MANTRA TATTOO

 
 
 
 

Thom Green Interviews Mantra

March 2003

Early one morning and there is no better feeling then making your away across Cheltenham town to go get inked. The Mantra boys look busy as ever. Today I [Thom Green] am having a piece worked on by Paul and whilst under the gun, interviewed Mark and Paul about last year's convention, and their hopes for Mantra 2003.

You are in: Festival 2003 Directory » Mantra Interview 2003

First off congratulations on dynamite productions' first mantra tattoo convention. I remember for the most part, seeing you guys flying around the place with walkie-talkies! So, sum up the mantra 2002 experience for you.

Paul: Stressful, tiring, unknown, enjoyable.

Mark: A knackering, but exciting weekend. Although achievement wise it was very beneficial.

Which bits of the 2002 convention can we look forward to in 2003?

Mark: The queues, no seriously.. we'll be running around like headless chickens all day. In all this year is going to present an array of improved entertainments.

Paul: Yeah this year the atmosphere is going to be even better as the festival evolves. The festival will have a more natural flow to it, from the minute you walk in.

Have you two got the artists confirmations for 2003 yet?

Mark and Paul: Yes for a complete listing of all the artists appearing at Mantra 2003 click here . And oh yes we have Paul Booth confirmed.

Based on those artists appearing who are you two most looking forward to seeing work this year?

Paul: Well, apart from the obvious (Mr. Booth) watch out for Boris (really incredible style of working) and, of course, Bob Tyrell is awesome.

Mark: Again excluding Paul Booth , I'm most looking forward to seeing Jimme Litwalk , and from the Adam Bomb Studio , Adam Bomb and Lane Turowski . Those two have a real cutting edge new-school American style.

Work wise, how did last years convention affect you?

Paul: It taught me lots of different ways of approaching tattoos, most of which I was aware of, but seeing the other artists emphasised the importance of choosing the right technique for each piece.

Mark: I feel I have improved ten-fold, just little bits like shading techniques etc.
Plus my victims feel more pain now (ok so Mark never said this but I testify they do as he is now frequently using big, many-needled Magnums and they hurt lots!!)

A little birdie tells me you two went to Milan recently for some research/promotion. How did you find it?

Mark: Well we left that bit to the pilot. Although caring people with big hearts, we don't interfere with other people's jobs.

Paul: Very productive. For a start we met with Paul Booth and got his personal confirmation for Mantra 2003.

Mark: Yes and we confirmed some others too!!

Personally one of the big surprises of the 2002 convention was that there was always something to look at!. On that note what else has Mantra 2003 got to offer?

Paul: Well we got all the usual trade stalls again. This year outside of the building we have got the worlds no.2 mountain-bike trick rider and heavily tattooed men and women. We have Lucky Diamond Rich - the most tattooed man, an unicyclist and a sword performer, as well as Sally the scary stilt-walker! A little devil will be running around and so will celebrity look-a-likes.

What music do you guys have lined up?

Mark and Paul: Well unfortunately we can't give you a definite confirmation, but we have had extensive talks with two massive tattoo-friendly bands. At this point in time we are 99% sure they will be rocking the convention.

Right let's cut to the chase how can the average punter find out anything else about the convention, and more importantly buy a ticket?

Paul: You can find general information through the web site, you can e-mail us tickets@mantratattoo.com Or contact the studio and ask for Mark or Paul on +44 (0)1242 690001.

Will there be tickets available at the door?

Paul: Yes, but keep in mind the venue does have a fixed capacity so I would suggest booking early.

Finally, thanks for your time... I know it is at a premium at the moment, how can someone book an artists time at the Mantra 2003 convention?

Mark and Paul: Get there as early as possible on the first day of the convention, have a look around see which artists' work you like and then just go for it!!!

You are in: Festival 2003 Directory » Mantra Interview 2003