Life, Liberty and Living Canvas
On her recent guest spot at Mantra the Web Monkey (WM) got to have a chat with Jen from Living Canvas Tattoos, Arizona, USA. Over numerous cigarettes and some strong black coffee we both kicked back...
WM - Jen, one thing I have noticed about your time hear is your insatiable workload. How does that compare with  tattooing in Arizona?
JEN - It's a lighter workload here in England, back home it seems I work twice as much, regularly doing 10-12 hour days.
WM - Dog's or cats?
JEN - Dog's.
WM - Without turning this chat into a geography or history lesson, if I'm right in thinking the Grand Canyon is in Arizona... and your shop in a place Tempe is that Spanish?
JEN - Tempe is actually Greek, apparently, it was named so after the early residents realised it reminded them of Ancient Greece. And the Grand Canyon, yes it is a really, really, really big fu*kin hole!!
WM - Jen, what was the last weird dream you had?
JEN - Mmm.., it was last night, but I think it has been subliminated (is that a word!) already
WM - How close is the desert to your studio at home (have you seen that Beavis and Butthead scene where they go to the desert and meet Rob Zombie)?
JEN - To drive to the open desert takes about 20 minutes from the studio, and yes that Beavis and Butthead scene is far too lifelike!
WM - What is your greatest extravagance?
JEN - Cheese, in England, definitely cheese!
WM - What are the top three things you wish you could change about the world in which we live in?
JEN - Eliminate all religion, government and borders. Wait, what about prisons?
WM - Well seeing as you took out government I will let ya' take out prisons as a knock on effect!
WM - What was the last really bad movie you sat through?
JEN - Well I was stuck on the plane over here and force-fed 'Just Friends' with Jennifer Aniston it made me want to rip my eyes out (WM not entirely conducive to your career)
WM - Top three albums of all time?
JEN - The Ozzy/Randy Rhodes tribute album, The Coup - 'Party Music' and
Dave Brubeck - 'Take Five'
WM - Tell me something not a lot of people know about Jen, Living Canvas, Arizona...
JEN - I spent a large part of life travelling on the road in America with the Renaissance Festivals (WM I later find out this is an ongoing travelling event with Arts, Crafts and Music)
WM - What's the first possession you would save if you thought your house was on fire?
JEN - My violin
WM - Ok this one can be as deep or meaningless as you want, but we have talked about government and stuff since you have been around at Mantra, what is your perception and experience of what it's like being an American in the UK?
JEN - Well I feel you have to do a lot of apologising and I do feel a degree of embarrassment. When travelling I just prepare myself, and never mind going through lengthy explanations. This is justified as an American citizen, although I have to say that I, and a large part of the population, maybe even a majority, do not condone or indeed agree with much of the American Governments actions, especially regarding foreign policy.
WM - Do you get to go to Mexico much? I love the Zapatista!
JEN - Yes, three of my friends and I own a beach house in Mexico that we visit often. And yes I love the Zapatista too!
(WM - for more info on the Zapatista visit - www.zapatistarevolution.com)
WM - Dream dinner date?
JEN - Albert Einstein
WM - What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
JEN - Do your best and don't expect anything in return, oh and try not to complain along the way
WM - What is your favourite smell?
JEN - The desert in the rain, there is a particular bush in the Sonoran desert, right near where I live. Interestingly it is the only place where the Saguaro cactus grows naturally (That' the one with the classic three branched cactus shape you see on Westerns and in Cartoons... if you c atch my drift)
WM - How do you relax?
JEN - I don't know if I should say that in the interview!
WM - What's your favourite tattoo that you wear?
JEN - Mmm... That's a tough one. My right leg was done by Victor Macias (www.lokitatu.com) and it comprises of a rattlesnake, skull and violin.
WM - Who inspired you to pick up a machine, or has influenced you along the way?
JEN - Most people discouraged me for years, Clancy Warner taught me to tattoo and gave me all opportunities that I have had.
WM - What are your favourite styles to tattoo? I have a theory that artists tend to warm towards a style as it represents a part of themselves (character etc.) What do you think?
JEN -Yes I agree, my favourite style, I am just starting to realise, is kind of cartoony... yes very Graphic, as I have always wanted to be a comic book artist. I am a small child, and a geek (WM - sounds familiar!)
WM - If you were a colour it would be...
JEN - Black.
WM - If you weren't a tattooist what career path would you consider?
JEN - A musician, in fact without wanting to offend any tattooists this is still what I consider myself foremost.
 WM - Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp?
JEN - I'd love to be able to say that I don't like Brad Pitt (as he's so popular), but really, who am I kidding? I love Johnny Depp, but I haven't gotten over the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory fiasco yet! So yeh Brad Pitt.
WM - I know that everyone has really enjoyed your company, high standards of work, and general presence so I just wondered if you had any insider info on whether we can expect you back at Mantra or in the UK?
JEN - I have had a great time too, I can't wait to come back and this should hopefully be in the summer of 2007.
WM So to wrap it up we finished the coffee and in the blink of an eye Jen was off doing some last minute shopping (probably for cheese!) before her flight home.
I just want to say to Jen thanks, the interview was great, and next time I want some Ink!
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