A Look Back At Your Favourite Features From Inked

Issue 10 - Vanessa Amorosi

While male artists, especially in the form of bands and lead singers, have continued to have some success in the overseas market, Australian females seem to only be able to break through for their looks and not for the strength of their musical ability. While Missy Higgins, Sarah Blasko and Katy Steel, with Little Birdy, have forged their way into being recognised artists internationally, very few (Kylie Minogue aside) have had the longevity of Vanessa Amorosi in the industry. Discovered at just 15 years of age, her debut single Have a Look went gold after only seven weeks in the ARIA charts. She followed up that success with Absolutely Everybody and Shine, which both became mega hits in Europe and Australia. She's supported KISS, sang at the Olympics and collaborated with the likes of Mary J Blige.

From an almost mousy girl, who wanted to join the army when she was very young, Vanessa has blossomed into a fiery redhead, growing into her own self, and writing about what affects her life. Her latest single Gossip seems to be reminiscent of what's going around her in her new life.

Vanessa is now based in Los Angeles, about to release her fifth studio album, (appropriately named V), and is looking to grow her over two million record sales to reach a broader, and more international, audience.

For a little lady with red hair bright enough to ensure that she can't be missed (in even a dark room), the soft spoken Vanessa Amorosi has one hell of a ballsy singing voice. She isn't one to hold back, and with that comes her own opinions on everything in her life.

Vanessa's latest song, Gossip, is very much about what goes on out there on the world wide web, and in particular the perils of social networking. We were keen to know how she felt about online pages devoted to her body art. "It doesn't freak me out at all", says Vanessa. "My fans have lots of crazy things going on out there, and this isn't the weirdest of the lot! It does surprise me that there are specific pages on my tattoos. I wonder how many people like these things!" she laughs.

Vanessa first dipped her toes into the tattoo world at a very young age. Traveling throughout Germany at 16 years of age she chose to take the plunge, and even though she was underage, she saw what her band mates were getting to commemorate the tour and decided that she wanted to be part of it. She fell in love with the experience. Most people at 16 choose bold and truly inappropriate designs, but mature for her age, Vanessa decided on a different path. "The first tattoo I got was a Savior bird. I love it. I have always been into Tribe 10 Commandments. As you can see by the other tattoos on my body".

Her experience leading to her first tattoo is not dissimilar to all the tattoo experiences that have followed. The one thing guiding her tattoos? Impulsiveness! Vanessa explains: "The art that I do have has always been something that I have seen somewhere and thought 'that is so me'. It could have meaning, or be an image. But I see it and I impulsively go and get it put on me". But while the markings on her arm and legs have become intrinsically linked to who she is as a performer, Vanessa hid her pieces when she was underage and coming into her career, now she says, "The art is always a part of me. I wouldn't put it on me if it wasn't. I only put images on me that are me. They are a part of who I am".

But who Vanessa Amorosi is has sometimes been questioned, with her re-emerging, growing and adapting throughout her career. While it is something that is to be expected, and often demanded from overseas artists, back home she has been called a 'changed woman'. Was there a big change to warrant such a statement? Many people still remember Vanessa Amorosi as the teenager making her first appearances and growing up in a sometimes harsh and confronting music industry. "Like most people I have simply grown into myself. I disappeared for a while. And I guess people got a shock when I came back and I had grown up".

Unlike other singers who made it big at a young age, only to find themselves worn out, ending up in the wrong circles or simply falling out of love with the industry, Vanessa has continued to stay above everything and continues to shine. Choosing the right people to have around her has been key, coupled with an extremely supporting and loving family. Vanessa gets to do what she does best and lets the others around deal with distractions. "I just really try to stay focused, in amongst all of it. I keep going so I don't get sidetracked. I spend my time just making more music and more records and touring more. I am able to evolve by working with the different writersand producers, and listening to music & listening to my fans".

As she has matured in both herself and her career - a path she admits has been easier for herself than others around her - she says she "let's life experience" help guide her. Those experiences are also what she has used to drive her music. "Traveling and ups and downs - with music, with relationships, friends and family. Everything that you experience in life allows me to write the songs I write," she says. She thinks that, when listening to her tracks, it's very easy to hear the stories and experiences behind them coming through, whether they are good or bad. While Vanessa has been in the industry nearly 15 years now, she says that the at the pace and everything that it feels like it's been only two years, with every year taking her on a very different path, and with the industry continuing to change so much. So excited by that path, along with finding her way into different musical spheres and potential future records, she will also move into doing her own production and producing, as her career continues to blossom.

She says she loves living in LA, and that it offers her "musical challenges". One of her favourite things about her US base is that it offers so many great live venues to go out to, and new music continuing to develop and there to be discovered. It's also where she has her dogs, or "her kids", who she misses almost as much as her mum's home cooked meals (something she is able to enjoy right now while launching her new album). "Melbourne is my family and friends. I love it because they are all based here, and when I come back it is such a nice feeling being home".

With a pop image, fused with a little bit of rock and a soulful-sounding voice, Vanessa will continue to cross genres and push her boundaries as she continues to grow into herself as an artist, a process she knows will continue throughout her career. With an ambition to be one of the long-standing and respected Australian artists, Vanessa is putting her time into writing, and like her attitude to her growing tattoo collection, "anytime is a good time" to experience more.

 

Issue 9 - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - Red hot Chilli Peppers - with Anthony Kiedis and Josh Klinghoffer!

 

Tony Flow and the Miraculous Masters of Mayhem (aka Red Hot Chili Peppers)

With various band member changes, enter new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer for 'I'm With You', and a very significant name change early on, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have weathered a storm of mayhem and mischief to find their feet firmly planted in "funkiness".

Story by Michele Manelis   Photos by Ellen Von Unwerth

 

When Mother's Milk was released in 1989, Red Hot Chili Peppers went from an underground LA-based band to an internationally recognisable name. Now having sold 65 million albums worldwide they're releasing their first album for five years, 'I'm With You'.

Anthony Kiedis, a man that can pull of tribal tattoos where many others fail, has always been known for his distinctive art and his reflection on his Native American ancestry. His large Haida Thunderbird backpiece tattoo (by Dutch tattooist Hank Schiffmacker) was created in "a time when they weren't a dime a dozen" back in 1987/88. In fact, Hank Schiffmacker tattooed many of the RHCP in the early days while they hung around the studio. Most recently, Kiedis' tattoo work has included two Celtic daggers tattooed on his forearms.

While the RHCP are known for their style, especially their tattoos, a 'clean skin' named Josh Klinghoffer joined the band in 2009, but will he surrender to the RHCP brand of funk?

Inked: What is the theme for this album?

Anthony Kiedis: …we do have the theme, but it's not what you think.

 

So what is it?

Anthony: We had a jam that we wrote during the process of creating this record that was called quite simply, "The Theme". It was a funky number, one of Chris Warren's favourites…

 

Now for the serious version of the answer?

Anthony: [Laughs.] I don't think we ever discussed a theme prior to writing and recording, but oftentimes themes do bubble up, but it's not to say that this is a theme record. What are some of the famous thematic records in time where, I feel like the Mars Volta record with those themes…

Josh Klinghoffer: Tommy… [Laughs.]

Anthony: This is about Tommy's little brother. A lot of people have never heard of him.

 

Let's start with the single.

Anthony: Wow. It's about funkiness, it's about Flea taking it upon himself to do a little homework before rehearsal and trying to write something that would be considered a classic bass line. That was the genesis of that song. He came to us and he said, my new goal is to write a classic bass line…

Josh: Everyday.

Anthony: Everyday. That's what I'm going to wake up and do. And he played it and we felt it, and we expounded upon it with guitars and drums and vocals, and over time of just connecting with the sheer energetic force of that funk. Lyrics began to emerge and I think that probably on the very day that I went to sing that song I sat home and kind of coloured it up a little bit with the missing pieces. It's not a song that wants to be over-analysed or explained. It's a colourful journey that would be diminished if I told you specifically what it was about. It's an adventure for you to get on and have your way with. You can rub it all over your body if you must, [laughs] but I won't tell you specifically whom it refers to.

 

Do you think it is hard to keep things fresh after all this time?

Anthony: Well, it could be, if we didn't have Josh Klinghoffer in the band! Yeah, that was one of the bits of karmic joy was that at a point in time where maybe it would be difficult to keep it fresh along comes a shift in our lives, whereby John (Frusciante) decided that he wanted to do something else, and creating an opportunity for us to be fresh again.

 

What prompted John to want to do something else?

Anthony: Well, maybe he wanted to start off by doing something fresh on his own. Maybe somewhere in the recesses of his mind he wanted to create an opportunity for us to do something fresh without even knowing it.

 

So it was not an acrimonious split?

Anthony: It was a very pleasant split.

 

Like a happy divorce?

Anthony: Yeah. It wasn't even a divorce, it was like, 'mission accomplished, go rock out, we'll see you somewhere along the way!'

And Josh, how do you feel filling John's pretty big shoes. Is that intimidating?

Josh: Someone told me what to say because they knew I'd get that question. John is an amazing person, an amazing musician, and I would never or could never fill his shoes or do what he does. I mean, when we play songs that he was one of the creators of, it's an honour and it's really fun and that's how I feel if I think about it. [If I think] about filling shoes for what other people think, I'll go crazy. And I'd like to say that I don't really care what they think, but obviously you know, I just want to do the best job I can to make the music stay alive and then in terms of playing with them there wasn't any shoes to fill. We just felt like we've started something new with each other and then that was nothing but joyous and positive and fun and it's certainly a challenge to play music with people when you haven't before, like finding, but I think to everyone's shock, it happened like that.

Anthony: By the way, Josh has played with PJ Harvey, The Sparks and Cee Lo of Gnarls Barkley, so really, I had some flipping big shoes to fill. Those are like a whole gang of strong vocalists that he's accustomed to playing with. But does anybody care about the shoes I had to fill?

 

Not really.

Anthony: No, I didn't think so. [Laughs.]

 

So, how does that change the identity of Red Hot Chili Peppers?

Anthony: Change our identity? Our identity, well we don't really have an identification card…

 

Okay, how does it change the dynamic or the chemistry?

Anthony: Well, thank God it changes it. We needed some changes, I mean, Josh is a very distinct musician, and he comes with distinct colour and sound and vibration and it's something that we already related to, even before we played. I think we all looked at Josh as someone we admired and respected and we had played with him. We had seen him play in lots of other bands and it was our good fortune that he was available and willing to take on a whole different kind of band experience. I mean, it's hard for me to describe in words what it's done to our identity because I think that's still forming, but so far, whatever it is, it feels really good.  I'm not sure what it is, but it feels very nice and it feels fun and like a good fit. I think more will be revealed when we start playing live and doing things like that. Musically I think we've reinvented ourselves in the best way possible where it's still The Red Hot Chili Peppers, but it's the Josh Klinghoffer era of Red Hot Chili Peppers.

You've existed for a long time obviously. Looking back, how would you say that you've changed and to what extent are you the same?

Josh: To me it always seemed that the band, as an outsider for a while (like a close outsider then at a certain point), that the band has always had a sort of family, love-driven thirst for making music with themselves. That hasn't changed from what I've seen. That's exactly what I stepped into one October day and that's where we are now. And then everyone I think has changed enormously.

 

Well you've obviously gone through a lot of personal changes since you began as well. And you look really good, by the way.

Anthony: Word. Thank you, thank you very much.

 

You're around the same age as me and you look really young.

Anthony: Awww. Did you just turn 30? [Laughing] We change constantly. That's been one of the things that kept us alive and well, interested in being in the band. It seems like the changes happen to us. So that's turned out to be a great blessing. Even when it seems painful or not what I had in mind. Changes always led to something greater and new and we grow up a little bit and then we digress and we grow up a little bit more and we digress. I feel very much like a work in progress as a musician, as a person and as a friend, but so willing and open and excited about being better at all of those things. For myself and for the people that have to deal with my crazy ass.

 

Are you guys crazy these days?

