Rev. Chad Wells TattooBlog

This is the kind of music that drives my creative process - My own Mixcloud show

2012-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

You can't beat free music, right? Every couple weeks or so I drop a dose of psychedelically oriented music - about an hour's worth of mp3's from my hard drive of music I've collected on vinyl, CD, cassette, digital downloads and 8 tracks and stuff I am most currently listening to at home, in the van or at the tattoo studio on the iPod dock. This week's "dose:8" finds us on an unaccompanied trip (as in, I don't talk on this one) through a vast panorama of moody tunes from the past, present and future of "head music".

It's also a helluva good excuse to share my own sounds - this dose feature a track from my psych/prog oriented lo-fi home recording project Cricketbows as well as an old basement recording of a short lived side band I once played guitar in - Hazard County Heathens - also featuring my brother Gerede "Lucifer Laine" Stephens (formerly of The Bang Tale Sedation Generation, Nightbreed, Queen Wasp) and original drummer for The Jackalopes (and Luxury Pushers!)- Kyle Thirteen. Enjoy.

The Good Trip Lollipop - dose:8 (Sunshine Overdose Dance Atrocity) by Reverendneverend on Mixcloud

New Wells & Co. Custom Tattoos Website!

2012-01-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

New website up for the studio - Wells & Co. Custom Tattoos - a private studio in Vandalia where I work with my good friend, Mr. Matt Clemmer. We're using a Tumblr blog for the page so if you are a Tumblr user, you can "follow" us, like and reblog our posts.

In other news, it seems to be the "giving" season for me. Have handed out a good few Gift Certificates for different charitable events in the upcoming months. I really enjoy giving my time toward causes helpful to my community and am thinking of ways to expand that even further. This Spring/Summer I will be rolling out a way that I can use my time to help out with the Seva Foundation - a fantastic organization that I really believe strongly in. They have many programs to donate to that run the gamut from providing surgery for the blind in 3rd world countries as well as Native support programs here in the U.S.A. - I am particularly floored by the fact that for only $50 you can restore sight to one blind person.

Check out the Seva.org website and start giving now or let me know if you'd like to help via donating a portion of your tattoo session money to the group (thinking the easiest way to do this would be for customers to buy a block of tattoo time in advance and donate $50 from the first hour of every session to Seva). I'll be working out those logistics in the coming weeks.

Peace to all.

-Rev. Chad

A Promotional Sabbatical?

2011-12-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

I've really been on a bit of a break or a sabbatical from the self promotional thing concerning my tattooing lately. Chalk it up to burn out, my growing family and outside artistic and musical influences. I've still been tattooing - just not talking about it so much. One of the big things that started to happen was realizing how much I was being influenced by other current artists and how much I was seeing my stuff influencing others. Seems like a good thing on paper, but it's really not good for me or my psyche or ego. I think it's the "watering down" effect. I have the same problem with the music scene. Bands become so influenced by each other that what starts as a creative outburst of similar artists quickly becomes a mud puddle of copy cats and diluted ideas. Of course we should be influenced by everything around us but I feel that artistic originality and new ideas are severely missing from today's tattoo world. It's hard to find ANYTHING in tattooing that's not being copiously copied to death. So, this is one of the major reasons that I haven't been posting any (or most) of my tattoo work as of late. Either it's another Hernandez or Aitchison inspired piece from me (and I'm sure you'd rather see theirs) or it's something like my Stream of Consciousness Tattooing which is soooo different from what anyone else is doing and I'm sooo personally and emotionally invested in it that I just can't share it for fear that "Sam the Scratcher", tattooing out of his living room with shoddy equipment is going to steal the imagery and foul it all up OR WORSE, some "talented" artist will steal the concept, misunderstanding it completely and try to "re-brand" it and sell it as yet another over priced seminar or DVD (yeah, that's already happening). Ultimately, as a student of Buddhism, I need to let go of my attachments and imagined ownership of my work. Whether I decide to share or not in the future, please know that I'm STILL, nearly 20 years into my career, continuing my education, striving for a better tattoo for each new client and refusing to rest on my laurels by falling into one specific niche or style.

So, if you feel passionately about the tattoos you wear and want to have the experience of getting those tattoos in a private, quiet, relaxed atmosphere that I share with fellow fine art tattooist, Mr. Matt Clemmer - please feel free to make an appointment - I'd love to share my passion for art on skin with you!

Contact Michelle at wells73@aol.com or call 937-286-3127.

Random Update

2011-11-16T08:12:00.001-08:00

I've been terrible about updating this and all of my other blogs and social networks. I've put an instant reminder on my calendar to do these more often. It worked today, so let's see if I'll stick with it!

I'm still in a self imposed exile from conventions and magazines and all that. It seems that, though I am generally pretty happy to spread my face and art and music around, I have found the insincerity and politicking, etc. that is found in the world of art and tattooing to be so unnecessary and so I've kind of removed myself from "the scene" and what goes with it. I've done the same thing with my music. I rarely play live now. I'm still creating - actually more than ever - but not under the microscope as it were...

