Rosalie Hurr, Author at Things&Ink

March 12, 2016March 19, 2016

Interview with Paul Davies

We chatted to geometric tattoo artists 28-year-old Paul Davies who works out of Artium Ink in Kingsbridge, Devon about what inspired him to become a tattooist and how he recently found out that he is autistic…

Photo taken by Matthew Partington

I’ve been tattooing for roughly six years. I moved from Cardiff seven years ago to study fine art at Plymouth university. It was a really last minute decision so there was no available student housing. I moved in with some guys that worked in a tattoo studio, so hanging out with them everyday I started to think this was the path for me, rather than being a painter/illustrator which had been my original goal when moving. I’ve never been interested in doing anything other than being an artist. From the age of around five I really wanted to be an architect, but by the time I was old enough to do some work experience at an architectural practice, I realised it wasn’t as creative as I hoped it would be.

Once I started tattooing I was immediately drawn to patterns and geometry. But the style wasn’t really as popular then, so I just did anything to keep busy. Dabbled in all styles of tattooing and slowly convinced people instead of idea had, maybe it would look good to add some patterning to their tattoo. As time progressed the patterning took over. But I still really enjoyed all the other styles I used to do so I merged them to create something of my own.

I enjoy all the drawing I do but given the chance to design unrequested designs I tend to draw things that I have an almost obsessive interest in, like people with super human abilities, whether that’s a comic book character, Jedi knight or action hero that inexplicably can’t be killed.

I have a few guest spots and conventions around the UK lined up for this year but the one I’m most looking forward to is a guest spot I was invited to in Toronto. One of my favourite artists from Japan has been invited at the same time as me so looking forward to meeting him.

I hate most of my own tattoos as I did the majority that I can see myself to practice when I first started. I’m ambidextrous so I’ve done both of my forearms which as they are always on show, get most attention. I get embarrassed when I’m asked the artist that did them as its not a reflection of the work I do.
Recently I found out I’m autistic. On the spectrum it’s Aspergers but I’ve been told that’s not used anymore and it’s ASD (autism spectrum disorder). For my job it’s a massive benefit, I’m completely focused, never want to stop working and able to think about things a little differently to other people. Behind the scenes it really impacts my personal life. I’m currently writing this from a bar in Cheltenham as I’m heading back from Tattoo Tea Party in Manchester and I’ve freaked out that too many people got on the train in Birmingham and I can’t get back on until I’m drunk.

My wife would liken me to the character Spock from Star Trek, I’m not without emotion, I just don’t understand to show it properly. I think only logically about things and have little time struggle to include other people’s feelings in my actions. A few people over the years have mentioned I maybe autistic but I naively dismissed it as I thought only of the extreme form of the disorder.
Recently I posted a status about this and I’ve had a couple of artists message me saying they often feel a similar way, I wasn’t surprised to see they also specialise in patterns and geometry.

Being a social job I do struggle with it, it would be great if I could just be given an arm to take away and work on alone. Since finding this out I’ve realised I have a script that I say to each customer and that helps me feel in control. I have almost the same conversation every day and I really like it that way. Routine helps me function well, and sometimes I think I couldn’t have got to where I am without autism. However I am stuck in Cheltenham until I get over my anxiety attack and I’m drunk enough to get back on public transport so, swings and roundabouts.

March 11, 2016

Film Review: To Kill A Mockingbird

Our resident film reviewer is writer Harry Casey-Woodward who will be sharing his opinions on things he has watched…

To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962, cert 12, dir Robert Mulligan, 3/5

Harper Lee was a one of a kind author. She only published two books, but not many writers can claim the same amount of popularity and success she received. Not only was her first book To Kill a Mockingbird an instant hit when first released in 1960, it won the Pulitzer prize and is still regarded as a literary classic. Furthermore, it was adapted for film only two years later. With the author’s recent passing, I thought it was high time I ticked the movie off my cinematic-classics-watch list.

I only got round to reading both of Lee’s novels last year. I thought Mockingbird was a superb piece of storytelling, blending childhood charm with darker themes. The sequel she published last year, Go Set a Watchman, I did not enjoy so much. Not because of the new controversies surrounding the characters but because it wasn’t my kind of novel and its message was muddled for me by the end.

After reading Mockingbird, I was curious to see how its storyline of a white lawyer defending a black man accused of rape would have been adapted for the early 60s. The book itself was subtle in depicting such a controversial plot, but its depictions of racism were still shocking for a book about children. I wondered if the filmmakers might have toned down those elements with respect for the censors. However, the infrequent use of the ‘n’ word and ‘rape’ were kept in, which was still shocking to see contrasted with the scenes of kids playing and family tenderness. But maybe that was the point, to show the light and dark sides of the American South.

