Tebori tattooing, a traditional Japanese hand-poked method, is more than just a technique; it embodies a philosophy that emphasizes a profound human connection and energy transfer between the tattoo artist and the client. Practiced for thousands of years, this method involves using a long stick with needles attached to the end, allowing the artist to create tattoos without the aid of machines. This simplicity lies at the heart of the Tebori experience, fostering a unique and intimate atmosphere during the tattooing process, and our guest today is one of the masters of this craft.

In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes Rueben "Horikei" Kayden, a seasoned tattoo artist with 26 years of experience, to discuss the evolution of tattooing. The conversation delves into the past, present, and future of the industry, exploring how it has rapidly transformed over the years. The guest shares valuable insights, particularly about tabori tattooing, the traditional Japanese hand-poked method that has been practiced for thousands of years. Aaron and his guest reflect on the significance of this ancient technique in contrast to modern tattooing practices, setting the stage for a deep dive into the art and culture of tattooing.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the artistry and craftsmanship behind tattoos.

Chat Highlights:

[00:01:06] Future of tattooing.

[00:06:17] Tattooing in Japan.

[00:10:28] Energy transfer in tattooing.

[00:17:09] Spirituality in craftsmanship.

[00:31:56] Tabori technique challenges.

[00:36:08] Power of simplicity in tattoos.

[00:46:10] Tattoo pain management techniques.

[00:49:23] Tattooing under anesthesia discussion.

[00:58:19] Tattoo past, present, and future.

[01:01:22] The beauty of impermanence.

[01:05:04] Future of handmade artistry.

[01:07:19] Tattooing as a lifestyle choice.

[01:12:00] Traditional Japanese tattooing.

Quotes:

"We're tattooers, man. We're not in the business of being people's, you know, helping them be more personally responsible with their lives." -Aaron

"It's a human to human contact. There's no electrons, there's no machine, there's no rotary, there's no cartridge, there's no nothing. It's simplicity at its best, right? It's art made by humans for humans." -Horikei

"You're like a horse with blinders on. You're just like the smell, you know, smell, sight, emotions, all of it's all interconnected." -Horikei

"I just know it's happening and it's beautiful and it's really become probably the thing I'm most happy about to have spent my life doing this art form." -Aaron

"Tebori is a human rhythm... it rocks you to sleep." -Horikei

"It was more dangerous to drive the fucking car than it was to go in under anesthesia." -Aaron

"We're tattooers, man. We're not in the business of being people's, you know, helping them be more personally responsible with their lives." -Aaron

"Comparison is the thief of all joy, man, for sure." -Horikei

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IG:https://www.instagram.com/horikei617/

Inspiration for creativity often arises from active engagement rather than a passive search for it. This concept is vividly illustrated in the conversation between host Aaron Della Vedova his guest Fior Lorett, a seasoned tattoo artist. Fiori emphasizes that her creative process is deeply intertwined with her daily artistic practice. She states, "the more I do, the more inspired I may be," highlighting that involvement in the creative process itself can ignite new ideas and motivation.

Fiori shares insights into her unique neo-traditional style, which features an ornamental flair, and discusses her artistic journey and the influences that shape her work. The conversation explores the pressures of the creative process and the importance of finding joy in one's craft. Tune in to discover what it takes to maintain a prolific career in tattoo artistry and the personal experiences that drive Fiori's creative expression. Don't forget to check out her stunning artwork on Instagram @fiori_lorett

Chat Highlights:

00:01:26 - Fiori's Tattoo Style

00:02:46 - Early Life and Family Background

00:05:05 - It All Started with Henna

00:07:04 - First Encounter with Tattooing

00:12:00 - Opening a Shop at 15

00:18:05 - Travel and Uncomfortableness as Inspiration

00:28:06 - Gypsy Lifestyle and Settling Down

00:32:47 - Challenges for Women in Tattooing

00:43:10 - What Makes a Great Tattoo

00:46:07 - Current Tattoo Trends and Future Predictions

00:50:37 - Self-Esteem Through Tattooing.

00:58:33 - You Have to Be All In as a Tattoo Artist

Quotes:

"I tell myself every day that I chose this, this work chose me, and I do it because it's fun."

"I work to have inspiration. And the more I do, the more inspired I may be."

