Made Della is one of some artists who has been in Kuta, Bali for quite a long time. He started to wrestle with tattoo art since 1989. And from 1994, he began to be a tattoo artist in Kuta. According to him, at that time there were only few tattoo studios in Kuta, like Demon Tattoo, Baladewa, Mr. Dolphin, and Gungde.
After some time becoming a tattoo artist in some studios, in 2009 he decided to reopen his own studio named Black Angel. Recently, he has a plan to invite Bali tattoo artists establishing Bali Tattoo Artist Club again. Because for him, business is business, but solidarity and togetherness need to keep going. And here is a brief interview between Magic Ink and Made Bella.
What makes you holding out in tattoo art for so long?
We didn’t have any other job to do, hahahaha... And maybe tattoo was the only good thing for my life, hahaha…
When did you get your first tattoo?
Back in that 1989. Gungde made it. Besides, he fully supported me to be a tattoo artist. He always supports me.
Why did you decide to reopen your own studio?
If I used to work for other people, then I wanted to have my own. Moreover, I’m preparing a new generation, like Agus (Della’s son-red). So that Black Angel always exists.
You used to have a studio, why was it closed?
I did the business with my family, and there were some problems about financial quotient.
You are one of the people who have been holding on the tattoo industry in Kuta for quite a long time, how do you see its development?
Me and my friends used to compete more from our works, not from the rate. So please, for Bali tattoo artists, don’t compete in rate. We live from tattoo, so don’t bring each other down.
In tattoo, what style do you tend to?
Actually I can do all of them, but I like Chinese and Japanese style more.
And about BTAC (Bali Tattoo Artist Club), in your opinion, what’s the reason it does not go well?
I myself don’t understand too much about it, because it happened when I went to Germany. I was in Germany for 3 months, and when I got back it had already fallen apart. But I really think that BTAC should be established again. There are so many foreign artists opening studios in their rent houses and without any permit. Their visa is visa for holiday, not for working. If we’re not solid, we can be colonized. I mean, colonized in another version. If people with big capital come in and we’re not ready and solid, it’s possible that Indonesian artists are scraped and work to them. But again, for Bali tattoo artists, we don’t need to argue about rate. Also for the works, from the first I learned, up to now I still learn. Just keep learning, no need to get above oneself.
But it doesn’t mean that you’re scared to compete, right?
Oh no... I just want that artists stop arguing about rate.
And for the high rate of guide, what do you think as a tattoo artist? Do you feel harmed?
No, not really. We still depend on their service. Unless we have big capital, hehehe.. That’s why we need BTAC. It covers up these matters.
Ok, we wait for the BTAC! Last words?
For Bali tattoo artists, let’s remake the organization, don’t walk by ourselves. For Magic Ink, I always support this magazine. Who knows if the togetherness can help our business to grow, it will affect Magic Ink, too. Right? Hahaha... Let all tattoo artists hand in hand to make Magic
Ink better
Showing posts with label Bali Tattoo Artist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bali Tattoo Artist. Show all posts
Bali Tattoo Artist : Shotonk
Shotonk started knowing tattoo when he was only a junior high school student. Because of his drawing ability, a friend lent him his equipment and body to be the learning means. “Almost all over his body is full of my works,” Shotonk said.
A buffalo head was Shotonk’s first work on the body of Kadek Suardika, his friend. He said it was ugly and in disorder, but he always practiced on his friend’s body ever since. After he was confident enough, in 1998 he opened his own tattoo studio in Singaraja. But it was only a year before he decided to move to Kuta.
At first in Kuta, Shotonk became a temporary tattoo artist in Matahari Mall Legian. Then he reopened his own studio named Bulldog Tattoo in Kuta Square, but unfortunately it only lasted for a year. After that, Shotonk joined in Legian 64 studio, then moved to Mr. Barong, and finally went back to Legian 64 for 7 years before he again opened Shotonk Tattoo Studio. He decided to run a private studio because he thought it was impossible to work for someone else forever, also it was about time for him learning to be responsible of his own future. Up to now, he still keeps in touch with his old friends in Legian 64. Even when he was asked about the person who had a big influence in his career as a tattoo artist, hard for him to answer. “Some people have influenced me, but mostly Agung. We became partners for quite a long time..,” he answered.
In the middle of his activities as a tattoo artist, Shotonk always has some time to go back to his hometown, Singaraja, every twice a month to see his 4 children. It has been 3 years he becomes a single parent.
And in the end of the interview with Magic Ink, Shotonk shared his hope that all tattoo artists keeping up the quality in order to make tattoo as one tourism attraction, so together they can grow the art of tattoo. To Magic Ink, he wanted us to support each other. “If we support people, they will support us, too. There is karma in it..,” he ended that afternoon conversation.
