Based in St Petersburg, Russian artist Sasha O'Kharin is known for his extraordinary photo-realistic portrayals of movie characters and other pop culture icons. And when asked where his work is headed in the future, his answer is simple: To infinity and beyond!
Why realism?
I chose colour realism because I felt it was the most interesting style for me. I love its complexity. I enjoy focusing on the detail, and concentrating on representing an image as accurately as possible.
Do you work in any other styles?
In a word, no.
What do you say to the people who claim realistic tattoos don't have longevity?
They don't know what they're talking about. They say these tattoos won't last for twenty years... but none of them have really seen a twenty year old realistic tattoo. The tattoos that were done all those years ago, well the artists didn't have the techniques, the machines or the inks that we have now. Things just weren't as developed, so you can't make a comparison. And that goes for all tattoo styles – not just realism. Unless you have a time machine, you can't see into the future. It's just bullshit.
What makes a successful realistic tattoo?
A successful realistic tattoo requires good skin, with good tone. Young skin works best. The quality of your reference is at least 30% of the end result. Artistic technique and equipment make up the rest. If you get all of these elements right, then you're on the way to a great tattoo.
What do you look for in a customer?
Good skin and a good idea!
Where do you find your reference?
This story is from the Issue 182 edition of Total Tattoo.
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This story is from the Issue 182 edition of Total Tattoo.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sasha O'kharin
‘Progress doesn't have a final destination.’
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James Barny Watts
Artist James Barny Watts was born and raised in New Zealand. He came to the UK in the late 80s with his band Static, but after landing a record deal and touring as a drummer, things petered out. He found himself drawn back to his first love, art, and a chance encounter led him into the world of tattoos, his major source of inspiration. We caught up with him in his studio space (conveniently located behind Lal Hardy's famous London shop New Wave Tattoo) where he makes his amazing tattoo-themed carved paintings and engravings.
Jessica Kinzer
Jessica is an extraordinary new talent in the tattoo world. Although she's only been tattooing for two and a half years, she demonstrates a level of skill and professionalism that often takes far longer to develop. Winner of German tattoo magazine Tätowier's 'Best Newcomer' award, we think she has a great career ahead of her.
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Karlee Jane
Like all of our cover models Karlee Jane is so much more than a pretty face. She has successfully combined her passions for photography, ballet, modelling and yoga to create a busy and fulfilling life that sees her jetting about all over the place. We managed to track her down to find out a little more about what makes this West Coast girl tick...
Cervena Fox
Cervena Fox has been setting the tattoo world alight for many years now. She is a well-known tattoo model, appearing on numerous magazine covers and boasting a seven-figure social medial following, and she is also a founder member of Pyrohex, the famous all-girl pyromania show that regularly performs at tattoo conventions (including our very own Big North Tattoo Show). Cervena is now a tattooist herself, and with her recent marriage to American tattoo legend Durb Morrison her stratospheric career shows no sign whatsoever of slowing down!
