattooing schedule, painting, hanging with the family, I’m brain storming, hang in there y’all.
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Submit your best tattoo photos!
Ok, so I think it is time for us to start sharing some of the really awesome work everyone has been putting out. Just email it to us, with your shop and contact info, so we can give you credit.
TATTOOING THE VATICAN!!
Ok, not really… but they did hold a conference Tuesday at the Vatican’s Pontifical Urbaniana University. Check out the article on the Washington Post website.
Featured Artist: Robert Kane
It is about time, here is our first featured artist. Over the last couple weeks, over the wonder that is social media, we interviewed Robert Kane, in the most informal interview ever. Robert is currently tattooing at Squids Ink in Hanover, Mass. You can also find out more info/travel dates/guest spots info at his personal website rkaneart.com So read up, and get to know him a little. 
HOTWP: When did you start tattooing?
Robert Kane: I started my apprenticeship in 2009.
HOTWP: That’s pretty crazy, from your work I thought you had been tattooing a lot longer, I know when I was starting this website, some of the “older guys” gave me a little grief, because I have only been at this for a little over five years. Do you ever get any shit from the elders? Or notice anything with the “tattoo age gaps”?
RK: Yea it’s definitely weird, most people don’t believe me but most are cool some do look down on it but it is what it is.
HOTWP: How did you get into it?
RK: I just kinda fell into it right after college.
HOTWP: So, you just fell into it after college, thats pretty much what happened to me also, did you go to art school? and now that you are tattooing, do you think the college helped, and would you recommend for other aspiring tattoo artists to go to college first?
RK: Yea I went for illustration. Um it’s a hard question to answer there are pros and cons. The pros are, you get to draw on a regular basis and it pushes you , you get to experiment and learn with different mediums and learn things faster than on your own. The cons is the money, college is expensive student loans suck and as an artist most come out of school in large debt! It may be better if you know you want to be a tattoo artist to just take some drawing and art classes. So my advice is follow your heart and draw always keep pushing forward and never look back
HOTWP: What did you do before tattooing?
RK: I drew alot for different companies, and went to school.
HOTWP: Who/what influences you in your artwork?
RK: So many different things, basically life, everyday something or someone influences me.
HOTWP: What is your ideal client?
RK: Someone who is open to artistic interpretation on ones idea or theme.
HOTWP: What else are you into besides tattooing?
RK: Lets see drawing is my life without it im lost but other than art I play video games, just recently got into nitro rc cars, snowboarding, fishing, comics, music, I’m a nerd at heart!
HOTWP: This is always my favorite question. Who has tattooed you? and who would you like to get tattooed by?
RK I dont have many tattoos but I have work from Ciavarro and Capo and work from Neil England the guy who taught me. there are so many amazing artists out there I would love to get tattooed by, but right now I really would love a Litwalk piece and a Jesse Smith piece so hopefully someday I’ll have the honor to get some of there work.
We want to thank Robert for taking the time with the interview, and for being part of HOTWP. Also Robert would like to thank Keith B Machineworks, Kaco, Matt at Fight Dirty Clothing, and Bill at Kingpin Tattoo Supply
Tattoos… fine art?
I have always thought so, and even more so now that tattooing has more of an acceptance in mainstream society. However, we as tattoo artists, are still trying to reach for the same sort of recognition in the “art world”, with our tattooing.
Here is a trailer for the new documentary ‘Skin’, which takes a look at whether a tattoo should be considered fine art, the film is directed by Ryan Hope, and features artists such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. I can tell you I am definitely excited to watch this one.
Skin – Trailer from Stamp on Vimeo.
Hopelessly Devoted to Drawing-IN STOCK
Hopelessly Devoted to Drawing: Vol. 1: Pittsburgh, is in stock, and is shipping. Now I guess it is time to start the next project. Any thoughts, any ideas? let me know.
Tattoo Age
I have been watching this series for a while now, and I must say all of these videos are pretty awesome and inspiring. They just released the first part of the Freddy Corbin series. I suggest if you have ever drawn a sugar skull, you watch this. After that watch the rest of the series, and start working harder. Head over here for the full series.
2011 Pittsburgh Meeting of the Marked
Here we go, it is time once again for the Pittsburgh Meeting of the Marked. Join us at October 28-30, 2011, in Pittsburgh, PA, at the Radisson Hotel Greentree. This one is always a good time. I’m excited, because we will be here releasing Hopelessly Devoted To Drawing Vol. 1… and I can finally move on to the next project. Also, you can check out the many talented attending artists, tattoo contests, and educational seminars. For more information on the show click here. Hope to see you there!
Contributing Writers…
We are looking for contributing writers from within the tattoo community. We want artists, machine builders, supply companies, painters, ink makers… you get the idea. People who have something to say, and aren’t afraid that it might not be the popular opinion. If you think you, or someone you know, might be interested, go ahead and give us a shout.
