Interview with tattoo artist Silvano Fiato
Hello dear Silvano Fiato! Thank you so much for taking
the time to do this interview. It's a great
honor to interview you again. The last time we talked was in 2012...
oh wow! But I must say, I kept an eye on your work all this time! You
never stopped working and constantly improving. I bet that
inspires a lot of young people who see you as a role model. Is the passion for tattooing still the same? My passion for this art is not the same, actually it has grown
and it keeps growing every day. I always try to improve my
skills and my technique, I never feel totally satisfied, I want to
push myself over my limits and become a better artist! My passion
keeps growing because it constantly gives me new stimuli.
Q: The last decade was a huge shift. Creatively,
technically, we have got so many new artists, better equipment, lots
of tattoo conventions, seminars... So much progress. It made me
really happy. What do you think? What do you like the most about
the scene now?
A: In the last decade tattooing has changed tremendously, both
creatively and technically. Everything that can be invented has been
invented, that gave me, and other artists, the will to try out
new methods, in order to amaze, to do better, to create a
recognizable, personal style! Also it became easier to learn from
other artists. We have to give that to the seminars which didn’t exist
when I started. I think this is the best change this world have
made. Sharing the knowledge allows new artists to learn more. Nowadays tattoos are recognized as pieces
of art, and let me say finally! I’m glad is not a taboo anymore, I
think is just an alternative way of buying art, in the past people
used to buy sculptures, photos and paintings, now they basically do
the same thing, the only difference is that they can wear their masterpieces everywhere.
- Do you think that there's still a room for improvement?
I think there’s still room for improvement, everything can be
improved, everything can evolve.
Q: Where do you see your personal input as an artist?
A: I found my personal input as an artist when I started to tell
stories with my tattoos, when I created my first composition of
subjects. I’m pretty sure I was the first artist to do that. Of
course in the beginning they were not as complex as they are now.
Currently is something that almost every tattoo artist do, they all
try to develop pieces that gives emotions not only to who’s wearing
it but also to whoever sees it.
Q: You're well known for your style. To be honest, when I
think of tattoo realism I think of you and few other artists. Will
you stick to this style or you will try something different in the
feature?
A: Thank you for your kind words! Well, yes I surely will stick to
realism, my style, because that’s what I always did. Since when I was
a child and I used to draw or paint. Anyway I won’t hide, I love to
experiment, to try new techniques or styles, sometimes just for a
day. I love to evolve, to change, I really don’t want to keep doing
the same thing over and over.
Q: In which way you see your evolution as an artist all
these years? How long has it been since the day you got your first
client?
A: My evolution was actually a revolution! I completely changed my
manner of working, both in a technical and conceptual way. As I
said, I always look for improvement and this has a huge impact on
what I do. I’m not sure on how long has it been since my first
client, it was maybe twenty years ago!
Q: Do you
try to add a personal vibe each time you tattoo someone? It
could be a suggestion for a background or the whole design.
A: I try to do better everyday and that requires an open mind. It
happens to create a design for a customer who I haven’t met (usually
this happens with foreigners) and to get to know him only at the
first session day. Emails are the only way we have to exchange ideas
on the tattoo design, that’s a quite cold manner to communicate and
it doesn’t allow me to have a complete understanding of that person.
That’s why sometimes it happens that I completely change my project
when I finally meet my client.
Q: I can't pick a favorite because each time I see a new
tattoo, it's like I'm choosing between the best of the best.
But I must say, the french revolution tattoo is amazing! Who was
the main creator of that masterpiece?
A: The French Revolution leg is by far one of my favorite works, the customer gave me total “carte Blanche” so I
could express myself completely! Besides he is a dear friend of
mine, so it’s a piece I will always love! My absolute favorite
piece? Is the one I haven’t made yet.
Q:
I bet Italy it's an inspiration on itself. Beautiful country, I've
been there couple of times, and every time, I feel like I'm in fairy
tale. Style and culture everywhere. I see some of that in your art
too. Do you have like a dream piece in your mind? I think
of Italian monuments, sculptures and warrior's glory!
