The ink on Chevvy Piston


Chevvy Piston from Vancouver, BC, Canada

Where did you grow up?
Northern BC.

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
It was a fairly small community, I don’t think I was influenced by the culture there at all.

When did you start getting tattoos?
The day I turned 18!

How would you describe your style?
Retro, Rocker and loud.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
I definitely do. I’ve seen amazing work, and I consider my work to be a beautiful form of self expression.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
Honestly, I feel as though it’s exploded! In some ways this is a great thing, in other ways, not so much. It’s great to be accepted for who you are with or without tattoos, but I also think it’s become very trendy, which isn’t why I began getting tattooed.

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
I’ve always loved art. I paint, sketch and model (Which is an art form however you might see it). So to have something permanently placed on my body was a must.

What’s your favorite piece?
Currently, my right arm. Both of my arms are incomplete at this point, but my right arm is my “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” arm and it’s a continuous piece featuring her slaying in a cemetery.

Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
All the time.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
Never. I’m always Chevvy at the end of the day.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
My most significant tattoo (and probably the only one with significance) is my side piece. It’s a Matthew Good Band lyric that reads, “She is gold and nothing less, she is fearless.” I had it done after the end of my 5 year relationship. It wasn’t an abusive one, but it was definitely unhealthy and I spent way too many years in that relationship wishing it would change. Then I changed it myself, and got the tattoo to commemorate that.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Research shops before just picking one. Go inside, check out the clients and the portfolios. Get a vibe for the place. A shop that cares about cleanliness, service and honesty is a shop that will provide quality work in my experience. It will prevent you from having regrets if you end up with a hack tattoo at some random dirty shop.

Will you be getting anymore?
Absolutely. Once my arms are complete, I have a stomach piece to finish and my back to start.

What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going?
There will always be art that inspires me to keep going. I think I’m inspired by pieces I’d want to have on my body.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
That people on the outside know nothing about talent. They go based off of superficial things, and while at first that can be frustrating, if you’re passionate about something eventually others will catch onto that and the fakes will be weeded out. Stay true.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Scar Tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.” – Henry Rollins

Anything else you would like to add?
Check out my website, www.chevvypiston.com or “like” me on facebook, www.facebook.com/chevvypiston!