Creative, Sweet
Tawck X BurgerFuel
Posted by Creative, Sweet
BurgerFuel has embraced the tattoo culture since our day dot. When the ol' job stoppers (aka tattoos) stopped people from getting jobs, we embraced them, took them in, fed them, put a uniform on them and now they greet our customers with a fistful of flavour and a “Would you like Spud Fries and Aioli with your Bastard?”. In saying that, it seemed appropriate to bring in our good friend Tawck from Memory Lane Tattoo Studio to hear about his journey as an artist and his transition from graffiti to the tattoo industry. Tawck is also our flagship artist for our once in a blue moon, pop-up BurgerFuel Tattoo studio ‘Flash Backs’.
Just to bring everyone up to speed, tell us who you are and where you’re from?
Hey guys my name is Earnest Bradley (Tawck GBAK) born and raised in Auckland NZ, and now residing in Whangarei at Memory Lane Tattoo Studio.
Nice, so formal. You have made quite the name for yourself lately, tell us what got you into tattooing?
Thank you. My platform started from graffiti, although growing up as a child I remember watching my Dad tattooing his friends in the living room of our house. Around my early 20’s, I bumped into my friend Capilli who I met through graffiti. He was doing some dope stuff back then and a lot of our friends were getting ink around that time. It was a career I never wanted to pursue until I saw Capilli tattooing at the old Two Hands on Symonds St in Auckland. Long story short, he gave me some good advice back then, after that I never looked back and ended up pursuing an apprenticeship in the UK.
Awesome, Capilli has previously caught the eye of the BurgerFuel team. Have you always been into art?
Yeah, it’s something that I have been surrounded by growing up. My father is a multidisciplinary artist so I was fortunate to grow up watching him paint, carve, sketch basically anything, so in saying that, my brother Haser and I were fortunate to get an early start as creatives. I would say forming GBAK, a collective of amazing international artist’s, is probably what inspired me to secure my future as a full time artist.
Good ol Pops, and who would you say is on your inspiration feed?
Umm, first on the list would have to be my Dad for inspiring and encouraging me to be an artist. I also have a small circle of friends that I surround myself with, not because they’re good or do the same things, but because they have the same drive and dedication. The GBAK crew, whether it’s on or off the walls, they’re always pushing the boundaries, they’re also what kick-started it for me. Everyone from Memory Lane Tattoo who are constantly pushing to be better, and my good friend Mystiks and his team from Harpoon & High-water (Brisbane), and the guys at The Native Studio (Auckland) who are just constantly grinding - I respect that!! Also, a very pivotal and inspirational person in my career has been my good friend Dave ‘MOKO’ Hart from Native Inc (Whangarei). R.I.P
I’ve looked them up, they all seem like incredible artists and people. I imagine the tattoo life is good, but what's life like running a Tattoo Studio?
Haha don’t believe the hype. Opening a studio has been a rollercoaster of a ride. I wanted to quit so many times but the thought of going back to painting cars or a normal job is what keeps me in it. Let me just say you are deprived of sleep, but when you step back and look at what you have created, the people who joined your journey, plus the pieces we give our clients, it makes it all worth while. Last year we entered the Northland Business awards to see how we ranked as a business and ended up taking out the Creative Northland Industries award, so to be credited for that was a huge achievement.
Congratulations, and duly noted. So, you have a dominant presence here in New Zealand, but I know you have done a lot of travelling. What’s the best place you’ve tattooed so far?
I’ve worked around Europe this year so I’d have to say Below Zero Tattoo Studio in Tampare, Finland was pretty dope!!! Most equipped studio and also jam packed with quality artists. Apart from that, I have mad love for every studio that has hosted me and I will be back for sure to see everyone.
Living the life. What’s next for you?
Just to keep evolving as an artist, grow my business, travel more, but also taking time to rest and spend with family and friends, as this job can consume you #addictedtowork lol.
No doubt, now for the important stuff, favourite burger from BurgerFuel?
Bacon Backfire with avocado with out a doubt!!!
Mmmm, what dreams are made of. If you would like to see more of Tawcks work, you can follow him and his studio on the grams @tawck_gbak @memorylane_tattoo
