Guru Tattoo Photo Day w/ Tim Mantoani

Pacific Beach based Guru Tattoo is generating art of all kinds for their first book, “Creative Urges,” to be release later this year. Leader of the band and ink on skin aficionado, Aaron Della Vedova reveals, “Guru’s essential ingredient is the flavor derived from eleven artists working together as one formidable art collective.”

Having recharged their creative batteries while on holiday break, Guru was a buzz today with tattoo guns inking inspired art work of the permanent type. The energy within the shop was/is super positive and features a diverse group of creative talent working hard for their clients. Tim Mantoani and I spent the afternoon photographing the studio and capturing the special details that will bring “Creative Instincts” to life. The photographs reveal the multi-dimensional persona of Guru Tattoo and assist me with the visual narrative with the turn of each page. (Above: Body Sleeve art details, in the office of Adam Hathorn).

Tim Mantoani is one of those photographers that understands the importance of instantly connecting with his subjects. A great attribute when you have 150 minutes to shoot up the place. Tim moved the camera around, looking for the most sacred spaces that provide daily inspiration for the guys at Guru. I think we scratched the surface and were successful capturing great portraits and details that will most certainly elevate the book and provide fans of “all things creative” an intimate look into an award-winning tattoo shop like no other. (Pictured above: Ron, Kyle Walker sanctuary and Paul Dhuey at work).

And as Jean Dubuffet penned, “For me, insanity is super sanity. The normal is psychotic. Normal means lack of imagination, lack of creativity.” There is wall to wall creativity and I can’t wait to reveal the tattooed pages of “Creative Urges,” not to mention the artistry of Aaron Della Vedova, Paul Dhuey, Adam Hathorn, Cooper (pictured above 1), Nate Banuelos, Rory Keating, Kevin Dickinson, Nick Alvarez, Eno (pictured above 2 and art work wall below), Kyle Walker, Champion, Ron and Peeps.

Stay tuned for more details about the 2012 release of “Creative Urges” featuring the artistry of Guru Tattoo with a lively intro penned by Greg “Craola” Simkins and the vivid photography of Tim Mantoani and Peeps—as well as all of the guys and their digital arsenal. I promise over 172 pages of wall to wall photos, illustrations, tattoos, paintings and visual meanderings that capture the essence of Guru Tattoo goodness. (Feel like reading more? Article Two, Article One).

(Above: Craola opening original, Champion working hard). All photography by Tim Mantoani photography. And with kind thanks extended, no job is possible without the imaginative talent of great friends helping you along.

Creative Urges designed for Guru Tattoo

For the past month I have been dedicating much of my time to the good people at Guru Tattoo dreaming up layouts for their first book, “Creative Urges.” Guru Tattoo is the creative vision of Aaron Della Vedova who pays tribute to Walter J Hoehn for making his impossible dreams a passionate reality.

Working with Guru Tattoo has been a great design project, Aaron has allowed a free exchange to make the flow of the book and the tattoo archives flow. And besides, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the art of tattoos and really respect these guys. It’s familiar territory, as a collector of fine art, there’s an easy association for people’s desire to collect unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. As Greg “Craola” Simkins points out in his introduction about Guru, “I still have some space left and a good place to hang out and get tattooed.”

We are dialing in “Creative Urges,” an edge to edge showcase of full body tattoos like no other. Eleven artists will showcase their creative blend of fine art, drawing and unique tattoo style. Trust me, these guys are characters, full of passion and love for what they do. So stay tuned as “Creative Urges” will be an inspired book cover to cover featuring some of the best tattoo luminaries Southern Cali has to offer.

Check out the good works of Aaron Della Vedova, Paul Dhuey, Adam Hathorn, Cooper, Nate Banuelos, Rory Keating, Kevin Dickinson, Nick Alvarez, Eno, Kyle Walker, Champion, Ron and Peeps at Guru Tattoo in Pacific Beach, their studio is a full on art exhibition. The book also features an original drawing and lively introduction penned by Greg “Craola” Simkins. Can’t wait to share this kick ass assembly with you all soon.

Guru Tattoo Creative Instinct Intro

Pacific Beach is home to Guru Tattoo, one of the best tattoo studios in Southern Cali. Guru Tattoo is the creative vision of founder/owner Aaron Della Vedova who has carefully assembled a true family of artists, highly specialized, and hungry to exercise their talents beyond the tattoo realm. All of the energy, spirit and love of tattooing will be captured in their first book, “Creative Instinct: The art and design of skin by Guru Tattoo.” (Aaron Della Vedova body cast painting detail above).

Aaron and I met some time ago, when I first arrived in San Diego and chatted about a book project 10 years ago. Thankfully we are moving full steam ahead, and I have been puzzle piecing all of the images together for Aaron Della Vedova, Paul Dhuey, Adam Hathorn, Cooper, Nate Banuelos, Rory Keating, Kevin Dickinson, Nick Alvarez, Eno, Kyle Walker, Champion and Peeps. (Paul Dhuey layout example above).

Guru Tatoo’s book will feature hundreds of inspired images including concept sketches, paintings, lettering, personal photography and yes of course full bodied tattoo examples. If I might be so bold for one moment, “I think this book kicks amazing ass.” Why? The stylistic imprint left by each Guru Tattoo Zen Master is fanciful, deep in meaning, flowing and stylized in such a way that once familiar you can pick their work right out of a crowd. (Adam Hathorn layout example above).

Aaron shares, “Over the past 10 years I have had to expand Guru three times into what is today, one of the largest tattoo studios on the west coast housing 11 of the nations top tattoo artists! Guru now is the living reality of a dream I imagined over 18 years ago. A place filled with truly professional, creative artists who are 100% committed to tattooing, art and to "being of service". To be honest, our work at Guru has become more of a spiritual practice than a job at times!” (Aaron Della Vedova layout example above).

Aaaron Della Vedova has done an exceptional job keeping his team focused and charged to collaborate with great people ready to join in the tattoo culture. Save the date for November 18 at the Jett Gallery in the heart of Little Italy, as Aaron and the Guru tattoo tribe launch their book, “Creative Instinct” while celebrating with an original art exhibition and sweet gathering. (Cooper layout example above).

Thank you for the opportunity Guru Tattoo, I can’t wait to introduce another Murphy Design production. More info soon, stay tuned. (Rory Keating layout example featured above).