INSPIRING INK

“WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SKIN IN THIS LIFE” – SYLVIA PLATH: Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams (1977). FAST FORWARD MORE THAN FOUR DECADES AFTER THE AMERICAN POET WROTE THESE IMMORTAL WORDS AND IT SEEMS LIKE WEARING ONE’S HEART ON ONE’S SKIN HAS BECOME SOMETHING OF A RELIGION TO MANY. TATTOOS HAVE GONE FROM BEING REBELLIOUS TO MAINSTREAM, FROM AN UNDERGROUND SUBCULTURE TO A THRIVING POP CULTURE. BODY INK IS BEING CELEBRATED MORE THAN EVER THESE DAYS, AND ALL ACROSS THE GLOBE CONVENTIONS ARE POPPING UP TO CELEBRATE BOTH THE ARTWORK ITSELF AS WELL AS THE MANY TALENTED TATTOO ARTISTS WHO CREATE IT.

In celebration of this ever-growing art form, Cape Town hosted the first ever South African International Tattoo Convention in 2017, and this year the event returned to the Mother City bigger and better than ever. In attendance were over 80 tattoo artists from around the world, including 16 of Cape Town’s home-grown talent. Visitors to the convention were exposed to the very best in local and international tattoo art and had the opportunity to experience different styles and cultures, meet up-and-coming as well as established artists from around the world, and, of course, get inked.

Among some of the incredible artists at this year’s convention was Durban-born Wesley von Blerk, who is fast becoming one of the country’s hottest tattoo artists. Having spent most of his youth growing up on North Beach in Durban, surfing and generally getting up to mischief, Wes was constantly inspired by the older generation’s interest in body art which, back then, was still considered to be somewhat rebellious and taboo. His natural inclination towards using art as a creative outlet led him to explore this world further and his bold pieces, exceptionally clean lines and unique style have caught the attention of tattoo enthusiasts and artists alike. So, naturally, we wanted to find out more.

Julie Graham (JG): What have been some of the highlights of the convention for you so far?

Wesley von Blerk (WvB): It’s always great meeting the artists you really look up to at conventions like this and, for me, really just trying to learn as much as possible from them. I think the new venue this year is also a big highlight.The Lookout [at the V&A Waterfront] has incredible views of Cape Town, and to tattoo while looking out at the ocean is always a treat for me. JG: How do you feel the local talent matches up to their international counterparts?

WvB: I feel the local artists this year have really pushed out

some incredible work, as have the international artists. Everyone feeds off each other really well. South African tattooing is definitely being recognised more internationally, and it’s great to see close friends doing such excellent work.

JG: You started off your tattoo journey in Durban and then spent a few years in Joburg before settling in the Mother City. Can you tell us a bit about this journey? WvB: The reason I left Durban was because I just had nothing going for me at the time. I wasn’t happy, had dropped out of my studies, and just wasn’t inspired. My folks had moved to Joburg and had been there for quite some time. I had always promised myself I’d never move anywhere away from the ocean, but I felt like I had no other option.

Moving to Joburg ended up being a huge blessing in disguise as I began working at a retail shop which offered tattooing in the back. I’d spend my days folding clothes and drawing on scrap paper. I had a bunch of drawings that I would leave in the front desk drawer. One day, Thys Uys [who now owns Fallen Heroes in Parkhurst] found them and told me to begin working as an apprentice in the back with them. I will never forget that feeling

of being so overwhelmed with happiness and excitement.To cut a long story short, that apprenticeship ended, and I was offered another one by Ross Hallam at my last shop, Handstyle Tattoos. All I can say is I am forever grateful for the opportunity Ross gave me – it wasn’t always easy, but he will always be the reason I got to where I am today.

My journey has finally brought me back to the ocean, working with the incredible artists at Palm BlackTattoo Co., and I couldn’t be happier.

JG: Tell us a bit about your particular style of tattooing? WvB: I really enjoy doing traditional American tattoos – bold flat colours, neat outlines, and easy to look at.Tattoos you can see from across the road. I really just love doing any kind of tattoo that consists of neat line work.

JG: Who are some of your favourite artists and why? WvB: All the guys I work with at Palm Black – those dudes push me every day. I am honoured to work at such a high standard shop. Internationally, there are just too many to name, but I would have to say Vince Pages from Switzerland is definitely up there as my best. His tattoos are always so neat and his colour palette is always on point.

JG: What do you want a client to take away from an experience of getting a tattoo with you?

WvB: A big smile! I always make sure my clients are comfortable and relaxed before starting a tattoo. Someone getting a full sleeve as opposed to someone getting their first tattoo both get treated equally. I think enjoying your time getting tattooed is just as important getting a great tattoo, so I strive to create that experience for my clients.

JG: Despite being an ever-growing culture, tattoos still hold a number of negative stereotypes. What are your views on this?

WvB: I think in South Africa tattoos are still frowned upon by the older generation, which is totally fair, considering tattoos in their day were mostly worn by bikers and not your average Joe. I think this negative stereotype is changing, however, especially with the massive growth in social media which allows people to see more tattoos every day and realise that the people who have those tattoos are harmless.

JG: Have you ever turned someone away? If so, why? WvB: I have turned people away, but only when they ask for portraits. I tend to send that work to friends who specialise in that field, just as they would send clients to me who are looking for a more traditional style.

JG: What has been the strangest tattoo request you have had?

WvB: I get asked this question a lot, but unfortunately nothing too strange. But I can say that I just received the strangest tattoo of [tattoo artist] David Chaston’s teeth tattooed on me!

JG: What have been some of your most memorable moments in your career as a tattoo artist so far?

WvB: I got to do a clothing collaboration with RVCA early last year which was a massive honour to be a part of. I also have plenty of travel plans lined up for this year which I’m looking forward to. I think just waking up every morning and having the opportunity to do something I hold so dear to me is something I treasure every single day.

To see more of Wesley von Blerk’s work, visit his Instagram page: @wesley_von_blerk. For bookings and enquiries, email Palm Black Tattoo Co at info@palmblack.co.za.