Anthony: I guess it would depend on who you ask. Some people say the nicest things to me about my evolution, and some people don't. Some people are just wow.

 

Maybe because they are not as evolved?

Anthony: Let's go with that! [Laughs.] Let's just take that and run with it. But band-wise, you [to Josh] kind of walked in at the very end of that last thing. The truth is we still play music because we love to play music and because we love playing music as a band of friends. That is very much why we started. We did not exist because we were coming out of music schools wanting to what we were told to do. We were born out of an extreme love and need for one another. We needed each other to exist when we began. We were poor and hungry and emotionally uncertain, we were sort of homeless little kids, and we formed a friendship and a band based on those needs and that love for life and music, and that still exists in us. We still at the end of the day have chosen a friend in which to play music with, because that's what we like to do. And that's what Flea and I like to do. And we could go off and do other things that we are professional and successful or whatever, but it's not as meaningful as doing this. Something of which the spirit started in 1983 and it's still painfully relevant and evident in what we do.

 

Is there anything you miss about those days when you were hungry and not successful yet?

Anthony: Well, if we weren't able to write good music, I would miss that. But because we still can write really fun music I feel grateful for that. A lot of times I try to figure out why people wrote such amazing music in their 20s and 30s and then they get into their 40s and 50s and it's okay, but it's just not as happening as what they wrote before they had what they were looking for.

 

And what's the answer?

Anthony: I'm just still working on that. I don't know what the answer to us is, other than again, you know, having a predicament turn into a blessing. One man leaves and then another man comes and now it's like starting over again. Part of the secret for us is it's really a group effort, as opposed to a ridiculously phenomenal solo artist. I won't mention names because that could make it seem like the people that I'm talking about that kind of have fallen off, but when you have everybody contributing it just has a better chance of being meaningful.

 

You are very much described as an LA band, what does that mean to you and does that hinder or help in the creative process?

Anthony: It certainly isn't a hindrance. I love where we come from and I love our public association with Los Angeles. I think this town is a lot more dynamic and creative than some people give it credit for and I think that's because it's very easy to pigeonhole Los Angeles as being a cliché place. I think that's usually more reflection on the person that's deeming it as such because that's all they are able to tune into. The deeper you look at LA the more mystical and exciting of a place it is to discover. That's kind of up to the adventurer to find and we've tapped into that since the day we began and it's still part of who we are. Just look out the window -

It's a magical kingdom.

 

You did an interview with Rick Rubin [Def Jam Records] speaking about the connection between mind, body and music. Have you become more spiritual yourself throughout the years and how does that influence your life?

Anthony: You'd have to ask God. I don't know. I kind of cringe at the expression have you become a more spiritual person, because if I said yes that would be…

 

Laughable and cringeworthy?

Anthony: It would be laughable and cringeworthy. And if I said no, it might be a lie, so there's really no good answer to that question.

 

Well maybe you are more spiritually aware. That's not so cheesy a thing to say?

Anthony: [Laughs.] Yeah, I mean, what is spiritual exactly? For me being spiritual is, sometimes, not punching somebody in the face. That was a spiritual moment for me. So yes, I've become more spiritual. I mean, I've always felt connected to the spirit of love and life and friendship and art so in that sense. I've always been spiritual, because that's what turns me on. I've become a slightly less selfish prick over the years so perhaps that's a spiritual path that, exploring, but I mean, I still feel like a retarded infant in a way of spiritual expression and knowledge, and I'm looking for Josh to rescue me… [Laughs.]

Josh, you look like you're dying to talk about spirituality?

Josh: [Laughs.] I want to talk about the next question you are dying to get to.

 

Okay, you were famously self-destructive in the 80s…

Anthony: Whooo!!!!! [Laughs.]

 

And you wrote a great book and all that stuff. Why do you think a lot of creative people end up going down that road of self-destruction?

Anthony: Well, let's just say simply put − creation and destruction live next door to each other. So, for better or worse destruction really does inspire creation. And I guess this band is a great example of that. We somewhat consider John leaving a destructive thing for this band and it really turned out to be the very thing that allowed it to recreate. And so I think in general, people look to pain, and loss and personal destruction to find their inspiration for art and it is some of the most inspiring stuff, but it's not the only path to creation. But if you take a good look at where some of the best art comes from, it comes from people's self-destructive behaviour, so, more will be revealed.

 

Also, isn't it a matter of too much too soon or that fame and money leads to that stuff…

Anthony: It certainly can be, but one couldn't really point to that as my excuse. Fortune and fame were very slow in coming to me and I was trying to kill myself the whole way through that, not literally, but an outsider would look at me and go, 'why is that guy doing that to himself?' It didn't make any money and I didn't get famous for years as an artist…

 

But do you miss anything about those days?

Anthony: Not really because what it's been replaced with I wouldn't trade what I have now for what I had then. It certainly led me to where I am. I have no regrets for having survived it. It's a little bit easier for me to say, but I love my life today, more than ever…

Josh: And from my vantage point, live life with the same fervour that I saw you do as an outsider who didn't know you, then when I knew you 10 years ago, than when I know you now. It's the same person doing whatever.

Anthony: I'm still hungry.

 

You must be going to the gym?

Anthony: At the gym? I can't remember the last time I walked into a gym.

 

Really? So how do you keep it up?

Anthony: It? Up? [Laughs.]

Yeah… You know what I mean?

Anthony: I carry my boy around as much as possible, my left arm is finally as strong as my right arm. I discovered surfing, which I absolutely fell in love with. That feels good and kind of keeps your body aligned, so does the salt water. It really is kind of an electric feeling. The salt water aligns you quite beautifully in the morning. You know, I like to climb trees and ride bikes and play.

 

Music to your soul is like food to the body!?

Josh: Yeah, there you go! I don't know what it affects physically, mentally, emotionally, all that stuff, it just affects me. It excites me. It makes me want to get up in the morning. I don't know if that's soul or my…

Anthony: Yeah, I'll tell you what. If you imagine there being one fantastically enormous soul, full of many dimensions that we all are a part of in some way, music, songs, sounds, somehow connect me to that place. And just coming to this session of interviews today, I was listening to The Idiot, and every single song, it felt like, took me to a new place that was in fact feeding my gosh-darn-soul. In some little way. Like there is so many elements to the soul and music is so infinite. It's just kind of a fun ride, it's like you are plugging into something that your body can relate to.

Issue 8 - Independent women

Making a difference and leading the way in their individual fields is something that these women were born to do!

 

Helena

Taking your career halfway around the world in your twenties is daring enough, but taking your passion off to Ibiza at 17 years of age, to promote music and clubs, seems almost ludicrous. At an early age Helena Atherton, aka DJ Helena, (who grew up in Bristol, UK) found that she had no interested in school, but filled her life with everything that boosted her connection to and awareness of music - House, Techno, Hardcore, Rock - whatever was on hand she devoured it. Helena took to her first decks in her parent's garage at just 14 years of age.

Convincing her dad to let her go to Ibiza was easier than it would be for most 17 year olds. A 'people person' Helena dove into the travel experience finding herself at the right time in the right place. Getting out on the streets to promote venues and events, constantly dealing with a variety of personalities, has armed her with the skills needed for her career as a DJ. "You travel every weekend by yourself, not knowing anyone except the promoters," says Helena, but like promoting in a foreign country, "there are pros and cons to everything."

As a female DJ there is a "lesser market" vying for your position compared to her male counterparts, but as a women there is less room for mistakes. "You have to be good, because people are waiting for you to fuck up", explains Helena. Then, there is also the sexuality line, "It's a fine line," says Helena "You're expected to be attractive and marketable. But not too sexy. I'm always constantly aware of what I am wearing and whether it's too revealing". As someone who loves fashion and regards it as important, Helena believes it's her music that should stand up and be noticed, instead of the way she looks.

Breaking through for Helena has involved ticking all the boxes, not content with being an "Amazing producer, but shit DJ" (and vice versa) she works long hours to ensure she is ahead of the game. People often don't realise the hours put in by DJs believing they just turn up and play a set and they're done. "Making music for me involves downloading up to 20 hours of music a week", adding to this there is promotional work, outfits, hair and makeup and, of course, all the mixes. Ultimately the biggest drain is the travel and the toll it takes on the body. Her recent trip to Port Headlands, a simple trip up for a gig, took her 14 hours to get home from. After playing at 4am she got back to the airport to board a flight that never happened, but it's all just part of the gig.

With a thirst to experience everything in life from a young age, Helena's first tattoo came about at 14 years of age. Travelling to London by herself she decided her first piece would be a dove. There was no reason, heavily into piercing and looking for adventure, she just thought 'Peace' and picked it off a wall.

Her second piece, she admits, is ready to be lasered. Her tradition 'tramp stamp' also sparked her need to have her following tattoos hold some meaning. Helena's most memorable tattoo is her Latin arm piece. Combining all the things that make up the essence of Helena, from her music through to love, balance and justice, she says that she "often regrets getting it in Latin" due to the amount of people who approach her in loud clubs for an explanation.

In Sydney, Helena is often tattooed by Rhys Gordon. Her diamond with the words 'Never Enough', the hand writing by good friend Ruby Rose, doesn't stand for her need for more material assets, but to keep striving to achieve more in life. "It's about going after it" she says, and as to why it's in Ruby's handwriting, "she simply had the neatest hand writing on the day", but Helena wants to stress it is definitely a diamond, and not a ruby, tattooed on her arm. Then there are the bass and treble clef behind her ear so that she always has her ear close to the music.

Finding success in her career Helena is now an inspiration to young up and coming female DJs, many of whom write to her and ask advice. A positive and strong role model, Helena works as an ambassador for Pioneer Pro DJ. She hopes that her work can influence not only the music industry, but will see more talented young female DJs following their ludicrous passion for music.

 

Scarlett

It takes a whole lot more than strength to try and make a difference to something that affects so many people, and yet is something that is rarely spoken about. When Skarlett Saramore won the MySpace Road Tour in 2008 she decided to take what she gained, including the prize money, and put it towards building a brand. That brand is now making waves and changing people's lives. Less Than Strength (LTS) was set up by Skarlett as a non-profit movement to support people struggling with anxiety and depression.

"I lost my father to it [depression]. He was one of my main reasons for starting Less Than Strength," explains Skarlett. "He left me with that feeling of not being able to do anything. Now it's weird hearing the same stories from all these people. I felt like I should do something about it. Instead of just sitting back".

LTS is taking the message to where it is needed most, with Skarlett's aim being to "help people the way I would have liked to be helped". As a drummer for various bands, including her latest project, Baby Grand, she knows that one of the best ways to reach people is through music. Bands from around the country are playing benefit concerts and spreading the word online to reach out to young people letting them know to have hope. LTS is even getting overseas recognition with Matt Devine of Chicago band Kill Hannah recently blogged about the movement to an audience of 500,000 readers.

Ensuring that she gets everything right from the start Skarlett is involved in every aspect organisation. Currently racking up around 70 hours a week to ensure that everything from the design work to the shows is just perfect (she personally goes to see every band first before signing them on to support the cause), she also hand writes letters to everyone who buys merchandise to support the cause (something over 400 a week).

LTS is an exhausting mission that she's set herself, but she isn't backing down from the challenge. "If it wasn't for LTS I don't know what I would do. It's a massive part of my life, but it's worth it for those tagged pictures with them holding the [hand written] note".

Skarlett's aims aren't small. "My goal is by the end of next year is to have my own phone operating system" She explains. Her reason being that "The amount of times even myself has called Helpline, and places like that, when I've needed to talk the most it just hasn't been what I was looking for or they haven't given me the right information". Aware that people are often "totally out of touch" with what is going on in young people's lives, she's aware that when people are calling they are at their last strength and it takes someone to make that extra step to really make a difference.

Recently Skarlett has set up school visits to talk to groups about her battle with depression and the struggles she faced at school. Telling her own story of struggling to fit in and attending four different high schools (bullied at every school for being herself) is not an easy process. While she admits that she "sucks at speeches" Skarlett knows that if what she went through helps one person then it's made a difference.

