There is an intimate relationship between the Aloha Spirit and my personal creative process regarding machine building. The Aloha Spirit, deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, embodies a philosophy of love, respect, and unity. Over the years, I have come to recognize how this guiding principle has influenced my approach to building tattoo machines, ultimately shaping my creative journey in profound ways.

 

Connection and Respect:

The Aloha Spirit emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and fosters a sense of deep respect for the natural world and its inhabitants. As I engage in the creative process of tattoo machine building, I am reminded of this interconnectedness and the importance of showing respect to the tools I use, the materials I work with, and the artists who will ultimately use these machines. This attitude translates into meticulous attention to detail, using premium ethically sourced materials, and prioritizing quality over quantity.

 

Embracing Tradition and Innovation:

Drawing inspiration from the Aloha Spirit, I strive to strike a delicate balance between honoring traditional tattoo machine designs while also incorporating modern advancements and techniques. Just as the Hawaiian culture values preserving its customs and history, I recognize the importance of honoring the legacy of tattooing while infusing my own creativity into the craft. By combining traditional elements with innovative engineering techniques, I seek to create tattoo machines that not only pay homage to the past but also offer enhanced performance to the artists who rely on them.

 

Collaboration and Ohana:

At the heart of the Aloha Spirit lies the value of 'ohana'—the concept of family and close-knit community. When building tattoo machines, I prioritize collaboration with tattoo artists and fellow craftsmen, fostering a sense of 'ohana' within the industry. By listening to the needs and preferences of tattoo artists, I can better understand the nuances of their artistry and tailor my machines accordingly. This collaborative approach ensures that the tattoo machines I create are not just products of my creativity but also reflections of the collective wisdom and experiences shared by the tattooing community.

 

Spreading Joy and Positivity:

Central to the Aloha Spirit is the intent to spread joy, positivity, and love in all endeavors. I believe that every machine I build should facilitate the tattooing process and contribute to the overall experience for both the artists and the clients. By infusing my machines with a touch of artistry and imbuing them with positive energy, I aspire to create a connection between the tattooist, the machine, and the client. This deeper connection fosters an environment of trust and allows for a more enriching and meaningful tattooing experience.

 

The Aloha Spirit, with its principles of connection, respect, tradition, collaboration, and spreading positivity, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my creative process in machine building. As I continue my journey in this craft, I remain committed to embracing the Aloha Spirit, allowing it to guide and inspire me to create tattoo machines that not only serve their functional purpose but also embody the essence of unity, respect, and love—the very essence of the Aloha Spirit.

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Aloha,

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Chris Inglish