Steve Bio
I Decided to Tattoo¦
Aesthetics vary, culturally. Some presented through sacred totems, some through designs in the sand, and others become a bit more transportable. Such as the traditional Dot Motif found in the Australian aboriginals. A tradition dating back to before humans were painting on walls in French caves. Historically, body art has played a major role in human culture. The ability to present one's self as different, to stick out in the crowd. Not to camouflage the body, or to protect against the elements. Rather, to present one's self as beautiful; moreover, beautiful in the eyes of the culture, present a means of status, and to be noticed for the personal expression. This manner of thought is not how this artist's career began; however, it is where this artist now rests his roots in the tattoo arts.
I became a professional artist and educator. I decided to tattoo, however, it wasn't until I began showing my paintings in galleries and juried shows that I realized the impact tattoos have in comparison to paintings. While working on my Bachelors one of my professors told me that any reaction is better than no reaction at all. Meaning, no matter if a patron of the arts expresses their like or dislike about your work, it is a reaction. They still took the time out of their day to say something about the work. My two-dimensional paintings and drawings are examples of my need to stress the conservative western ideology of normalcy. I use a touch of naturalism, mostly using some sort of the human form to help allow the viewer to relate. A lot of movement and contrasting hues offer the viewer a means to follow the piece and more importantly to trap them in the work of art. However, I do not want the viewer to get an easy read. I want the viewer to be trapped in a work of art, not letting them leave the picture plane. I attempt to do this in all my work, tattoos, paintings, and drawings. If the viewer cannot leave the work, then the message will be read, and meaning will eventually be understood. For example, even when tattooing a photo-realistic portrait, I always try to kick up the contrast, and over exaggerate some features to help trap the audience in the face. Color, value, space, and emphasis is how I typically go about my creations. I love the smiles, and the questions marks from those that just don't get it. Any reaction is a good reaction.
Showing a painting in a juried show is extremely interesting, one may sell a painting, a few prints of the piece. Most of the time, the folks really enjoy looking, but don't particularly want to live with the piece, forever. The painting could be too large, too small, doesn't match the colors in the home, or content (message) of the piece may be a bit too eccentric. When a piece does sell, the artist really doesn't know where the piece goes, or how many people really get to enjoy the visual creation. I mean, I have an idea who has my paintings in their personal collections, but I've never been to their house. In contrast to a painting, a tattoo is a bit more literal. When a client walks in the door of the shop, they have an idea of subjects they want to see in their pieces. However, they really have no idea what I am going to draw up. I try to stay true to my stylistic mannerisms, and the clients understand. Many of my clients come to me with a paragraph from a piece of literature, some only one word and trust me to make it into something for them! Not for anyone else. In most instances, the client will receive the sketch of the tattoo to take with them, because I will never tattoo that exact piece, again. I love the challenge of making each piece unique, and I feel as though it helps the client gets an original design. Nevertheless, that tattoo will be with the person forever. The person cannot just take the art off of them, such like a painting on the wall. Every time one is out, the tattoo will be seen. If it is a hidden tattoo, every time one looks in the mirror, it will be seen. It is always there, ages with the host, and dies with the host. Let's think for a moment. How many pictures do you have on your home wall? Do you look at them every day? Do you take them with you every day? Even if they don't match the color scheme you're wearing that day? Even if a tattoo is removed, there will still be a lasting impression on the skin where it once was, and the memory of that tattoo will live in the mind of the client. Does a painting really have the same effect?
I opened Modern Moose in 2015 and 2022 will mark 18 years of tattooing. I have surrounded myself with humble artists to continue this journey with me. Working hard to offer the best possible piece of art with the best possible service. I look forward to working with you on your next piece and so proud I decided to tattoo. Thank you for reading, see you at our consultation!
