MATW Featured Artist Josh Chapman

NOVEMBER 2007

Josh Chapman began tattooing at a shop called the Blue Lotus in 1997 while finishing his art degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. While his boss Rob Beyer handled his appenticeship, he was fortunate to also have the mentoring of Adam Ciferri. Josh feels Adam helped instill a strong base in traditional American tattooing in himself, stressing the basics of his craft. His early influences, along with Adam, included; Marcus Pacheco, Timothy Hoyer, Scott Sylvia, Filip Leu, as well as most of the mid-nineties heavy hitters. At the time he was also living with Dan Trocchio, whose work, he says, continues to influnce him.

After a few years spent in Madison, he came to work in St. Louis for Brad Fink and Mark Andrews. Josh also adds that over the last seven years spent at Iron Age, Brad probably has had the most impact on how his work has evolved. "While my interests tend towards tradional American and Japanese tattooing, I find it fun to try different approaches from time to time. I 'm always looking for new tricks to add to the bag."

Along with tattooing he continues to paint, both for fun and flash, plays the occasional video game, and when time permits spins a few records. Most of the time Josh can be found at Iron Age but don't be surprised to see him working conventions.

"As a side note, I would like to thank Josh, Nick, and Sean for thinking of me to kick off this project. I wish themamuch success, and hope that the vast amounts of work they put forth do not go unnoticed." -Josh Chapman

Josh, we're proud to have you too. To see the Gallery of Josh's work click here.