Saint Petersburg is considered to be the cultural capital of Russia. Many talented artists, musicians, writers and poets find their muse there. Today we want to present to you an interview with one of the talented contemporary tattoo artists of Saint Petersburg - Tatiana Vader.
Her creativity reveals in an interesting combination of graphics and watercolors. The works coming out from under her arms, attracted by its ease and uniqueness, because most of them performed by technique of free hand without sketch.
Tatiana, good afternoon! Our conversation I would like to begin from a biographical question. Tell us, how it all started?
It's all started with a long search of myself in the world of creativity. Since childhood craving for art was so strong that my the best friends were a pencil and paper. Certainly, if they were not at hand - in the course went all that writing, scratching and staining. After school, on the advice of my mother, I went to college on a specialty "Technician Architect". I worked as an illustrator, designer, animator, layout artist, also I dreamed of position of the "Concept artist" in the Game Dev industry. After trying this dream to taste - I understood - all of this is not mine. Looking back on the past experience, I had the realization that computer programs are against the grain for me, and tactile sensations can not be compared with the cold machine. I didn't thought which way I must choose to express all my desires in one art. But one day someone said to me: "Why don't you try a tattoo?". In my head immediately arose images of bearded bikers, steep rock musicians and among them a little clumsy dandelion. But, in spite of the fear and uncertainty, the decision was made. While I had been saving money for the tattoo education, that not to doing really bad tattoos without knowing of the basics, I begun to study first aid and the issues of sterilization, day by day looked at the tattoos and tried to draw sketches. And then came the day of the "X" …
Do you remember that day, your first client and your feelings when you did the first tattoo?
November 27, 2014. My first client was a young man, his name was Alexander. Probably, like the first love, it is impossible to forget the first customer :) He learned that it is the first time for me, only when he already come to the studio, and it seemed that he was a little frightened. But I was afraid much more, like if I stand on the edge of the roof and going to take a step into the abyss. Several times ran to wash face with cold water, because the fear hung in the air. My hands were shaking, my vocabulary reduced to the zero, and the desire to escape was so intrusive that I still don't understand how I was able to overcome it. I saw the tattoo machine for the first time in his life, and did not understand what to do and why there was Vaseline :) The teacher said, "Push the pedal!", but I don't know where is the pedal and that it turn on. The pedal was found and turned on. Oh, it's buzzing and shaking ... How can I drawing with it? In the middle of the session, I started to curse that day and the desire to go to the tattooists. I wanted to finish tattoo as soon as possible and forget it like a horrible dream. I was torn apart. The arms and the back begun to hurt. But after 1.5 hours the picture was finished, and the delight and happiness blocked all the excitement and fear of what is happened. At that moment there was such euphoria and joy! It's like as if I woke up! The colors became brighter, the picture became clearer. At that moment I understood that I found the little path of my life.
What are the styles and techniques of tattoo you tried before come to your own style?
The tattoo style was chosen in advance - I always liked to draw with pencil. Therefore, the choice was in favor of graphic, straight lines, contours and dots. I had experiments with color, but the "solid paint over" was absolutely not for me. Eventually, the style in which there is ease and finesse, was developed. Sometimes, if I have a request by customer, I can add color watercolor accents.
Can you tell a bit more about the features of your style ?
One of the features of my style is uses of the technique of the academic stroke. That is all the shadows and smooth transitions are made only by one needle, like by a pencil. Also I liking to make the gradient by the dots. I have a great attention to detail. Almost all my works are executed in the technique of "free hand" - without a sketch. I like a certain mystery and joint work with the customer, because together we create a picture, trusting each other and this creates a special bond and atmosphere.
Free hand - is a deeply creative process! What or who is the source of inspiration for you?
First of all, the source of inspiration for me , is the future owner of my tattoo. His way of communicating, his ideas and world view. Very often I feel myself as a psychologist, revealing a man's desires and preferences. I want that everyone who comes to me for a tattoo, got more than just picture. I see myself as a helper in the creation of the image, like if I can give people my talent to drawing to embody theirs desires into reality. Gently and with love :)
And lastly I would like to ask you a two final philosophical questions, that I ask each Russian tattoo master. How do you think, is rapid development of the tattoo in Russia is on its the best course ? Can you give a forecast for the future of the tattoo culture in Russia?
Like any things that become fashion, eventually the tattoo will be more relaxed and harmonious to go with us through life. This fact that currently the tattoo is on the peak of their popularity has a lot of advantages. I'm as an optimist happy that the tattoo has recognition as art. Of course there is no denying that many people uses tattoos presenting the tattoo culture is not in the best condition. But seeing the difference in the works of different tattoo masters develops social taste and healthy attitude towards themselves and their body.
Tatiana, thank you for such detailed and incredibly vivid interview - it was great!
Thanks!
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