Captain Steve Johnson
Tattooist/Owner
Modern Moose Studios
7134 State Road 54
NPR, 34653
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
M.A.E, Art Education K-12, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2012
Concentrations: Art Education, painting
B.A., Art Education K-12 Licensure, Western State Colorado University, 2008
Concentrations: Ceramics, Art Education, Painting
USCG Licensed Captain
OUPV 6-pack
Adams Marine Seminars, 2019
Professional Tattoo Experience:
Tattoo Artist and Owner, 2015
Modern Moose Studios
New Port Richey, FL
Tattoo Artist
Main Street Studio Tattoo, July 2015
Mauldin, SC
Tattoo Artist
Artistic Ink, August 2013
Anderson, SC
Tattoo Artist
Cherry Bomb Tattoo, 2013
New Port Richey, FL
Tattoo Artist
Hurricane Tattoo and Piercing, 2009
Teaching Experience:
Visual Arts Instructor, 2014
Palmetto High School
2D and 3D design
Visual Art Consortium Instructor, Summer 2014
Southwood Academy of the Arts, Grades 7-9
Courses: Gifted and Talented course in 3D-Design
Visual Arts Instructor, 2013
Pendleton Elementary school and Townville Elementary school, Grades K-6
Visual Arts Instructor, 2010
Weeki Wachee High School, Grades 9-12
Courses: 3D Studio 1, 3D Studio 2, Portfolio III 3D-Design Honors, AP 3D Design Portfolio,
2D Studio 1, 2D Studio 2, Portfolio I Drawing Honors, Portfolio II 2D Design Honors, AP 2D Design Portfolio
Advanced Placement Visual Arts Instructor, 2012
Weeki Wachee High School
Courses: AP 2D-Design Portfolio, AP 3D-Desing Portfolio
Visual Arts Instructor, 2010
Weeki Wachee High School
Course: Adult education, Beginning and Advanced Techniques in hand building, thrown forms, and primitive firing techniques.
Visual Arts Instructor, 2010
Leepa Rattner museum of Modern Art
Course: Museum Educator, summer course in Modern concepts
Student Teaching, 2010
Seven Springs Middle School, grades 6-8
Courses- Beginning and Advanced hand building techniques, beginning and advanced drawing
Student Teaching, 2009
Longleaf Elementary School, Arts Magnet School, grades K-5
Courses- Elementary Education in ceramics and pottery
Student Awards and Honors:
Anderson Arts Center, 2014
Student Award:
6th grade: AnMed Collection Award
Reel Art State Competition, 2014
Student Awards:
K-3rd grade division: 1st place, out of 600 students from across South Carolina.
4th -6th grade division: Honorable Mention, out of over 300 students from across South Carolina.
Art in the Park, 2013
Student Awards:
AP/College Division: 1st place, 2rd place, Honorable Mention
High School Division: 1st place, 3rd place, Honorable Mention
3D Art Division: 1st place, 3rd place, Honorable Mention
Festival of Art, 2013
Student Awards:
1st place and 3rd place out of 200 2D and 3D pieces
Adult Education student, 2013 Art in the Park
2nd Place in crafts with hand built ceramic pieces.
Student and Faculty Gala, 2012
Student Awards:
1st place and 2nd place in student division
Art in the Park, 2012
Student Awards:
High School Division: 3rd place, Honorable Mention
3D art Division: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, Honorable Mention
Fall Harvest of art, 2011
Student Awards:
Best of Show, out of 200 2D and 3D pieces
Hernando County Fine Arts Council, 2011
Excellence in Visual Arts Honor
Pasco County Fair art show, 2010
Middle School Division: Best in Show, 1st place, 7 Honorable Mentions
Professional Awards and Honors:
Anderson Arts Center, 2014
39th annual juried show
Special Recognition Award, 2013
Light Space and Time Open Exhibition, global competition
Belton Center for the Arts, 2013
15th annual juried show
Nominated teacher of the year, 2012
Weeki Wachee High School
Fall Harvest of art, 2011
Professional Division: Best of Show, Fine Art Category
Nominated teacher of the year, 2011
Weeki Wachee High School
Three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic All Conference All Academic Honors, 2009-2005
University of Nebraska at Kearney and Western State Colorado University
Division II Athletics Directors Association Academic award, 2007-2008
Captain of the Western State Colorado University football team, 2007-2008
Exhibition Record:
39th Annual Anderson Arts Center Juried Exhibition, 2014
Light Space & Time Global Online Exhibition, 2013
15th Annual Belton Center for the Arts Juried Exhibition, 2013
Festival of Art Juried Exhibition, 2013
Hernando County Senior and Faculty Gala, May 2012
Art In The Park, March 2012
Fall Harvest of Art, November 2012
Western State College BA Gala, May 2009
Aesthetics vary, culturally. Some presented through sacred totems, some through designs in the sand, and others become a bit more transportable. Such as the traditional Dot Motif found in the Australian aboriginals. A tradition dating back to before humans were painting on walls in French caves. Historically, body art has played a major role in human culture. The ability to present one's self as different, to stick out in the crowd. Not to camouflage the body, or to protect against the elements. Rather, to present one's self as beautiful; moreover, beautiful in the eyes of the culture, present a means of status, and to be noticed for the personal expression. This manner of thought is not how this artist's career began; however, it is where this artist now rests his roots in the tattoo arts.
