Another great live episode from the Aachen Tattoo convention, one of the best shows on the planet.

Today’s guest is Alex Reinke: Horiyoshi III former apprentice; exhibitions curator; owner of the iconic publishing company Kofuu Senju Publications (now KŌSEI publications) and zen practitioner. He also creates beautiful ceramics and handmade Tebori tools, a full renaissance man.

With his extensive knowledge regarding traditional Japanese tattooing, which extends to various aspects of this culture, Alex is a well-known and respected master of the craft, a reference for many. My co-host for today is Berto Ramirez, aka Nutz, owner of the Red Temple Tattoo shop in Barcelona, where I work.

As always big thanks to Andreas Coenen and his crew for making this possible, and the audience that attended the event.

holyfoxtattoos.de

Alex Reinke’s Instagram

Nutz Instagram

redtempletattoo.com

Kaiserstadt Tattoo Expo

stefbastian.com

If you’re into Japanese tattooing, especially in relation to its cultural connotations, you’re gonna love this one.

Dave is a tattooer specialized in Americana and Japanese with extensive international experience. His passion for gardening - he works with the Denver Botanic Garden on cultivating their renowned Japanese garden program, as well as maintaining the trees of Hakubai Zen Temple in Boulder - brought him a deeper insight on the philosophical aspects of Horimono.

In this episode we talked about some key concepts and his upcoming book, a great addition to everyone passionate about Japanese tattooing ‘Horimono: a Western Perspective’. This book is the product of a collaboration with AfterLife Press, world renowned for the quality of both content and craftsmanship of their publications, and it has been supported and reviewed by a number of horishi, including Tatsutoshi the First of the Shodai Horitoshi family.

Dave’s Instagram

AfterLife Press

traditiontattooing.com

We would also like to support the upcoming event ‘Skull session’ in NYC by the Lyle Tuttle Collection. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. For more information please visit the link below:

Lyle Tuttle Collection Instagram

Skull Session - Tickets

lyletuttlecollection.com

I have know Capex for about 15 years now, we clicked right away at a show in Finland, as we come from the same place in Italy. With his 30+ years of experience he’s one of those characters from a different time in tattooing, with working ethics, humor, resilience and love for the craft at the forefront of everything he does. I’m happy to introduce him to you and, if you ever pass by him in a show or guest spot, make sure to stop and say hi. You’ll walk away with a smile, a cool tattoo or a great story.

Follow CAPEX on Instagram

More info on the podcast, classes, projects at stefbastian.com