A Conversation with Leland Gomez on Tradition and Innovation

Tattooing, particularly Polynesian tattooing, has undergone significant evolution over the years, reflecting a harmonious blend of respect for traditional practices and the incorporation of contemporary styles and techniques. This evolution is not merely a trend but a response to the changing cultural landscape and the need for artistic expression that resonates with modern sensibilities.

In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova delves into the rich Polynesian history and evolution of tattooing as an art form witth guest Leland Gomez. Leland reflects on his own experience with old-school apprenticeship, sharing insights about the hands-on skills he learned, such as scrubbing tubes and tuning coil machines. They discuss the cultural significance of tattoos across various regions, highlighting how styles are deeply rooted in their respective cultures—from the traditional tattoos of Samoa and Africa to the unique genre of Japanese tattoos. This episode emphasizes the transformative power of tattooing and its ongoing evolution as a global art form, showcasing the beauty and importance of this ancient practice.

Chat Breakdown:

00:00:44 -Tattooing and Its Cultural Significance 00:02:45 - Contemporary Polynesian Tattooing 00:05:00 - Challenges of Convention Tattooing 00:07:24 - Leland's Artistic Journey and Leap of Faith 00:10:42 - Old-School Apprenticeship Experiences 00:12:56 - Significance of Polynesian Tattooing 00:14:59 - Family Patterns and Cultural Revival 00:16:39 - Cultural Differences in Tattooing 00:17:28 - Wearing Culture on Skin 00:20:22 - Mixing Tattoo Styles: Polynesian and Ornamental 00:22:32 - Renaissance of Ornamental Tattooing 00:27:04 - Teaching as the Final Step in Mastery 00:28:05 - Giving Back to the Next Generation

Quotes:

"Without tradition, without the history of where everything came from, I wouldn't be who I am today."

"We get to wear our inside out when we wear our Polynesian culture on our skin."

"How is anything going to get better if you stay in the same place?"

"I think there's a cultural need as the world evolves and technology just rams forward into our existence, that there is this calling to humanity for certain people to go back to the roots."

"Teaching is sort of that, that last part of a master's journey. And it's also the part where you give back to something that's given you so much."

"Maybe my grandkids can see it and be like, hey man, my pops, my papa did that."

Connect with Leland: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/inked_leland13

Connect with Aaron:⁠  

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com