I became a professional artist and educator. I decided to tattoo, however, it wasn't until I began showing my paintings in galleries and juried shows that I realized the impact tattoos have in comparison to paintings. While working on my Bachelors one of my professors told me that any reaction is better than no reaction at all. Meaning, no matter if a patron of the arts expresses their like or dislike about your work, it is a reaction. They still took the time out of their day to say something about the work. My two-dimensional paintings and drawings are examples of my need to stress the conservative western ideology of normalcy. I use a touch of naturalism, mostly using some sort of the human form to help allow the viewer to relate. A lot of movement and contrasting hues offer the viewer a means to follow the piece and more importantly to trap them in the work of art. However, I do not want the viewer to get an easy read. I want the viewer to be trapped in a work of art, not letting them leave the picture plane. I attempt to do this in all my work, tattoos, paintings, and drawings. If the viewer cannot leave the work, then the message will be read, and meaning will eventually be understood. For example, even when tattooing a photo-realistic portrait, I always try to kick up the contrast, and over exaggerate some features to help trap the audience in the face. Color, value, space, and emphasis is how I typically go about my creations. I love the smiles, and the questions marks from those that just don't get it. Any reaction is a good reaction.
Showing a painting in a juried show is extremely interesting, one may sell a painting, a few prints of the piece. Most of the time, the folks really enjoy looking, but don't particularly want to live with the piece, forever. The painting could be too large, too small, doesn't match the colors in the home, or content (message) of the piece may be a bit too eccentric. When a piece does sell, the artist really doesn't know where the piece goes, or how many people really get to enjoy the visual creation. I mean, I have an idea who has my paintings in their personal collections, but I've never been to their house. In contrast to a painting, a tattoo is a bit more literal. When a client walks in the door of the shop, they have an idea of subjects they want to see in their pieces. However, they really have no idea what I am going to draw up. I try to stay true to my stylistic mannerisms, and the clients understand. Many of my clients come to me with a paragraph from a piece of literature, some only one word and trust me to make it into something for them! Not for anyone else. In most instances, the client will receive the sketch of the tattoo to take with them, because I will never tattoo that exact piece, again. I love the challenge of making each piece unique, and I feel as though it helps the client gets an original design. Nevertheless, that tattoo will be with the person forever. The person cannot just take the art off of them, such like a painting on the wall. Every time one is out, the tattoo will be seen. If it is a hidden tattoo, every time one looks in the mirror, it will be seen. It is always there, ages with the host, and dies with the host. Let's think for a moment. How many pictures do you have on your home wall? Do you look at them every day? Do you take them with you every day? Even if they don't match the color scheme you're wearing that day? Even if a tattoo is removed, there will still be a lasting impression on the skin where it once was, and the memory of that tattoo will live in the mind of the client. Does a painting really have the same effect?
I opened Modern Moose in 2015 and 2022 will mark 18 years of tattooing. I have surrounded myself with humble artists to continue this journey with me. Working hard to offer the best possible piece of art with the best possible service. I look forward to working with you on your next piece and so proud I decided to tattoo. Thank you for reading, see you at our consultation!