Musically, Baby Grand is just starting to make waves. The all-girl band has some amazing musicians with the focus being on talent first. Formed by David Patience, of the Patience Project, they offer a unique pop-rock sound. With vast influences and some big international artists contributing to the first album Baby Grand will be undertake some massive tours when their first single is released in just a few months. Skarlett isn't looking to do anything by halves with her aim for the band to be "Australia's biggest pop band".

Mostly Skarlett's goal right now is getting it right. Overseeing everything that Less Than Strength puts out and ensuring that she rises to the top. She knows things have "gotta change" and she's taking positive steps to see that they do.

Opening up the dialogue about depression is what will make a difference, so we encourage you to visit www.lessthanstrength.com.

 

May

Tattooists are an interesting breed; no two follow the same path into their career. There isn't, or we should say wasn't, a school that you can sign up for and exit with a piece of paper to show your qualifications. Many find themselves stumbling upon the industry after years of creating their own art and others are drawn to what they see as a unique lifestyle.

For May Rushmer, of Freestyle Tattoo in Canberra, falling in love with tattoos remains a bit of a blur. Still to this day she is unsure why she got her first tattoo. However, it was her love of art that took her from thinking she'd become an art teacher to walking into a studio. After dropping out of High School in year 11 she took on a traditional tattooing apprenticeship. May got her foot in the door with bravado and her artistic talent, though she wasn't yet drawing. May looked to the studio that had completed her first tattoos and saw how much fun they were having. "I was pretty lucky," she explains "I first started with piercings, as you don't get paid with an apprenticeship, and six months in I got to do my first tattoo".

May's path through tattooing has been anything but straightforward. While she has barely travelled Australia avoiding conventions and having only worked in her first home in Newcastle, and then her current home Canberra, she has vast experience with the International tattooist scene. Travelling overseas a minimum of two times a year to tattoo, and be tattooed, she has struck up relationships with tattooists like Matt Shamah (who tattooed her back), Adam Barton who she says "If I could be tattooed by one person alone it would be him", and names like Grez, Grim and Norm. "The first trips that I did were to associate myself with these people, build a relationship and keep going back year after year. Then they would remember me and then it would be like 'So, how about me working with you?'"

May has been lucky that her persistence paid off, she says "Most places have been really open, I'll show them some of my stuff online and because they've already got to know me they're like, "Ok, cool", they know how I am and I am not going to be a reckless tattooist that flies through the studio. So they are willing to give me a go".

May knows that being female in this industry has its pluses and minuses. While she admits that she is reasonably confident, which some perceive to be cockiness, the ability to be more open with clients who "are more relaxed with a female tattooist" also allows her to open up dialogue about more diverse topics than "So what you doing on the weekend?" She did, however, find that "sometimes through my travels I will feel intimidated and that I will have something to prove because I am a girl. Not wearing girlie things or not acting too girlie was something that I worried about in the beginning".

Now she works with all men and she's the one calling the shots, but she says a certain prejudice can sneak into some people's views, even buying a magazine can provoke strange responses. "I was buying a copy of Grazia at the airport and the girl at the counter said 'That's funny it's so contradicting, 'cos you're all rough and tattooed, but you're reading a fashion magazine'." She says that the perception is that "They expect me to swear and be rough around the edges," but they quickly realise "I am not a hooligan or an alcoholic or abuse drugs or a partier."

When it comes down to it, where she is and what she has achieved is a result of May's own drive. It's her passion and determination to better herself and make a name for herself that has seen her skills blossom. "I really don't have anyone to thank, but myself, for being where I am", she says, but admits that while she has been blessed to meet and learn from some amazing talent it comes down to the fact that "If I don't feel fulfilled, then I am the only one that can make that change".

 

 

Issue 7 - Sabina Kelley - On the road

On a rare occasion that she is at home in Las Vegas, the world's favourite globetrotting pinup model chats about her personal life and love for Australia.

 

Sabina Kelley is kind of like Superman. Though, Superman is a man and Kelley is clearly a woman. However, she's not just any woman. Kelley is an internationally renowned pin-up model and burlesque dancer, but you probably already knew that. Perhaps we should call her Superwoman?

When we started communicating with each other in regards our interview, Sabina was prudently polite in ensuring me of when she would be getting back to me next and where she would be meanwhile. As alluded to on her personal Twitter page, Kelley recently spent a few days in California devoting her time to "important meetings." Our formal exchange of information took place shortly after the tireless live-wire returned home. Just days before embarking on her short business related venture, also verbalised via a tweet [if you don't know what a 'tweet' is by now, you need to get with the times] - Kelley asked "Can life be any crazier right now?" This was probably a rhetorical question and I'm sure that only Sabina herself would have been able to provide an answer. But, Kelley sure knows how to remain level-headed, because I didn't at one point while chatting with her feel that she was overwhelmed with her workload.

Perhaps the stunning photographs accompanying this article grabbed your attention instantly and you exclaimed out aloud "I met her at the Sydney Tattoo Expo!" while at the same time being told by your local newsagent to be quiet and buy the magazine or stop creasing the pages. Well, if so - just calm down - you probably weren't the first Australian to come in to contact with Kelley. The striking blonde maiden of ink's recent stint in Oz saw her acquire her third Australian passport stamp, whilst venturing Down Under to act as the face of the Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo. "I love Australia and it is by far one of my favourite places in the world to go to. Every time I go there I come home missing it more," reminisces Kelley.

Kelley's rendezvous with Sydney this year was undoubtedly more than a mere business trip. Apart from being one of the special guests at the Tattoo Expo, Kelley also occupied her time with a number of other happenings and caught up with friends she has made on her previous visits. "I love my friends there, the amazing photographers and magazines I have worked with, Chicos candy, Pie Face, Porteno restaurant, shopping at Wheels and Dollbaby and Alannah Hill, my favourite whiskey bar Shady Pines and the zoo," details Kelley, as if this list is only half complete.

Anyone who has ever flown in or out of Australia would be well aware that attempting to take souvenirs through Customs can be quite a drag. Well, luckily those killjoys at the airport haven't figured out how to impede people from taking their memories home with them yet, as Sabina collected a few rather unforgettable ones on her recent journey. "I tattooed for the first time and I draw like a two-year-old. I tattooed a stick figure with big boobs on two people," recalls Kelley, somewhat jovially. Without question, a little less enlivening was the following experience. "I also had a girl come up to me there with an entire sleeve that was an exact sleeve of my tattoos, which even included my kid's names. It was really creepy."

Whoa, just hold on a minute there Sabina! Creepy encounters aside - you have children? This truth alone is what makes Kelley a - as hinted earlier - superwoman. While sustaining her jetsetter-type career, the extraordinary individual that she is enthusiastically and lovingly ensures her children are being well cared for. Sure, billions of people around the world have children and still hold down a career. I'm sure many of their tales of juggling work and families are very impressive too. But let's face it, this article's not being written for National Geographic about inspirational parents of Northern Africa. This spread is about what makes Sabina Kelley so marvellous!

In all seriousness, Kelley plays Mum [or Mom, perhaps] to three young-ones under the age of ten. She has two daughters; nine-year-old Savannah and Grace Lynn, who is just two years old. And she has one son; seven-year-old Kaiden. Evidently, upholding a chaotic career while at the same time making sure her children are being adequately looked after whilst she is travelling, is a feat which Kelley claims is one of her "biggest challenges" in life.

One may be of the assumption that whilst Kelley is attending to work related responsibilities on the other side of the globe, her stay-at-home husband is surely minding the children at their home in Las Vegas. Well - not exactly.

Kelley's husband Kent is continually flat out himself, propelling his own career, working as a tattooist at his Vegas-based shop, Stay True Tattoo. Kelley discloses Kent's personal feelings towards her tumultuous livelihood. "He doesn't like it at all. He understands that it is my job, but I get a lot of crap from him about it." Fortunately, the pleasant and appealing go-getter admits that Kent's mother is "amazing" in helping out with the kids.

The fatiguing schedule ratified by the yummy-mummy usually sees her away from home for one to two weeks each month. Though, as explained by Kelley, her lifestyle is "really crazy" and at times she is away for a lot longer. What impact does this have on her children? "Grace Lynn does not understand why I leave, because she is still really young. The other two totally understand and know what I do, so it usually is not a big deal when I am gone," attests Kelley. She then adds "as long as I bring them back presents from whatever country I have been in," in a playful manner.

Contrasting with the simplistic viewpoint which she believes her children take in relation to her worldly endeavours, Kelley admits "I do really miss my family when I travel." Conveniently, with the position maintained by the glamour girl she is usually able to take someone with her on her trips, which in Kelley's own words "makes it easier." Further exposing her ambitious ways, she informs "I am booked up so much when I am travelling that I don't really have any down time to think about being lonely."

Focusing more on the positives of being so fortunate as to watch her young children grow and learn about the world they live in, Kelley shares some comical anecdotes from when Kaiden and Savannah have in fact accompanied her for a few business related expeditions. During her first time shooting with internationally renowned celebrity photographer David LaChapelle, who Kelley now claims is one of her "favourite photographers in the world", an amusing exchange took place. Whilst already enjoying a "huge fancy lunch, David came up to my kids and asked them if they needed any other food. Kaiden asked him for cheesecake. I was so embarrassed because you don't go asking David for anything," recalls Kelley light-heartedly. She says that "David was so nice he sent out his assistant to get Kaiden three different kinds of cheesecake!"

The globetrotter informs that her children were recently reunited with LaChappelle again for a week-long shoot in Maui. Obviously at their young ages, comprehending that this type of undertaking is definitely not what every other child their age is doing is slightly challenging to accept. Kelley explains that her kids didn't understand that the purpose of their exotic escape was primarily to facilitate the photo shoot and "now they think that I can just afford to take them to Maui whenever they want!"

If you are a passionate and loyal supporter of all aspects of her life, then you will no doubt be up to speed with precisely what it is that Kelley does. Perhaps your knowledge has been amassed thanks in part to her website - www.sabinakelley.com - and yes, she asked me to drop the address somewhere within this article. But, if you initially thought "Oh yeah, Sabina Kelley's that hot blonde chick with cool tattoos," when first stumbling upon this text, it's time to become educated on the intricacies that have harmonised to shape Kelley's career. "I have been dancing all of my life and once out of high school was a showgirl in Jubilee at Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas," begins the tantalising temptress. "After that, I started getting tattooed and began doing pin-up photo shoots. I did really well with being a model and just doing it as a hobby turned into my full time job," affirms Kelley.

After taking a break from dancing for a period of time, once her modelling career truly began to flourish, Kelley became involved in burlesque dancing. The dexterous mother claims this pursuit allows her to be "heavily tattooed and still dance." Exhibiting her pleasant and complacent temperament towards her current whereabouts, Kelley concedes "I have worked really hard and am lucky that I get to do what I love and get paid for it."

As straightforward as the advancement through her chosen industries may seem, Kelley has of course endured a number of testing circumstances along her journey. "Always breaking new boundaries and doing jobs that heavily tattooed girls can not normally do," has been an aspect of pursuing this pathway that she believes has proven particularly perplexing. Certainly unexpected given her accountability and adoration towards raising her own children, Kelley's parents haven't exactly bolstered a similar blessing to her. Kelley confides "dealing with my parents who are not very supportive with the decisions I have made in my life," has been a formidable force with which she has had to contend throughout her life. Quite possibly, the impaired relationship Kelley has with her own parents may affirm why she rather humbly desires more than anything for herself and her children to be "happy and healthy."

The commanding aura she sanctions every time she exhibits herself publicly - whether it be behind the lens, onstage or in any other setting this versatile vixen may end up in - has seen Kelley's resume stretched and expanded in numerous directions. Assured and undaunted when dramatising within various environments, Kelley has donated first-class snapshots of herself to the photographic categories of fashion, fine art, glamour, lifestyle, lingerie, tasteful fetish, swimsuit and of course pinup photography. When discussing what she believes her greatest achievements in life are so far, she mentions "being the number one pin-up model in the world right now," is one of her "biggest accomplishments." Also acknowledged by Kelley is the fact that she has been fortunate enough to shoot with iconic American pin-up model and photographer Bunny Yeager.

