Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Bixby.
Andrew, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Middleton, MA skateboarding like most of the kids my age. I was always drawn to the graphics on the bottoms of the decks and the imagery used. That sparked my interest in the art world. When I turned 18 I got an apprenticeship in Billerica to learn how to tattoo. That was the beginning of my career. From there I went to work at a few shops around Peabody until I landed at Sacred Harp Tattoo in 2008. That shop completely transformed my work into what it is now. I got to tattoo with people I admired as a young tattooer, and it helped me grow and learn a lot. I worked there until June of 2018 when I relocated to the shop I am currently tattooing, Lightwave Tattoo in Saugus, Ma.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
In addition to tattooing full time, I also enjoy painting tattoo flash and woodburning those designs. I feel like painting is crucial to helping cultivate your skills that cross over into tattooing. For me they go hand in hand. When you’re tattooing and working with a client, you are rendering them a service. You have much less say in the subject matter and design. As opposed to painting, where you get to really take some risks and try out new things that you can translate back into your tattooing. If there is a design I’m not sure of or want to try something different, you can paint it multiple times until you reach your desired result. I began painting about a year after tattooing and I could see the change in how I approached tattooing. When designing tattoos/paintings I tend to lean towards American Traditional designs. They are clean, bold and very stripped down versions of designs. For me they are what I think of when I think of tattoos. Classic designs, bold application and built to last.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think that social media has absolutely had an impact on artists now a days. It’s a double edge sword, it’s never been easier to get you work out to a large audience via various social media platforms. On the other hand, the art world (specifically tattooing) has never been so saturated that it’s very easy to get lost in the shuffle. My advice would be to put out the highest quality you can produce and put in the leg work. There is no real short cut to tattooing or painting other than putting the in the work.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I work full time at Lightwave Tattoo in Saugus, Ma. A lot of my paintings are displayed there. I do art shows/vending at fairs around the north shore as often as my schedule allows. I will be at Notch Brewing Co. the 25th of August for their Art Riot event from 7-11pm selling original paintings. These days, it’s much easier to follow someone’s work via social media so I update my Instagram almost daily with newer work.
Contact Info:
- Address: Lightwave Tattoo
184 Broadway
Saugus, Ma - Phone: 781-233-1780
- Email: abixbytattoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/abixbytattoo
Image Credit:
Andrew Bixby
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