Captain Steve Johnson
Tattooist/Owner
Modern Moose Studios
7134 State Road 54
NPR, 34653
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
M.A.E, Art Education K-12, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2012
Concentrations: Art Education, painting
B.A., Art Education K-12 Licensure, Western State Colorado University, 2008
Concentrations: Ceramics, Art Education, Painting
USCG Licensed Captain
OUPV 6-pack
Adams Marine Seminars, 2019
Professional Tattoo Experience:
Tattoo Artist and Owner, 2015
Modern Moose Studios
New Port Richey, FL
Tattoo Artist
Main Street Studio Tattoo, July 2015
Mauldin, SC
Tattoo Artist
Artistic Ink, August 2013
Anderson, SC
Tattoo Artist
Cherry Bomb Tattoo, 2013
New Port Richey, FL
Tattoo Artist
Hurricane Tattoo and Piercing, 2009
Teaching Experience:
Visual Arts Instructor, 2014
Palmetto High School
2D and 3D design
Visual Art Consortium Instructor, Summer 2014
Southwood Academy of the Arts, Grades 7-9
Courses: Gifted and Talented course in 3D-Design
Visual Arts Instructor, 2013
Pendleton Elementary school and Townville Elementary school, Grades K-6
Visual Arts Instructor, 2010
Weeki Wachee High School, Grades 9-12
Courses: 3D Studio 1, 3D Studio 2, Portfolio III 3D-Design Honors, AP 3D Design Portfolio,
2D Studio 1, 2D Studio 2, Portfolio I Drawing Honors, Portfolio II 2D Design Honors, AP 2D Design Portfolio
Advanced Placement Visual Arts Instructor, 2012
Weeki Wachee High School
Courses: AP 2D-Design Portfolio, AP 3D-Desing Portfolio
Visual Arts Instructor, 2010
Weeki Wachee High School
Course: Adult education, Beginning and Advanced Techniques in hand building, thrown forms, and primitive firing techniques.
Visual Arts Instructor, 2010
Leepa Rattner museum of Modern Art
Course: Museum Educator, summer course in Modern concepts
Student Teaching, 2010
Seven Springs Middle School, grades 6-8
Courses- Beginning and Advanced hand building techniques, beginning and advanced drawing
Student Teaching, 2009
Longleaf Elementary School, Arts Magnet School, grades K-5
Courses- Elementary Education in ceramics and pottery
Student Awards and Honors:
Anderson Arts Center, 2014
Student Award:
6th grade: AnMed Collection Award
Reel Art State Competition, 2014
Student Awards:
K-3rd grade division: 1st place, out of 600 students from across South Carolina.
4th -6th grade division: Honorable Mention, out of over 300 students from across South Carolina.
Art in the Park, 2013
Student Awards:
AP/College Division: 1st place, 2rd place, Honorable Mention
High School Division: 1st place, 3rd place, Honorable Mention
3D Art Division: 1st place, 3rd place, Honorable Mention
Festival of Art, 2013
Student Awards:
1st place and 3rd place out of 200 2D and 3D pieces
Adult Education student, 2013 Art in the Park
2nd Place in crafts with hand built ceramic pieces.
Student and Faculty Gala, 2012
Student Awards:
1st place and 2nd place in student division
Art in the Park, 2012
Student Awards:
High School Division: 3rd place, Honorable Mention
3D art Division: 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, Honorable Mention
Fall Harvest of art, 2011
Student Awards:
Best of Show, out of 200 2D and 3D pieces
Hernando County Fine Arts Council, 2011
Excellence in Visual Arts Honor
Pasco County Fair art show, 2010
Middle School Division: Best in Show, 1st place, 7 Honorable Mentions
Professional Awards and Honors:
Anderson Arts Center, 2014
39th annual juried show
Special Recognition Award, 2013
Light Space and Time Open Exhibition, global competition
Belton Center for the Arts, 2013
15th annual juried show
Nominated teacher of the year, 2012
Weeki Wachee High School
Fall Harvest of art, 2011
Professional Division: Best of Show, Fine Art Category
Nominated teacher of the year, 2011
Weeki Wachee High School
Three-time Rocky Mountain Athletic All Conference All Academic Honors, 2009-2005
University of Nebraska at Kearney and Western State Colorado University
Division II Athletics Directors Association Academic award, 2007-2008
Captain of the Western State Colorado University football team, 2007-2008
Exhibition Record:
39th Annual Anderson Arts Center Juried Exhibition, 2014
Light Space & Time Global Online Exhibition, 2013
15th Annual Belton Center for the Arts Juried Exhibition, 2013
Festival of Art Juried Exhibition, 2013
Hernando County Senior and Faculty Gala, May 2012
Art In The Park, March 2012
Fall Harvest of Art, November 2012
Western State College BA Gala, May 2009