Chevvy Piston from Vancouver,
BC, Canada
Where did you grow
up?
Northern BC.
How was it growing up
there, would you say that it influenced you?
It was a fairly small
community, I don’t think I was influenced by the culture there at all.
When did you start
getting tattoos?
The day I turned 18!
How would you
describe your style?
Retro, Rocker and
loud.
Do you consider
tattoos as a serious art form?
I definitely do. I’ve
seen amazing work, and I consider my work to be a beautiful form of self
expression.
How do you see the
tattoo culture right now?
Honestly, I feel as
though it’s exploded! In some ways this is a great thing, in other ways, not so
much. It’s great to be accepted for who you are with or without tattoos, but I
also think it’s become very trendy, which isn’t why I began getting tattooed.
What has been your
inspiration for getting them?
I’ve always loved
art. I paint, sketch and model (Which is an art form however you might see it).
So to have something permanently placed on my body was a must.
What’s your favorite
piece?
Currently, my right
arm. Both of my arms are incomplete at this point, but my right arm is my
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” arm and it’s a continuous piece featuring her
slaying in a cemetery.
Do you catch people
starring at you because of your ink?
All the time.
In your opinion, do
your tattoos change your mood often?
Never. I’m always
Chevvy at the end of the day.
What’s your most
significant tattoo and why?
My most significant
tattoo (and probably the only one with significance) is my side piece. It’s a
Matthew Good Band lyric that reads, “She is gold and nothing less, she is
fearless.” I had it done after the end of my 5 year relationship. It wasn’t an
abusive one, but it was definitely unhealthy and I spent way too many years in
that relationship wishing it would change. Then I changed it myself, and got
the tattoo to commemorate that.
What advice would you
give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Research shops before
just picking one. Go inside, check out the clients and the portfolios. Get a
vibe for the place. A shop that cares about cleanliness, service and honesty is
a shop that will provide quality work in my experience. It will prevent you
from having regrets if you end up with a hack tattoo at some random dirty shop.
Will you be getting
anymore?
Absolutely. Once my
arms are complete, I have a stomach piece to finish and my back to start.
What’s your biggest
inspiration, what keeps you going?
There will always be
art that inspires me to keep going. I think I’m inspired by pieces I’d want to
have on my body.
What is one thing
that life has taught you?
That people on the
outside know nothing about talent. They go based off of superficial things, and
while at first that can be frustrating, if you’re passionate about something
eventually others will catch onto that and the fakes will be weeded out. Stay
true.
Do you have a
favorite quote?
“Scar Tissue is
stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.” – Henry Rollins
Anything else you
would like to add?
Check out my website,
www.chevvypiston.com or “like” me on
facebook, www.facebook.com/chevvypiston!