With no intention of becoming stagnant in her quest for world domination [Note: I just decided Sabina was on this quest - not her] the foreseeable future for Kelley looks to become progressively more turbulent than the already hectic present-day. While conversing about what is likely to be occurring in the coming weeks, months and years, she appears as infected with inspiration as displayed previously. Firstly, Kelley reveals that she is currently working on creating her "own television show." She then begins to vent about some of the ambitious desires she has set for herself. Somewhat unsurprisingly Kelley hopes to do photo shoots with two esteemed fashion photographers; Ellen Von Unwerth from Germany and American Steven Meisel.

Elaborating further on her future plans and disclosing some particularly unexpected aspirations, the ink-embellished woman of action now forces me to almost uncontrollably exclaim "Really?" Kelley hopes to begin modelling for high-end couture clothing companies. Complementing this confession of her goal to progress further in the fashion industry, she also wishes to "walk the runway for Paris fashion week." Now, the next statements are the parts which truly made me say "Really?" - maybe you will too. Rattling off two final ambitions which are probably quite likely to materialise, given her achievements to date, Kelley says she desires to: "do an Eminem music video" and "be in a Quentin Tarantino movie."

The 30-something-year-old, throughout our interview consistently reiterates that her children's happiness is the most important thing in her life. As mentioned previously, Kelley's merciless and ever-changing schedule typically lands her out of the state or country almost more often than not. On the rare occasions she is not travelling for work, Kelley most enjoys spending her time by participating in activities with her children. "I like to take them bowling, to the park and to the movies," she informs.

Aside from the probable impulsive nature of the pastimes listed above, Kelley discusses a few more ways in which she enjoys spending time with her children. "Grace Lynn and I do Mommy and Me Dance Class, Savannah does dance classes and Kaiden does BMX," she says.

Learning that Kelley's daughters are quite possibly following in their mother's footsteps in regards to starting dancing at a young age, is not at all unforeseen. Sabina herself has been dancing since she was two years old, so involving her daughters in one of the vocations that she has wholeheartedly immersed herself in throughout her life seems logical. The question wasn't exactly put to Kelley as to why Kaiden isn't dancing too, but one can surely understand why a seven-year-old boy may have shown little interest in pursuing the same passageway as the females in his family. Nevertheless, that's not to say that Kaiden doesn't share any of the interests that his mother holds close to her heart.

As announced by Sabina just hours after returning from her already alluded to weekend trip to California and previously penned in the commencing paragraphs of this piece of writing: "I love Australia." Through the interactions that manifested between Kelley and myself during the time we had been coordinating our interview for this article, I had already established that she was a very genuine person. In Australian slang terms, she is what we would call: "fair dinkum." Perhaps in New Zealand - and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - Kelley's straightforwardness might be labelled: "choice bro." So - now that it's been determined that Kelley truly does have adoration for the Land of Oz and she didn't just say she did to enhance the interview or something; it would only make sense that her family would be aware of this. Am I correct in assuming so?

"My son Kaiden has heard me say how much I love working in Australia," begins Kelley, which confirms that at least one member of her family is aware of her infatuation with the Land Down Under. Though, what innocent young Kaiden said next is what really astounded her. "He came up to me one night and told me he was going to burn our house down so we could move to Australia," concludes Sabina, chuckling, while stating that he has not yet even been to Oz himself.

So, keep your eyes peeled readers. If Kaiden has anything to do with things, one Australian household may soon have a towering and tattooed blonde bombshell and her family moving in next door. Luckily, she's a fair dinkum superwoman.

 

 

Issue 6 - The Business of Tattooing

Their styles may vary, but these tattooists have one thing in common: They love the industry that they're a part of and are doing everything they can to thrive in it!

 

SAM RULZ

At Rites of a Passage a friend turned to me and said, "Now she's a stereotypical female tattooist!" he wasn't talking about Sam Rulz.

Either spotted with her head down (making beautiful art) or laughing, things weren't always that way with Sam, "I used to have a very FTW (fuck the world) attitude, really negative, I thought it was badass but it just brought more negativity, I'd get depressed and angry. These days I'm all about the PMA (positive mental attitude); I couldn't be more stoked on life. I make goals, and I work hard, and awesome things happen. Being positive attracts other positive people and we all help each other to just be stoked on what we've got. I think my work is good because I work hard at it and I'm enthusiastic, I'm also lucky enough to have such awesome customers to work with, it's a team effort all the way".

While Sam says the opportunity to become a tattoo artist "Feel in my lap", it was her hard work and devotion to studying painting in her hometown of Hamilton, New Zealand that got her noticed by her classmate who was looking for an apprentice, "I feel like my whole life has been leading up to this point, all the webs of my interests meet at what tattooing is to me. That sounds lame, but it's true. I have been faced with the prospect of not tattooing and it's frightening, I would be very, very depressed, I'm not sure I have any other life skills. I love tattooing, the good and the bad that goes with it."

When talking to other artists about Sam, the question that popped up (a couple of times) was the big one, Will you marry me?, so in true Inked style, we proposed! Laughing, her reply says a lot about the type of person she is, fun, vivacious and quick witted, "Hmmm...Yes. This is going to be great, you gonna change your last name to Rulz? I want to name our first child Boss King Pharaoh"

I haven't had the balls to point out two wombs means no kids!

In an industry dominated by males, strength is all-important; surprisingly the opposition to Sam making her way through has come from other female artists. " It really sucks because these were artists who I looked up to a whole lot and admired, only to hear word of them talking smack" she explains, "It used to bother me a lot, but now I just try to keep positive and keep my head down and work hard. Aside from that I'm not sure it's ever been an issue".

Now on the road as a travelling artist, she owes a lot to Green Lotus in Brunswick, Melbourne. "That shop is like a home to me, I've slept there, cried there, had sex there. I love that place, my heart's there. I decided to split because I love to travel, learn things, meet people, go experience the things I've read about and seen on TV. I figure now is the time to do it, now is the time to do everything. [Laughs] At Green Lotus I think I got spoilt, I don't ever want to work in a studio where the artists are disrespected or not trusted".

Travelling isn't the only thing pushing Sam to grow as an artist, "I think if you look at my work from the last year, it has improved and developed a lot. I attribute this to the massive amount of painting and reading I did last year. Having reference books is great too, but actually taking the time to read the text between the pictures is what gives a far greater understanding of the subject. I make trips to the zoo and museum to draw, the tattoos my friends do also inspires me a lot, like Destroy Troy who really experiment and push their tattooing".

So how important is tattooing to Sam, "When I first started out it was very daunting to see how far I had to go, sometimes it was overwhelming to look at tattooers Like Dean Sacred, sometimes it made me want to quit, but I'm not sure I ever will, I think it'll have to quit me."

 

JUSTIN ACCA

Finding a great artist is always exciting; someone's style that has you fascinated and allows you to pour through picture after picture with abandonment, becoming sucked into the power of their work THAT is what makes this industry something you become addicted to. Finding out the artist is fascinating and a great guy - Priceless!

Taken under the wing of someone who taught him "What not to do", Justin's unconventional start was less apprentice and more a self taught experiment being "left to roam". He soon learnt that what worked for him was throwing himself into his work, Justin explains "You have to have an ability to decipher and pick apart techniques of how tattoos are done, a mechanical mind more to the point. Constant self-drive is really needed, being your own pusher".

What differentiates the great tattoo artists from the average is developing their own style, moving beyond flash in important, but being distinctive is what artists get known for. In Justin's case, flash had a lot to do with his style, "I majored in cherry creek tattoo flash. [Laughs] My old boss had just about every collection known to man. I had come full circle from being a trained, practicing artist to dropping all creative ability so I could punch out badly drawn tattoo flash created by everybody else in the late 90's. That made me want to better the flash with my own designs, so I ditched the flash and went back to drawing again. To express in my own vision I guess, and to once again use the art training I had learned. After you execute some great tattoos and keep a consistent thing going, you begin to showcase your own drawing style through an ever-growing client demand".

Like many tattoo artists, it's not just skin these days. Now acknowledged by the wider industry, exposure means that "Its almost like having creditability being able to produce art as a tattooist. People who don't quite understand tattooing can maybe become aware that there is skill needed to produce tattoos/ artworks, and that many of us tattooists have that."

Justin says that his "Boredom of the flesh" pushed him to return to other mediums after "so many years on the same medium". With his work on skate and surfboards, Justin clarifies on what came first, "I've painted and drawn long before tattooing eventuated in my life. I used to paint decks way back before most had heard of it. Board painting for me started in the late 80's and 90's when guys used to come around from all over to skate the huge mini ramp, which my mates and me built in my backyard. We used to scrape actual pro decks back and I'd go nuts painting them. Its funny, back when skating boomed in the late 80's I knew of Art Godoy and I think his brother Steve Godoy, (two pro skaters then), who where tattooing back then. I thought that was Gnarly! Never thought I'd be tattooing all these years later".

So how do you get this introvert out of his shell, "I express my better side through art. I'm in my happy place when creating. [Laughs] I've been acutely aware that I'm introverted and rather imaginative/ creative. It started a long way back. I know what connects me to the world I guess. If I think back, even as a kid in school, I captured the humour of teachers as they looked closer at my schoolbooks to see funny drawings of them. I figured out how to get the good side out of people whether it be surprise, amazement, or laughter through art. A tool to connect."

 

CLAIRE REID

The tattoo world is filled with inspiring people, but none more so than Claire Reid. Not only is her work mesmerising, but she was also the tattooing name behind the inaugural Rites of Passage festival in January. A massive workload for anyone to take on, especially when you already have job.

A world traveler, born in the UK she started her first apprenticeship lasting six weeks in Peterborough UK, she then made the unorthodox more into full time work in a street shop, before taking on a second apprenticeship with Paolo Acuna at Divinity Tattoo in Phoenix Arizona.

So, why a tattoo convention? "The idea to create the rites of passage festival was born from an inner desire to connect people with the deeper meanings behind getting tattooed. The art of tattooing is that multidimensional and complex that even we who practice the art forget about its intricacies. I feel that it is important to remember the ancient meaning behind getting a tattoo was all about going through a rite of passage". Claire believes that, "In modern times we seem to have lost touch with our indigenous roots, living in cities and other man made societies is widening the gap between nature and us. At a time when the earth is so out of balance I feel personally a responsibility to look at my daily life and contemplate how I can live in a simpler more harmonic way that also reflects how those would have lived in a time when ceremonies such as tattoos were a central event marking distinct growth in ones personal life".

It's rare for a tattooist to take on such a large path, but Claire's love of her art and bond with her clients lead her to realise that her customers were all going through a rite of passage with their tattoos in a "conscious and subconscious way they all have a story and path that has brought them to the decision", she also points out that the "increasing volume of people getting tattooed since the rise of tattoo TV in 2006 has both legitimised the once shunned practice and instead awakened the yearn for the tribal in so many people, is this upsurge of ink an unconscious reconnection with what we once had and sociologically what we need? And is it still important for young people to go through rites of passage so that they know their place and feel a stronger connection with their purpose and position in life?"

Rites of Passage was more than just a great convention with a collection of elite tattoo artists, 100% of the profits from all of the shows will be donated to Australian old growth forests, it had a strong aboriginal emphasis to pay respect to the indigenous people and their land. It also started up an eco friendly tattoo supply so that tattoo artists can operate in a harmonic way using all bio-degradable disposable equipment, and they we are also connection with many different organisations and foundations who help support other people.

