Erin Dyer: How’s the summer-to-fall transition going for you? How are you keeping yourself busy (or not)?

After finishing my last show at Joshua Liner Gallery this past May, I have continued to keep working towards my next show. I have nothing solid yet but I am in a group show this spring at Mondo Bizarro in Rome, Italy. It’s been nice—for the first time in five years—to not have the pressure of an upcoming show hanging over my head. I am, however, working on where I want to show next. We’ll see what happens.
 
What spurred your desire to eventually broaden your palette from tattooing into the realm of painting and more traditional fine art? Natural progression? Boredom? Etc?

People ask about my transition from tattooing to painting. I’ve been “seriously” painting about 10 years and tattooing for 21, but actually I was making art before I was tattooing.

What’s your analysis for the style differences between your tattoo art and your paintings? The medium likely plays a part, but for someone without formal training your painted scenes have such depth to them, not to mention your color palette leaves nothing out.

I love both mediums equally for different reasons. I don’t think my tattoos really have any similarity to my art. This is one big reason why I love both—it’s almost like I’m two different people. I don't think my painting style would lend itself to tattooing, and vice versa.
 
Where do you hope, or see, your artistic future to be in five years?

In five years? I hope to be doing what I’m doing now: making art.… Only better!
 
Discuss your contributed piece for the 15th Anniversary Benefit. How did you choose this one in particular?

The piece I donated for the show is one in a series of ink drawings on parchment. I love old woodcuts from the northern renaissance period, and this series was influenced by that work.
 
Do you plan on attending the Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary opening?

I am probably coming to the event.
 
As a top pro in the tattooing game that has taught many of today’s leading artists in the genre, whom do you see as having a great handle on tattoo art?

There are so many talented guys in the field of tattooing these days it’s difficult to really stand out anymore. It’s come a very long way since I started. I probably have about 50 favorites, but I have to say probably the ones who come to mind for me the most are Filip Leu, Grime, Aaron Cain, Dan Higgs, and Chris Conn.

All artists donating to the Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary Art Auction are continuously being featured at www.juxtapoz.com/auction

 

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