Community, Connection, and Controversy in Tattooing ft. Tony Mancia

Tattooing fosters a unique and personal connection between the artist and the client, setting it apart from other art forms. This bond is rooted in several key aspects discussed in the podcast episode.

Host Aaron Della Vedova takes listeners to the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Pasadena, California, where he engages with Tony Mancia, known for his stunning black and gray surrealism work. The conversation delves into Tony's unique style, which blends realistic elements with surreal influences reminiscent of Salvador Dali. Additionally, the episode touches on the artist's ventures into painting and sculpting, showcasing his diverse creative talents.

Also discussed in the podcast episode, anethesia tattooing and the proliferation of social media has created a landscape where tattoo artists are constantly exposed to a vast array of styles and techniques. This exposure can lead to a tendency to replicate popular trends rather than innovate.

Tune in for an insightful discussion about the innovation, passion and hard work that drives the tattoo community.

Chat Breakdown:

00:00:00 - Contests at Conventions 00:02:35 - Tony's Journey into Tattooing 00:04:28 - The Unique Challenge of Tattooing 00:05:38 - The Emotional Impact of Tattoos 00:08:03 - Community and Belonging in Tattoo Culture 00:11:38 - Co-Collaboration in Tattooing 00:14:12 - Tattoo Renaissance and Future Trends 00:15:46 - Impact of Technology and AI on Tattooing 00:19:08 - Revival of Minimalist and Tribal Tattoos 00:22:12 - Analog Art vs. Digital Art 00:23:06 - Social Media's Role in Tattooing 00:23:38 - Anesthesia Tattoos Debate 00:30:56 - Personal Choice in Tattooing 00:33:05 - Purpose of Tattoo Conventions 00:34:28 - Trophy Culture at Conventions

Quotes:

"Tattoo of the Day makes people go insane."

"When you do a tattoo, you're saying, I'm going to be different. I'm going to express myself in this way, and I'm going to have to stick with it to the bitter end."

"Just like dating, you better vibe."

"Every morning I wake up, I see another level of somebody doing something. I'm like, Holy shit, can it get any better? And it keeps going."

"AI seems to be this shiny new toy that it's very impressive... but it is homogenizing."

"I want a real fucking painting with fucking pubic hair stuck in it, you know?"

"I think it devalues the process and I think it also kind of puts this idea in people's heads that like, well if I have the money, right, I can act this way or do this..."

"We are going to do whatever we want and don't judge me."

Connect with Tony:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tonymancia

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com