Next up in our VC X BELL HELMETS series we have the awesome artist and tattooist Jo Chastney!
After meeting at Camp VC we fell in love with Jo’s amazing tattoo and illustration work which are a thing of beauty! With backed up waiting lists to get inked, Jo is one hella in demand tattooist so when they said they’d paint up a Bell Bullitt for the project we were absolutely stoked… and the result is incredible!
We caught up with Jo to talk about their career, tattooing and the cheeky inspiration behind Jo’s one of a kind Bell Bullitt.
Go follow Jo and their work on Instagram HERE
AND DON’T FORGET!…
You can buy a raffle ticket HERE to be in with a chance to win this awesome helmet in our draw on the 21st October on the VC INSTAGRAM stories!
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
Bournemouth and Bournemouth, UK. It’s nice here.
What first got you into art?
I’ve always enjoyed art, I studied it at school and college. I enjoyed zoning out and expressing myself in a way that doesn't need words.
So how did you first get into tattooing?
I got an apprenticeship about 9 years ago which was really hard to get, but I was basically the shop manager/ apprentice/ front of house doing all of the crap jobs. Luckily, I have had the chance to learn from amazing artists about the basis of the job, whilst refining my own way of working and style.
How would you describe your style of work?
I have always been interested in a type of style that works with fine line and detailed designs. However, being a professional tattoo artist requires a wide range of skills to fulfil everyone’s taste, so I am trained in most styles.
What inspires you most?
I feel a strong connection with nature and being immersed in it, is when I feel my most energised and inspired. Walking outdoors, cycling, surfing and generally, being in the water gives me space to think! I am inspired by people who are passionate about their practice, for instance: my mum and her mothering skills, my dad and his work ethics, my partner and her devotion to dance etc… but in terms of tattoos, I really enjoy the work of Otto D’ambra, Kelly Violence, Suflanda, Ann-Sophie and I could go on and on and on…
Whats your favourite tattoo that you’ve ever done?
Ah that’s tough!! I’ve tattooed some insanely cute dogs (and I am obsessed with dogs) I’ve really enjoyed drawing some pretty cool portraits of Frida Kahlo, Tupac and Biggie, I think they are up there too.
How does your life inspire your work?
My upbringing has shaped me to be who I am, so I try my best to make my practice as inclusive as possible. Everything I do, the people I am surrounded by, everything I read/learn about inspires me to create and make work that usually advocates for some sort of social issue. Environmental rights have always been at the top of my list.
When did you first hear about VC?
One of my friends went to your first camp: I saw her pictures and it looked rad! I have then started following you lot on Instagram and I immediately wanted to be part of the gang. I came to the second Camp VC event and I have had such an awesome weekend. So fun! I came on my own, somehow, from Bournemouth with no map/GPS, that was a miracle! I think I saw someone on a bike when I thought I was close and followed them, luckily they weren’t just going home. Ha! I met some awesome people, got to ride a dirt bike, skated the mini ramp, went on a ride, got totally smashed and then I ran out of fuel on the way home. I safely made it home though!
What motorcycle do you ride?
I don’t have a bike currently, I did have a Yamaha Virago 535 that was customised and noisy as hell!
What was the inspiration behind your Bell helmet design?
Well, I was trying to come up with different ideas whilst chatting about it with my family. I was talking about the event’s theme, describing the whole experience: activities, socialising,Wales… My mum asked what VC stood for, so I told her and she suggested things/ names/ that you call a vagina, for example: Beaver. I was sold on that!
How long did it take you to create?
I think I had the helmet for 2 weeks before I touched it as I was terrified with where to start. Once I got going it took me 2 weeks to do, I did it in about 4/5 stages as and when I had time to dedicate to it..
What materials did you use to create your helmet?
To start I used a China Graph pencil, basically a wax crayon, I used this to roughly mark all the different designs on. I went over those with a 3mm Posca Pen, then used a 1mm Posca pen to add the details. Finally, to seal it I used Crystal Clear Spray Laquer!
Thank you so much for asking me to do this, I really enjoyed getting creative! I hope you and whoever wins the helmet, makes the most of it! P.S. stay safe!
