Kat
Kalashnikov from Charlotte, NC
Where did you grow up?
Outside of Charlotte.
How was it growing up
there, would you say that it influenced you?
Yes, a lot. I was raised
in the museum, my mother worked there, so I was surrounded by taxidermy. I also
went to Catholic school.
When did you start
getting tattoos?
After I graduated from
high school.
How would you describe
your style?
Gutter Glam. Period.
Do you consider tattoos
as a serious art form?
I believe they are, also
I see a lot of people use it as a fashion statement instead, which is taking
one art form and using it as another unlikely art form.
How do you see the
tattoo culture right now?
Becoming more and more
mainstream, which is wonderful to profit off of. I think various breeds will
appear out of the woodwork, and the world will see some really unique
individuals.
What has been your
inspiration for getting them?
A lot of my tattoos are
from things I hold dear, negating religious symbols, guns, blood, dead things,
and fairy tale characters. Screw wearing my heart on my sleeve, I wear my
personality. That way you know what you’re in for.
What’s your favorite
piece?
I do love my gun spine,
a series of Lugers ending at double barreled derringers.
Do you catch people
starring at you because of your ink?
Constantly. I’m okay
with it.
In your opinion, do your
tattoos change your mood often?
Not really, I was the
same creature when I was completely commercial looking.
What’s your most
significant tattoo and why?
My crosses. The crucifix
on my crotch, and then an upside down cross over a crucifix brand I gave myself
on my thigh. I like the idea of not really being against religion, just un-bias
to it.
What’s your next tattoo?
My, “Valenswine”, on my
thigh (a pig skeleton in a heart) and the words baba yaga on my toes.
What advice would you
give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Make sure it’s uniquely
you, try to be something different.
What is one thing that
life has taught you?
Excessive ambition isn’t
a sin. And if it was, it still wouldn’t stop me.
Will you be getting
anymore?
Tons, I want my legs and
arms covered, and my torso.
Photo credits in order:
Justin
Kates, Reginald Sumner, Ed Frazier, Mojokiss, Michael Church.