As Alex suggests 'As artists we are always asking “what shall I DO”  How should I express my thoughts and ideas?  One crucial factor is the chosen medium. Music, Paint ,Performance, Writing, Fashion. “The Medium is the Message”

 

All are valid (and many more) - we make that choice, and that choice is possibly one of the biggest things we have to “say”.

 

Many years ago, after art school, living and socializing with a diverse bunch of artists I chose tattooing as my main medium. At the time it seemed very out there, and that was partly the point. To shock.  

 

(look how that turned out, not so shocking now)

 

I tattooed as a reaction to the fine art world -  ART (and the artist) on a pedestal, to be worshiped, bought and sold as a commodity. 

 

Then I made prints for many years, that too as a reaction against the “sacred original”

 

The work here is in part a homage to the “unknown craftsman” - I chose simple techniques used decoratively on found objects. Ancient and utilitarian, methods used for thousands of years - sitting quietly, absorbed in the moment.  

Art and life as one.'

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Alex has now retired from tattooing and is working with the community around him and on other projects. He has started to teach and lead people through their art projects, as well as teaching yoga at a studio in his home town. He continues to work on his private art practice from his home studio, which looks out over his stunning garden.

As we sit, I ask him if he misses tattooing. “No,” he says. “I have other things to do.”

The tattooing scene has changed a lot since he began working in this art form in the 1980s. He is responsible for some of the development of the scene, and his influence within it can be read about in the countless books and articles that cover this period of growth within the world of tattooing.

I asked him what his next projects are. “I want to work in the garden.”

No doubt it will be amazing.