In an interview with Boston’s own veteran tattoo artist Chad Chesko, I found out what tattoos mean to someone who’s been creating body art for 17 years (and mine for seven). We chatted about his recent moves from Maui and Cali, his upbringing in Southern Florida, the Boston tattoo scene, and more.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Boston tattoo artist Chad Chesko, who has been my tattoo artist for the past seven years and has recently moved back to the Boston area after several stints in Maui, HI and Berkeley, CA. We met at the newly-renovated Pumpkin Tattoo in Jamaica Plain. The new space features a beautiful art deco-inspired tin ceiling and hardwood floors throughout the studio.
When I arrive at Pumpkin’s to meet with Chesko, a hip tattooed girl in thick rimmed glasses leads me to a back lounge area for the artists. Here I find Chesko working on an intricate drawing of a horse head, which he will be tattooing on a client later that day.
Chesko, who has been tattooing for 17 years, is also an accomplished visual artist. He recalls first being mesmerized by tattoos as a kid.
He would watch bikers and tattoo artists come out of a shop near his house, and was “fascinated by what went on in there.”
Art work by Chesko
This fueled his interest, and even from a young age Chesko says he was always drawing. At age 14, Chesko recalls making a “crude tattoo machine” with one of his friends at the time. From there, he began practicing on himself and other friends, and his life as a tattoo artist began.
Chesko also talks about how his art is heavily influenced by the punk rock, metal and hardcore music scenes, which each played a part in the development of tattoo culture in the 80s and early 90s. From here, Chesko began tattooing regularly around South Florida and apprenticing with a very influential mentor who helped him develop as an artist. After working in Florida for several years, Chesko eventually moved to Virginia before coming to the Boston area.
Skull Tattoo by Chesko
When asked whether or not Chesko thinks that there is a current tattoo scene, and how shows like LA Ink and Miami Ink have had an effect on it, he responds by saying, “tattoo shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink have only made tattoos and tattooing more accessible, which has diluted it. The mystery of tattooing that I was drawn to as a kid is no longer there.” He goes on to say that “the tattoo scene doesn’t exist unless you are doing it.”
When it comes to tattooing in Boston, Chesko says,
“there really has been a rebirth of it within the city since it was legalized in 2000. There are a bunch of people who are excited about it and the vibe of Boston really carries over into the tattooing itself.”
Recent tattoo by Chesko
Chesko refers to himself as a self taught artist and said he “learned to draw for tattooing.” Although many of his illustrations and paintings are done in a a “tattooer’s style,” he is a visual artist at heart. He most recently had work included in a group show called The Beard Show at the Aviary Gallery in January, also in Jamaica Plain.
Chesko has learned to be incredibly adaptable to many different styles and influences in his work. This is apparent by flipping through his portfolio, which includes everything from Japanese influenced pieces to Art Nouveau imagery. With each new drawing and tattoo he creates, Chesko learns something new.
There is a process that occurs when creating a great tattoo, which includes doing research for that specific image. Through his research, Chesko finds interesting elements and back stories about that particular image, which he then applies to the overall design.
For Chesko, it really is about respecting the image he is working with and keeping it true to its roots, while also being able to put his own spin on it.
In June, Chesko will celebrate his 18th year of tattooing. This is an incredible milestone, and Chesko can look forward to many more successful years of making art and tattooing ahead of him.
“Weird Beard” Illustration included in last’s month’s Aviary’s show
TO FIND OUR MORE ABOUT CHAD’S WORK, CHECK OUT HIS FACEBOOK OR E-MAIL HIM AT CHAD.CHESKO@GMAIL.COM.
