Hyperspace Studios - Part 2

Seeing an artist (Guy Aitchison) at the top his game is inspiring. He's come so far, yet he's still open to learning and has created an environment to do so.

Then, spending time with an artist (Markus Lenhard) in the middle of developing his craft is just as inspirational. There was much to talk about as he continues to build his skill set, name, and clientèle. He's even preparing to begin a new chapter by opening up his own shop, Lux Altera.

So how could I best absorb and retain the abundance of experience presented in front of me? Honestly, I don't think it's possible. I kept going back to my grandpa asking me how I could eat an elephant. Nobody would expect me to eat the whole thing in one sitting; that's crazy talk. But if I were to pace myself and realize I'm going to be at for a long time, I could go about my business: one bite at a time.

The first night was watching Guy and Markus go back and forth tattooing. It was a matter of standing over their shoulders and being present. I didn't ask too many questions, because I didn't know them and didn't want to intrude. But, thankfully, I let unfamiliarity and awkwardness disappear. With art being created at such an elevated level, I had to ask at least a few questions. Of which they seemed more than happen to answer.

The second day was Markus and I working on a tattoo for my leg. Well, he did all the tattoo related work, and I hung out and took the pain. (who knew under the knee hurt like that?) We're both inquisitive people and we each happen to have a child of near age, so our conversations were fun. I found myself watching then resting. (Sigur Rós will put you to sleep) I'd ask about, say, blending and Markus would respond. He'd offer wonderful information and I did my best to remember.

There are few people I respect without knowing, but Guy's body of work and his effort to educate is highly deserving. So when he sat down and looked over my portfolio, there was nothing else to do but shut up and listen.

When I tattoo, I go into a mental zone. It's sizing up the piece, zooming in on the detail, and figuring out the best way to render the image onto skin with the tools being used. During that process there are often tiny mistakes. Little blunders that the client may never notice, but, because the final product differs from what you know it should be, they stand out to you... the creator.

Well, Guy pretty much saw and pointed out every mistake. His experience has created a powerfully keen eye. That area on the Tree of Life tattoo I had to rush on because the shop was closing early... oh, he saw it. And an early tattoo with solid continuity throughout but one spot... he instantly knew a line was off because its continuation established a different direction that didn't line up. (that's a principle of Gestalt folks!)

His critique was both criticism—obviously, it's a critique— and words of encouragement. It was invaluable to hear an unattached viewpoint of my tattoos from an eye I trust.

So now, there's a part of me that wants to disappear for a year or so and learn. Then come back to this site and show some progress. But there's also something powerful in having the process to look back over.

I'm just excited to apply some of what I've been soaking up. So give me some machine time to practice and work through the swirling cloud that's pressurizing in my head. And, as I try stuff, I'll keep doing my best to journal it.