TATTOO TALES

Curious about how to make woodblock prints?

 

In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I’m joined by Australian artist Terry McKenna, known by his artist name Toraku ("Fun Knife"), who traded oil paints for the traditional Japanese art of Mokuhanga over twenty years ago.

From his school in the mountains of Karuizawa, Terry breaks down the intricate world of woodblock printing—from the discipline of his apprenticeship in Kyoto to the specialized tools like the baren and cherry wood blocks.

 

We dive into the striking parallels between the heritage of Japanese printmaking and the tattooing world, exploring how the craft has evolved from the rigid assembly lines of the Edo period to a contemporary "Golden Age" where artists handle every step of the process.

 

It’s a deep dive into a tactile, timeless and versatile medium that rewards patience and honors the rule of "making it from yourself."

 

Artists mentioned in the episode:

Hiroshi Yoshida (shin hanga)

Munakata Shiko (sosaku hanga)

 

Suppliers:

Gwasendo (art supply store in Kyoto)

Michihamono (tool maker)

Sekaido (Tokyo)

Mokuhankan (Tokyo)

 

Mentioned tattoo-friendly onsen:

agri-yu

 

Learn more about Terry’s courses and residencies

 

Terry’s school on IG

 

Stef’s mentorship and projects

 

Stef’s IG

Get ready for another very nerdy episode into Japanese Folklore. This time we explore the figure of the Tengu, as portrayed in medieval chronicles and scrolls. Not what you’d expect. 

Source: The Seven Tengu Scrolls, by Haruko Wakabayashi

 

Mentioned texts: 

-Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan)

-Kōjaku Monogatari-shū

-Hira-no-Kōjin Reitaku

-Shūi-ōjōden

-Tengu Zushi (scrolls)

 

(mentioned anime about Japanese Hell: HOZUKI’S COOLHEADEDNESS)

Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration.

 

Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating collaborations, and building a life around art that feels true, sustainable, and exciting. It’s an honest, heart-warming conversation with someone who’s carved her own path while staying deeply connected to the joy of creating.

 

I’m sure her words and priorities resonate with a lot of you and her insights can help you in your own journey as a creative. 

Follow Tabby on Instagram

Get her prints and find out more about her work

Sailors jail Gallery

 

stefbastian.com

Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity.

 

We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career.

We get into the search for true mentorship, the importance of maintaining your integrity on social media, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Michelle shares a powerful story of navigating depression and how that experience led her to completely transform her studio into a 'safe space' for others.

We also discuss the incredible fundraising tradition she and her daughter started, and what it truly felt like to bring home the ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris.

 

This is a story about art, healing, and legacy.

 

Follow Michelle on Instagram

Darktales

 

 

News, courses and more

Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly challenging yourself, and the fulfillment he finds in giving back to the community.

 

This episode is a candid reflection on the tattoo industry's evolution, personal growth learned through hardship, and a look at the future of the art form, emphasizing the critical need for resilience and lateral thinking.

 

Follow Bill on Instagram

Billcanales.com

 

 

Mentorships, Courses and more

Follow Stef on Instagram