Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Cockrill.
Chris , please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a tattoo artist currently at Remington Tattoo in North Park. I started tattooing in 1998 in Houston Texas and apprenticed under Boots Fulton. The tattoo styles I enjoy tattooing the most are American traditional, Japanese, and black and grey. I spent several years working at Avalon Tattoo 2 in North Park, and at Two Roses Tattoo before that. I have worked all over the country working at tattoo conventions and have travelled abroad to work in Thailand and Mexico. Also, for several years i made annual trips to Sydney, Australia to work and explore. I find that traveling influences my artwork and perspective.
When i first started tattooing I was taught how to make my own needles and, along with all of the guys at the shop, how to assemble our own tattoo machines. Back at that time there was more of a trade aspect to tattooing that is becoming more and more obsolete. That was when i got the bug for building tattoo machines. In doing so I had to learn all of the skills related to metal working, like tig welding and operating old mills and lathes and it has been a lot of fun along the way.
I currently live in University Heights with my wife and dog, Einstein. When I’m not tattooing or building tattoo machines I am usually surfing, hiking or drinking coffee, sometimes all at the same time.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Learning to tattoo and working as a tattoo artist has influenced my approach to art over time.
Most of my drawings and paintings are created with the mindset that they could be transfered to the skin and become well-constructed tattoos that will age well. Having a piece of artwork tattooed on a person is much different than having it on an archival canvas. People live their lives with artwork on their skin, so how a tattoo will age and environmental factors need to be considered in the tattoo design process. When painting, this doesn’t always need to be the case, and it is sometimes nice to paint something crazy that could never be turned into a tattoo.
I also enjoy making the tools I use to create tattoos. In doing so, I feel I have the most control over the output of the design. Making tattoo machines is also a great way to build something with my hands in a different medium on my own time.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Art shows put on by either tattoo shops or art galleries that are a good way to meet people and show your art. Tattoo conventions can be a way to connect to people, as well as social media. And open drawing/paint nights, like the one held at the Whistle Stop, are also a good way to meet other artists.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Some of my work can be seen displayed at Remington tattoo in North Park, viewed on my website www.tattoo-maker.com and at @chriscockadoodledo on instagram. I have prints for sale at the shop, and am available at Remington Tattoo for tattoo appointments.
Contact Info:
- Address: Remington Tattoo
3009 Myrtle Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116 - Website: www.tattoo-maker.com
- Phone: 619-957-6678
- Email: ccockrill@mac.com
- Instagram: chriscockadoodledo
Image Credit:
liz cockrill chris cockrill
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