“It’s Like a Clubhouse”: Common Thread Between Tattoos and Skaters Comes to the Forefront With Fresh Off-the-Rack Book

Artists use different mediums to express themselves. One of the forms of expression is tattoo art. From athletes to actors, almost all of them have sported some form of tattoo art on various body parts. Recently, the San Francisco-based tattoo artist, Ben McQueen, spoke to GQ about his two passions – tattooing and skateboarding. However, the artist went further and tried to establish a bridge between both.

Although Ben McQueen has been a tattoo artist for 15 years, he began as a passionate skateboarder. Since the age of 11, McQueen found his inspiration among countless skateboarders. However, with his latest book Let it Kill You, the artist has explored and established a connection between tattooing and skateboarding.

Ben McQueen explores skateboarding and tattooing

In an excerpt from his interview with GQ, the artist talked about how his two passions, skateboarding and tattooing, had similarities. While it is difficult to understand initially, it makes more sense when you understand the nuances of the art form and the sport. Both involve creating a spectacle for the audience. He adds that the art and the sport exude an energy that is only felt when one witnesses the spectacle.

McQueen compares the relationship between tattooing and skateboarding to an experience in a tree fort. He explains, “It’s like a clubhouse, right? It’s a tree fort, but it’s just this bigger, more professional version.” Both skateboarding and tattooing attract an audience that would always hang around to watch the events unfold. However, McQueen also proposed a theory.

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Whenever there’s an audience that hangs around for a while, they end up making a decision. McQueen gave the example of both a tattoo parlor and a skateboard shop. People who come in to merely accompany would always think of either getting a small tattoo or fixing themselves up with a skateboard. While they don’t always intend to do it, the atmosphere and the energy are strong enough for them to consider getting one.

McQueen strongly feels that there is a strong connection between his passions. They put up a show and motivate others to express themselves. Since his book release, the artist has been talking about the same and hopes that his book would provide enough evidence.

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