Where were you born and where are you from?
I was born in Kingston
Annapolis Valley N.S. Canada Truro N.S. at the age of
four and now I am happy to call Elmsdale
N.S. Canada
How did you get introduced to the tattoo culture?
I recall at about 13 years old going into magazine stores
and reaching up to the top shelf to sneak a peek at these colorful tattoos in
tattoo magazines. At this time these mags were considered too risky for young
eyes, so I got kicked out a lot. I became fascinated by the idea of a tattoo as
a permanent living art form. So I started to visit and get kicked out of a lot
of tattoo shops, also for being too young.
When did you get started?
I started tattooing in 2002 after failure to get an
apprenticeship. I bought a former tattooist machine, a few tubes and a power
supply. I tattooed a lot of grape fruit and oranges before I finally received
an apprenticeship with, Iron Mike Leblanc in Truro N.S. Canada
Do you remember the first tattoo that you did?
I will never forget! It was some sort of Ying and Yang
angel, devil kind of thing. My hands were trembling and I was sweating through
the whole thing. I quickly found out tattooing was a lot harder than it looked.
How would you describe your style of tattooing?
I had been the only artist at Silver City Tattoos for about
7 years so by clients request I became well rounded to different styles of
tattooing. At first people sought me out for my larger black and grey Japanese
inspired work, which I still enjoy doing today. I found myself really wanting
to expand from there, so I started to focus on portraits and color. I began
studying and following the tattoo art of Tom Renshaw, Bob Tyrrell, Guy
Aitchison, Joe Capobianco and Mike Devries. With these and other great artists
inspiration, I built my current style around color realism. I feel that I am
always seeking to learn new and different styles to keep my art fresh and
myself humbled by the challenge.
What influences your artwork?
Wow that’s tough to answer! Everything! As an artist you are
dissecting everything around you, studying its color, form and texture. The
building blocks that tell the eye what it is. So everything I see has some
influence on my art. Also my client’s requests train me to think outside the
limits of just my own imagination. This builds a larger library daily to draw
influence from.
Are you involved in any other areas of the tattoo industry?
I am working with StarBrite to release my own color set. Also
I designed a new rotary machine for a company that you will see on the market
soon. I have had the opportunity to travel this year to teach my seminar, Back
2 Reality, based on my approach to color realism. I also have a color realism
DVD out and plan to release a second DVD this year. For any readers interested
you can find more info about all this on my website
What were you doing before you got into the tattoo business,
and what made you change?
At most people’s surprise I was actually a Hair Stylist. I
found myself disinterested with the job and seeking new direction in life.
Through reflection and prayers I felt the desire to go back to my roots as an
artist. I had doors opening in front of me as opportunities arrived for me to
pursue tattooing.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get their
first tattoo?
Be patient, do your homework so you are getting the safest
procedure with the quality art you would like to carry for the rest of your
life. Also remember Tattoo is an art, it doesn’t have to have a dramatic story
or some deep meaning, it can be just because you love it! If you love it enough
to wear it and share it, than that’s enough.
Do you see yourself doing anything other than tattooing?
I do not, it is where I am supposed to be! I found something
I can do day in day out and be just as excited as my first day on the job. Maybe
just a little less nervous.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Do not become overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”.
Where do you see the tattoo culture 10 years from now?
Like all things it will have some game changers, such as
equipment advances and increased level of artist skill set with variations and
reintroductions of past styles. I believe it will still be alive and well just
with a splash of change.
Anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank my wife Amy for all her support. Also
thanks to World Wide Tattoo supply, StarBrite Inks from the creators Tommy’s
Supplies and to T-tech Device, professional tips, grips and needle cartridges.
You can check out more of my work and contact me at:
902-883-1717
kirtsilver@hotmail.com