"I need to get out there and be uncomfortable."

"The act of doing it provides the inspiration. Versus find inspiration so I can do it."

"Now you get a young person that their expression to the world is their online presence."

"It's almost like sometimes I see that people are doing tattoos for people that don't like tattoos."

"If you're not all in, if you're not really passionate and talented... You're probably not even going to make a living."

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

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

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Connect with Fiori::

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

In this episode, host Aaron Della Vedova delves into the importance of creating art for oneself rather than for external approval, highlighting the personal connection and significance behind each piece of work. The discussion with New Zealand-based tattoo artist Matt Jordan emphasizes the value of handmade artistry in an increasingly digital world, celebrating the unique and analog nature of tattooing. Matt is a phenomenal tattoo artist whose work has left a lasting impression on many.

"What are you going to do to separate yourself? What are you going to do so that you can look at your work and be like, yeah, that's fucking, I love that."

This statement underscores the idea that true satisfaction in art comes from creating something meaningful to the artist. When artists focus on their own beliefs and values, they produce work that reflects their unique perspectives, resulting in a sense of pride and ownership.

Tune in for a deep dive into the passion and dedication that fuels the tattooing craft, and discover how personal expression can lead to a renaissance in creativity.

Chat Highlights:

[00:01:05] Art made by hand.

[00:04:18] Tattooing legacy and personal journey.

[00:09:01] Passion for tattooing journey.

[00:15:54] Learning through mentorship moments.

[00:24:58] Learning how to refine art.

[00:29:05] Quitting tattooing for painting.

[00:40:00] Creative transition in tattooing.

[00:44:25] Tattoos as fine art.

[00:50:00] Tattoo exhibition and photography.

[01:03:47] Family-infused tattoo experience.

[01:09:37] Tattooing as a rite of passage.

[01:13:00] Pushing creative boundaries in tattooing.

Quotes:

"I think if more people can realize that, like this is our renaissance, you know?"

"I wanted to feel like a real artist, you know, because people were like, oh, you know, it's just tattoos."

"Art was the ability to create something novel, to use your imagination to create something that maybe people haven't seen before."

"I'm just doing it. I'm just actually fucking putting my phone down and trying."

"You can only give people what you have. If you're not inspired, you're not going to inspire anybody, you know?"

"I just fucking ran with it and it snowballed and changed over the past decade."

"If you treat it anything less than that, you need to fucking re-evaluate."

"My goal is like, is how far can I push this? What's possible? And I wanna see how far I can go."

Stay Connect

ed:

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Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

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

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

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

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

Connect with Matt:

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

The journey of healing and transformation can be catalyzed by profound life experiences, such as accidents, which compel individuals to confront their past and redefine their identity. This theme is vividly illustrated in the story of Greyson Savo, who endured a life-altering accident that not only changed his physical state but also prompted deep introspection and a transformation of his identity, including the incredible covering of his scars by tattoo artist Patrick Sweeney ( https://www.instagram.com/patricksweeneyart ).

In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova explores the multifaceted meanings of tattoos, drawing on over 30 years of experience in the tattoo industry. He reflects on the deeper significance of tattoos beyond their aesthetic value, emphasizing that, in the grand scheme of life, the relationships and memories we create hold far greater importance.

Tune in for insights on the emotional and personal connections people have with their tattoos, and how these body art forms can encapsulate significant moments in our lives.

Chat Highlights:

00:00:00 - Thoughts on Tattoos

00:05:30 - What Happened to Greyson Savo?

00:06:39 - The Defining Accident

00:10:35 - Hospital and Rehabilitation Journey

00:18:38 - Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening

00:23:07 - Pre-Accident Beliefs and Spirituality

00:26:08 - Post-Accident Transformation

00:30:01 - The Significance of the Dragon Tattoo

00:36:29 - Processing Pain Through Tattooing

00:40:34 - Life's Lessons and Challenges

00:43:48 - Helping Others Through Shared Experience

Quotes:

"Trust me, when you're taking your last breath, you will not be thinking about tattoos that are on your body."

"What I always say when I get to a point where I think I have the right decision at hand is fuck it."

"I was ejected from a convertible going 110 miles an hour on the 99 freeway in the midst of the night."

"I asked my mom in the hospital, I'm hardly talking, and I asked her for a shot of tequila."

