Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Bec Winnel | 'Honor" Limited Edition Print
‘Honor’, my first time release limited edition print, is now for sale in my shop – becwinnel.bigcartel.com. 20 x 26 cm including border.
Giclee print on archival matte paper. $20
On sale until Sunday 12 midnight EST.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Skull and Bones Boys Club | Winter Lookbook
Skull and Bones Boys Club was founded by Anthony and Dean just over a year ago starting with just £40 and an embroidery ring. The products are still printed and dyed in house by the founding members, on their custom fit 100% cotton tees. Anthony and Dean only use 100% eco friendly water based screen printing inks and non toxic dyes.
The brand is heavily influenced by music and has pulled in the likes of Hang the Bastard, Desolated, Dead Harts, Malevolence and In Arms for their new Winter video lookbook.
Featured Tattoo Artist | Steve Cross
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| © Nicole Reed |
Name: Steve Cross
Age: 40
Location: Melbourne/Barcelona
What attracted you to tattooing?
Well, I'm not too sure. I guess I never really stopped drawing from when I was younger, and it seemed a natural progression from what I’d always done.
How did you get into the industry?
This is a very, very long answer! I was living in Perth at the time, painting murals, doing graffiti, working as a sign writer, skating, delivering pizza – and playing in a band. I was also writing art programs for Juvenile Justice, for troubled kids in schools. There was a lot going on. At the same time I also started drawing tattoo flash for some of my skater mates.
Through all of this activity, I pretty much became addicted to drawing and studying tattoo designs. I would spend hours at the State Library studying indigenous tattooing, primitive scarification, body modification and pretty much anything I could find about cultural and folk art from every country possible. I started a visual diary thinking one day I may reflect on those days – so glad I did, because it was the start of a long journey into the tattoo world.
Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
Well, put it this way, there was no apprenticeship! It wasn't even a word used by people who weren't in the industry. But I made the decision to become a tattooist and that was that! I knew it was going to be difficult, and ‘no’ was not an option. Most tattooists I know have a similar story – it is sheer drive and determination that gets you to where you want to be. I took any jobs I could to earn enough money to buy a plane ticket to Melbourne. There, I’d spend up to four weeks at a time walking to each and every tattoo studio trying (and I mean really trying) to sell my tattoo sheets.
I failed every time but I didn't care – I met every important tattooist in Melbourne and Perth and collected business cards along the way. Whether they liked me or not wasn't my concern. I figured if I met every single good guy/bad guy in the trade, I would be able to gather information. Back then there were no books, no blogs, no computers – you were judged on face-value, and most times criticised. Finally I got a job back in Perth. It’s a Navy port, so most of the pork-chop shops would be quiet all year, then with two weeks notice – boom! Absolutely slamming. At times up to 8000 men with American Dollars would hit the shores. As a young apprentice, that was the best training ground.
After 10 months cleaning tubes/windows/toilets, answering phones, drawing everyone's artwork and making 1000's of needle groups for everyone in the studio, I was allowed to start tattooing. American sailors had time, money and crazy ideas. This sped up my learning and confidence with dealing with every type of situation and personality. There were some very crazy times in that studio – too many to mention.
How many years have you been tattooing?
17
What inspires you?
Pretty much everything, from good conversations with creative people, to traveling to amazing places. I visit the art gallery once a month and try and get to every exhibition opening. I try to keep busy.
Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
I have hundreds, but I have been lucky to have met and worked with Brian Graydon for over 10 years now. He still teaches me techniques in composition and style (don't tell him!). Now I also have the pleasure of part-owning KORPUS with him. We have world-class tattooists flowing through Melbourne, who come and work with us here, naming- Adam Kitamoto, Mick Squires, Jaclyn Rehe, Shannon Richmond, Dave Undead, Sophia Baughan, Miles Monaghan, LOZ and Luke Muller. Then there's our full timers - Alvaro Flores, Teniele Sadd, Ozzy, Benny Bones and Clare Clarity, and this can only happen with the talented skills of Lauren Darling pulling the whole ball of artistic kaos together. I am very honoured to have them at our studio.
How would you describe your tattoo style?
Illustrative, mainly focusing on grey work.
What have you learned in your 17 years in the industry?
Well, that would take 17 years to say/write! But buy me a coffee and I'll let you know…
What advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
Do your research. Know the sub-culture you’re getting into, past, present and future, and be prepared for some hard times scattered with some amazing experiences.
What are some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
Basically meeting different people and sharing ideas. Tattooing is all over the world and nearly every country has had it as part of its cultural development. Tattooing was, and still is, a language.
Where do you currently tattoo?
