What makes a woman sexy? Is it her passion, her talent, her beauty, or her creatively twisted mind? This woman has it all!
Amanda Wachob's work has appeared in countless galleries such as The Met, The New Museum, The Planthouse Gallery in New York, The Gewerbemuseum in Switzerland & The Museum of arts and design to name a few. She was also voted as one of the 50 most creative people in 2015 to add to her outstanding resume! ShadyVEU had a little chat with this creative & beautiful soul. Read on as we get to know her process, her influences and her VEUs on what it takes to make it to the scene. 

You have a distinct style when it comes to your art. How would you describe it?

Experimental, colorful, abstract, thoughtful.

What kind of fulfillment does it give you as an artist?

I feel deeply fulfilled by my craft, and after having a lot of odd jobs, I feel very fortunate that I can say that now!

Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?

It was when I decided to put my violin down, and pursue art instead.

How would you define beauty in 140 characters or less?

Beauty is being present in yourself and treating other people kindly.  

What is your greatest indulgence in life?

Fashion!

Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?

 Remedios Varo

 Do you interact with the digital world/technology in your work?

I did a technology-related tattoo project at the New Museum here in NYC a few years ago.  I collaborated with a neuroscientist and we data mapped 12 of my tattoos, while I tattooed in the museum.

 Have you ever had a moment when you questioned your career entirely?

 Yes.  For awhile, I was really struggling with the deeper purpose of it.  What am I doing to help the world?  Is tattooing just an extravagance?  But two years ago, it clicked for me.  I did a day of walk-ins at my friend’s tattoo shop, and there was a large line that started to form before I got there.  The first 8 people in line became fast friends, exchanged numbers, went out to breakfast and apparently bonded over my tattoo work?!  It was such an incredible story to me and I had a revelation from it — that perhaps in some way, my tattoos are connecting people and encouraging strangers to form friendships!  Which has brought me a better sense of peace about what I do now.  

Can you tell us about the process of making your work? 

 I’m working on a large canvas series.  I’m using tattoo ink and a surrealist technique called Decalcomania.  It's also the same process I use when I'm preparing for my "marbled" tattoos.  The final ink impressions are printed digitally onto temporary tattoo paper, and then I apply the temporary tattoo paper to canvas.

What is your daily routine when working?

I try to be at my studio as much as possible.  Early in the morning to sketch and prep for my tattoo appointments, about two clients a day, and then working on my personal work when I finish.  Weekends are usually for my personal work too.

What advice would you give to a young tattoo artist following in your steps?

Work HARD.  And learn how to put in a solid line before you begin any experimentation.  I really think it is so important to have a basic working knowledge of tattooing before you can develop a personal “style”.

Does NYC's art scene inspire or influence your art? If so, how?

I wouldn’t say the art scene inspires me per se, but generally there is a lot of inspiration to be found in New York.

Why do you love what you do?  

For many different reasons.  It’s all consuming for me, it’s my passion.  I get to meet so many different and amazing people, hear so many interesting stories, am able to work and travel....tattooing gives me so much freedom, and that's something I really value.  

Visit her website at www.amandawachob.com and follow her Instagram.

Keep it Shady,
<3 ShadyVEU