We got to know the owner of the private London studio ‘Maxxam Art Collective’ located in the area of Wandsworth. And we understood what lies behind his art.
Volkan, I know you started tattooing in 1998 and describe your style as abstract Realism and modern Japanese. Do you want to add the rest?
Yes I did my first tattoo in 1998 and since then I’ve proudly been part of tattooing. I studied philosophy when I was at University so I had no art background but luckily always interested in sketching and painting – nothing serious but as a hobby.
How did you approach tattoo art?
When I was 17 I tried to find my way to earn my own life and the people I met then helped me to get into tattooing: so I can’t thank them enough! Two big impacts on my art were moving to London and – even if before that I admit that I wasn’t a good tattooer – choosing to improve my skill on canvas.
I really wanted to emphasize this because admitting your capability is the key otherwise you can’t improve.
I read somewhere that you’ve earned the title of “best tattoo artist in London”. What does it feel like given that almost nine million people live in London?
Wow I didn’t know that but that would be injustice for all the great tattoo artists who are making art in London! I know that I was picked by some bloggers as a “best tattoo artist” worth to know, which is a great honour for me but calling any artist as the best is too much for me… (smiles) London is a great city and I am really enjoying being part of it! I can recommend any artist to visit our city which is almost the British capital of art and museums.
How do those extraordinary colors that adorn your works “appear” to you?
I always find myself enjoying with colours so it came natural for me to try to specialized on them. My colour palettes are usually based on contrast and whenever I’m trying to create a design at the end of the day all looks like a Ying and Yang. I didn’t try to do it on porpose but it is happening and I’m really happy with the results. I think philosophy effected my vision a lot.
When we talk about abstract subjects, are they all “100% made in Volkan Demirci” or do you occasionally pay tribute to some visual artist you met during your research?
All my designs are created by me. Obviously I’m always searching for artists to get some inspiration from but I’m trying to stay away from doing a copy.
I have my own layouts which I created while I was studying anatomy to improve my tattooing.
My layouts have become my signature for my designs so – if you would like to improve your skills – you have to study different types of disciplines as well.
What advice would you give to the new generation of tattoo artists?
I believe “you are only as big as your vision”. Tattoos on skin are just a finished product which is 10% of the work so you need to focus on the other 90%. If you are not enjoying the 90% that I mentioned, you are on the wrong business! So first you have to admit to yourself what needs to be improved.
Can you describe your private studio ‘Maxxam Art Collective’ in London?
Yeah, I have a private studio (IG: @maxxamartcollective_london) based in the area of Wandsworth in London. I really like the area especially the street food on Saturdays! (laughs)
My humble studio actually looks like part of my house, because I really enjoy spending time with my clients.
I mean – watching tv shows together, making coffee for them and having a design day for the big project was my dream… and I have it! I don’t have a that long waiting list to be honest and I think I’m a bit picky when it comes to my style.
What was the best tattoo convention you attended?
For me the best convention I have ever been in is ‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention) in Frankfurt. It was a real pleasure to work with all those great artists from all over the world. I’m looking forward to being part of it again and again. Also, I’m looking forward to being part of the Paris tattoo convention (IG: @tattooplanetarium) as I heard many good things about it.
Can you tell me about an indelible memory of yours linked to a particular tattoo convention?
My memories about the conventions are usually positive and being in that environment makes me really happy. Best part of the show is seeing all you friends and meeting new great artists who I have never seen before even on social media. I can mention the moment that I got my ‘Best of Avantgarde’ award at the London tattoo convention, I wasn’t expecting that and appreciated that the judges considered my art as one of the best.
And your last famous words are… ?
Thanks for all to my supporters and family for being part of my journey. My journey started with my father’s words and I’m still trying to follow his heritage – be a good man and live in balance.
