In the podcast episode featuring tattoo artist and painter Senju, a fascinating narrative unfolds about the interconnectedness of tattooing and painting, particularly within the context of Japanese art. Senju's journey illustrates how these two forms of expression can influence and inspire one another, creating a cyclical relationship that enriches the artist's work.

Senju's story begins with his initial foray into tattooing, which he describes as a pivotal moment in his life. Growing up in the punk scene in Sweden, he was initially drawn to tattooing through friends who had tattoos. His first experience with a tattoo—a simple abstract eye—sparked a realization of the permanence and beauty of body art. This moment marked the beginning of his journey into the world of tattooing, which he pursued passionately for over three decades.

Senju's journey from tattooing to painting and back again illustrates the interconnectedness of different art forms. His story highlights the importance of cultural exploration and the willingness to adapt and evolve as an artist. By embracing both tattooing and painting, and utilizing modern digital tools, Senju not only honors the rich traditions of Japanese art but also paves the way for future generations of artists to explore the boundaries of creativity.

Tune in for an inspiring exploration of art, creativity, and the interconnectedness of different mediums.

Chat Breakdown:

00:01:16 - Gods of Ink Convention
00:02:08 - Meeting Senju
00:03:11 - Tattooing in Sweden
00:05:18 - Early Tattoo Influences
00:07:22 - Apprenticeship and Learning
00:09:08 - Discovering Japanese Culture
00:10:22 - Transition to Painting
00:12:03 - Return to Tattooing
00:14:45 - Painting vs. Tattooing
00:17:06 - Shunga: Japanese Erotic Art
00:19:48 - Japanese Cultural Attitudes
00:22:47 - Kinbaku and Shibari
00:25:42 - Work-Life Balance
00:28:28 - Creative Process and Meditation
00:32:01 - Retirement and Lifelong Creativity
00:35:28 - Digital Art Techniques
00:40:16 - Analog vs. Digital Debate
00:44:51 - Acceptance of Digital Art in the Community

Quotes:

"I started to paint Shunga, which is like Edo period porn... I was painting porn but it looked nice, you know, beautiful."

"Because they didn't have Christianity, there was no taboo around sexuality."

"They adapted to a more Christian way of viewing sexuality in the human body, and this has kind of dragged on into the common, to now, you know, contemporary times."

"Yes, this is more, maybe more, seems nicer than ordinary S&M."

"You're 100% in the now. There is only right now happening."

"We are the outliers. We are the outcasts, supposedly. We're the ones that were, I thought, saying to each other, do whatever you want. Live a happy life. And now we're turning on each other?"

"In our minds, change is a tiger coming, you know?"

"Because all art forms are just different expressions of the same thing, you know."

Stay Connected:

Chats & Tatts:

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com

Connect with Senju:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/senjushunga

The journey into tattooing can often be unconventional, as exemplified by Derek Yip's unique transition from graphic design to becoming a tattoo artist. Derek's story underscores how unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling careers in the tattoo industry.

In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Derek at the prestigious Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron expresses his excitement about the gathering of some of the world's greatest tattoo artists, setting the stage for an inspiring conversation. Derek shares his journey into the world of tattooing, reflecting on how he discovered his passion for the art form and the travels that shaped his career over the past 13 years.

The episode dives into the creative process and the importance of innovation in the tattoo industry, as both Aaron and Derek share insights into how tattooing has become a significant part of life and explore the creative challenges of bringing something new to the art form. Tune in to discover Derek's inspiring story and the passion that fuels his artistry.

The journey to becoming a skilled tattoo artist is often long and challenging, characterized by years of self-teaching and perseverance, especially in the past when resources and mentorship were scarce.

In a recent podcast episode, Bit Schoenenberger (Sailor Bit) shares his personal experience of starting his tattooing career 36 years ago. He recalls being inspired at a young age by a tattoo magazine brought back from the United States by a friend of his father. This early exposure ignited his passion for tattooing, but the path to becoming a proficient artist was fraught with difficulties.

Host Aaron De La Vedova sits down with Bit in Frankfurt, Germany, at Gods of Ink. With an impressive reputation in the tattoo industry, Bit shares insights from his extensive career, including owning Ethno Tattoo in Lucerne for 22 years before joining forces with Fillip Leu, where he has been working for the past decade. The conversation delves into Bit's journey in tattooing, reflecting on the evolution of the art form and the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with history, passion, simplicity, life away from tattooing, and the intricacies of an ever evollving tattoo culture.