Kanto Kanto No. 4: Craft | Page 58

CA N VA S The art and practice of tattooing has been around for centuries. As a tattoo artist myself, it has been amazing to see how the art has evolved and how new technologies and developments have impacted the way tattooing is done and even how it is viewed in general. It has gone from a traditional and sacred practice to something taboo in popular culture to now an art form that is more widely accepted and available to almost everyone. How do you think these modern changes have impacted the art and practice of tattooing? Has it affected you personally? How so? To me, the act of tattooing somehow is still very sacred, and I feel like I have the responsibility and privilege to make sure that my clients get to experience a more spiritual setting, even now that you can get tattoos on the beach. You are changing someone visually for the rest of his or her life. I feel like this requires a peaceful setting where everybody can relax completely and enjoy the entire process without any disruption. Some of the studios I see on the Internet today remind me of nightclubs. Many people, flashlights, laughter, loud music. It’s not an environment that I would feel comfortable working in or getting tattooed in myself. But this is only my personal view on this - as an insecure, introverted person. Whatever floats your boat. Technology has made so many parts of the entire tattooing process easier - from drawing up the designs digitally all the way to the more advanced tattoo machines that are in the market today. What are your thoughts on these developments? Have they helped you in your own process, or are you more inclined towards the more manual and traditional approach? “Simple does it. I don’t need much for a fulfilling life. The single-line style is a perfect reflection of that and of the way I live. Simplicity can also be so complex that it blows your mind.” 56