PRINTerviews

Today's PRINTerview is with Sorin Gabor, a very talented artist out of Ohio who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Paradise Tattoo Gathering in Colorado earlier this year. He paints, he draws, he tattoos and he now has prints available to you, the adoring public! 

This image was printed with archival inks on an exhibition fiber paper. Personally I really like this paper for digital based media. It has the vibrance of a photo paper but it's heavy. Thick. The texture is similar to that of old black and white dark room paper or a subtle eggshell. The colors of this piece are very rich with strong contrast and the paper texture almost pushes it off the page making it feel alive in an alien landscape. Sorin had this to say about the original.

"This piece was a digital collaboration with Doug Nedzesky done in Photoshop. It was passed back and forth until both of us were happy with the image. I would guess between the both of us we have around 40 hours or more into it."

Very often now I'm seeing tattooers, illustrators, and painters pushing themselves to try the available technologies for artists, such as Photoshop and Illustrator or devices like the Cintiq Tablet, to enhance their work. I asked Sorin if, as a tattooer, his work had changed or been enhanced by his painting.

"I believe it's enhanced it definitely. I actually began painting, drawing, metalworking, sculpting, glassblowing, etc... long before tattooing. I've been into it in one way or another since I was younger, then pursued it further in college.  Tattooing is the newest form of art for me and I am really glad I had an art background before getting into it.  Painting is much more forgiving- if you're not sure if something will work or not it's not a big deal because you can always paint over it. It allows you to be much more experimental and work things out before attempting it in a tattoo. I think for me personally it made for a better transition into tattooing and I try and paint or digitally lay out most, if not all, parts of the designs before I even begin the tattoo. That way I can focus more on the tattoo and know I worked out any problems or issues I may have been unsure of through the many versions prior to the final design."  

Lastly I approached Sorin about a topic that I know to be very near and dear to so many hearts around the world. The very real threat of carnivorous rabbits being equipped with laser eyes! In such trying times, as we all know, the survivors are the ones with a plan.... Sorin, how will you stay alive?

"Hmmm... I think that would depend on the size of the rabbits- normal or colossal rabbits that are at least the size of a horse? If normal sized, I would probably head to the house of the most heavily armed friend and go on a bunny frenzy. If they are large, yet still cute bunnies, I suppose I would have to try and tame one until I could use it to try and bring down their cuddly bloodlust! I will begin trying to grow the best and largest carrots in the event this scenario occurs- I will be prepared."

Sorin can be contacted for prints or custom painting commissions through his email [email protected]. or  FACEBOOK

next time I will be speaking to the ever so witty Frank Ready of Off the Map Tattoo. 

thanks for reading!