Scott Campbell [Artist]

By: Editor | April 14, 2011 | Ten by Ten

Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Scott Campbell has a knack for transforming tattoo subculture iconography onto a wide variety of media. As a renowned tattoo virtuoso, his work depicts striking imagery that is dauntless and thought provoking. As an artist, Campbell uses copper, currency, graphite, ink and neon to create delicate and tempered work that further epitomizes his plethora of artistic talent. His West Coast solo exhibition debut, titled Noblesse Oblige, will expand upon his vernacular of blue-collar tattoo styling through flash boards and a suite of prints. The pieces entertain visual semantics and flirt with a sense of irony existing within the imagery. Those interested in exploring Campbell’s collection can do so at OHWOW Los Angeles from March 19-April 22.

What do you consider your greatest professional success?
Promising myself never to get a “real job.”

What technology are you currently the most excited about?
Youtube.

When was the last time you were truly frightened and why? 
When I realized I was falling in love with my girlfriend. Sure, it’s amazing and exciting and sweet, but it’s terrifying.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were a child? 
I grew up in a little fishing town outside of New Orleans. When I was a kid, I looked up to all the older punk kids hanging out in Jackson Square. Pickpocketing tourists and spending all the money on Twizzlers and the arcade was about the most romantic lifestyle I had ever seen or heard of.

What philanthropic/humanitarian cause do you most identify with and why?
I never ever walk past a street musician without giving them money. I think it’s an important thing to support even if they’re terrible. I want to live in a world where sitting around in the streets playing music for strangers is a viable profession.

Describe your perfect day? 
Any day that does not involve cold weather, cops or a funeral — or any day that does involve swimming in an ocean, motorcycles or my girlfriend.

If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be and why? 
On a personal level, I can’t really think of anything. I try not to dwell on regrets. I did just have a rough day at the dentist recently –– maybe go back and tell the child me that brushing your teeth regularly is the one thing that grown-ups are actually right about. Maybe that’s a bit selfish.

Do you believe in the notion of spreading democracy beyond our borders?
Oh, man. I feel like a lot of very wrong things are done in the name of spreading democracy.  I would certainly never walk up to another person and tell him that I know what’s best for him, nor do I have the audacity to assert my beliefs on an entire country or culture. But if asked for my two cents, I’d answer that I grew up in America, and I love it here.

What are the fundamental qualities you look for in a lover?
Honesty is pretty big for me. I have to feel like I can be straightforward with a girl and that she’s open in return. If you can’t trust each other, it’s pretty hard to go anywhere with it. That and pheromones.

How will you spend this evening?
This evening I’m having dinner at a friend/collector’s house here in L.A. My show opens tomorrow, and it’s finally installed, shined up and ready to open. Now I can take a deep breath with friends and family and relax a bit after months of working on it.

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