Having loved art from an early age, Claire did a sociology degree and opened an art gallery before finding her home in tattooing. Starting in 2005, Claire says she has " been obsesses ever since. I love this lifestyle and all that goes with it. Its pretty full on and most people outside of the industry don't realise the hours involved when preparations pre and post tattoo are involved. I travel constantly to studios all over the world to learn different techniques with different tattoo artists and am so grateful to those I have worked with for passing on so much knowledge". Influenced by Renaissance and Post Impressionist styles in her painting, Claire would like to keep pursuing this angle in combining painting style and technique with tattooing. Of her work Claire says, "Light, light source and shadow are a huge influence on my work at the moment, I feel like there's a whole new area opening up there and I need to learn a lot more about how to interpret the light source captured in paintings into tattooing, I want my tattoos to glow with light".

MICK SQUIRES

Squires! How to start this one? Mick is the first person I travelled to another state to get tattooed by. I respect his work so much that I let him torture me (no tears, I promise) for hours to produce my truly amazing skull piece. I'm a fan. Not just of his tattooing ability and his painting, but of the man himself.

I'm not the only one that respects Mick Squires, good luck finding anyone who has a bad word to say about him, in fact another talented tattooist on hearing of a 12 hour marathon tattoo at Rites of Passage said, "with artists like Mick coming through I might as well give up!"

All this for a guy that says, "It is very overwhelming considering I had no bookings for the Sydney Tattoo Convention two years back and now on a current count back by the subject titles in my inbox I have 26 emails asking for a spot. Also tattooing your peers is pretty awesome; you must be doing something half ok if others in the industry want tattoos from you. But at the end of the day I don't really care as long as I'm making cool tattoos and getting to travel I'm pretty stoked!"

And travel he does, but it's not always a smooth ride, "I have a love hate relationship with it though (Conventions). Sometime I just want to be back in Melbourne and others I'm loving every minute of it. At the end of the day, I've seen the world with a tattoo machine in my hand, its pretty awesome! I love everything about tattooing at conventions, the people I get to meet, catching up with your mates who live in the US, UK or just some random small county on the other side of the globe, its just a big social network its pretty amazing. And lastly, the coolest tattoo jobs I get to do are always done at conventions, for some reason I always get the best clients to tattoo at conventions". When questioned on his ability to avoid hangover, Mick laughs, "I'm am so not too young for Hangovers. I get delayed hangovers, they come at around 3pm the day after and they hurt." But we all know that's a sure sign of a great convention!

After spending what seems like every month of last year in a different country, will Mick ever give it up? "I'm sure it will slow down; I've decided to change it up this year with more trips but shorter, so pretty much a week or two at a time. None of this "gone for two to three months" at a time business like last year. Travel is pretty important for development, I bumped into Trevor McStay unexpectedly at LA airport last year in June. Trevor is one of the older generation of Australian artists who just continually killing it and changing. He's one to tell you it's pretty important to do."

While I am not meant to mention that Mick used to be an IT nerd before joining the tattoo world, what will surprise most is that he's never been to art school instead he has "read a few books" and "listened to my mentors". When back home in Melbourne Mick has the guidance and support of the Korpus team (Brunswick), one of the strongest studios in the country. On mentioning the plus of having mentors like Steve Cross and Brian Graydon to work alongside, Mick says, "Yeah totally, Steve and Brian are pretty cool cats. I'm sure everyone who has had dealings with these two mad bastards will agree [Laughs]. Both are pretty focused guys, Steve and I usually chew the fat on art related shit and who's doing what and Brian and I chat about tattoo machines, needle grouping, pigments and general tattoo chat. All of us guys and Korpus, Jaclyn, Teniele and Ozzie get along pretty well and end up at the cafe across from work on a regular occasion having a couple drinks and just talking tattoos".

Keeping his head straight has been easy so far for Mick, and girlfriend Kat is there to keep him in line just in case, but when you have customers saying, "Do what you want, you have my arm" well for Mick it "doesn't get any better", but give him "high contrast horror stuff and I do like illustrated tattoos. Either of those styles I'm so down for!"

 

Issue 5 - Model Family

No industry is more image-focused than the fashion industry, and the clean-skinned image of yesteryear is starting to shift. Sure, your mum still might not like tattoos, but catwalks, fashion shoots and designers sure do. The media likes to report scandalous stories, I get quoted talking about them, and Chanel even makes fakes of them. Tattoos are in fashion.

Always changing, slightly elusive and extremely seductive, fashion - whether we avoid it or embrace it - is always present. While makeup has been developed to hide tattoos where necessary, more and more campaigns are using tattooed men and women, and doing so proudly.

 

A model life… Tiah

While she certainly didn't lose out in the genetic lottery, Tiah Eckhardt - the tall, statuesque face of Wheels & Dollbaby - proves beauty need not only be skin deep. She carries a smile as she and her husband, Patrick Delaney, watch their one-year-old daughter playing at a shoot. Born in Perth, Tiah's face and body have been the focus of numerous photographic campaigns, but often concealed are her tattoos: the cherries behind her ear, the pinup girl on her leg, and the delicately painted nickname on her wrist which translates to 'non-conventional beauty'.

Inked: Is there a part of you that is still that 14-year-old girl that started modelling in Perth?

Tiah: No, I don't think so. I mean, my personal life, my family, where I'm from, that will never change. But I think I'm an entirely different person to the one I would be if I hadn't modelled. Sometimes I think maybe I'd be saner and more secure, but I can't help but be grateful for everything my career has given me. On top of travelling and earning a living, I think I'm a much stronger person because of it. I have thicker skin, and I can put things to do with self-image - something I think all women deal with - into greater perspective.

Tell us about your first tattoo - what was it and where did you get it done? The first tattoo I had done was the 'Belle-Laide' on my wrist. Someone used it to describe me and I identified, so it kind of stuck in my head and eventually I decided to get it tattooed. That and the pinup girl on my ankle were done at Tatudharma in Chippendale.

I read that when you and Patrick first met at a shoot, you didn't get along. Is that true? It's not that we didn't get along, it's that we didn't even speak! I had a boyfriend at the time and just didn't even look at other guys, especially male models. I never normally get put with a guy on shoots so I was kind of uncomfortable. And Patrick had been chatting about metal bands to my boyfriend who had brought me McDonalds and hung around for a while. I don't think either of us were comfortable being forced to act all sexy together. Anyway, two years later when I was living in New York he came up to me in a bar, spent half an hour trying to convince me we'd actually met before, and then I remembered and it turned out we had heaps of mutual acquaintances and even lived on the same street, two blocks apart. We pretty much moved in together straight away after that.

Are the two of you competitive? No, not competitive. But we're definitely both very argumentative, stubborn and hate being wrong. So I guess we compete to win debates a lot!

Do you egg each other on to get new tattoos or does it just happen organically? No, we just let each other do what the other wants in that regard. But I especially supported him when he tattooed our daughter's name on his own arm.

Do you have to worry more about placement of your tattoos due to modelling? I've always thought the sexiest tattoos on girls were on limbs or kind of sensual places, so that's why I have mine where I do. Granted, they are in places that are pretty easy to hide, but that didn't affect my decisions.

Have you ever found yourself saying no to what a photographer asks you to do on a shoot? Never on any professional shoot. In castings or some publicity shots I have, if I think they've been inappropriate or not conducive to the professional reputation I'd like to have. But I think that any photographer that's not a moron usually realises within five minutes I'm not the kind of girl that'll be pushed around. It's worked for and against me… but mostly for. At least at the end of the day I've got my self-respect, something a lot of girls who go into this industry don't manage to come out with intact.

Now that you're a mum has much changed for you? Oh, so much. Everything! Day-to-day life, the way I see the world, the way I see other people, my priorities, and the perspective I have on life in general. So little really matters in the world compared to your child and you understand that nearly everyone who has their own feels the same way. The second she was born, so much clicked.

You're studying acting. Was this a natural progression for you? What drew you to it? I started dance when I was three and theatre when I was four and I graduated from a performing arts high school in WA, so it's always something I've done. I've always thought of modelling as sort of a well-paid laymen's bastard of dance and acting. I kept going to auditions for TV commercials and getting the job, so I figured I should brush up and started studying at NIDA part-time.

When not in front of the camera, what is life like? Probably most people's idea of boring. I don't go out - we kind of just hang out at home, do things like go to the park or to the beach. It's nice. Our schedules, though at times busy, are also flexible and we get to spend a lot of time together as a family.

 

Who are you tattoo artists, and are there plans for more work? Josh Roelink (Tatudharma) is amazing - he's my favourite. But I don't have any plans for anything new at the moment. I want them all to be good, so I normally stew over them for a long time before getting them.

 

What about the following…

Love… Is everything. My family, my friends, my husband, my daughter - it rules every decision I make.

Nudity… Is awesome in the right context.

Fashion… Is like fire: a great servant and a terrible master. Make it work for you and it can be great, let it rule you and it will destroy you.

Art… Is Patrick's forté, not mine. I'm clueless and tend not to care

Travel… Is so much fun but after a while can be exhausting.

 

The leading man... Patrick

When it came down to it, Patrick chose tattoos over modelling - but with tattoos increasing in popularity since around the time that decision was made, it sure as hell hasn't stopped him from getting work. Having modelled for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Terry Richardson, Mark Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana, the husband to Tiah and father to Finley has left New York behind in order to make a home for his family in Sydney. Decorated with ink from a dream list of tattooists, Patrick is ready to gain some new art. Artists, line up!

Inked: What started you down the path of getting tattooed? Was there someone you knew, or was it something to do with the look that captured your attention?

Patrick: My older sister's boyfriend was covered in tattoos, and I always envied the fact he was collecting artwork that he would have for the rest of his life. No one could take it away from him.

What was your first piece and how did it come about? My first piece was the geisha on my arm. It's a Sailor Jerry tattoo, but the Japanese geisha is wearing a Chinese dress. I love the American World War II ignorance of the piece. My mum got it for me for Christmas when I was 18.

Is there a theme through your tattoos? The only theme would be that there is no theme.

Was there a moment when you thought that you would have to choose between tattoos and your career? I did. I quit modelling and started working in the art world instead and got as many tattoos as I wanted. So yeah, I chose tattoos.

Who have you collected body art from and who was the most inspirational tattoo artist so far? I have been tattooed by some of the greatest, but that's all I'll say. No need to name drop. But if I had to plug a contemporary artist that has done work on me, I would say Charlie Foos, from Read Street Tattoo Parlour. If you find yourself in Baltimore wanting a new tattoo, I highly recommend him.

Nowadays, even Chanel has temporary tattoos as part of its range. When did you start to see a change towards the attitude of tattoos in modelling? I would say about three years ago. I went into this industry as a 22-year-old with tattoos and got noticed by Hedi Slimane, when he was the head of Dior. He's really the one who made it cool and acceptable in fashion. Then it kind of filtered down, and by 2007, Tiah and I were in London and there were all these 18-year-old kids willing to go get sleeves so they could book a Levi's campaign or something and be considered 'edgy'.

Are the two of you competitive? No, not at all. But stubborn as all hell.

When not in front of the camera what is life like? And how has Sydney changed this? If I'm not modelling, I'm looking after my daughter while Tiah is, or I'm designing new pieces of furniture. Leaving the hustle and bustle of New York and landing on this large island where things seem to move at half-speed has been a big shock. But it's definitely made a healthy impact on my life.

Any plans for tattoos in Sydney? Yes. Anyone reading this that owns a tattoo parlour and wants to tattoo me for free, please do! Email me at thewinosaga@hotmail.com ! Haha. But no, really.

What about the following…

Love? Need it.

Nudity? Love it.

Fashion? Whatever.

Art? Live it.

Travel? Miss it.

 

 

Issue 4 - Tal Cooperman

The Dot Connector

 

The Glue, The Dot Connector, T - I've got a bunch of names for Tal Cooperman, but after going through the last couple of months with him I have one name that sums it all up: brother. Without Tal, this story would not have been possible. I was merely his sidekick in this journey. Yes, everyone in this story is a part of the Family, but I wouldn't have met any of them if it weren't for Tal and half of them would never have met one another. He connects all of us. That's what he's all about - bringing it all together. When the mere thought of this story popped into one of my brain cells, I called Tal. The guy does a million things a day, but he didn't even hesitate. "Yup, lets do it," came out his mouth before I could even explain the whole idea. It's like the dude just knew.

