Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April Gallery Stroll: Tyler James Densley
Posted
By Gavin Sheehan
on April 19, 2011, 6:28 AM
click to enlarge
Wait
what's this? A Gallery Stroll event in 2011 that didn't come with
snow, sleet, rain or hail? It's an April non-Christian holiday
miracle. Seriously, it's about damn time we were given the chance
to head out and actually enjoy the event without having four layers
of clothing to keep in the heat while walking from spot to spot. And
just in time too as Stroll itself is now building back up with new
venues and artists are starting to come back out with new material.
So sticking with that theme of new material we'll be visiting a new
addition to the lineup.
--- For this month's Stroll I made my way down 4
th
South to a little shop called Cathedral Tattoo. Holding shop in the
space Positively 4th
Street Music used to call home under Stoneground, the artists inside
have been pushing out some quality work over the past few months and
are now starting to assert themselves as a gallery for those
employed. This month they have the work of Tyler James Densley on
display, who we got a chance to chat with about his career and the
work currently on the walls, plus a few thoughts on local art. All
with photos for you to check out here.
Tyler
James Densley
http://www.cathedraltattoo.com/
Gavin:
Hey Tyler, first off, tell us a bit about yourselves.
Tyler:
I'm the only dyslexic child of my seven siblings. I grew up in
Midway, but have spent the last ten years in California. I've
returned to conquer Utah. I also enjoy raisin bran.
Gavin:
What first got you interested in art, and what were some early
inspirations?
Tyler:
My older brother and his friends would encourage me to draw. I think
mainly because they liked seeing a six-year-old draw monsters killing
one another. The crazier the drawing was, the more they liked
it.
Gavin:
Did you attend any kind of college or education in art prior to
tattooing?
Tyler:
Fuck no.
Gavin:
What initially drew your interest toward tattooing, and how did you
break into it?
Tyler:
When I was seventeen, I stared dating some old bag that was a
tattooer. She taught me some tricks in the kitchen. I've been hurting
people since.
[image-x]
[image-x]
Gavin:
What was your first real experience like creating a tattoo, and how
did it turn out?
Tyler:
It went surprisingly well. After thinking about tattooing for so
many damn years, I was ready and on point. Of course, it was a Jerry
bear, so there's that.
Gavin:
How was it for you learning the craft and honing in your skills to
create work on people?
Tyler:
Hard. Tattooing takes a long time to master. And sometimes people
move or smell bad.
[image-x]
Gavin:
What's the process like for you when creating an original piece of
work not on the wall?
Tyler:
Try not to make too many scabs.
Gavin:
How did you become involved with Cathedral Tattoo, and how has it
been working here?
Tyler:
They got lucky. I fit like a puzzle piece.
[image-x]
Gavin:
On the side you've been creating different pieces of artwork. What
influenced you to keep creating outside of the shop?
Tyler:
Progression. As a tattooer, if you're never creating for yourself,
you lose the passion that got you into the business.
Gavin:
Between the two, do you prefer professional tattooing or personal
art, and why?
Tyler:
I wouldn't be any sort of artist if it wasn't for tattooing. I
learned all I know about creating through tattoos. I can't say I
prefer either because I often have a lot of freedom in tattooing that
is satisfying to my urge to make things with my hands. Really, be it
on paper, wood, or skin, a good finished product ultimately soothes
the soul.
[image-x]
[image-x]
Gavin:
Going local, what are your thoughts on Utah tattoo shops, both good
and bad?
Tyler:
There are some folks doing good tattoos and some doing bad. That's
the way it goes.
Gavin:
Is there anything you wish would change or think could be done
better?
Tyler:
It's all on the customer. Don't go get bad tattoos and those places
won't exist. Do your homework. It's going to be on your for a
while.
[image-x]
Gavin:
Branching a bit from that, what are your thoughts on our art
scene?
Tyler:
It's wonderful. I just moved back from San Diego, where art and
passion go to retire. I have a studio at the Captain Captain building
with some of the best mystics in town. I work at a fantastic shop
that threw me a stellar art show. I'm having a show next Gallery
Stroll with my buddy Trevor J. Dopp at Copper Palate Press. I'd say
Salt Lake finally has something to show for years of
brainwashed-youth-rebellion.
Gavin:
What's your take on Gallery Stroll and being a part of that
experience?
Tyler:
I think it's a great idea. Keeps people interested and active. The
only downside is you have to talk about your own art, which is about
as fun as... insert terrible action here.
[image-x]
Gavin:
What can we expect from you over the rest of the year?
Tyler:
The domination of a valley.
Gavin:
Aside the obvious, is there anything you'd like to plug or
promote?
Tyler:
All my artful events coming up here are going to be benefits for my
mom who has recently been the victim of hospital bills and a tumor.
She owns and runs a small bakery/deli called Fresh in Heber City, and
though she'll never admit she needs help, doctors ain't cheap. I
should know. Anywho, all those who read this should give me all your
money so I can help that sweet old lady. Thanks and bye.
Tags: Salt Lake Gallery Stroll, Tyler James Densley, Image