1.Since when did u start doing this?

I started my tattoo apprenticeship in 2004. I started tattooing professionally in 2005. Then in 2006, I opened my very own tattoo studio, Immortal Tattoos in Singapore.

2.What made u to become artist?

I never really thought I would become an artist, especially in the tattoo industry. In Singapore, the art scene back then, was not really appreciated by society, let alone tattoos. Even though I was keen in arts when I was younger, my parents told me, being in arts, won't bring me far in Singapore. So I decided to be "normal" and concentrated on "normal" stuff like "normal" people. Then in 2004, when I got my first tattoo done, my tattoo artist, who was also my mentor after that, asked me if I wanted to learn tattooing. I was not really sure but I decided to give it a try. I was his tattoo apprentice for about a year and this is where I am today.

3.Was the body suspension painful as it looks like?:D

Well, I won't say it was painful. Then again, its how the individual accepts pain. Some have more threshold of pain than others. I was not in pain when I got it done. I felt good in a way. Its something spiritual to me. Body suspensions go long way back. Some are said to be done by the The Mandan, who are a Native American tribe. They had religious ceremony known as the Okipa. Its also part of the Hindu culture where it has been performed as a right of passage, in vision quests, healing rituals, penance, rituals of deity devotion or as means to gain visions by leaving the body and/or communication with the spiritual realm and testing the endurance of the mind and body.

But to be honest, I was sore the next few days, but its just the part and parcel of it.

4.How many styles are existing on the body suspension scene?

There are a few :

Chest

A chest suspension, sometimes incorrectly referred to as an "O-Kee-Pa", is a suspension in which the hook(s) are placed in the chest. Typically two hooks are used for this type of suspension. This is named after the Okipa ceremony of the Mandan people.

Coma

A coma suspension is a suspension in which the hooks are placed in the chest, torso and legs, usually in two rows, such that the suspendee is lying face up. The name of this position comes from the similar imagery in the movie Coma.

Knee

A knee suspension is a suspension in which the hooks are placed in both knees. There is no standard for hook placement on this suspension, as it depends almost solely on the anatomy of the suspender.

Suicide

A suicide suspension is a suspension in which the hook(s) are placed in the upper back, such that the suspendee is hanging upright. This type of suspension is named suicide due to its similarity in appearance to someone who has hanged him or herself.
Resurrection

A resurrection suspension is a suspension in which the suspended person is held up by hooks, usually in two rows on the belly.

Crucifix

A crucifix suspension is a variation on a suicide suspension in which hooks are also placed in the arms, such that the suspendee appears to be hanging on a cross, with his or her arms held out to the side.

Superman

A superman suspension is the opposite of a coma suspension - the hooks are placed in the back and legs, usually in two rows. This type of suspension is named superman due to the similarity in appearance to Superman flying.

And few others more.. People always come up with new ideas and it can get endless.

5.What time is the maximum to be whit those needles on you??:D

Then again, its up to the individual. I was up with the needles for quite some time. I think for like 30-45mins. I didn't want to come down when I got suspended. I was so happy and it really felt good inside. It brings you to another state of mind. Its the most beautiful experience ever. I would say, its better than sex.

6.Is it possible to get dizzy or become in coma, etc?

Yes. Its possible for people to feel dizzy and pass out. I have not heard of anyone going into a coma though. That is why, you should leave all these to the professionals. Don't try it without any supervision. Accidents can happen anytime and it would be too late to regret it if anything bad happens.

7.What is the opinion in Singapore about this?

Well, people are accepting it even though its only the minority. Singapore is a very conservative country. They have not opened up their minds to accept alot of things. We can't complain can we? hahaha !! Its what I like to do. Who cares what people think. You live for yourself, not for the others to judge you.

8.Are there any tattoos you refuse to do?

Yes. I don't tattoo anyone who is highly intoxicated by alcohol or by drugs. They can go elsewhere to get their drunk ass tattooed, but not in Immortal Tattoos, Singapore.

9.Which is the strangest request you have ever had for a tattoo?
I had alot of strange request for tattoos. I had a guy come in, 3 days in a row, to get his dick tattooed. There wasn't much space left to work on but he wanted to fill up as much as he could. Another guy wanted to get his head tattooed, but refused to shave his head. I have girls coming in and want to have the top part of the breast tattooed and there is no way I could do that if they are not gonna expose the area for me.:))))

You might think we are weird with tattoos all over, doing crazy things but you will be surprised that there are weirder people than us out there...hahaha !!

10.What are you doing in ur free time?

I don't really get any free time but if i do, I would be getting high on Absinthe. Enjoying every drop of it. Beautiful stuff !!

11.For the end of this little interview is there anything you would like to add like a message to
all those who want to get a tattoo or body modification?
 

Nothing in life is permanent. Live it to the fullest and do as much as you can. Because, after Death, you would still want people to talk about you, instead of forgetting you. Rock On !!

more info on immortal-tattoos.blogspot.com

Iva