The film’s strongest point is that it is a near perfect adaptation of the book. Very little is changed (except to condense the story in some places), and the only parts left out were extra story padding depicting the intricacies of Southern American society, which I didn’t greatly miss. The best scenes are all kept in and are just as I imagined them in the book, with all the drama, suspense and little details intact.

The good acting helps as well. Gregory Peck’s Oscar winning performance as lawyer and widowed father Atticus Finch is both charming and noble, although I felt his acting in highly emotional moments was a bit forced. The child actors were great as well, if you’re ok with Alabaman children shouting everything at the tops of their high-pitched voices. The most emotional performance for me came from Brock Peters], the actor playing the accused Tom Robinson. His near breakdown when telling his side of the story to a courtroom packed with white folks is enough to show the extent of racism present in the society depicted.

It is interesting to view the film after reading Go Set a Watchman, when the seemingly heroic depiction of Atticus in both the Mockingbird book and film is challenged. Nevertheless it is still worth watching the film for quality cinema, its ability to enchant, frighten and move you still undimmed.

March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

Fashion Pearls of Wisdom: Tattoo Tea Party

Last weekend saw Tattoo Tea Party return to Manchester for its fifth season and our columnist Natalie McCreesh aka Pearl, a fashion lecturer, freelance writer and creator of Fashion Pearls of Wisdom popped along to see what this year’s convention had to offer…

An action packed convention with an all the fun of the fair theme- dodgems, waltzer and side shows galore. Hosting over 350 artists over the sprawling Event City we wandered the maze catching up with old friends and discovering new. Tattoo styles were diverse with many artists choosing to offer walk-ups all weekend what better place to get your latest tattoo fix.

We chatted to Bex Lowe who was offering the most kawaii flash think smiley pizza, grinning tea cups with some old school gamer influences too, Hadoooooken anyone? Tacho Franch came armed with bold traditional Japanese flash peonies, neko, Noh masks and fat toads. Whilst we and many others gathered around to watch in fascination the hand tapped tattooing by Lawrence Ah Ching.
Tea Party is a vibrant, family friendly show which return next year 4th-5th March 2017

Apprentice Love: Olivia Foxx

We spotted the work of apprentice Olivia Grace Foxx, 23 on Instagram and instantly loved her dotted Disney tattoos. We chatted to Olivia to find out more about her life as an apprentice at Skin Kitchen in Margate, Kent where she works.

How did you get your apprenticeship? What were you doing before? I’d been trying to find an apprenticeship for around two years and had been for a few interviews but not found the right shop. A couple of my friends sent me a link to an advertisement for an apprenticeship at a local well renowned shop. I sent over examples of my work, had an interview and was asked to work a trial day. Everyone immediately made me feel welcome and I’ve been there full time since December 2014.
Before starting my apprenticeship I’d been working as a doctors receptionist for around three years, all the while building up a decent portfolio.

What do you like about it, what do you dislike? There are so many things I love about being an apprentice. I love working in a creative environment and being surrounded by such talented artists who are also a lot of fun. Being given the opportunity to do something you love everyday is incomparable.
The only down side for me is that I get incredibly nervous and do doubt myself and my work a lot.

Do you have a background in art? Ever since I can remember I’ve always drawn. I studied art at A-Level and went on to do a Foundation Diploma specialising in fashion and textiles (not too sure why) but I did learn a lot of useful skills and techniques that I still use now. I was a little unsure about what I wanted to do career wise until I got my first few tattoos and realised that was the job for me.

How would you describe your style? I feel like I’m still trying to find my style but think this will come with time and tattooing more. I’m really enjoying dotwork with some elements of blackwork at the moment. I’ve also done quite a few mandalas which are fun, and also some dotwork Disney pieces!

What is a typical day like for you? A typical day at the shop includes setting up my boss’ station, cleaning the shop and making sure everything is nice and tidy. Speaking to and booking in clients and lots of drawing (if I’m not tattooing). There’s also quite a lot of tea and coffee making.

How did you feel doing your first tattoo? My first tattoo was on myself, it was a little traditional rose on the inside of my calf. I was so nervous and it took me around four hours. Mainly due to the fact it was so painful. Thankfully I’ve had a lot of lovely volunteers (mainly my brother) who let me practice on them shortly after.

Can you tell us about your own tattoos? My tattoos are a bit of a mixture really. I love traditional/neo traditional work. My first was a traditional thigh piece done by Dan Frye, which I’m still completely in love with. I’ve also got a couple of really cool pieces done by the guys I work with including a stylised Daenerys on the back of my calf. I have a ridiculous amount of space, but I have a long list of artists that I want work done by so it’ll have to be gradual.

March 5, 2016

The art of Alessandro Gallo

Italian born and London based artist Alessandro Gallo creates sculptures that explore the the ways that animals and humans are both the same and interchangeable. His work takes a humorous look at animals and humans within city environments and the links between the species…

Turkey Vulture, 2013