I guess I have to start the story from the beginning. I have known Tal Cooperman for 20 years of my life. I was in first grade and he was friends with my older brother in fourth grade. We grew up together. He has known me from when I was the long-haired, smelly, fat kid peeing my pants. I did my thing, he did his, but every time we met up it was a brotherly relationship.

Over the years we just saw each other start doing well. We have seen each other grow up and grind. Till this day, I am amazed at the hustle of T, and that motivates the hell out of me every single day. When I was about to leave for Australia for the first time, he was the one who said I was going to kill it. "Let me know what I can do to help you out in any way," he said. One thing about T - he will die for every single one of his friends. He is the most loyal man living on this planet. He has made a life out of being there for his friends. It's crazy. He has literally come from nothing and will not stop till he and everyone he knows reaches the top. Everyone who has Tal in their lives knows how lucky they are.

Over the last two months, I have lived virtually 24 hours a day with the guy. Our vision to capture our Family and their talents, personality and loves has been an incredible journey. However, I had a hidden agenda that I don't think Tal has even realised yet - to capture and tell his story. Tal is the heart of the LA story. While we have been busy day and night bringing this journey to you, each second I have been learning more and more about my brother. I thought I knew Tal pretty well before, but was blown away to find out how much there was to this guy. I learned how much this man's blood boils. The stresses that come over him are all the result of his hunger for greatness. Tal wants to leave this planet with a legacy. He will not rest till this mission is met. Tal sleeps about two hours a day - if he's lucky. It's ridiculous.

I don't think Tal knows this, but I admire the shit out of him, and over the last two months my drive has multiplied tenfold simply by being around him. If you were to spend a week with him, you would know exactly what I was talking about. While spending all day working at Agenda, then all night at Drai's, he still manages to raise two younger brothers and take care of his beautiful mother. That's something the tabloids don't say about him. I remember there were days that this dude couldn't even walk, but when I asked, "Hey, can we chill today?" He would simply reply, "I'm good." I knew he wasn't, but I just kept going with him. I was exhausted every day of this trip, but I made it a necessity to live exactly as he did.

Tal put everything he had into this story because he could finally have a voice. He could finally show you guys what he has been doing 24 hours a day for the last 28 years of his life. The fear that haunts him daily of failure weighed on my shoulders like a tonne of bricks - it was infectious. I get what he's going through, and I can safely say that his fear is unjust. He is successful in so many ways - as a brother, a son, a best friend, a businessman, a clothing owner and photographer.

Tal has touched every single person in this story's life in a positive way. So after living as Tal Cooperman's shadow over the last two months, I can safely say my life has been changed dramatically. I now have a sense of drive and hunger for life that I never before possessed. I truly now know the meaning of the 'live every second as if it was your last' mentality.

The mohawked, fully-tattooed, 28-year-old LA native is the subject of hundreds of opinions. Some are good, some are bad, but most of them are untrue. Tal doesn't care. He lets the people talk. He knows his path in life. Here it is, the last stop of the journey. An interview with a brother...

 

DIDIER:  Where were you born?

TAL: I was born in Israel and moved to America when I was five years old.

Tell me about your family...I have two younger brothers, I have a mom and dad. My mom is a teacher, my dad does a whole lot of things and construction. One brother is in a band called 'It Boys'. The youngest brother is still in high school.

When you were younger, you were always in with the companies, promoting. In tenth grade, I started working for this company that should remain nameless. I slaved for them and never got paid. I just hung out, got free clothes, went to festivals, raves, everything. That's kind of how I started out.  I then moved to San Diego and started working for this company called Tribal. The owner, Bobby, really believed in me.

Tell me about DCMA and tell me how you met the Maddens. I met the Maddens through Billy Martin, again from Good Charlotte.  Billy is one of my dearest friends in the whole world, one of the most talented artists, guitar players, and human beings on this planet.  When they were recording The Chronicles, I went to the studio. I met them and it was like a quick introduction and that was it. I ran into Joel at a night club and he was like, "yo man, I really want to talk to you. I know you know what you're doing with clothing, I have this idea. I'm starting this brand with my brothers.  We're starting a brand called DCMA which is DC made, made in DC". I'll never forget that day because it was probably the coolest day of life.

What about DCMAcollective.com? The pictures and videos is it a passion? Yeah. I know nothing about photography.  Nothing. Even Bobby of the Hundreds, like his photos are amazing.  He's one of my favourite photographers in the world, but I know nothing about it.  I know that I love taking photos and catching the day-to-day life of anybody's life, whether it's hanging out with the Linkin Park guys or hanging out with graffiti people or hanging out with strippers. Like I just love taking photos.  I love making little videos called DCMA TV because all my friends know I'm not using them for anything. I put in my work. If all my friends knew my real life story, they would probably try to help me ten-folds.  I don't fucking make money off my friends. I'm always there to be the dude that's trying to make everyone happy and help everyone out.  I still love making videos.  I just don't have that much time. If there were 30 hours in the day, I'd be stoked, but there is isn't.  So I think that's why I don't sleep, so.

About your tattoos. I started getting tattooed when I was 17 or 18 years old. I went and met this dude, his name was Dan. He was horrible, but I'm glad I met him because I met other people because of him. Nick Vargas did my first sleeve, who I wish I could get tattooed by today because he's way better, but if I knew I was going to be friends with the dudes I'm friends with, I would never even have started to get my sleeve till two years ago. Now I'm completely covered and all my good shit you can't really see because I'm wearing a t-shirt.

What's your most meaningful tattoo? I would have said it was my wife on my stomach, but now I would say Jimmy. It's so crazy. I only knew Jimmy for a couple of years, but the the dude would come out to LA into my home and just sleep there for two days and we would just get smashed. So when Jimmy died the first thing I did when I was able to leave my house, I went and got a portrait of him, and Franco fucking smashed it.

If someone comes up to on the street, you meet somewhat, what do you do for a living? Dingo and like Aaron have always said Tal is the dot connector. I'm the dude that if I think this person should know this person, I'll put them together. Whether they know that they need to know each other or not, they're meeting each other.

You think you're stressed because you just want to do so much? I have expectations of where I want to be in life. I'm not even happy with where I am today. I want to be on top of the world. I want my friends to be on top of the world. I'm always going to want to farther and, yes, I'm stressed out because I don't want my mom working five jobs. I don't want anybody in my family to worry. So if I don't keep working or keep my grind going they're just going to have to all this work that I never wanted them to do.

Tal Cooperman in five years. Dead. No. If I could have it the way I want it, I would be living happy in the U.S.  But if I can't, I'm coming to Australia. To cut a long, long story short, I just want to be happy. Like in five years from now, I just hope that I'm not deal with that amount of stress I've been fucking dealing with since I was a senior in high school.

This whole story the last two months, it's been about you and your family, our family, everyone in L.A., what's does that mean to you that you did this? I think that's because of you, Didier, I'm actually really happy, this has been like the funnest project I've ever worked on. People could see like the inside of the real people and not just some agent, or some fucking lighting or whatever for a photo shoot. It's like the real, it's the everyday of a celebrity or an athlete or my life or your life. Even if you don't know some people that are in this project you know them now because of the photos we took, and someone even like a Dingo, who's my other closest friend in the world, he's from Australia and no one really knows him in Australia. But you come out here in L.A., this dude can't walk fucking ten steps without like a paparazzi taking photos of him. The dude wears boxers, basketball shorts, pants, shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, bandanna, hat. He is an amazing person. He is someone everybody should know about. He's what every kid should grow up looking up to because he is 24 years old, a fucking self-made millionaire. He started off just snowboarding, now he's running a company called Grenade with his best friend, Danny. You know, like I look up to Dingo every single day. I look up to people like Aaron every single day because you know what, all my boys come from nothing, and even if they came from something, they don't want their parents help or anything like that. We all are on the same boat. We're on the battlefields to go to the top, and I just think there's no stopping us.

When somebody picks up this issue and reads it front to back because of the issue, what do you want them to think about it? I just want them to say, wow, did I really just read all that? You know, like are these dudes really that connected to everyone? I want a kid, if kids read this magazine, to say can I become that. Look, I've never worked like a crazy labor job in my life. I can't…I'm not like my dad. My dad has worked his whole life, so has my mom. Like they've slaved. Kids in our generation are way different. It's all about the computers and websites and blogs and clothing brands. We work our fucking assess off. Our parents go home at 8 or 9:00 at night.  I don't even start my night until 10:00 at night. But I want kids to be like there is something, there is more out there than just your 9 to 5s. There is way more.  Explore. You want to be an artist, go be an artist. You want to be a lawyer, be a lawyer. There is fun stuff out there, but it definitely takes a lot of work to get where we came and we're still, we're not even halfway to where we want to be.  You know, the sky's the limit, like Biggie said.

Last question…finish the sentence. Family is…My life.

 

Didier Cohen: Mr Organiser

Where do I even begin with a kid I have known since the fourth grade? Well, I will begin with the fact that Didier is my little brother. We are not blood brothers, but sometimes I feel like we are. Didier has always had a vision of taking over the world, and I feel like he's almost there. [Laughs] I feel like this dude knows exactly what he wants in life, and he's got goals larger than stars.  And you know what the best part is? He will somehow make it happen.

Didier wasn't always the best-looking dude on the planet like he is today. He was the little kid that girls were 'whatever' about. But years went by, and now this fucking kid can't walk into a club or cross the street without a girl walking into a pole or a wall because she's so busy checking him out. I remember getting a call from Benji when Joel and him visited Australia to host a bunch of shows, and he says, "Tal, remember your friend that you hooked us up with? He's all over buses and billboards!" I was like, what? He's on what? Next thing I know, I'm hearing about how Didier is some big shot model in Australia. I was so stoked that a kid I have known my whole life was taking over another country.

When Didier told me we were going to do this project together, I didn't know if it was real. I was like, What the hell is he talking about now? And he was like, "Oh, you don't believe me? Hold please!" Five minutes later, I get an email from Ness at Inked Australia saying, "Tal, hello. Just so you know, this project is real - so get to work!" It was awesome. Didier knew all along that this story needed to be told. People need to see what it is we do.

Didier is that dude that will always give you the last dollar in his wallet, and he's also the dude that says, "Hey… you wanna do a project where we take over a magazine?" [Laughs] He's always trying to take his friends for the ride of their life and make sure they all see a little bit of the vision he has. This project with Didier has been one of the coolest in my life journey so far. I am beyond thankful for what he has made me a part of. If you ever meet Didier, be sure to shake his hand, because he's one of the coolest people on Earth.

 

INKED: What's your name?

DIDIER: Didier Meyer Cohen.

When did you move to Australia and why? I started going to Sydney for the Industrie Campaign back in November 2007, but made the permanent move in August 2009. This year though, it's time to break off and truly do what I always dreamed of doing.

Who tattooed your famous sleeve? Mr. Colin LaRoque who used to tattoo at Mark Mahoney's Shamrock Tattoo. When I called to get him a part of this story he was nowhere to be found. Yo, Colin if you read this, hit me up!

What do you think of tattoos today? Tattoos today are a huge part of my life. Shit, without tattoos I would have never been able to do this amazing story with you. The tattoos on my body mean the world to me. They are memories of my life that I will have forever. I feel just by looking at tattoos on people, I get a real sense of who they are - almost a way of communication without speaking. Pretty amazing.

What do you think about Twitter? It's the game changer. I am on Twitter all day every day. To be able to talk to fans, read up on breaking news and keep in touch with my best friends on the other side of the world is incredible to me. The impact of Twitter is changing the way we think about communication forever. Holler at me @DidierCohen. I need more followers than Tal @DCMA_Collective!

How many times a day do you go to the gym? [Laughs] Once or twice - it depends. I mean, people wig out on my training but it makes me feel good. When I wake up and get it in I feel more focused, energised and all-round fresher to take on the day. That feeling is addictive.

