Tony Paukku Biography

 

Mesh Buddha Tattoo Shirt by Tony Paukku

Born in Malmo, Sweden 1965, Tony Paukku began his quest to learn the art of tattooing at the ripe age of 24. In less than a year’s time, he was tattooing full time at Tattoo World in Malmo. In 2000, he relocated and opened his new studio, Tattoo World 2, in Høør, Sweden. Known for his full-coverage Japanese-style tattoo work, Tony Paukku is one of the most respected tattoo artists in Sweden, and the world. Spending a great deal of time traveling throughout Europe and the Orient, he has worked and collaborated with the world’s greatest tattoo masters. Because of this diverse experience, many of his full-body tattoos rival those done by traditional Japanese Irezumi masters, and yet he infuses his own contemporary aesthetic to produce a distinctive style of his own. Often combining detailed free-hand line work with brilliant colors, as well as traditional and contemporary imagery, Tony Paukku commands the respect of the tattoo community at large. In his free time, Tony continues to travel frequently and enjoys racing motorcycles, making him a very difficult tattooist to catch.

Horiyoshi III Biography

 

Horiyoshi's Poem Mesh Tattoo Shirt

Born Yoshito Nakano in 1946, Horiyoshi III is the undisputed master of the 200-year-old tradition of Irezumi, or hand-applied Japanese tattoo. Specializing in full-body tattoos that often take years to complete, Horiyoshi III carefully chooses his clients, making him one of the most coveted, expensive, and exclusive tattooists in the world. To receive a tattoo by the Irezumi master is considered a great honor.

Horitomo Biography

 

Tiger Tattoo Shirt by Horitomo

Kazuaki Kitamura (a.k.a.”Horitomo”) has been at the forefront of a new breed of pioneering Japanese tattooists for more than a decade. As an elementary school student, his interest was peaked by people with traditional style bodysuits that he recalled seeing in his neighborhood on a daily basis. However, single needle Western style tattoos were the popular choice among his surfing buddies. Then, in 1992, he took the plunge. His first tattoo, by Sabado of Eccentric Tattoo in Nagoya, set the wheels in motion. Their relationship grew and he became his apprentice. Along with a solid foundation of the fundamentals of tattooing, Sabado gave Kazuaki Kitamura the nickname “Washo”. More than three years had passed and Washo needed to scratch an itch: he had to experience the global tattoo community firsthand. The convention trail led him to San Francisco and a guest spot for a few months at Everlasting, where he rubbed elbows with Aaron Cain, Mike Davis, Patrick Conlon and Troy Denning. Then it was back across the pond to Tokyo’s buzzing Harajuku district. The newly opened shop Scratch Addiction, where he worked with Yushi, was a hot spot for the young ones who had to have the latest style of one point tattoos. Two years and escalating rents forced another move, this time to Osaka. Washo, along with Sakamoto-san and Kawajiri-san, began Three Tides Tattoo. Their high quality standards gained them a solid reputation and attracted more than just a local clientele.

Aaron Bell Biography

Green Dragon tattoo shirt by artist Aaron Bell

In the early 80s, Aaron Bell found himself on a quest to learn as much as he could about the secretive and evasive world of tattooing. His part time tattooing quickly became his full time passion. Aaron persisted and his big break came in 1994 when the secrets of seasoned professionals were the payoff for being a dedicated apprentice. His story is much like that of traditional Japanese tattooists who strive for perfection under a master whose hopes and dreams are to see his student surpass his own talents and abilities. He had arrived at that level and proof positive is evident at his shop Slave to The Needle. There, he is immersed in a creative environment where he continues to gain knowledge through the talent and experiences of his co-workers. His tireless pursuit for perfection in all facets of tattooing have been recognized and awarded more than 70 times in 2005 alone.  As Aaron so aptly puts it, “Thanks to all who have inspired me and you the customer, for your trust and keeping it interesting.”

Horiyoshi III – Biography

HORIYOSHI lll
Japan’s undisputed Irezumi master.

Born Yoshito Nakano in 1946, Horiyoshi III is the undisputed master of the 200-year-old tradition of Irezumi, or hand-applied Japanese tattoo. Specializing in full-body tattoos that often take years to complete, Horiyoshi III carefully chooses his clients, making him one of the most coveted, expensive, and exclusive tattooists in the world. To receive a tattoo by the Irezumi master is considered a great honor.

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