Skin Deep

Stephane chaudesaigues

Who were your first clients?

I used to live in the French ghetto, and by word of mouth, the message that I was tattooing spread quickly I had a friend in those days, ”Max”, he was a barfly. He used to bring clients for me and I would pay him a commission.

What is your favourite tattoo?

Maybe the ones I did on my sons (Steven & Wesley) who are now working with me.

How do you compare tattooing then and now?

I think it’s easier now than in the old days. It is easier to get information and it’s more open. Today’s tattooing standards are extraordinary, with so many excellent tattoo artists out there. If I were to start today, I would not make the mark. Competition is stiff.

I like to see work of art on the skin, and to recognize the style of the artist. I don’t know really if there is a tattoo scene in France, and I’m not aware of any activities taking place.

How do you see yourself in the future?

Every now and then, I wanted to stop and do something else. But I cannot stop. This is my destiny, my life. Fortunately, I have very good clients and there’s always a felling of fulfillment if clients are happy and satisfied. At this time, I spend time between my two shops – the one in the south of France and the one in Paris.

It’s my own sanctuary where I can be free to create in solitude. I do not need to have a street shop because most of the time I am fully booked with appointments. But from time to time I get back to my roots, to my street shops in the south of France, in Orange and in Avignon.

I would like to escape to a new concept of incorporating colour to my work. But I am afraid that by experimenting. I may not get the same technique as I am use to, and that technique is so important to get a look-a-like result. Some of the tattoos that I did tell their stories and are in relation with my past life, or seeking the essence of one’s existence and our society.

To be or not to ne a tattoo artist would mean not to give in and hypocrisy smiling to the spoilt copycat consumers. The tattoo scene seems to change a little bit… but we must ask ourselves to which directions? Now, I am reclaiming the endless path of freedom.