Davey James – Backpiece

Big Top and Signature Tattoo present an alternative to your clean cut, run of the mill…hygienic annual art show with Clean As A Whistle. Featuring new works from Big Top and Signature Tattoo Artists, Clean As A Whistle is to grime what a hot slot machine is to a tarnished dime. Curated by Mark Heggie the show features new work from Josh Fallon, Mark Heggie, Tyler Hemmingsen, Garth Hixon, Davey James, Nick Kelly, Dan Rick and Sam Wolf.

For our second RUN from 323East Gallery’s recent exhibition Clean As  A Whistle, 1xRUN is proud to present a work from tattoo artist Davey James. A tattoo artist since 2003, James has worked across the country but has most recently found a home with Signature Tattoo located in Ferndale, Mi. Check out more select available works from Davey and the rest of the gentleman of Clean As A Whistle at 323East.com for original works and see three prints from Davey James, Mark Heggie and Dan Rick – available in a 3-print combo pack- at 1xRUN.com and read on for the 1xRun Thru Interview with Davey where he talks about past influences,  his first piece and more.

1xRun Thru Interview

Davey James – Backpiece

1xRun: Let’s talk about the original painting of “Backpiece” is the original still for sale?

Davey James: Original piece is painted with acrylic ink and watercolor paint on 140lb cold press watercolor paper.  The original is for sale at 323East Gallery or at 323East.com

Click to See All Remaining Original Artwork from Davey James

1xRun: When was “Backpiece” drawn/created?

Davey James:  From November of 2011 to February of 2012.

1xRun: Talking specifically about this RUN is there anything immediate you would like us to highlight ?

Davey James: It’s a very traditionally based design in classic tattooing.

 1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution of “Backpiece” came about?

Davey James: A client and friend requested me to do a large scale tattoo. After drawing for the tattoo was completed, I decided to paint the piece to completion as to get a better idea of how to approach the completion of the tattoo

1xRun: How long did it take?

Davey James:  Roughly 10-12 hours.

1xRun: What is unique about this piece?

Davey James:  The use of black is somewhat excessive but effective because of the composition and style of this image.

1xRun: Why should people buy this print?         

Davey James: For an inventive rendition of a classic tattoo image.

1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.        

Davey James: Strong.

1xRun: When did you first start making art?    

Davey James: From childhood on.

1xRun: What was your first piece?      

Davey James:  First watercolor painting of this nature was a rose painted in 2002.

Clean As A Whistle

1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?      

Davey James:  Don Ed Hardy, Bert Grimm (who inspired this specific painting) Timothy Hoyer and Mark Heggie.

Mark Heggie @ Clean As A Whistle

 1xRun: What artists inspire you now?

Davey James: The people i work with at Signature and Big Top Tattoo are close friends, mentors and teachers. Seeing and working with them on a daily basis is all the inspiration i need currently. We view our business as our life and create constantly.

Check out Select works from Davey James and all the artists of Clean As A Whistle at 323East.com

Prices range from $30 and up with all pieces ready to hang!

1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?

Davey James:  I love listening to instrumental music in a calm work environment, be it at home or at my tattoo shop

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?           

Davey James:  More than likely the people i currently work with. otherwise, Timothy Hoyer.

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?

Davey James:  Carravagio, for the brutality and figure.

Clean As A Whistle

1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?

Davey James:  Don’t remember, it was so long ago.

1xRun: What was the last piece of art that you bought?

Davey James:  Just bought a collaborative painting by two respected tattooers Timothy Hoyer and Danny Reed.

1xRun: What else do you have currently in the works?

Davey James:  Currently working on a collaborative set of tattoo flash with my coworkers. Should be available for viewing and on sale in the summer of 2012.

1xRun: Where can people find you across the internette?

Davey James:  Facebook Tumblr

1xRun.com

Clean As A Whistle will exhibit through March 18th at  323East Gallery 4th Street, Royal Oak, Mi – open from Monday – Saturday from Noon – 7pm and the works will be viewable online 24/7 at 323east.com – Clean As A Whistle

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