From England to New Zealand:
Here’s the story so far.
Since childhood, I've been captivated by art, but my focus shifted to tattooing. I would draw on classmates while enduring chatter about ink poisoning. At eighteen, armed with planned tattoos, I ventured to Glossop, a rainy English city, seeking a traditional studio. The door instructed me to leave a message; walk-ins weren't accepted. The waiting room featured a Harley and glass cases filled with cult figures. Steve, the tattoo artist, without sharing his last name, tattooed a small rose tattoo from the wall on my arm, and my love for tattooing deepened (not for Steve, though he was cool).
After years of futile attempts to break into the business, I decided to take a one-year trip to Japan. Traveling broadened my horizons and whet my appetite for more. After returning to England, I carefully talked to various studios until my long-awaited opportunity arrived—a modest studio in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on the border with Singapore. To make the most of my time, I spent countless hours studying accomplished tattooists and immersing myself in painting throughout my apprenticeship. The cultural divide was both startling and uplifting.
After a year, I moved to work with new artists in a new atmosphere. I was back in Europe, living in an upstairs tattoo studio in Germany, where the front of the studio served as a lounge—a genuinely unforgettable experience. Memorable occurrences transpired, such as late-night guests pointing and commenting on the displayed artwork at the huge front windows lit by neon lights. My steep learning curve continued alongside an old-school Welsh tattooist. Nigel Basset, a veteran of the business since the late 1970s, has a lot of expertise and fascinating experiences to share. Under his tutelage, I learned a lot about tattooing history, people, and the industry.
He instilled in me a deep reverence for those who have endured in the industry. We then co-founded a small studio in Bergen Belsen, Germany. For a year, I enjoyed the freedom of working independently, supported by a close-knit group of friends. During this time, I focused on developing a distinct style and building a portfolio.
After a solitary year, I realized that progress beyond a certain point required the company of like-minded artists. New Zealand, renowned for its stunning beauty and friendly populace, became an obvious choice. Following a guest spot at Skinks Tattoo Studio, Euan Satherley graciously welcomed me into his team. The opportunity to work alongside a talented group of artists and enjoy complete creative freedom held immense significance for me.
During my four years at Skinks Tattoo Studio in New Zealand, I formed deep connections and considered it my home. Shortly after my daughter's birth, Matt Jordan presented a life-altering opportunity. With my newborn in my arms, we relocated to Ship Shape Tattoo in Orewa. The following years blend together, marked by diaper changes, the arrival of a second child, tattooing, numerous birthday parties, travel for tattoo work, landscaping, and conducting live seminars to share my techniques and ideas with other tattoo artists. Amidst the glorious chaos, Jason Baker, Matt Jordan, and I became co-owners of Ship Shape and relocated to our new establishment in Dairy Flat.
Tattooing has been a huge focus in my life and the direction it has taken, thank you for taking the time to look at my work. Hopefully, you enjoy it enough to start your own project.
— Ben Kaye
