by Tommy Johnson Photos courtesy of Tony Ciavarro
From the January 2004 issue of Prick Magazine.
Paintings by Tony Ciavarro.
Tattooing out of Kingston, Massachusetts at Stinky Monkey
Tattoos, Tony Ciavarro has made a name for himself
with his incredible sets of flash and his
remarkable tattooing skills. He started drawing flash in 1996
and has been tattooing since 1998, Since then, Tony has put
out 27 sets of black and white and color flash, and in 2001,
Stinky Monkey Tattoos was born.
Tommy: What got you interested in tattooing?
Tony: Just the art I guess. I have been drawing since I can
remember and it was just another way to get my art out
there. Once I started getting to know people in the industry,
I knew this was what I wanted to do.
How did you get into drawing flash?
I never really had an idea that tattooing was as
diverse as it was. I thought it was just picking something off
the wall and that's what you lived with. I drew a couple tattoos
for friends of mine and went to the studio with them to
have the tattoos done. I saw all the flash and was very
inspired. The artist told me how to set up a sheet of flash and
how a set was put together with line drawings
and such.
What inspires your flash? I am
intrigued about the Asian man in the boat
taking a picture of the fish.
I try to draw stuff that I think will be
fun to tattoo, also keeping it sellable. I love stuff
with a sense of humor. I like to take traditional
tattoos and make them new and twisted. Bold
bright colors are what I enjoy most, although my
black and gray sets of flash are my best selling to
date. The Asian guy in the boat picture was kind
of a play on the Asian tourist thing. The fish isn't
even on the boat and he is snapping away. I just
thought it was funny when I sketched it up.
Tattoos by Tony Ciavarro.
Do you have an art school background?
My school was the couch at my parent's house. I drew all day, everyday trying to draw
things from memory rather than using reference. Always trying to come up with new Ideas.
Did you apprentice under anyone?
I did my apprenticeship in Connecticut at Green Man Studio. I learned most of what I
know from Jerry Issel. Jon Elliott also helped me out a lot when I started. His line work was super
clean and it made me strive to be better technically. And I learned tons while Joe Capobianco was tattooing me. He was very helpful and answered
all my questions.
Who are your influences?
I have quite a few; I really like artists
like Jime Litwalk, Gunnar, Joe Capobianco, Eric
Merrill, Mike Cole, and Cory Kruger. I am also a
big fan of Bob Tyrrell. His realism is incredible.
He also shows a lot of patience when he tattoos
which made me feel better about taking my
time. As far as painting, Joe Chiodo is my
favorite. His girls are great.
Painting by Tony Ciavarro.
Tattoos by Tony Ciavarro.
Are you going to any upcoming conventions?
I started doing a lot of conventions
with Jason and Dan Guy from
Next Generation Tattoo Machines. So I
am doing a lot more than I have done in
years past. They have given me a great
opportunity and have introduced me to
some very nice people. I owe them tons.
I like conventions. They give me the
chance to see what everyone else is
doing and inspire new ideas and techniques.
I just got back from the Meeting
of the Marked in Pittsburgh. Tim and
Animal put on a great show every year
and they were also the first people to
give me a booth at a show when I was
just selling flash. They do the Reno show
in March, which was the best show I have
been to yet. It was a great time and I look
forward to this year's show. I do a couple
in Florida, which are also great shows for
me. I enjoy taking a couple extra days
down there before getting to work. I try
to do as many as I can without being
away from the shop too much. I think it is important to get to tattoo different people from
different places. I am very lucky to have met some great friends in the past eight years.
Do you consider yourself to be an inspiration for new school style?
Nah, I just do what I do, and I try to do it to the best of my ability. I am flattered,
almost embarrassed when people tell me how much they like my work. If what I do inspires
people I am even more flattered.
Do you prefer to do custom work?
Definitely. I like to give people
unique tattoos that they can call their own. I
enjoy working with customers on different
ideas; I like trying to do stuff that isn't my
normal style. I have attempted one portrait.
It was in color; it was really fun and a big
challenge.
Painting by Tony Ciavarro.
Tattoos by Tony Ciavarro.
Do you have any regrets in the industry?
Nope. I am very lucky for what
this industry has given me. I wake up everyday
wanting to go to work. Not many people
can say that ... and get paid as well as we do.
That's just a bonus.
Do you have anything to add about
your shop or the artists you work with?
The guys I work with have a lot to
do with how successful I am. Andy and I feed
off of each other artistically. Without Jerry, going away to conventions and guest spots would
be almost impossible. He takes care of everything when I am away. And our newest addition,
Dean Brockert from Connecticut, he just adds tons as far as comedy and artistic talent.
If you would like to get a hold of Tony Ciavarro
or anyone at Stinky Monkey Tattoos, contact them at:
