Name: Eva Huber
Age: 27
Location: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Tattoo in Chicopee, MA
What attracted you to tattooing?
"I liked that art could be turned into a tattoo and that a tattoo could in fact be a work of art.
"I also really liked that the people in some of the shops seemed to have a similar mentality and attitude like me towards American culture & society- they were kind of anti- conformist to pastel polo shirts and khaki pants, they weren't chasing white picket fenced dreams and neither was I...Growing up in a small suburban area outside the city of Buffalo NY, I just never really felt like I belonged there. Coffee shops inside of mega-churches, women going grocery shopping in high heels and designer labels, strip malls, gas stations with too much shit for sale inside of them and a school where the social dichotomy was just either too fake and rich or too drug infused for my tastes."
"Art was my escape from reality- my personal problems, my parents fighting, not feeling well, being pissed or just having the urge to go home to paint / draw/ express my creativity instead of going out and having beer at the parties after school. I was never really friends with a 'set clique' of people per say, rather I befriended people from whatever demographic they may have fell into, solely based on them being nice and genuine people. Needless to say I was a bit of a loner and still consider myself to be actually. Being a creative person who gravitated towards painting & drawing, that was a decent groundwork to set the stage of my tattoo career. I didn't expect to get into tattooing, I mean it hit me just before I turned 19 so I guess I started fairly early in life but I wouldn't have it any other way."
How did you get into the industry?
"I scoured the town (Buffalo NY- where I was born and raised) for a tattoo apprenticeship. After I found a shop that was hiring I had to 'win' my apprenticeship by working harder and showing more dedication than the other 4-5 people who were trying to get in the door. After about a month or two of free labor I eventually was granted the position."
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
"I would say it was a challenge to be taken seriously as an artist who was interested in breaking into the community. I had no idea I was knocking on the door of this secretive and separated club- but once I knew it was there I wanted in and I knew I belonged here."
How many years have you been tattooing?
"Around 8, actually approaching 9 this winter!!!!!"
What inspires you?
"There isn't much that does not! The world we live in is chocked full of stimulating material. Seeing other artists passionate about their work and when they create something that's like, "damn dude- how did you THINK of that??!!" is so awesome and encouraging for my own pursuance of pushing my own limits and creative borders."
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
"Fuck there are so many! I can't really go on and start naming them because then I will just have three pages for you or some shit like that! I will say though that Grime out in SF, California has been inspiring me since I first found out about him. Aside from the artwork just being fucking retarded-sick strength, what he has written in his books just comes across as sincere and passionate to me- he's an open book ha so to speak and completely unapologetic over it- which is also very inspiring. But I guess I'll go ahead and say Sailor Jerry, Ed Hardy, Filip Leu, Shige, Thomas Hooper, Jeff Gogue, Bert Krak, Nick Baxter, Mike Giant, Cory Cudney, Richard Stell, Pepper, Marie Sena, those names come to mind."
How would you describe your tattoo style?
"Traditionally influenced."
What have you learned in your years in the industry?
"That nothing in life is out of the question - people are amazing- tattooing does not discriminate - that you should get out into the world and see it - you must learn to speak your mind and per sue your aspirations or else you will never be happy in life."
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
"This is a loaded question and I can't really answer that here."
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
"My entire life revolves around tattooing. It's not just a job, it's a lifestyle. You hear people say that now and again in the tattoo world but it's 100% true. I am very fortunate that it found me."
Where do you currently tattoo?
All over the country of US and A! I like to travel and do a few conventions here and there, tattooing people with FUSION INK all over the place. I always post travel dates on my website, www.tattoosbyeva.com but when I am not on the road, you can find me at Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Tattoo in Chicopee, MA. 413 331 0636 www.horseshoesandhandgrenadestattoo.com