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THE AMAZING MIKE " POOCH" PUCCIARELLI
by Chuck B.
Photos courtesy of Pooch
From the August 2004 issue of Prick Magazine.
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 Paintings by Pooch. |
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 Tattoo by Pooch. |
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Michael Pucciarelli of Altered State Tattoo in West
Palm Beach, Florida is one of the most down to
earth people that I have ever met. Especially
because he is one of the most ridiculously talented, artistic
genius' that I have ever met! Most of South Florida knows him
as Pooch and it is past time that the rest of the world knows
him as such. He is in my opinion a modern master that creates
unbelievable pieces of art and tattoos. What's even more
hard to believe is that he has no formal art training and started
out cranking out flash!
His art speaks for itself, maybe that's why he is so soft
spoken. When I met him, I could not believe he was so humble.
He was even excited that I wanted him to tattoo me. I
was nervous just to talk to him, but ended up with an awesome
tattoo and a cool friend out of the deal.
Here are a few
words from the
South Florida artist.
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CB: How did
you get into the
tattoo biz and
when did you
start?
Pooch: I was
invited to apprentice
with Big Jeff Watson,
around 1989, but put
it off due to my band
- Raped Ape -
responsibilities. My
drummer JC Dwyer
(now in Pro-Pain)
also pushed me to
start tattooing. I actually started full time around 1996.
Your shop has a modern art gallery vibe. Did it
start out that way or evolve over time?
No, it started with
flash on the walls,
although I still pretty
much did custom work,
but I had a lot to learn.
Over time, we took
down the flash because
we can, and prefer to,
draw it ourselves. I have
two other artists, Scott
and Dennis, who also do
all custom work. I'd
rather keep the shop's
rep up than resort to a
production flash factory.
Your tattoo abilities
are incredible.
Some of your creations
are mind boggling!
I have seen
many styles of tattoos
that you have
done. It seems like
you can bust out a variety of imagery. What styles did
you initially prefer and what are you most excited
about now?
Thank you. All I can say is I learned from observing those
before me, what to do and what not to do. I have
improved in the last five to six years mainly from constant
drawing. I try not to experiment too much on
skin. I'm not trying to re-invent anything, so I feel I'm
just doing good tattoos the way I know they will work.
When I started tattooing I was heavily into Pushead
and HR Giger - lots of skulls - then Paul Booth, but I
felt more comfortable doing color with outlines, so I
never really delved too deep into Paul's style. Again, I
feel there is a lot of talk of "biting," except of course if
you are doing traditional or Japanese, then it's ok. This
makes no sense to me. I think if you like something you should try to do it, then eventually
your own style will emerge.
Aaron Cain, and Guy Aitchison are the two biggest, I think because of their Giger influence,
Filip Leu's work turned me on to the Eastern skulls and masks which I love.
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Who are your major tattoo influences?
Paul Booth, Filip Leu, Aaron Cain, Guy Aitchison, Jon Clue, Grime, Timothy Hoyer, Marcus
Pacheco, Jime Litwalk, Gunnar, Tim Biedron, Will Lollie, Joe Capobianco, Corey Kruger, Kore
Flatmo, Adrian Lee, on and on and on...
You told me once that your painting ability came after you got into tattooing.
It looks like you have been painting since
birth as far as your skill level and attention
to depth and detail. I would consider you a
"master painter" without hesitation,
equal to Michael Parkes, Salvador Dali,
Guy Aitchison and the likes. Who are or
what inspires you to create such detailed
pieces?
Thanks! Jon Clue really inspired me to leap
into painting, I met him in Florida and saw his
paintings, and it really moved me. Also Guy's
books and seminars really did a lot for me - how
could they not for anyone! As far as artists, HR
Giger, Frank Frazetta, Dali, Ernst Fuchs, and MC
Escher have affected me. Todd Schorr is a big
influence; I saw a retrospective of his work in Ft.
Lauderdale a few years ago and his level of skill
and storytelling is amazing. Also Mark Ryden and
Robert Williams are big influences. I also recently
saw the work of the Flemish masters like Van
Eyck and Bosch in NYC, who I have loved for
years, but seeing it for real has power that cannot
be denied.
Do you think that tattooing and fine
art will continue to merge and do you see
yourself doing more of one over the other?
I don't know, I think tattooing has to be approached
more like a graphic medium than a painting. But of course
that can be considered fine art, like Alphonse Mucha.
That's just how I prefer to work, with bold lines and black.
But I see a lot of artists doing paintings on skin, so yes, I
think it will continue to merge. I think more in the sense
that you will see a lot of tattoo artists creating paintings.
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Turn ons of the the tattoo art field?
Constant challenges and new ideas (in tattooing) that
I might not have if I was just painting. Painting is more solitary,
so I like the interaction tattooing provides and the
outlet for people to see my paintings, as well as meeting
talented artists at conventions and being inspired.
Turn offs?
People that go out in the sun without sun block or
do not take care of their tattoo. That's about the worst
thing I can think of, other than the occasional ignorant or
pushy person, which we refuse to deal with, or attitudes
and macho bullshit at conventions is a bit ignorant as well.
What is the most ludicris tattoo request that
you have had?
Anything involving a wizard and a rebel flag. C'mon, I
know what that means! Or a black panther with the person’s
facial features.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment or favorite creation?
Having my own shop where I am free to tattoo the way I want is the main one. Deciding
to start painting is the other. Also I'm quite proud of the band Raped Ape I was in for 10
years, it was a blast!
hat are some of your long term goals?
To improve my drawing and tattooing skills and continue to make a living of one or the
other, and to travel this world as much as possible with my wife Ann.
What do you hope to be doing when your old and grey?
Wiping my own ass and able to enjoy life with all my senses intact.
Any additions?
"Cheat your landlord if you can and must, but do not try to short change the Muse. It
cannot be done. You can't fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal."
- William S Burroughs
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Altered State Tattoo
2402 N. Dixie Hwy
Lake Worth, FL
561.585.4741
For more info visit www.alteredstate.net
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