"If I don't know something and I'm not going to trust that it's going to be better for me than what my limited imagination can come up with, then I'm going to be afraid."

"It's a moral compass that most people call God."

"I'm alive. And he hugged me and he just hugged me tight. And he said, I've been waiting for this to happen. Welcome home, son."

"Life is the art of surrender."

"Life finally was like, okay, we're going to send you a very, very big wake up call, a clear picture, a very clear picture."

"We don't have to go through shit alone. We're not supposed to, right?"

Stay Connected:

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Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

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

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

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

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Connect with Greyson:

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

#tattooartist #healing #transformation

The evolution of tattooing from a taboo, underground culture to a widely accepted art form has significantly transformed the industry's dynamics, impacting both artists and clients in various ways. In the early days of tattooing, particularly in the 1990s, the culture was largely underground and associated with rebellion.

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova takes a unique approach by conducting the first-ever remote podcast on the show, reaching out to guests who are unable to join in person. He welcomes tattoo artist Heather McLean, known on Instagram as Hyphaea, who specializes in large-format, decorative, illustrative black and gray tattoos. Aaron encourages listeners to check out Heather's stunning work in real-time while they listen. The conversation dives into the intricacies of tattoo artistry, the creative process, and the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self in the industry, despite external opinions.

The conversation also touches on the challenges and perceptions of women in the tattoo industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion that fuses creativity and personal insights that celebrate artistic expression and individuality.

Chat Breakdown:

03:37 Tattoo inspiration from grandpa.

10:01 Women in the tattooing industry.

15:18 Tattoo culture's underground origins.

19:52 Judgment among tattoo artists.

39:34 Emotional connection through tattooing.

49:03 Tattoo energy and emotional impact.

1:04:54 Nature as a spiritual escape.

01:10:19 Human perspective vs. AI creativity.

1:25:44 Nature conservation and personal responsibility.

Quotes:

"In 1999, a girl saying, I'm going to become a tattoo artist. She was like, that's the equivalent of saying I'm going to run away and join the circus."

"Being professional is great, but being fake is not something that I really have enjoyed ever."

"I have a goal, I'm here, I'm getting to here, either you're helping me get there or you're in the way."

"No one's asking me for my fucking opinion and I don't want to engage in a troll war online."

"Tattooing has turned from a thing where it used to be more about ego and now it's more about service."

"I've got a lot of extra energy today to share, because I'm feeling great. Your cup is very empty, and I swear to that process, they almost leave more filled up."

"I think it's okay to be like, yes, I'm a tattooer, but I'm also holding space for you when this difficult thing is happening."

"It's like being haunted almost. There are ghosts to every experience."

"The most enlightened people... just want to help. It's just completely egoless at that point."

Stay Connected:

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

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

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

Connect with Hyphaea:

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

The evolution of tattooing has been profoundly shaped by artistic trends and public perception, particularly in recent years. As discussed in the podcast episode featuring one of the

The significance of physical and mental well-being for tattoo artists cannot be overstated, especially given the demanding nature of the profession. Tattooing requires not only artistic skill but also physical endurance and mental resilience. In the podcast episode, both Henning Jorgensen and host Aaron Della Vedova emphasize the importance of maintaining one's body and mind to ensure a long and successful career in tattooing.

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, Aaron welcomes the legendary tattoo artist Henning Jorgensen at the renowned Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron expresses his admiration for Henning, describing him as a significant figure in tattoo history, someone he has looked up to since his early days in the industry. The conversation delves into the dynamics of tattoo conventions, the evolution of tattoo art, and the personal connections that bring artists together.

Join them for an insightful discussion that celebrates the art of tattooing and the legacy of its pioneers.

01:53 - Convention Experiences
03:37 - Maintaining Health and Longevity
05:08 - Yoga and Physical Well-being
09:00 - Early Tattoo Experiences
00:10:33 - Starting to Tattoo
14:28 - Learning from Legends
22:21 - Learning from Paul Rogers
23:44 - Establishing Royal Tattoo
25:03 - Japanese and Traditional Tattoos
28:04 - The Meaning of Tattooing
32:28 - Evolution of Tattoo Portfolios
36:34 - Industry Changes and Challenges
41:05 - Balancing Personal Life and Tattooing
42:28 - The Artist's Life and Obsession
43:12 - Tattoo Schools vs. Traditional Apprenticeships
44:26 - Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists

Quotes:

"I am in a new chapter of my life where I want to come out and be a part of the tattoo world in a bigger way than I have been before."