Anyway, enough about my artistic anxieties. I'm happy to be sharing my space at Wells & Co. with the fantastically talented Mr. Matt Clemmer. Matt's a master portrait artist with a distinct style and is a great fit for the studio.

As always, if you'd like to make an appointment, feel free to contact Michelle at wells73@aol.com or call (937) 286 3127.

Here's a couple pics of things I've been working on lately. Talk to ya' soon!

This is the cover for the new DVD "Ink & Flesh" by cult film director, Andrew Copp about ME! You can get a copy at the studio from me directly or via Andy's website http://coppfilms.weebly.com/ink--flesh.html

Here's the trailer for the Andy Copp film! It also features music by The Jackalopes and Cricketbows!

Also check out the new Christmas single from Cricketbows! Available now at Bandcamp.com and soon on Amazon, iTunes, eMusic and more!
Amanita Holiday (Christmastime Sure Looks Weird This Year) by Cricketbows

Tattoo doc about me - Pre Orders up!

2011-01-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

>>Pre-order! Limited Edition! INK & FLESH DVD (Standard AND Deluxe Packages available!). The atmospheric, conversational film that brings together Cult Director Andrew Copp and Counterculture Tattoo Artist Rev. Dr. Chad Wells. Confessional interviews and amazing soundtrack by Wells himself create a strange and languid yet familiar afternoon with a Tattoo Family. Includes bonus features, Trailers, Andrew Copp shorts, Wells' own experimental film, promos and music video from Wells related bands. A must have.<<
ORDER HERE!

Finished Calf/Shin Metaphysical Piece

2010-12-11T20:59:00.000-08:00

On Chris Miller - Finished 12/10/10
Had a ridiculously good time with this one - the color is shocking in person!!

A folder of tattoos from my personal Facebook.

2010-11-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE -- Stream of Consciousness Tattoo Photos on Facebook

There are quite a few new pieces in here.

-C.:.W

They put me in a Business magazine!

2010-10-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Image Dump - A random smattering of tattoos from the portfolio of Rev. Chad Wells

2010-10-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Koi on Lenore @ Hell City, Phoenix 2009

2010-08-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

Still fresh in this shot. Not a great pic, but a tattoo that was great fun!

A (Tattoo) Scanner Darkly

2010-08-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Eric Neff

2010-08-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just found this old picture of me tattooing my very good client and friend who passed away. Living the last 6 or 7 years in the back of a drawer somewhere, this pic looks like it's been spilled on, stepped on and everything else. No clue where this is. Either Hell City (2?) or one of the Dayton shows as Eric wasn't much suited for traveling on most days. I obviously am working for Glenn Scott and Eric's backpiece is pretty far along so this is post 9-11 and The Jackalopes were in full swing because I'm here tattooing in leather pants, a pentagram necklace, eyeliner and dyed black, super-greased up hair. I'm calling this 2002-ish?

Anyway. I did some of my favorite work (that has rarely been seen due to the extremity of the subject matter) and had some conversations that I'd be hard pressed to repeat with this man and he will be direly missed.

Raven on Jason Phillips - 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T20:32:00.003-07:00

IMG_8452.JPG, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

freehand Sharpie rendering, pre-tattoo

Raven on Jason Phillips - 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T20:32:00.001-07:00

IMG_8451.JPG, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

freehand Sharpie rendering, pre-tattoo

Raven on Jason Phillips - 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T20:31:00.003-07:00

IMG_8453.JPG, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

freehand Sharpie rendering, pre-tattoo

Raven on Jason Phillips - 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T20:31:00.001-07:00

IMG_8455.JPG, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

1st session.

Raven on Jason Phillips - 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T20:30:00.003-07:00

IMG_8454.JPG, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

1st session

Raven on Jason Phillips - 7/14/2010

2010-07-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

IMG_8456.JPG, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

1st session.

JayJay's leg

2010-06-01T20:05:00.001-07:00

16.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

Been missing my baby brother! His birthday was a couple days ago. This is his still unfinished leg piece.

Hotter Then Hell

2010-05-29T09:28:00.001-07:00

3.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

In observance of the fact that it's "Hotter Than Hell" outside, I was just listening to an old KISS recording of the song "Hotter Than Hell" from a King Biscuit Flower Hour bootleg from a show in NY, 1975... Paul sings the song but it's the Gener's backing vox that truly shine here. God of Thunder forever.

.:reverend.never.end:.

2010-05-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

.:reverend.never.end:.
The link above points to an old radio commercial for my first tattoo shop. Circa, late 1990's.

Slave girl 5/27/10

2010-05-27T16:40:00.001-07:00

sherryslave.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

I've been showing off a lot of old work (I have more of it on the Mac than new stuff) so I thought I'd upload this one, done today. This was taken w/ the client's cell and sent to me on Facebook so the angle is a little wonky, but you get the picture. Fun piece.

