CO: When a client approaches you for work, what do you typically look for in their ideas that can serve as a basis of the piece you will ultimately design?
NB: I try to look for the essence of what they are explaining to me…the feeling and the mood and the meaning behind all the words they are using. If I can get into their head that way, If I can understand where they are coming from rather than merely “waiting for my turn to speak” then the artwork will usually develop from there in a natural, intuitive fashion, with mutually agreeable results. This part of the process has little or nothing to do with art or tattooing and everything to do with human relations and communication skills.
CO: What other art forms inform your unique tattooing style?
NB: The most prominent forms are photography and painting. Then there’s life drawing, and graphic design.
CO: What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about tattooing?
NB: Working within the limitations of the human body and the organ of skin is perhaps the most challenging aspect--considering all aspects of the surface you’re affecting, such as healing and longevity. Ironically, the human aspect of tattooing is also the most rewarding…the fact that you can aid someone in their personal transformation and adorn their body with something permanent and meaningful.
CO: Can you cite an example of a piece you’ve begun or completed recently that illustrates this personal transformation?
NB: Some pieces from my website’s tattoo gallery that illustrate this are “Beauty of Nature,” “Ghost Orchid,” “Shell Heart Memorial,” and “A Brave New World.” All of these pieces were very important and symbolic to their collectors, and they entrusted me with representing and interpreting these bits of personal transformation for them, and that was very flattering and inspiring to be able to do for someone. Not that every tattoo has to be an experience like that, but it helps you appreciate things in life a little more when it does happen.
(Interview by Aly)
For the full interview plus more pictures of Baxter’s work, check out tattoonow.com
Nick Baxter’s personal website, http://www.nickbaxter.com, also has pictures, Nick’s philosophy and contact information.
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