It's in San Francisco that we find the team of Everlasting Tattoo, Mike Davis' shop. Both versed in the traditional American and surrealist painter, he never says « no » to virgin skin or an empty canvas. Just enough space to be able to paint or ink some allegorical subjects from his flourishing imagination. With Covid19, the shop had to close for 5 months, enough to bring Mike back to his painter career. Even if he is influenced by a wide variety of various styles, Gothic... Renaissance art and Flemish painting from the 15th to the 17th century remain the main influenced in his art.
Legendary, state of California could only possibly generate legends. Sunshine, palm trees, glitters and... this crazy world of Entertainment. In addition to clichés, the State concentrates as many "weirdos" as there are talents. Fashion, cinema, street art, skate culture, innovation is everywhere. But what we notice above all is the absolutely incredible proportion of tattooed people per square meter! After seven hours on the bus from Los Angeles airport, I stop in San Francisco. Its climate is more temperate and its history tormented. But what makes it magical never faded. San Francisco, always appears behind the fog of its bay. Its climate is temperate and its history tormented. But what makes it magical never evaporates. Between past and present, the city breathes the world and the crossbreeding. Reason enough to push Mike Davis to establish his tattoo shop there, discreetly perched in the heights of the city. The boutique is worth the detour. "Everlasting Tattoo" intrigues and amazes, as much by the number of ancient objects to decorate there as by the quality of the pieces that come out every day. Mysterious and mystical, it is the image of its owner. Originally from Jacksonville, Mike Davis is a painter before being a tattoo artist. If he approaches the skin in a traditional way, his oils on canvas oscillate between Hieronymous Bosch, Johannes Vermeer, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Dali. "The exercise of tattooing, he says, has allowed me to perfect my painting technique even if what I produce on the skin differs greatly from my paintings both in terms of influences and subjects. In any case, as much a visionary as he is the bearer of part of the history of tattooing "Made in USA", Mike Davis strives to represent a fantasy world, born out of phantasmagorical dreams where no questions never get an answers.
... At that time, what style were you practicing?
When I started, I particularly liked the "Hot Rod" type tattoo. I was a kind of biker myself, passionate about motorcycles and vintage cars. I grew up around car races and Hot Rod conventions. My family was crazy about it!
How did you come to found "Everlasting Tattoo"?
It was in 1992. I used to work from home. I have to admit, it wasn't very regulatory. Besides, I don't recommend it at all. But that was more than 20 years ago. And at that time, it was really difficult to find a job in a salon or to find an apprenticeship with a tattoo artist.
The conditions were rather rudimentary, weren't they?
Actually, when I started tattooing, I was doing decorations. I was a set designer and I worked for the theater, opera or ballet. It was my first job. That's how I learned to paint. When I got involved in the world of tattooing, I practiced it mostly at night, after work and for fun. But I don't recommend this way of doing things either! Tattooing is something you have to take seriously. Nowadays, many young people are getting involved in tattooing without really understanding the substance of it. They watch these TV shows that only encourage them to follow this path. They don't necessarily have any respect for this art and its history. It has become a big problem here in the United States. But on the other hand it can allow many artists to make a living from their art, I must admit that it is unique.
Who were the first tattoo artists to inspire you?
First of all the artist who made my first tattoo, of course! Dana Bronson (Tattoo designs by Dana, Cincinnati, Ohio). There is also Bernie Luther (Tattoo Art Demon, Vienna). One of the legends of the New School tattoo, editor's note), which had a great influence on me. There are so many others. But mainly, it's these two guys.
You're a painter too. We had the pleasure in France to discover your work during the exhibitions "Hey!" which took place at the Halle Saint-Pierre in Paris in 2012 and 2013 and a little bit everywhere in the pages of the magazine but also at the Mondial du Tatouage. Can you tell us a little more about it? Where do you find your inspiration?
Mainly from the painters of the Flemish Renaissance: Jan Van Eyck, Pieter Brueghel, David Teniers, Max Ernst, Otto Dix, George Grosz... I am also interested in all kinds of historical objects that I collect. Objects from the Second World War, artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome or American Indians. I also like skulls and shells for example.
What are the tones in your painting? Can you describe? It seems very dark sometimes, very surrealist but also it can be comic... Which painter or art influence you the most ?
I love darkness in paintings especially if it's not obvious at first. I prefer subtlety in my work. I also like to add humorous elements or puzzles. I'm influenced by so many things it is difficult to list.
What change over the years in your art or your approach as an artist in tattooing or in painting?
As far as tattooing goes- it's changed quite a lot. I would hate to be starting out today. It's so competitive and so many people are extremely talented. I strongly dislike the social media culture that surrounds it now.......... I much prefer the old days of promoting through magazines and conventions.....it was much more sincere and less commercialized. As far as painting - I'm always trying to grow and I hope it never stops!
Tell us about the pieces you wear, what is your favorite?
I have so many! But one of my favorites is one of the oldest (he shows his left arm). It was made by Dan Higgs (another American tattoo legend), who was one of my biggest influences when I started. There is also the one of Aaron Cain, Scott Sylvia from Black Heart Tattoo, a very interesting guy, Dana Bronson of course... I have so many tattoos and so many different people have contributed to it that I can't name them all!
Do they have a special meaning for you?
No. Just this one (he rolls up his shirt and shows a heart in the traditional American style with four banners, editor's note). Because those are the names of my cats. There's also "Mom & Dad", a lettering that means a lot, but that's it. I could make some more, but I would need new arms!
A favorite European artist and why?
El Monga (Aloha Tattoo, Barcelona, specialist in traditional, editor's note). I just like his style. There are a lot of Spanish artists currently working in this vein. But I particularly like his way of looking at the tattoo: he approaches the traditional style with a more creative angle and especially with his own aestheticism, and I like that.
Do you miss tattoo conventions?
I like to go to conventions to see old friends but I don't do many anymore, I'm very selective about the ones I attend. It's a chance to meet people I've known for a long time......some of them for almost 30 years now. It's great to have friends from all over the world... It's one of the things I love about tattooing. More information : www.mikedavisfineart.com Instagram : @mikedavis813