A buffalo head was Shotonk’s first work on the body of Kadek Suardika, his friend. He said it was ugly and in disorder, but he always practiced on his friend’s body ever since. After he was confident enough, in 1998 he opened his own tattoo studio in Singaraja. But it was only a year before he decided to move to Kuta.
At first in Kuta, Shotonk became a temporary tattoo artist in Matahari Mall Legian. Then he reopened his own studio named Bulldog Tattoo in Kuta Square, but unfortunately it only lasted for a year. After that, Shotonk joined in Legian 64 studio, then moved to Mr. Barong, and finally went back to Legian 64 for 7 years before he again opened Shotonk Tattoo Studio. He decided to run a private studio because he thought it was impossible to work for someone else forever, also it was about time for him learning to be responsible of his own future. Up to now, he still keeps in touch with his old friends in Legian 64. Even when he was asked about the person who had a big influence in his career as a tattoo artist, hard for him to answer. “Some people have influenced me, but mostly Agung. We became partners for quite a long time..,” he answered.
In the middle of his activities as a tattoo artist, Shotonk always has some time to go back to his hometown, Singaraja, every twice a month to see his 4 children. It has been 3 years he becomes a single parent.
And in the end of the interview with Magic Ink, Shotonk shared his hope that all tattoo artists keeping up the quality in order to make tattoo as one tourism attraction, so together they can grow the art of tattoo. To Magic Ink, he wanted us to support each other. “If we support people, they will support us, too. There is karma in it..,” he ended that afternoon conversation.
Bali Tattoo Artist : Mr. Alit Tattoo
Hi Alit, how is it going?
Good.
Tell us the stories which made you as a tattoo artist?
I was keen on painting and drawing. In 1980 I learned tattoo with my brother Gede Surya. He is the first tattoo artist in Bali. In his studio, everyday I learned with him.
Why do you interested in tattoo?
The first time, I just try it and as time goes by, I am more interested in painting on skin than on canvas. And painting on skin has more challenges.
Then, who was the first your client?
I don’t remember the name, but he is my friend for sure. And the motif was so standard, a flower, if I’m not getting any mistake.
From all of the kind of tattoo, which one do you prefer?
I am not concerning in one of them. Coz in Bali you can’t only take one category, you have to capable in all category. Therefore I always learn and learn, coz tattoo always change.
Which part is your favourite to be tattooed?
Leg, that’s the best part.
Where did you get your tattoo equipments?
I got them by ordered it from abroad.
Tell us about your tattoo studio?
It has been at my house since the first time coz tattoo used to be taboo and also couldn’t guarantee my living cost. And I decided to quit my study and became a tattoo artist since then.
Why don’t you own a studio around Kuta?
I am more excited working at home. Chill and I don’t have to manage employee. But sometimes I go to my client’s hotel to make tattoo.
What do you think tattoo nowadays?
It becomes marvelous, including tattoo artist itself, the equipments and also the capabilities. And it becomes more familiar.
Until when you’ll be exist as a tattoo artist?
As long as I am able to make tattoo, then I’ll be it.
Future plan for tattoo?
Nothing, just go with the flow.
Last words?
For tattoo addicts, lets boost up tattoo, be the best and support tattoo !!!
source: Magic Ink Vol. 01
Good.
Tell us the stories which made you as a tattoo artist?
I was keen on painting and drawing. In 1980 I learned tattoo with my brother Gede Surya. He is the first tattoo artist in Bali. In his studio, everyday I learned with him.
Why do you interested in tattoo?
The first time, I just try it and as time goes by, I am more interested in painting on skin than on canvas. And painting on skin has more challenges.
Then, who was the first your client?
I don’t remember the name, but he is my friend for sure. And the motif was so standard, a flower, if I’m not getting any mistake.
From all of the kind of tattoo, which one do you prefer?
I am not concerning in one of them. Coz in Bali you can’t only take one category, you have to capable in all category. Therefore I always learn and learn, coz tattoo always change.
Which part is your favourite to be tattooed?
Leg, that’s the best part.
Where did you get your tattoo equipments?
I got them by ordered it from abroad.
Tell us about your tattoo studio?
It has been at my house since the first time coz tattoo used to be taboo and also couldn’t guarantee my living cost. And I decided to quit my study and became a tattoo artist since then.
Why don’t you own a studio around Kuta?
I am more excited working at home. Chill and I don’t have to manage employee. But sometimes I go to my client’s hotel to make tattoo.
What do you think tattoo nowadays?
It becomes marvelous, including tattoo artist itself, the equipments and also the capabilities. And it becomes more familiar.
Until when you’ll be exist as a tattoo artist?
As long as I am able to make tattoo, then I’ll be it.
Future plan for tattoo?
Nothing, just go with the flow.
Last words?
For tattoo addicts, lets boost up tattoo, be the best and support tattoo !!!
source: Magic Ink Vol. 01
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