New Zealand based tattoo artist Hamish Mclauchlan is looking for someone to tattoo a gnarly carrot on. He's also just released an amazing collector worthy print full of all the gore and passion of the best tattoos.
As a tattoo artist, how do you think you approach art making differently from traditional artists?
I think like traditional painting, certain styles of tattooing have a set of established practises and values. When I'm painting I'm not really trying to adhere to anything specific, just keep it kind of loosely related I guess. Plus I don't really know what the fuck I'm doing as far as applying any medium goes. I did a fine art degree but no one taught me anything about how to paint.
What is some of your favourite iconography that you return to a lot in your art and tattoos?
Faces, limbs, anything traditional Japanese or American and GUTS!!! I love painting or tattooing guts. On anything. If someone came into the shop and asked me to tattoo guts spewing out of a severed carrot I'd be into it.
Why do you think that Death is such a strong subject in tattoo art?
I think because it makes for some of the best kind of imagery. It's classic. Things like skulls and grimm reapers have always been popular choices for people to get tattooed. If you look at the history of Japanese print making, artists like Hokusai, Yoshitoshi, Kiyosai and Kuniyoshi are all famous in the tattoo world for their works depicting scenes of death and violence.
Who are some of your favourite artists that influence what you make?
Takato Yamamoto, Pedro Cabrita Reis, Peter Robinson, The Grime, Geordie Cole, Origin, Owen Williams, William Yoneyama, Dean Sacred, Nile, Daniel Anderson, Te Boon, Adam Craft, Ruban Nielson, Garth Steeper, Michael Hussar, Donald Judd, The Riffs Collective, Kosuke Masuda, Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, Yoshitoshi, Edu Cerro...
Why should people buy your new print?
So I can make more! 10% discount for anyone who wants a tattoo of a severed carrot with guts spewing out of it.
Hamish's print, "Lady Death" was released as part of:
'Love Hurts' exhibition at
The Tattooed Heart, at 202 Karangahape Rd, Auckland, New Zealand. On until 26 November, 2009.
Lady Death prints are a limited edition run of 50, signed and numbered. Printed on high quality 310gsm 100% cotton rag paper. Size 590mm x 420mm
Anyone interested in purchasing a print can email Hamish at hdaveal@hotmail.com, or myspace.com/sgrole or search Hamish Mclauchlan on Facebook. The original among others can be viewed at the 'Love Hurts' exhibition at
The Tattooed Heart