Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Paterno.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Since childhood, I’ve always enjoyed art and music. I’ve never had any formal training or been to any type of art school, but I started drawing at a young age, and continued to do so throughout my life. After getting tattoos and becoming friends with some tattoo artists for a few years, I began to take interest in the idea of doing tattoos myself. I did my first tattoo in 2005. I tattooed myself and practiced on friends randomly for a few years before I decided to get serious and become professional. I was fortunate enough to get an apprenticeship under Steve Barrett and Lion’s Den in Salem NH in 2009. That’s is where I started my career, and I’ve been tattooing ever since. And proud to say that last year I opened up “Art of Creation” with my friend and fellow artist Aaron Sheehy. Looking back, it’s a pretty cool feeling to have been able to turn something I’ve been passionate about my entire life, into my career.
Please tell us about your art.
I enjoy drawing and tattooing in all sorts of styles. color or black and gray. realism or abstract. As long as I have the opportunity to get creative. It could be skulls and horror, or cartoon characters, or animals. I will always find a way to add my own style and have fun with the tattoo. That’s what keeps me inspired. I feel fortunate to have a job that allows me to do something I enjoy. I get to create art every day and I’m grateful for that. Not all tattoos have special meaning or sentimental stories behind them, but every tattoo is a part of someone forever. It’s a great feeling to take someone’s ideas and turn it into a piece of art that they will enjoy forever.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think life has become both easier and harder for Artists today. Because of the internet, it’s easier to share your art with people all around the world. We can share art instantly. And we can also access and be inspired by other artists instantly. So, in that sense it’s easier. In another sense, it could be considered to be a hard time for artists because there are so many amazing artists these days, that there is a lot of competition. And it’s also harder to stand out and be original.
My theory is, keep practicing and striving to get better and better. Try to challenge yourself as an artist and keep trying to progress. Being an artist has its ups and downs, but it’s a fun journey in life. I think the best thing any city can do to help artists thrive, is to keep art in schools, and develop more programs for encouraging children to be involved in art. Academics are important, but I feel like art and creativity is something that should be encouraged more in the educational system and in the community.
Contact Info:
- Address: Art of Creation
404 Middlesex rd. Tyngsboro, MA 01879 - Website: @art_of_creation_tattoo
- Phone: (978)649-1404
- Email: tonypaternotattoo@outlook.com
- Instagram: @tonypaternotattoo
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tony.paterno1
- Twitter: @tonypaterno_AOC
Image Credit:
Timeless Photography : Rick Gamby
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