Surrealism/Stream of Consciousness Face

2010-05-25T09:41:00.001-07:00

4.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

For those not familiar, my "Stream of Consciousness Tattooing" is a freehand style in which we allow the tattoo to progress organically with no preconceived notions of the end result. Here is a trailer for the DVD/Book that was released (and sold out!) a couple years ago.

Also read some quotes about the style.

"Pushing tattooing to it purest most primal form, this just may be as real as it gets."

Joshua Carlton
Great American Tattoo Company, Alla Prima Ink
www.joshuacarlton.com
www.allaprimaink.com

"Following the tattoo where it wants to take you is truly a new direction in modern tattooing! The freedom this type of tattooing represents is a key to allowing the artist’s mind to grow exponentially. This is any tattoo artist’s dream!”

Durb Morrison
Hell City Tattoo Festival
www.durbster.com
www.hellcity.com

"One of the most unique and innovative approaches to freehand tattooing I've ever seen!"

Tony Terrell
GM Hell City Tattoo Fest
www.hellcity.com

"To me it seems to be a different approach in the mind of an artist, which could potentially create a product that would be radically different than anything anyone expected or has created before."

Sean Herman
www.seanherman.com

"A totally bold move that can only be done well when one is a true artist that can stay focused and, thanks to many hours of experience and high skills development, can expertly express his imagination and turn these thoughts into permanent pictures no matter what the canvas is, skin or paper. Since there is no going back, once a line is made order is created out of chaos. Much like Zen Archery, the arrow lands where the mind is focused, like Electric Frankenstein sings "The Time is Now!", the tattoo world version of tightrope walking above Niagara Falls!"

Sal Canzonieri
Electric Frankenstein
www.electricfrankenstein.com

"We are witnessing a time when tattoo is finally being recognized as art, not merely decoration or novelty. Stream of consciousness expression is the purest in any art form and is deservedly being applied to tattoo in this bold and creative venture. In an industry where 'to copy' is standard, it is a pleasure to see such originality in thought and expression."

Carter Moore
immortalcanvas.com

"This is definitely the next step into the future of tattooing. This will take some guts and amazing talent and Chad has both."

Mike Guidone
Monkey Bones Tattoo
www.monkeybonestattoo.com

"It's always cool to see someone breaking new ground in an industry as old and steeped in tradition as ours. That's an extremely cool concept, to let the area/body part dictate the way the final piece comes together, I look forward to seeing what you (and others) do in the future with this technique."

James Rowe
Rabid Badger Studios, Budo Tattoo
www.rabidbadgerstudios.com
www.budotattoo.com

"This is a very experimental and bizzarre project. It's very interesting to watch and probably even a more insane experience to receive a tattoo in this fashion. I personally would not tattoo my clients in this fashion but Chad seems to be extremely comfortable with the process."

Brandon Bond All Or Nothing Tattoo, Anti Art Elite
www.allornothingtattoo.com

Ganesha - The Remover of Obstacles...

2010-05-24T19:55:00.001-07:00

5.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

On Rachel from Florida. This is one of the most commented on pieces in my book. A favorite.

Traditional Pinup Nurse with Anchor and Rose

2010-05-24T08:21:00.001-07:00

6.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

A different kind of tattoo for me. I really do enjoy doing traditional tattoos, though it's not my main stylistic leaning. Had a great time with this one.

Don't remember when I completed this. 2008? 2009?

They call him Bruce.

2010-05-22T08:38:00.001-07:00

8.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

Did this quite some time ago (a couple years?) but thought I'd post it today as my 5 year old daughter saw her first flick in the Evil Dead series last night (Army of Darkness). On JaRad from Hooker Spit Windex.

Surrealism/Stream of Consciousness Portrait

2010-05-20T18:48:00.001-07:00

9.jpg, originally uploaded by Rev. Wells.

I do a lot of these. We used an actual photo as reference for the face and then sort of "riffed" or freehanded everything. I especially like the tube on this one (coming from next to the face/chin) and the little piece over the cheekbone. Several people have mentioned that this looks like Marilyn Manson and though I see the resemblance and it has a pretty creepy vibe, this is not him. The face was a woman with a prominent nose and there was some distortion to the original piece, as if it were shot through a fish-eye lens. Can't remember when I did this one but it was sometime within the last 2 or 3 years. Haha.

Another Tattoo slideshow.

2010-05-20T10:40:00.001-07:00

More from the Flickr vaults. Check out this slideshow of some of my favorite work (pre 2010).

Welcome.

2010-05-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Just to get the ball rolling on this "Tattoo Blog", portfolio or whatever ya' wanna call it, here's an older Flickr slideshow that will acquaint you with some of my work. I'm going to try to dump stuff here regularly - new and old images - and a few thoughts on the pieces when I can. Please be certain to check out the Links to Facebook, Myspace, etc. as well as the Wells & Co website.