Tim Senecal Interview
Do you remember the first tattoo that you did?
I did a big jolly roger solid tribal black. It took his whole shoulder. I think it took me like 8 hours to do. All with a 6 flat which isn’t the fastest needle to tattoo with but, there was no one there to tell me how to do things so, you are kind of learning by trial and error if you don’t get an apprenticeship.
In the interview you did for TattooNowTV, you said you started off sort of as a scratcher, did you ever feel self conscious about that?
I don’t really like the term scratcher that much. I think everybody has got to start somewhere. If you just go around calling everybody scratchers just because they work out of their house or something like that then you might be overlooking the whole thing. They are just at that point in their career.
What are your thoughts on people trying to jump straight into doing specific styles before going in and learning the basics of tattooing?
There are more people coming into it with an artistic background. Which gives them merit to go and do whatever they want as far as a tattoo, but the thing is you kind of need to understand how certain styles of tattooing are going to heal up. That is something you are only get from experience and a lot of research.
At what point did your drawing or painting style start to show up in your work?
It took meeting a lot of people who were really pushing their own style of work before I was really comfortable doing that. Now pretty much every piece that I do, even if it is a little off base for me, definitely has a little bit of my style.
What would your ideal client be like?
My ideal client would know what they wanted, want something that I would want to do, come to me because they have seen my work, and they are willing to trust me to do my vision of what they want without trying to interfere with the process.
What do you think of the growing popularity of tattooing in reality tv shows and the internet. Do you think it is a positive change?
I think there are aspects both ways. A big positive thing is it is helping people become more interested in tattoos. Some of the shows are really teaching people what a good tattoo is. There is definitely the side of it where it’s more soap opera than anything. You also have some shows, particularly there are cover up shows, that have to show all kinds of cover ups and many of them just aren’t successful.
In terms of art what other mediums do you like to work with?
When I do get to do something I use markers the most and then maybe watercolor. I tend to work mostly in marker because I am comfortable with it. It has the same kind of feeling as picking up a pencil or pen.
How often do you travel for tattooing?
Not very often. A few times a year. I’ve been traveling the past several years maybe two or three times a year. Other than that it is hard to find the time. You can check out my website for details.
What is your favorite aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Probably that I am good at it. [Laughs] We aren’t out there saving lives or doing this amazing thing. We are not superheros. Still, people entrust you with a lot when they want to get a tattoo from you. There is a lot of emotion involved in that. It is something that just it is a huge privilege and an honor to be able to do.
What do you think your biggest weaknesses are as an artist?
I’ve got lots of weaknesses. That is a tough question no one ever asks that. [Long pause] Laziness. [Laughs] In some ways I am not lazy but, in some ways I am. When it comes to art I put everything off. Even my tattoos. I do my tattoos as they come in. That has part to do with being booked up so much. And being more capable. I am able to use that. I also kind of like the spontaneity. I think it adds to the art. It makes it more ephemeral and animalistic to do it on the spot.
Who do you look up to?
Lots of dudes. Usually I look up to people that can get me thinking and put a different perspectives in my head. Lately I’ve been getting tattooed by Tony Ciavarro. Then there are guys like Cory Norris and Lou Juaques. They are just great tattooist with great heads on their shoulders and they don’t think they are some great thing because they put tattoos on people.
Interview By Ian Winship