A: I agree with you, Italy is such a wonderful country, full of art
in every corner, it’s really inspiring for me! I love wandering
around and finding art in places you’d never think of. By the way I
see art in almost everything in life. When it comes to design a
tattoo, to be honest, I always try to follow my customer’s
directions and add my personal vibe to it.
Q: If I had your talent, I guess I would try to publish an
illustrated book with interesting characters and thought-provoking
storylines. Have you ever thought about it?
A: Well, yes! Actually I’d like to do so many things. If I only had
enough time! I love cooking, photography and painting. To
publish an illustrated book could be one of those things I’d love to
do. Who knows, maybe someday.
Q: Do you keep up with the trends nowadays like the new
artists with iPad and procreate app doing crazy digital artworks?
A:
I try to keep up with new trends, I do use procreate since it speeds
up my work a lot. I welcome innovations, sticking to a way of working doesn't bring any growth.
Q: I saw some collaborations with Moni Marino, Alex de Pase
and others. I bet that experience was fun and inspiring. Tell me
more.
A: When I created the “Interactive Tattoo Seminar”, a huge
international seminar open to professional tattoo artists. I wanted
to teach only everything I knew but also what other incredibles
artists could share. I think that’s the best way of learning, different techniques,
everyone has to find their personal one. Also, I
learnt a lot from other artists, sharing knowledge is great.
Q: Numerous conventions, awards... How much the respect from
the clients and the other artists keeps you motivated to push even
further? Do you have any favorite award?
A: Yes, I won lots of conventions, first places and other awards. To
be honest currently I don’t give them much credit. Back in the days,
I used to go looking for visibility, to get myself a name in order
to become popular. Winning was, of course, a huge personal
satisfaction! After all these years, I tell you, my greatest reward
is the happiness of my customers. By
the way, there’s an award I won a couple of years ago that keeps
giving me satisfaction, I’m referring to the award of MACRO museum
in Rome as a “contemporary artist”. For me it was a milestone of my
career, I overcome all the taboos, being among those tattoo artists
recognized from a museum was one of my biggest purpose. I’m
incredibly happy I achieved it.
WOW, THAT IS SO COOL! Congratulations Silvano!! You Deserve
It!
Q: Some say, it's a job just like any other, but many say
that tattooing is not an actual job, it's a sacrifice, it's endless
dedication and true love. Giving someone a life long gift is a gift
of remembrance for you and for the client both in each way
significant. How bonding is that! This profession can take a lot of
time apart from home and friends, but at the end... it's all worth
it! What is the best part of being a tattoo artist? Did you learned
something about yourself along the way?
A: It’s absolutely not a job like anothers. In my opinion is the
best job ever! I still find it difficult to call it work, because
it’s my biggest passion. It always brings me new ideas, new stimuli.
It allows me to leave a part of myself, of my soul, on my client,
another soul. I learnt to be
patient, that’s what you need when you do this kind of work.
Q: After all these years of hard work, lots of beautiful
memories either on the road, conventions or in the studio... Would
you change something?
A: I would do everything the same way! Nowadays, I surely gained
more awareness, but anyway I wouldn’t change anything I did. I did
it all, I traveled, I met people and great artists from all over the
world. I’m glad I saw other points of view and that I exchanged
knowledge with all of them. I’ll definitely do it again.
Q: What's the biggest mistake an artist can do?
A: The worst mistake an artist can make is to stop, to settle.
Many artists think they have reached the top and they just don’t aim
to something better. The only thing that will stop me will be getting
old and losing my strength. I am always hungry, I always want to
learn something new. I would suggest to young artists to
believe in themselves, will is power! Be confident and keep
practicing. Never stop learning, be humble and have respect.
Mr. Silvano Fiato, it's been a pleasure and honor! Thank you for the
interview,
Kind Regards, Iva Green
Thank you for your time, it's always a great pleasure for me to
talk
with you! You're very professional!
Big hug, Silvano