Blog Entry
A Dedicated Tattoo Artist from Massachusetts
March 11, 2010 by , under Tattoo Artists.
Ben Reigle is a tattoo artist based in Easthampton Massachusetts who considers tattooing not just a mere profession, but rather an artistic inclination that enables him to freely express his creativity. To quote ” I love tattooing and the freedom it has granted me in this precious life “. He is eager and determined to continually develop his craft and contribute to the growth of the industry. A dedicated, driven and hardworking artist, his works are reflective of the passion and respect he has for tattoo art. Check out our interview with him and some photos of the works he has done.
How long have you been tattooing? What motivated you or prompted you to become a tattoo artist? I have been tattooing for about 4 years. It had always been an unattainable dream(or so i fooled my self to think) to be a tattoo artist. I started getting tattoos at a very youg age and was really attracted to the counter culture scene i thought it represented. As far as being as artist i have been one as long as I have been alive it seems.
Do you specialize in a particular tattoo theme or design? How would you describe your style of tattooing? I wouldnt say I specialize in anything but being a well rounded color tattoo artist. I enjoy bio organic or bio mechanical tattooing cuz it seems to flow through me. I describe myself as a student of the art of tattooing who is eager to progress and help progress the industry.
You seem to be a proponent of bio organic tattoo designs. Can you define it for us. As far as a definition for bio organic i would say that it is certainly a focus on abstract flowing designs, think the next evolution of a well executed proper tribal tattoo. Bio Mechanical started it all, influenced by HR Giger some of the pioneers in the tattoo industry twisted a whole new genre of tattooing and I see Bio Organic as the evolution of fundamental ideas that were laid by and practiced by these pioneers. Bio Organic fits the rule of flow and fit to the body, to make the tattoo bend and warp with you as you move in a way that it looks like it was meant to be there.
Bio organic tattoo is not a focus on plant life solely, i would say that it is focused on anything organic. Bones, teeth, flesh and guts, insects, man i could go on forever, anything natural and organic can be made into an interesting texture for a tattoo. For personal reference i would suggest Nick Baxter, Carson Hill, Nathan Kostechko, Adrian Dominic and Guy Aitchison for a real idea of the school of tattooing I subscribe to.
When clients come to you and they don’t have an idea on what tattoo designs to go for, what advice do you usually give them? I play jedi mind tricks on most people…”this isnt the design you are looking for” with a slight hand wave….and they do my biding….no im kidding, i try to help educate and enlighten potential clients about the opportunities that are out there in the world of
tattooing. . . and let them make an educated informed decision for themselves.
What is the latest tattoo trend? Based on your experience, is there a particular tattoo design that a lot of people are going for nowadays? phoenix. . . like whoa …. and around western mass it seems as though neo traditional is the thing, but i am trying to show these kids that bio tattoos are way more interesting (at least for me….jedi mind tricks!)
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| Rib tattoo on the left is a collaborative work with a fellow tat artist while the koi fish tattoo on the right is a half sleeve in progress | ||
What are the top three favorite tattoo works that you have done? Well one is in progress…my friend Crystal wanted a sweet but evil robot on her arm, and i really took the ball and ran with it, basically writing ashort story to go along with the sleeve…its going to be epic so i am going torefrain from diving into the details….keep checking benreigle.com for updates on that sleeve… i really love the dung beetle on a bio turd i did, it was a 6 session tattoo that we started having no idea where we would end up. . and its still growing….i learned and applied a lot during that tattoo that has helped my tattooing immensly.. finally…i just did a gnarly bio piece on this kid mike’s neck….and that one , while still in progress is quickly becoming my favorite.
For those who are interested to work with you, where can they contact you? I work everyday but sunday at Off The Map 112 Cottage St Easthampton Ma 413-527-6574 and check out my website at www. benreigle.com.
