La Bigotta

Maybe you’ve been asked this a thousand times, but why did you choose 'La Bigotta' ('The Bigoted’, E.D.) as a nickname? What's the story behind it?

The name La Bigotta, for me, represents a contrast: I can be everything as long as I’m a bigot, and this name has made me laugh a lot. Unfortunately, the world of tattoos is still the victim of a lot of bigotry. By the way, I chose a stage name also because I have a German surname that’s very difficult to pronounce and, most importantly, to remember.

Are you connected to the world of art? Is there any artist, or painter, who’s influenced you? Or do you draw inspiration from other artistic fields, which perhaps are also a part of your passions besides tattoos?

I grew up in a family that really loves art, which has greatly influenced my aesthetic taste. Surely, in my illustrations you’ll find many surrealist references and, as for the technique, I’m inspired by old Victorian serigraphs, where you can find the hatching and dotted style of representation. A few years ago, my mother gave me a book by French illustrator, designer and caricaturist of the 19th century Grandville, who’s famous for his characters with animal heads. He definitely is my greatest source of inspiration.

What are the subjects you like to represent the most, and why?

I’d say the subjects I like to tattoo the most are my characters with cloudy animal heads. However, I also love my anatomical hearts or vision of the sea, because they tell stories and they’re very personalised.

What’s the work/commission that put you to the test?

To be honest with you, I feel tested daily. There’s a certain amount of pressure that I feel trying to transform a memory, sensation or idea that someone has and wants as a tattoo. Doing this with only a quick 15-minute chat is not always easy. As much as it’s a challenge, it can end up being very satisfying.

In most cases, your works are made of pure black ink and, other times, you use colours. Is there a particular motivation behind this stylistic choice? Also, I'd like to know if in the future, both in the choice of colours and style, your way of representing subjects and tattooing will evolve, or if you prefer not to change anything at all.

Sometimes I do a little colour in my tattoos, but just very little. Having a style with many vintage references, I can represent them better through black and white. On the other hand, I use colours when I paint in oil and watercolour. I’m constantly changing and stimulated every day to improve myself. I like to try new techniques on my subjects, but I’m very careful not to precisely distort my personal tattoo styling.

What do you think makes people get tattooed? What do tattoos mean for you?

Over the last few years, the world of tattoos has changed a lot and so have the people who get tattooed. For example, my clientele is made of people who want to get their very first tattoo, and they’re people who, until a few years ago, would’ve never thought of being tattooed, such as doctors and notaries. In short, tattooing is finally seen and respected as an art. I’d say tattoos can be divided into decorative tattoos and more meaningful ones.

Among the tattoos you have on your body, which one is your favourite? Does it have a meaning or story that led you to have it on your skin?

My favourite tattoos are, without a doubt, the ones my son Samuele made: although he’s only 12 years old, he’s already an excellent tattoo artist.

Tattoos never seem to go out of style, and there’s never a lack of artists who turn their passion into a job. Is there any 'veteran' advice you'd give to a young tattoo artist who wants to dive into this world?

Be patient, especially at the beginning when the results are not what you imagined. We weren’t born good, and to become a good tattoo artist you have to exercise, so tattoo as much as possible!

What’s your relationship with social media? Do you see social networks in a positive or negative way? Do you also use them to get to know some of your new colleagues or discover new art and ways of tattooing?

Social networks have given me the right launch pad. Before becoming La Bigotta I didn't even have a private profile, but as far as work is concerned, above all we creatives believe social networks are a wonderful platform, absolutely to be exploited without being a victim of them, of course.

Moving to fashion, do you have must-haves that can't be missing from your wardrobe? How would you describe your way of dressing? Is it also influenced by any trends, or do you prefer to keep it personal?

Fashion has always amused me and it’ll always be a part of my world, having been a seamstress and stylist before Getting into tattoos. Let's say that, for convenience, I love to wear a classic injured T-shirt with a pair of high-waisted jeans, playing a lot with accessories and jewelry.

Going back to your work, what are the 3 best moments of your career that you’d put on the podium?

The first would be my collaboration with fashion brand Jil Sander. Second, the release of my illustrated book ‘The Sea Is Useless’, published by Harper Collins. Lastly, third is the opening of my private studio ‘Casa bigotta’.

Is there any goal or dream you’d like to achieve and see fulfilled? Something that can still make you smile and feel proud?

Right now, I feel very fulfilled and happy. After so many difficult moments, I just try to enjoy my life to the fullest, always smiling.