Drake or Lil Wayne? Oh man... Tal, really? These are my two favorite artists. But I have to go with Wayne strictly on body of work. Wayne has been doing it since he was nine years old. Drake has just come out, but Drake has impressed me a lot faster than Wayne did when he came out the gate. I listen to both of them every day, so it's all love.

What is it about music today that you love? Wow - everything. Without music I could not function. It motivates me and inspires me. I listen to music all day long. I quote lyrics almost every day on Twitter; my favourite songs can sometimes express the way I feel at one moment better than I could ever do. Man, I could go on forever.

Where is your favorite place on Earth? This might sound cheesy but it's anywhere my Family is. When I am around the Family, I feel more inspired, motivated, creative and all around happier than at any other time. Doesn't matter if I'm in Oz, LA or Antarctica - if I got some Fam, I am cool.

What's the funniest thing on this "LA story" project that you did or worked on? Working with you, Tal. Having a partner in crime every day during the crazy shit we did was the best part. Shit, I mean, I'll never forget this experience for the rest of my life. What started off as our little idea, and now wrapping it up and seeing the journey we took? This feeling of accomplishment with my brother is the funniest part!

 

Issue 3 - Shock Mansion

Shock Mansion opens its doors to Inked Australia

 

 

We're not quite sure how the Shock Mansion guys and Inked first made initial contact; it was most likely a quick throw away tweet, but let's just say this cover was a long time in the making. As a tattoo magazine it's hard not to pay attention to three guys who are covered in tattoos and who are making a name for themselves in the business world through their passion for great art. Even harder to ignore is the unique personalities of the boys that make up Shock Mansion.

Inked: So guys, tell us, what is Shock Mansion?

Sean Mansion: Shock Mansion started as an Australian entertainment website. It's got a large international following and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Shock Mansion is updated daily.

We connect with the most interesting, talented people and companies. And we share our experiences with everyone online who love the latest music, tattoos, hot girls, movies, mayhem, fashion, cars and heaps more.

We are now planning to enter the street wear game under the Shock Mansion brand. That'll happen soon. All of us are pretty passionate about fashion and have lots of experience running businesses, so keep an eye out for that. It's going to be rad!

 

Inked: When did you guys start getting tattooed and what got you all so interested?

Kieran Mansion: A long time ago, we were all living in Canberra together. Jake had just turned 17 and a close friend dared him to get a small tattoo on his shoulder blade. The dodgy artist looked at us like a bunch of idiots; funny thing is, we were back then [laughs]. That sketchy-looking tattoo on Jake's back proceeded to open the flood gates for all of us. We basically motivated each other from then on, pushing each other further and further but at the same time sticking to our own styles. It's always enjoyable to watch your close mate's tattoo progress. It keeps us all interested and in love with the art.

 

Inked: Who does your tattoo work these days?

Jake Hollywood: We get our artwork done by a few artists: Sheldon Bowers, Nick Lissarrague and Matty D Mooney. They are the three main guys.

 

Inked: How has being heavily tattooed affected your life in the business world?

Jake Hollywood: It has both hindered us and allowed us to prosper. Our belief is that they're there now so why not use them to their full potential. We think we have cleverly done that through Shock Mansion. There are times when we attend important meetings and the older corporate guys cannot stop staring: so much so that it starts to become awkward for everyone. On the other side of the coin, you get the smart corporates who understand our business, and our direction, instantly. They see us as walking, talking billboards.

Sean Mansion: Yeah, we love the fact that we become the 'elephants in the room' and everyone ends up talking about our ink and asking us a million questions. Stuff like, "Did it hurt? Which one do you like the most? How come you're grey and he's colour?" It's funny because, before you know it, we have spent an hour in the meeting talking about our ink, taking the attention away from what we are supposed to be doing in the first place. So, at times, it can be a pretty powerful tool: good and bad.

Jake Hollywood: It all comes down to how you carry yourself and try to use it to your advantage. There are many people out there who can't relate and don't understand why we would do that to our bodies. But, we meet many more people hiding tattoos under their suits and work wear who absolutely love what we are doing. They really want us to push it further and smash the stereotypes for them.

 

Inked: What do your mothers think of it all? Are they sucked into the stereotype being from another generation?

Kieran Mansion: Our mothers love it! Both of them are actually planning on getting face tattoos [laughs]. Kidding. I'm pretty sure we are responsible for the grey hairs that sit upon our parents' heads. They all hated it to begin with; our love for tattooing almost got us kicked out of home back in the day.

These days, it's a different story; they are so used to it and love the fact that we are using our ink for something positive. They were the first people we had to smash the stereotype for and to prove that being heavily tattooed wasn't just for people who were up to no good. Sure, we were up to no good back in the day, but it's a totally different story now. We often hear them talk about being somewhere and someone showing them their tattoos to which our mothers reply, "That's nice dear. My son is working on a full suit" [laughs]. We love our mums.

 

Inked: Speaking of face tattoos, what do you guys think of them?

Jake Hollywood: It's funny because so many people harass me about that exact subject. They all sit there online and think, he covered his hands, sleeved his neck, the next logical step must be face tattoos right? We have all had big discussions on this aspect of tattooing and all of us have come to the same conclusion: each to their own, but you won't see any of us rocking them. Enough said.

 

Inked: Have you ever met anyone with a Shock Mansion tattoo?

Kieran Mansion: Yeah, he is sitting next to us as we speak. Sean just got it written fairly large on his arm surrounded in bats and vines. It looks so rad. Jake and I are still planning where to place ours. I guess we should start thinking faster or there won't be any room left.

 

Inked: What are your future tattoo plans?

Jake Hollywood: Well, basically I'm going to tattoo every nook and cranny of my 6 foot 7 inch frame. When I'm done with that, I will pump all my money into stem-cell research so that I can be the first human to have eight arms and legs all heavily tattooed  [laughs]. In all honesty, I'll just be glad to be finished and enjoy waking up to a technicolour dream coat every day.

Kieran Mansion: I'm slowing working my way towards a full black and grey suit. But it's a long process. I still have heaps to go and ideas flowing in from all directions. The hardest part for me these days is finding time to get in the chair.

Sean Mansion: In the near future, I will be finishing my sleeve. In the small amount of spare time I have away from Shock Mansion, I work as an actor. I can tell you that sitting in a makeup chair for hours getting my tattoos covered really sucks. So, my next ink will have to be strategic.

 

Inked: Can you fill us in on any future business projects you have on the horizon?

Kieran Mansion: We are putting a lot of time and effort these days into creating the first line of clothing for Shock Mansion that will be sold around the globe in all good retail stores. We are really excited about this project. Since our last clothing endeavours, we have all developed our styles and our understanding of the industry, along with our contacts. So, watch out for us. We reckon you'll love what's coming.

We have also been collaborating with some amazing companies in Australia and overseas. We've got a full range of limited edition jewellery pieces we created with ZM925. Check out the website at www.shockmansion.com to purchase them now. (Again, I would delete the URL, it sounds like an ad.)

Jake Hollywood: And, we've been working hard on our signature shoes with Osiris that should be out sometime in 2011. We'll have updates on the website. As far other collaborations on the boil, you will have to stay tuned as we can't let the cat out of the bag just yet. We also really want to be involved in the video game and movie industries. So, we are making moves behind the scenes to push harder down those paths as we grow. We have received some awesome feedback about the crazy ideas we have pitched. You never know where Shock Mansion will pop up next! Your Xbox or PlayStation might not be out of the question.

 

Inked: What are some other hobbies besides getting under the needle?

Sean Mansion: I'd have to say skating, surfing and snowboarding, all depending on the weather and season. Because we work inside a lot, we try and get outside and have fun any chance we get. Although it's not a hobby, more of a chore, I'd also have to throw the gym into the mix. We all like to stay fit and healthy when we can't participate in anything else due to working around the clock.

Theme parks have turned into a hobby of ours. Whenever we're bored, we drive to a theme park and scare the pants off ourselves. We get a lot of inspiration from those places, as well. The more we surround ourselves in fantasy worlds, the more we realise there are no rules to this game. Next up, the creation of our own themed Shock Mansion Ride! You can always dream, right?

 

Inked: Do you currently have a favourite tattoo?

Jake Hollywood: The candle on my throat. I stand so tall, it's hard for anyone not to notice it. Kieran often says to me, "You're like a lighthouse, dude. Light the way."

Kieran Mansion: For me, it changes depending on my mood, but I'd have to say the vault on my stomach, at the moment. It was one of my more painful tattoos and I got it to remind myself to stay hungry and never give up on my goals; don't ever take things for granted and be wise with your assets.

Sean Mansion: Yeah, well, I love the lantern on my forearm, but my favourite tattoo is probably always the one I'm thinking of and haven't got yet. The trick to getting epic tattoos is always trying to outdo your last idea.

 

Inked: Thank you for your time, guys. Any shout outs before you go? And, where is the best place to keep up with everything Shock Mansion?

Kieran Mansion: Thank you for having us! As far as keeping up with all that is Shock Mansion, the number one place is www.shockmansion.com You can also join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shocked1

We'd like to thank Globe, Monster Energy Drink, Famous Stars and Straps, Osiris Shoes, Slide Condoms and City Beach Australia for all their support. We hope that everyone enjoys the daily entertainment. Thank you to all our followers who support us. Without you guys, we might have just been tattooed dudes pissing off our mothers, or maybe we'd be astronauts, one or the other.

 

Issue 2 - Harry Kewell

 

Daddy Kewell

 

 

Long before Australia's love affair with the Socceroos escalated at the 2006 World Cup and more recently in the 2010 edition, Harry Kewell was already wowing football audiences across the world. Alongside contemporary Mark Viduka and following his own 1980s idol Craig Johnston, this precocious talent helped debunk the myth that Australians are no good at the world game - with Kewell and Viduka becoming household names in Europe for their goal-scoring exploits.

Kewell was particularly mesmerising; his skill, trickery, spectacular goals and explosive acceleration made him one of the most electric players in the English Premier League. As a 17-year-old at Leeds United, the Sydney native began his amazing run to make himself one the game's biggest stars. There, Kewell won the Player Association's Young Player of the Year award, a nomination in the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards in 2001, became a three-time Oceania Footballer of the Year, played in the UEFA Champions League, was a headline sponsorship property for sporting giants Adidas and he earned his place in our national history as the youngest player to ever represent Australia. Harry was a bona fide superstar.

 

Then came the injuries.

In 2003 Kewell joined Liverpool, the team he idolised as a child. It was supposed to be the move that put him into an even higher stratosphere but, instead, marked the beginning of Kewell's battle with injury. While Liverpool picked up trophies for the Champions League and FA Cup during his time there, Kewell limped off in both finals - much to the dismay of diehard Liverpool supporters. Privately, it's understood that Harry considers this as the darkest time of his career. In 2008, Kewell turned his back on England to sign with Istanbul side Galatasaray and play in the Turkish Super Lig. It was a bid to revive his career.

It's with no surprises then, that Kewell's rollercoaster ride in the spotlight is reflected in his tattoos. At first look his biggest piece - covering his upper left arm and shoulder - is a stunning piece of Aztec imagery. It took around 36 hours over a number of sessions, to finish. Dig a little deeper though and you'll discover this tattoo holds a whole lot more personal meaning for this husband and father-of-three.

"My tattoo is all about facing your fears and not being worried," Harry reveals. "You've got to be able to face anything and never be afraid."

The piece was conceived over six hours with a young Mexican artist in Liverpool, and it's heavy with symbolism. Along with a string of rosary beads running down his forearm, his children Taylor, Ruby and Matilda are all represented. Harry's soap star wife Sheree is there too, represented by her month in the Aztec calendar. Look closely and you'll see a man wielding a weapon - that represents Harry himself. Harry, you see, is all about his family unit; it's a recurring theme and he often discusses the importance of his family's presence when it comes time to overcome his greatest challenges.

"I think sometimes you gotta feel like it's you against everyone else, y'know... You gotta push yourself, through that feeling that everyone's against you. So you stand up and take them on and go through them."