"But Henry was kind enough to show me and teach me how to, you know, dip your needles in hexol, you know, so they didn't rust."

"Well, nobody knows history is being made when you're in the middle of being made."

"But you certainly aren't going to end up where guys like us end up. And that's the most beautiful gift of it all."

"You've got to do things legitimately, authentically."

"You are not going to survive like that anymore. You have to be a top-performing tattooer."

"To be great as a musician, a sculptor, any of these things, to be not even great, just good... you have to become a little bit consumed, obsessed."

"If you love it enough, you don't need a tattoo school."

"This space, this world we live in, the tattoo world, is a much better place with you in it."

"I count my blessings every day. And I wouldn't be without it now, for sure."

Stay Connected:

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

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

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

Connect with Patrick:

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

The desire to pursue a passion can be a powerful motivator for individuals, often driving them to learn and grow despite feelings of unqualification or inexperience. This theme is vividly illustrated in this podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Chris Crooks, who shares his journey into the world of tattooing with host Aaron Della Vedova.

From a young age, Chris was immersed in tattoo culture, with both of his grandfathers and his father sporting tattoos. This early exposure ignited a desire within him to become a tattoo artist, even before he fully understood the craft. He reflects on how the "desire to do it was bigger than the capabilities," highlighting a common experience among many who pursue their passions. This intrinsic motivation propelled him to acquire the skills necessary for success in tattooing, despite his initial lack of experience.

Aaron sits down with Chris at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron reflects on the tattoo artist journey that is rarely straightforward and lacks a clear roadmap. The conversation explores the intricacies of the tattooing process and the passion that fuels artists in this creative field. Tune in for insights into the art of tattooing and the stories behind the ink.

Chat Breakdown:

00:00:00 - Overcoming Limitations


00:02:00 - Family Influence: Tattoos in the Family

00:03:56 - Ignorance and Confidence


00:04:56 - Imposter Syndrome: The Ongoing Struggle


00:06:25 - The Role of Ignorance and Confidence in Success


00:07:19 - Validation from Peers


00:11:06 - The Value of Hard Work: Learning the Craft


00:18:02 - Being Nice Pays Off


00:19:05 - The Global Tattoo Scene: Breaking Stereotypes


00:22:08 - The Digital Age: Accelerating the Craft


00:26:11 - Gratefulness and Opportunity in Tattooing

00:30:19 - The Pyramid of Tattooing


00:34:46 - The Pressure of Large Format Tattoos


00:37:23 - The Shift to Japanese Style:

00:44:15 - Empathy and Self-Protection

00:49:15 Work-life Balance and Creativity

01:01:45 Cultural Appreciation Through Music

01:15:04 Tattooing as a Human Experience

01:19:10 Inspiration in Tattooing

Quotes:

"The desire to do it is always stronger than the being able to do it."

"Ignorance and confidence of youth... you had nothing to lose."

"We have to allow ourselves to make mistakes and we have to be OK with those mistakes and not just beat ourselves up to the point where we are stifled."

"Just cover it with Vaseline. When your tattoo looks like shit, just at the end, just wad a lot of Vaseline so they can barely see what's going on."

"Just being nice to people. And then just that little bit of drawing for them or whatever, just a tiny bit of extra, it just naturally is what I felt like I wanted to do."

"If you wanna come in right now, you better end up being fucking really good at this."

"I just, I'm always curious, like, where'd that little part of me go?"

"Don't ever betray yourself by being indecisive and waking up and find yourself in a position that, you know, if you had a clone, it would tell you don't do it?"

"Tattooing is like this, this lifestyle, find a decision, make the decision, go all in."

"The biggest stumbling blocks for white guys aspiring to do Japanese stuff is other white guys that have been doing it longer."

"You have to engage with people... it's a new community and you have to treat people with the same respect you would in real life."

"Something was ignited in me that I haven't felt in a long time, and I think I needed it."

Stay Connected:

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Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

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

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

Connect with Chris:

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