XXX Tattoo Meeting with one of the 'big' master of the Bio-mech, Rob Koss.
After studying film and graphic design, Rob begins tattooing in 1992 in Carbondale and quickly joined 'The tattoo factory' with Pete Collurafici in Chicago for his apprenticeship. He then works with the famous Guy Aitchison (known for his Bio-mechanics and bio-organic) at first only weekends and then full time in Chicago. its a difficult but very instructive experience. Guy Aitchison is already widely recognized in the profession and already has an extensive experience behind him. Its a great opportunity to exercise with a tattooist of such repute and no doubt enriching both on a technical and professional level.
A few years later, he meets his first wife, with whom he moved to Luzern in Switzerland in 1996. For this architecture enthusiast, Europe and its monuments are a beautiful discovery and Luzern, with its bridges, typical houses and castle is undoubtedly a wonderful place to settle. He then opens his superb shop « XXX Tattoo » with two other companions, real small museum or flea market with many unusual objects, old cash register, flipper (he collects pinballs and has a dedicated room for them at home), many statues from his travels, such as in Bali, as well as many posters of old circuses, magic and freak shows dating from the beginning of last century. (The shop puts in confidence and it’s very comfortable to get a tattoo, all in a warm atmosphere.)
Let's go back to the name of his shop that now, in the internet age does not necessarily refer to tattoos... But at the opening of the shop, the three partners were returning from Amsterdam, with the logo of the city is three 'X', and as it turns out they were three and found it fun for the shop to be called «XXX Tattoo», the X represents three people they wanted as it works in all languages, the shop is located in alfalfa, German-speaking town, Rob is American, so English-speaking. Finally Rob is nor a fan of Vin diesel or straight edge and doesn’t make pornographic films with tattooed people... laugh!
Let's talk about his work, Rob began in the 90’s, and as many artists of this generation he merely tattooed in just one style. he is known for his ornamental bio-mech style, remember that he began his career with Guy Aitchison, which somewhat influenced him. The work of Aaron Cain, another great master of bio-mech will also probably motivate his work. Rob is also interested in architects such as Louis Sullivan, American architect of the end of the 19th century who built many buildings in Chicago. The painter Alfons Mucha was also one of his inspirations, same time as Sullivan, the art-nouveau style binds these two artists, and we can find these influences in Rob’s tattoos. Illustrators side, J.C. Leyendecker and Bernie Wrightson are some of his favorites among others. On the tattoo side : Bernie Luther and Marcus Pacheco were also references for him. To conclude on the style, Rob inks bio-mech, Oriental tattoos and « Art nouveau » inspired pieces. As he explains, he adapts to the person in front of him. He will not draw a pattern in the same way for a huge metal fan who worships satan as he would for a girl coming from a quiet family. The tattoo is a first meeting between the person getting the tattoo and the tattoo artist.
The « XXX tattoo' team currently consists of several artists, alongside Rob Koss there’s Lukas Speich who does Neo traditional inspired tattoos and Japanese pieces. There are also Nadja Huber, who inks beautiful neo-traditional tattoos, Gian Andreas Signorell with a style more horror trad and the latest arrival Flurina Gretener, Rob’s latest apprentice. A quality Team in a superb shop nestled in a pretty town with a pleasant atmosphere, what more to ask from a Tattoo shop ?
On a more sad note, David Bowie accompanied this encounter with his music throughout the day we spent in XXX Tattoo. It was the day after his death and the team wished to pay tribute to him.
Dhk
