Specialising in horror and organic art, now living in exile in South-East Asia, Stepan Negur tells us how he has mastered the art of making his large-format creations spectacularly realistic.
Hello Stepan, can you tell us a bit about how you got started in tattooing ?
Since my early years, a deep passion for art, expressed through diverse drawing styles, has been a constant in my life. At the age of 14, my artistic journey took a profound turn when I delved into the world of tattooing. It wasn't merely an art form; it became a mystical process where individuals embraced the transformative power of pain, emerging as new beings adorned with meaningful ink. Lacking formal guidance, I embarked on a self-taught exploration, mastering the craft.
Have you always been interested in the organic and the mechanical?
At the beginning of my journey, I did everything but since 2010, I have been closely engaged in realism. One day a client came who asked me to make organics, I drew freehand for two hours and when everything was ready to start the session, the client asked me to go to get the wallet in the car. After which he never returned. Some time later, another client contacted me. I did the work and posted it on social networks. People liked it very much and they began to contact me only for organics.
How do you work on your shapes, are they the fruit of your imagination or of intense research?
Everything invented by a person is based on his experience and observations. My organics are also based on my observations of the outside world, nature and animals. There are many bizarre shapes and textures around us.
Skulls and bones seem to be among your favourite subjects in which you like to work with textures?
Yes, it is. I've always liked skulls. And the porous texture of the bones is great for my organics.
The biomechanics you like are close to realism. What difficulties do you encounter?
I can't say that I face any difficulties with realism. Achieving realism requires a grasp of fundamental knowledge about light and shadow, highlights and reflections, and aerial perspective. I have sufficiently mastered these skills.
Biomechanics adapt harmoniously to the body. In this respect, the oriental style is a major source of inspiration for tattoo artists who work on large formats. Is this the case for you?
Yes. At the beginning of my journey, the Eastern style indeed had an impact on me and became one of the styles shaping my development. I appreciate grand projects with well-constructed composition and dynamics, and the Eastern style serves as a good example in this regard.
Switzerland's Giger has undoubtedly had an influence on you, but who are the other artists who have been a source of inspiration?
Strangely, Giger had no influence on me. I delved into his work after becoming a master of organic tattoos. Before that, all I knew about him was that he created the Alien. The strongest influence on me comes from tattoo artists like Paul Booth, Victor Portugal, Guy Aitchison, and Markus Lenhard.
You've done some very surprising pieces entirely in colour. Is this a direction you'd like to explore in the future?
Yes, I’m interested in now. I’m happy with what I do, but every pursuit eventually becomes familiar, and there comes a moment when you crave something new. That’s why I decided to try working with color. It’s challenging for me at the moment, but that only makes the task more intriguing. I feel like a novice, exploring the magic of colors.
Are you interested in the future of technology, or is it just a question of artistic aesthetics?
I am definitely interested in the future of technology. The constant evolution of technology is something that cannot be ignored, and staying abreast of these developments is essential, not only for practical reasons but also to explore new possibilities for artistic expression.
You now work in Vietnam, what's life like there and what's the tattoo scene like in South-East Asia?
Life here is rich in culture, and the tattoo scene in Southeast Asia is dynamic and diverse. The region boasts a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, reflecting a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression.
Apart from tattooing, you're also an excellent painter of realism. What kind of pleasure do you get from this medium and how much time do you devote to it?
I enjoy painting with oils. I sit down at the canvas when inspiration or a new idea strikes. I don't rush in my painting; sometimes, I might work on a single piece for an entire year. Occasionally, I paint multiple pieces simultaneously. Unfortunately, at the moment, I don't have the opportunity to paint due to my hectic lifestyle. However, I hope to settle down soon and gradually return to creating paintings during my free time. + IG : @stepannegur