KORPUS Studio, Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Shelby Lynne O'Neal of The Black Belles talks fashion, goth, knee socks and Nabokov.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very shy and I’ve always been incredibly bookish. In high school I did independent studies so I didn’t have a typical high school experience. I spent the ages of 14-17 growing up without much outside influence from classmates. In turn my tastes in music, fashion, and literature were sometimes very different from other kids growing up in my hometown.
Who are your personal female heroes?
My Grandmother. She overcame a lot of difficulties in her life and was one of the strongest and most beautiful ladies ever. ...And she always had fantastic taste in shoes.
Who would you say are your style icons and inspirations?
Wednesday Addams.
Marianne Faithful. Pamela Des Barres. All of the Runaways. Lydia Deetz.
Loads of my friends have fantastic style too, so I am constantly inspired by them.
What are your top 5 staple items?
1. Black platform wedges. Whether they’re oxfords, ankle straps, or lace-up boots, I am most often wearing some form of black wedges.2. Over the Knee Socks. American Apparel makes great ones, they don’t slip down and are surprisingly durable.3. Black baby doll dress; white collar. Despite how many dresses are in my closet, I most often find myself reaching for one of these.4. Leather Jacket...My brother painted a spider on the back of mine and I’ve decorated it with a few pins.5. The jewelry I wear every single day....For my 15th birthday I got an ax pendant on a simple chain. I’ve been wearing it every day since and collecting additional meaningful pendants and charms. There’s probably about a dozen different things at this point, with a story behind each one....In addition to this necklace, every day I also wear two rings. One was a gift from my Grandmother to my Great Grandmother which was then passed down to me. And the second is a VeraMeat ring to commemorate the life of my beloved Daschund of 13 years.
You have a very impressive vintage dress collection. What is it you like the most about vintage style and where do you usually do all your thrifting?
Thank you!! My favorite part about vintage style is how all encompassing it is. Whether I feel like wearing gold bell bottoms from the 70s or a 50s party dress, or anything in between...Vintage doesn’t let me down.I’ll do my thrifting anywhere, I’m not picky! There are treasures to be found everywhere. Tennessee has the most excellent estate sales. I’m partial to California’s flea markets. There’s a great one every Sunday in a drive-in movie theater near where I grew up. I have favorite thrift shops all over the country, but those are a closely guarded secret.
How would you describe your sense of style?
My style varies a lot day to day but most often its some sort of gothic pilgrim with a bit of schoolgirl thrown in there as I often wear childrens’ clothes. But then again...sometimes its more 70s teenager...or a 60s housewife on New Years Eve.
Are you a brands kind of girl or more of a whatever looks good/is comfortable kind of girl?
I’m not so much a brands girls....There are designers who I admire but my own closet is far from full of labels. My achilles heel would have to be Jeffrey Campbell.I just try to find pieces that appeal to me aesthetically in some way. Flattering fit is important too, but I do a lot of altering myself (with the help of my Mom).There’s very few dresses in my closet which I haven’t modified in some way.
You have a very eclectic taste in fashion, style, film and art. What are some of your all time faves and why?
Lolita. The Nabokov novel is my all-time favorite book. There’s an unmatched beauty to the way its written. The poster for Kubrick’s film is my all-time favorite poster. The heart shaped glasses. The red lipstick. The lollipop. Its just perfect.I adore Stanley Kubrick, so next would be the Shining. I love everything about this movie; the original trailer, the script, the gore... But above all are the twins’ outfits.Harold & Maude. Simply: Harold is my soul mate.Mercedes Helnwein is one of my favorite artists. Her aesthetic is right up my alley. Everything is beautiful and creepy and interesting.
Justin O’Neal, another one of my favorite artists. There’s a dark beauty to what he creates which I love. http://justinonealart.com/
What are top 3 makeup items you cannot live without?
1. Red eyeshadow. I finally managed to find just the right shade but its a blush that I use as eye shadow! (Nars in Exhibit A.) A little bit goes a long way and it stays on forever! 2. Red/orange lipstick. This might make me a weirdo, but I have a huge obsession with having my lip color match my eyeshadow.
3. Black liquid eyeliner. Always winged. I’m not even sure I know how to do it any other way.
What are your favourite places to shop online?
Sockdreams.com is my favorite... They have the best selection of leg wear which is a vital part of my wardrobe. Asos.com of course is just amazing. NastyGal.com & Karmaloop.com are my favorites for shoes.
Where do you get majority of your inspiration in life?
Going to live shows...I’m always inspired in some way after I leave an excellent concert.
Fave blogs and sites to visit?
RookieMag.com. Tavi Gevinson is a girl wonder.
You can check out Shelby in The Black Belles below;
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