Today we’d like to introduce you to Gifford Kasen.
Gifford, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wi. and started tattooing there in 2004. After moving around a bit I made my way to Chicago in 2010 where I worked as a tattoo artist in Oak Park. At that time I was still traveling a lot working tattoo conventions and doing guest spots around the country. I also started taking up oil painting and attending classes at Vitruvian Studios here in Chicago, which offered more fine art training. In 2014 I opened up Logan Square Tattoo where I currently tattoo at. Opening the studio allowed me to really start growing my connections in the community and pushing larger artistic goals. Shortly after we opened I met Chad Edwards who has helped put our gallery space together and curates regular art shows. We also do a monthly event at East Room which features bands, dj’s, live tattooing and live art.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My foundation is in tattooing, which in a lot of ways is more of a craft and a service than an art. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to cultivate more of a collector client base that allows me to explore my own ideas on their skin, so that’s been really great. In tattooing I focus on large scale abstract designs that focus on the flow and forms of the body, while pushing repeating patterns to try to create a sense of movement and depth. The subject matter is often inspired by futurism as well as organic patterns and shapes. My fine art is more representational and where I can explore more personal themes. Like in the tattooing, I like to experiment with rhythm and form and creating a sense of depth. I paint mostly still lifes, but have been working with some figurative pieces lately as well. In both mediums I’m working towards the theme of the absurdity in modernity. It’s all just stuff floating through space, and we probably take it too seriously.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
First and foremost is being able to pursue and create my work in a sustainable manner. Stacked on top of that is participating, creating, and engaging in a creative community. Being able to give back and build up other artists is something I find incredibly important, and something I’ve always modeled my idea of success upon.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
www.futuretellerart.com
I have a physical portfolio as well as some paintings to view at the studio Logan Square Tattoo located at 2352 n Milwaukee ave. Chicago, Il 60647
I do a monthly residency live art event at East Room every third Wednesday. The event is called Jams and Jammers and can be followed on instagram for updates including other participating artists and band lineups @jamsandjammers
my own instagram for all new work as well as gallery showings and travel dates. @futureteller
I’m also pursuing new opportunities to show and participate, so people or galleries looking to collaborate hit me up!
Contact Info:
- Address: Logan Square Tattoo
2352 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, Il
60647 - Website: www.futuretellerart.com
- Phone: 4147580192
- Email: futuretellerart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @futureteller
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FutureTellerTattoo/?ref=bookmarks
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
