Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Hallows Blaque.
Edwin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in San Diego. From a young age, art has enveloped my life. In my teenage years through my mid 20’s, I focused primarily on music and did my fair share of traveling full time with various bands. I was very proactive as a musician and insisted on doing most things myself. I taught myself graphic design, photography, and videography.
Once I decided to stop touring and doing music full time, I decided to focus on photography and took my career to New York City. I spent a year exploring the city, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington D.C. I focused primarily on landscape, architecture, and abandoned asylums. Looking for a new challenge, I decided to learn everything there was about tattooing. I got my first tattoo at 15; at the age of 29, approaching my 30th birthday, I decided to teach myself the trade. I spent the next two years learning everything I could. I then moved to Alexandria, Va, just 10 minutes from Washington D.C. I spent some time at my first tattoo shop in Virginia. It was a fun experience, but not the right fit. I built my career and reputation amongst the tri-state area, known as the “D.M.V.” (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia).
The next shop I went to was “Red Octopus” in Maryland which is well-known thanks do Duffy Fortner who has been on Ink Master and Ink Angels. I did a week-long guest spot at her Crofton location. That was a cool experience where I made some new friends and got to experience a high-demand shop. I’m now back in San Diego in the Gaslamp District at Mabel O’Reilly Tattoo. Going on my 6th year of tattooing, it’s nice to be back home and working in such a wonderful shop and location. I specialize in large scale, color or black and grey realism and new school. My main focus is anything dark with an occult or Halloween vibe. I also specialize in cover ups and freehand tattoos where I draw directly onto the client to get the perfect flow for their design. Despite my preference, I am a well-rounded artist who can bring whatever idea you have, to life.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My main career is as a tattoo artist; I also work with a variety of mediums and create different forms of art. Anything from deconstructed baby dolls and stuffed animals, to custom paintings and sculptures. I’m a bit of a selfish artist, I don’t like selling my art, but am always happy to do custom commissions. From my earliest memories, I have always been obsessed with the morbid side of life. The occult, Halloween, the cycle of life, it captures my imagination and inspires me to bring my visions to life. Art critiques are relative, so what people take away from my art is merely a reflection of their own inner demons. My demons are what you see in my work. Good or bad, I lay it all out there. I never bother with the opinions of others; I don’t do this for them. This is my passion, and life is too short to waste doing anything other than what you love. With that said, I love art.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
In my humble opinion, I feel artists have it much easier today. The arts have always been a major staple in society. With social media and an overall acceptance with loving yourself and others, the world is quickly changing for the better. Networking with friends, family, other artists, colleagues, and the rest of the world is as easy as reaching into your pocket and pulling out your phone. I’m thankful to live in San Diego where tattoos and an artistic lifestyle is encouraged. The one issue I happen to see is the rise in artists. There is a lot of competition these days, but I don’t like to focus on differences. Instead, I like to find similarities and build bridges. There’s more than enough work for everyone and I welcome the rest of the community, new or old, I love seeing all of the diversity out there!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m on multiple social media platforms. A simple google search of my full name “Edwin Hallows Blaque” will bring you to a list of sites I frequent. I primarily use Instagram as it’s quick and simple to convey my art. You can also find me at Mabel O’Reilly Tattoo in Gaslamp, San Diego Wednesday through Sunday each week. I’d be more than happy to meet anyone with an interest in what I do. Come say hi, and get a new tattoo!
Contact Info:
- Address: Mabel O’Reilly Tattoo
519 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101 - Phone: (310) 497-5538
- Email: EdwinHallowsBlaque@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/EdwinHallowsBlaque
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EdwinHallowsBlaque
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
