An Interview with Ebon Hackett, a Featured Artist at the Arizona Tattoo Expo

Mesa, Arizona will be hosting the 7^th annual Arizona Tattoo Expo from April 4 through 6. More than 150 famous tattoo artists worldwide will be gathered for this event. One of the featured artists is Ebon Hackett of Alley Kat Tattoo. I was able to talk with Ebon before the expo to learn more about him and his craft.

So Ebon, how long have you been tattooing?

"I have been tattooing 6 ½ years professionally in a shop. I have been at Alley Kat Tattoo since February of 2006. I have been managing the 85^th Avenue and Peoria shop since December of last year."

Why did you decide to start?

"I've always been into art ever since I was a little kid and through different types of loss throughout my life, what I learned about tattoos, a tattoo is something that can never be stolen or taken from you. So I developed an affinity for it."

Have you ever had a request for a tattoo that you have refused to do?

"I have refused to do a couple because of political and moral beliefs. Like I won't do white supremacy tattoos. I don't want to do a tattoo that represents any type of hatred for another group. There's plenty of other people that will, I have a reputation to uphold and I like to think I have a pretty decent one."

Some people get tattoos after losing a loved one. Do you do a lot of those?

"I do a lot of respect and memorial tattoos both for children that are alive and parents that are alive. I do a lot of tattoos for breast cancer. Unfortunately I have done far too many of them recently. Also dog tag tattoos for military personal and just your average R.I.P for lost family members or loved ones."

When you are giving those types of tattoos what are peoples' reactions?

"It varies, everyone brings at least one person with them it seems that they can talk and reminisce about the situation. Usually they just remember the funny stuff, the good stuff while they are talking and getting the tattoo done. Usually I can tell how much they love, or how cathartic the tattoo is at the end when they get tears in their eyes."

I understand you have recently had a life changing moment after heart surgery. Can you tell me about that?

"Everything has changed as far as my vision for tattoos, my vision for family, my vision for loss because I had a quadruple bypass surgery last January and I was in a coma for 4 days. But I am fully recovered now and my life has changed, I still smoke cigarettes but I eat right, I exercise and I just try to do as many great tattoos as I can do. When I say great I mean I put my heart and soul into every single piece whether it is a $50 tattoo or a $500 tattoo."

You're leaving your mark on the world.

"Yea, You start to feel your own mortality and then it's like man, I'm not ready for someone to get a remembrance piece for me. I want to be here a little while longer, there's a lot more tattooing I got to do, you know?"

I know you have 7 children, what would you do if someday one came up to you at 12 or 14 and asked you to give them a tattoo?

"I would tell them no. Because I think that even at 18 we are still forming who we are going to be as adults. And I have tattoos that I got when I was 18 that I am in the process of covering up now. What they represent now isn't what I represent and isn't what I want to teach my children."

How hard are tattoos to cover up?

"It varies on who did the tattoo, whether it was done by a home made gun, whether it was done by a qualified artist or whether it might be old. If it is old it is a lot easier to cover up. But I actually specialize in cover ups. One of the challenges that I find in tattooing is to actually cover up a tattoo, because nothing's darker than black."

Ebon, thank you for taking the time to speak with me.

"It's my honor, when you are ready for your next tattoo come see me."

That is one offer I will definitely be taking him up on. Ebon can be found at Alley Kat Tattoo every night but Tuesdays. The Peoria Alley Kat is located at 10865 N 85^th Avenue. You can call ahead for an appointment at 623.334.9698.

You will also be able to find Ebon at the Alley Kat Tattoo booth at the Arizona Tattoo Expo. The Arizona Tattoo Expo will be at the Mesa Centennial Hall located at 201 N. Center Street. Tickets can be purchase for $20 a day or $45 for a weekend pass.

The Expo offers more than the traditional on site tattooing and body piercing. The Arizona Tattoo Expo hosts everything from contests with celebrity judges to live side shows. There will be apparel and accessories for sale, as well as food and spirits. There are seminars taught by some of the best names in the business. Famous artists include Aaron Bell, Bob Tyrrell, Jack Rudy, Matt Geiogamah, Brian Everett, Toni Olivas and many more. You can make an appointment with your favorite tattoo artist ahead of time or maybe look around for a new favorite. There will be no better place to get your next piece of wearable art.

Resources:

Alley Kat Tattoo

AZ Tattoo Expo