It's been a long relationship with tattoos for the Socceroos' number 10. His father Rod and brother Rod Jr also sport tattoos and it was his dad who accompanied Harry to a Sydney parlour for his first inking. Kewell's tattoo collection has since grown: there's a prominent tribal design on the back of his hand as well as a rarely seen piece on his lower back. At one stage, there was also a big panther on his left shoulder - since covered up by the Aztec design. Delve into some older images of Harry (like the huge billboards he adorned when he endorsed Pepsi back in 2003) and the panther is right there, front and centre.

So has Harry stopped collecting yet? "There's one more that could be done… but I'm still working on it," he hints.

Sportsmen these days seem inextricably linked to tattoo culture. Whether it be football, AFL, rugby league or rugby union - you don't need to look far to find a tattooed player. Kewell's Socceroo team-mate, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, recently told Inked that he estimates over half the playing roster at Fulham (his club side) have tattoos and that it's a ratio that continues to grow.

Schwarzer himself remains a cleanskin and Liverpool and England superstar Steven Gerrard has joked that not even winning the World Cup would be enough to inspire him to get inked. Still, the growing trend within sport is hard to ignore. Tim Cahill, another star of the Socceroo set-up has a substantial tribal piece on his left arm and has strong roots, thanks to his Samoan heritage. True to tradition, the artwork tells the story of Cahill's family with his much-loved grandmother one of the central figures behind its inspiration. Within Cahill's design are also two significant nods to his football career. "M.F.C" and "E.F.C" can both be seen on closer inspection - these are the two clubs that he has played for professionally - Millwall Football Club and Everton Football Club.

Despite their riches, footballers are no more immune from tattoo disaster stories than anyone else. Just earlier this year Jarrod Sammut, a former NRL player with the Penrith Panthers and who is now plying his trade in North Wales with Crusaders Rugby League made headlines for his tattoo gaffe. Sammut's mistake? Not checking the spelling first. His tattoo, written in big, bold letters across his chest reads "Justify Your Existance." Awkward.

Sammut however, can find small solace in the fact he's not the only one. None other than David Beckham has a misspelled tattoo. In 2000 it was revealed that the tattoo dedicated to his wife on his forearm, had been spelled "Vihctoria" in Hindi. At the time Pademesh Gupta, the editor of Hindi-language magazine Purvai said: "whoever did the tattoo was probably English and didn't know Hindi."

Kewell's injury clouds have not entirely left him. In South Africa, coach Pim Verbeek deemed Kewell's match fitness was too short to be ready to face the might of Germany in the first match. This absence proved costly. It was plain to see that the Socceroos missed Kewell's on-field presence and - after being drubbed 4-0 by the powerhouse side - fans and media were outraged that Verbeek had left him out.

Sure enough, Kewell remained sharply in the focus of our media. Leading football journalist Michael Cockerill raised the player's ire with an article suggesting Kewell was not the player he once was, despite remaining a media darling. He also challenged Kewell to show what he was capable of in the Socceroos' second crunch game against Ghana. It was an unfortunate and very public spat in which the Socceroo star hit back, challenging Cockerill on his story. Fighting fit or not, it was clear that Kewell's passion still ran deep.

Against Ghana, Kewell started strongly, providing a sharper edge that was conspicuously absent against Germany. Sadly though, it lasted a mere 24 minutes.

Soon after team-mate Brett Holman capitalised on Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson's fumbled save on a Mark Bresciano free kick, Kewell tracked back to defend the Socceroo goal. Standing on the line, Kewell had stopped a goal-bound bullet shot from Jonathon Mensah. Initially, it looked like a crucial save but moments later referee Roberto Rosetti changed the game by brandishing a controversial red card, and awarding a penalty to Ghana that was swiftly converted to a goal. It was a harsh decision and left Australia and Kewell devastated. "I didn't deliberately go for the hand, I didn't try to handball it. I tried to use my chest, playing by the rules but the ref saw it another way and was probably the only one who did," Kewell said post-match.

Australia's remaining ten players fought on valiantly to finish the match 1-1. It meant that Australia's chances to progress to the Cup's knockout stage hung by a single thread: they would need to beat Serbia, and Ghana would have to beat Germany to keep the Socceroos' campaign alive (neither match has happened at the time of going to press).

Regardless of the opinions expressed by clubs or in the press, it seems Kewell remains his own harshest critic. "Unless you score ten goals and play unbelievably you're never happy," he says. "You're always critical about that pass you stuffed up or that cross which wasn't good or this, that or the other. It's what makes players players."

Kewell has set himself the target  of playing for years to come and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is still not out of the question. Given the 'will he or won't he play' saga that continues to plague him (due to his niggling groin problems), it remains a tall order to expect him to regain the resilience that helped him ascend in the first place. Ironically, these same problems and setbacks seem to have given Kewell a determination beyond even other elite sportspeople.

"My dad brought us up to be strong and confident and when the going gets tough, the tough get going," he says now. "It's simple. I just think you have to get on with it because nothing's going to change. Sure, there are setbacks but you have to be positive and when you can't always be positive that's when you need people around you. When I feel down it's my family who are there to back me up."

It won't be until the end of the World Cup that Kewell's club future will be finalised. After some sterling performances, Galatasaray is keen to retain their star man but injuries toward the end of the 2009/10 season - which led into the World Cup - remain a concern. Harry himself is eager to return to Istanbul but is open to offers.

Generally speaking, his life in Istanbul has been fulfilling. It has allowed him to concentrate on football and fitness, with family contact restricted to Skype. Incidentally, his FaceBook profile is bogus and run by a mischievous fan; news that is certain to leave his 3,000 'friends' disappointed. "I've never been on Facebook in my life," he declares. "I am definitely not a computer guy. I have one but it's really just for Skype!"

With the Final of the World Cup now imminent, football fever remains at an all-time high in this part of the world. It marked the first World Cup that Australia and New Zealand both appeared, after all. And with all the hype, partying and insatiable hunger for World Cup information still lingering, it's difficult not to get caught up in it. How ironic then, that it's Australia's greatest football export who reminds us that at the end of the day football - the game that made him a star - is just a game.

"Football is crazy," he begins. "People talk a lot about tactics and this and that and make it more confusing than it needs to be. It's a simple game, which is why it is so great, but at the end of the day it eleven men against eleven men and all you need to do is pull together."

 

Issue 1 - Sarah McLeod

 

Personal Jesus

 

 

Breaking into the industry at a young age with a guitar in her hand, SARAH MCLEOD has built a career on solid foundations allowing her to move from The Superjesus to her own individual brand of electro- pop!

Sarah McLeod has epitomised the image of an iconic Australian rock chick from her teens. However, 2010 will present another more polished Sarah with the release of her album carrying an electro-pop sound, something which has sprung from her personal journey from The Superjesus to solo artist. Travelling the world she's collected a new sounds and a body of beautiful tattoo art. Catching Sarah for just a short while to get her thoughts and image wasn't easy. Her new album has revitalised her and she is hitting the beaten path again to show fans just how much she's learnt, and just what she has to offer!

Passion is something that dies in people when they travel through an industry that is fraught with those looking to prey on the young and directing them in situations that are not always in their best interests. Sarah McLeod started out with The Superjesus when she was just "a baby", coming into prominence in the Australian music industry at a time when bands such as Swervedriver, Sonic Youth, The Melvins, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins were stealing all the air play. Still a teenager she picked up a guitar in Adelaide and became one of the most recognisable faces of the '90s Oz rock scene.

So where does passion go when you've been in an industry for more than half your life? It shifts, grows and strengthens, "Over the years I've started being less interested in guitar riffs and more interested in pop melody, and the craft of pop song writing. I listened more to guys like Thomas Dolby and Elvis Costello and even unashamed pop stuff like The Bangles and Madonna. Lately, its morphed again into a more electronic faze, I discovered the art of programming Midi and I kind of put the guitar down for a while altogether". Coming through the changes Sarah's focus and excitement is evident as she talks about the changes, sings as she prepares for the shoot, and happily tells her fans online about her new single and forth coming album. She is an artist who continues to develop.

Sarah's musical journey is linked to her tattooed body, "I got my first tattoo when I was in The Superjesus. We all used to talk about getting them, but the boys never did. Stuart's brother had one done and told Stu that it felt like a hot Ginsu knife (whatever that is, it doesn't sound good). So armed with that knowledge Stu never went for it, nor did the others! Though they all came to watch me get my first one." Westside Tattoo in Brisbane crafted the "Insania Amor Libertas" (Latin for 'Madness, Love and Freedom') across her back "it's a quote from my favourite book 'Wonderland Avenue'. All the boys sat around asking if it was hurting and I told them that it felt good and that they were absolute pussies for chickening out".

The meaning behind Sarah's first tattoo has a direct link to what was going on in her life at that time, touring from a young age she had escaped the city of Adelaide where she grew up and "where everybody knows your name... for different reasons," to embrace a hectic lifestyle where there was "never any time to reflect on accomplishments, and it was just constantly steam rolling forward". Though she was very much falling in love with her flourishing career, "It was great fun but to be honest it didn't really teach me much about the industry, it was more of a veneer of rock stardom, not really a reality at all. I don't believe you start learning anything until you've had a few set backs and then you can see the way the industry really works".

Blaming her need to write on 'a curse' placed upon her the day she picked up a guitar at 16 years of age, Sarah has recently been focusing on her solo career gathering inspiration and skills internationally. Sarah's travels to London saw her focus shift to strengthen her writing, less by decision, and more due to the location itself, "It was freezing and I locked myself in a basement studio in North London and did little else but write, day in day out. Having this level of intensity honed my writing skills and being in a place like London and riding the tube and seeing all the different people and places helped to broaden my lyric base".

Not content with just being a singer-songwriter Sarah stepped in the studio with a guy named Freebass in Brooklyn to learn about production. Gaining her "hustle and swagger" in New York the pieces for her album and sound came together, the picture was complete. Sarah says that "Living and working in a scene that's so global, you tend to think about things in a less myopic fashion than you do when you're in a country that's so removed from it all, geographically speaking. It's all a state of mind".

As her musical experiences broadened, Sarah has marked her body with a collection of tattoos from the places she's lived and visited. Back home Josh Roelink from Tatudharma designed the cherry blossom around her already existing Mighty Mouse, (Might Mouse by Westside Tattoo), which was then extended by East Side Ink in New York and the forearm which says "Hold Fast" (the motto of the clan McLeod) was tattooed in Brooklyn at a studio called Holdfast Tattoo in Williamsburg. By far her most unusual tattoo is perhaps her latest (a small tattoo on her right arm that simply says 'I love Chachi', her dog), which is only a month old and was inked by Millie at Rock Of Ages in Lennox Head. Her tattoos are an eclectic collection that is best summed up in Sarah's approach to future ink, "I will always get more, I love them and I love to get them in different cities that I visit, I'll be covered in them by the time I retire."

Sarah's passion is evident in the music she is producing and enthusiasm in which she is promoting her new album. No longer just the 'iconic rock chick', she's expanded her sound into a more electronic pop groove. Organically growing from a chick with a guitar to learning how to program provided her with the creativity to take a great "step forward" from which she hasn't looked back. Stepping into the genre however, she calls a "fluke", explaining that they "worked on a remix with Hook and Sling of a song called 'He Doesn't Love You' and it just clicked, both here, the US and in the UK/ Europe. It was the first remix that I had ever had done. Then we worked with Whelan & Di Scala on 'White Horse' and it did even better, it sat in the billboard dance chart top 20 for 19 weeks in the US. Amazing for a genre that I had never dabbled in before. The great part was that I actually really dug it, the White Horse dance release was edgier than the original".

Sarah makes finding her way sound easy, but for girl who seems to never stop writing, she has high hopes for 2010 and beyond. Hoping to launch a worldwide tour to release the music that people are yet to experience live, honing her production skills and writing and producing for other artists.

Passion is very much alive in this artist who continues to develop and grow surpassing the title of 'rock chick' to become a music veteran while still young and in her prime.