Ink13 - Tattoo blog

An awesome interview for you guys, talking with the fantastically talented and inspirational Joe Capobianco of Hope Gallery in New Haven! Joe is a published author and extremely highly regarded artist in both tattoo and canvas, and one of the leading figures in the tattoo industry today

Thanks most appreciated.

Hi Joe, first of all let me say thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions for us here at ink13.co.uk

No sweat sorry for the delay…

Starting off with a little bit of background, can you tell us about yourself please Joe?

Well IM originally from Long Island New York. About 45 Minutes outta Manhattan.

How old were you when you first started tattooing, and how did you get into ink.

I was 21 when I went to a tattoo shop with a friend for her BirthDay. Got my first one than, a Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, as Friar Pig, and Robin Duck. IM a huge Warner Brother cartoon fan. Especially Chuck Jones, so it seemed appropriate.
Well to make a long story short. One of the artists in the shop had seen my art, and had my friend talking me up the whole day, and thought I’d make a good tattooist. He opened his shop shortly after, and pursued me as an apprentice for about a year, and a half. I was very lucky that I started when I did.

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What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business?

They Hated it. Both my Mom, and my friends had no idea what I was getting into. Hell it wasn’t till I’d been tattooing for like 2 years, and started making a name for myself on LI, before my Mom started realizing that I was actually making quite a reputation for myself as a tattooist. Than all the traveling, and what not, she was quite proud. And my friends, and other family have a sort of respect for me.

How many tattoos do you have yourself, or if it’s easier, what isn’t tattooed!

I’ve got both sleeves, Chest panels, legs (knee down), and one foot done. A drop in the bucket considering my size.

And your favorite tattoo on yourself? What’s it of and who done it?

I’ve a great Buddha From Mike Ledger From NYC (before he moved to Hawaii), and an amazing Pin up from Cap Szumski (in Atlanta GA)

Who was your inspiration when you were cutting your teeth as a tattooist, who’s style and technique has influenced you the most over the years?

Man, in the beginning, to present day there are so many. Early on there was Paul Booth, Timothy Hoyer, Berni Luther, Mike Ledger, Mario Barth, and Marcus Pacheco (just to name a few).

Do you think tattooing will ever become fully accepted as an art?

I think that as an underground art it sort of already has. As for a main stream art, its hard to say. I mean being a fairly accomplished artist, I don’t think I hold a candle to what is considered the “Main Stream” of art. And there are only a handful in our industry that I think do.
So where I think its great that tattoo artists are looked at in such high esteem, I think that there is only so high for us to climb before tattoo art is no longer looked at as that, and moves away from “tattooing”, and will become “True Art”. and I don’t look at that so much as a good thing. I think that all sorts of art have there place, and IM cool with where tattooing is today.

What is your favorite style of tattooing?

I dig the type of work I do, and consider that my strong point.

Have you come across much discrimination in life because you have tattoos?

Only minor, and only in certain areas of the country, and minor at best.

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Tell us all about Hope gallery, and your studio there, any plans for the New Haven Ink television show.

The Studio (I don’t consider it a typical tattoo shop, we’re way too laid back) was started by Eric, Merrill, Julio Rodriguez, and myself 4 1/2 years ago. I wasn’t too keen on starting a new space, but circumstances kinda demanded it.

What we have is a cool second story space, that is both a working tattoo studio, as well as a great Gallery space. My only regret is that I don’t have the ability to spend on spend on Gallery shows. It would be fantastic to have a show once a month, but were simply too busy tattooing.

We’ve since added Tim Harris (about 1 1/2 years ago) and added a guest station. IM hoping to attract a lot more guests in the future.

Excellent stuff, anything else that you want to add? Upcoming books, tours, promotions where we can catch you?

At the moment my traveling schedule has kinda relaxed a bit. IM still going away like every 5-6 weeks (if thats relaxing), but IM trying to concentrate on things at home, and myself.
As for projects Jime’ Litwalk, Tony Ciavarro, and myself should have a flash Sketch book out this May. To be released at Hell City.

Joe, many many thanks for your time, it’s really appreciated!

Hey Man, any time. With all the young talent out there, IM glad my work still stands out a bit.
JOE

Throughout the article we have used images from Joe’s website with his permission.