James Kennedy
'Japanese Dragon'
Fonthill Road South/ New Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin.
2018 - 2021
South Dublin County Council
The Old School or American Traditional Tattoo style is not only one of the more popular in Ireland theses day but as well the first western tattoo style ever. It started in US in the 1900s-1950s and reach Ireland in the early 1990s. It is an artistic style but hit self with his own rules that shouldn’t be limited to tattoo and prints. By this artwork, I intend to celebrate this style by picking one of the most popular designs, the traditional protective dragon to the streets of Dublin. The bold and heavy outlines and the strong colours that belong to the Old School style fits wonderfully with street art. If designs seem pretty simple, it’s a misunderstanding of the principle of this art style. My will to participate in Dublin Canvas came from inspiration an Australian based artist called Steen Jones. He do paint the Streets in Brisbane with Traditional inspired street art painting and it gives an amazing look to the city.
I am passionate about the universe of Old School Tattoo since I started to draw. I love the rules of this specific style and the story behind. As it is the first western tattoo style and one one the most popular in Ireland I estimate myself as a lucky guy. After a few years in various jobs, I undertake an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist 3 years ago. Since then I keep the balance between the drawing/painting that I practice daily and my artist progression in tattooing. I like to be a multi-faceted artist and I do not intend to close myself to only one canvas.
