#95: Breaking Barriers - Heather McLean (Hyphaea) on Women in Tattooing

The evolution of tattooing from a taboo, underground culture to a widely accepted art form has significantly transformed the industry's dynamics, impacting both artists and clients in various ways. In the early days of tattooing, particularly in the 1990s, the culture was largely underground and associated with rebellion.

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova takes a unique approach by conducting the first-ever remote podcast on the show, reaching out to guests who are unable to join in person. He welcomes tattoo artist Heather McLean, known on Instagram as Hyphaea, who specializes in large-format, decorative, illustrative black and gray tattoos. Aaron encourages listeners to check out Heather's stunning work in real-time while they listen. The conversation dives into the intricacies of tattoo artistry, the creative process, and the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self in the industry, despite external opinions.

The conversation also touches on the challenges and perceptions of women in the tattoo industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion that fuses creativity and personal insights that celebrate artistic expression and individuality.

Chat Breakdown:

03:37 Tattoo inspiration from grandpa.

10:01 Women in the tattooing industry.

15:18 Tattoo culture's underground origins.

19:52 Judgment among tattoo artists.

39:34 Emotional connection through tattooing.

49:03 Tattoo energy and emotional impact.

1:04:54 Nature as a spiritual escape.

01:10:19 Human perspective vs. AI creativity.

1:25:44 Nature conservation and personal responsibility.

Quotes:

"In 1999, a girl saying, I'm going to become a tattoo artist. She was like, that's the equivalent of saying I'm going to run away and join the circus."

"Being professional is great, but being fake is not something that I really have enjoyed ever."

"I have a goal, I'm here, I'm getting to here, either you're helping me get there or you're in the way."

"No one's asking me for my fucking opinion and I don't want to engage in a troll war online."

"Tattooing has turned from a thing where it used to be more about ego and now it's more about service."

"I've got a lot of extra energy today to share, because I'm feeling great. Your cup is very empty, and I swear to that process, they almost leave more filled up."

"I think it's okay to be like, yes, I'm a tattooer, but I'm also holding space for you when this difficult thing is happening."

"It's like being haunted almost. There are ghosts to every experience."

"The most enlightened people... just want to help. It's just completely egoless at that point."

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com

Connect with Hyphaea:

IG:https://www.instagram.com/hyphaea