This new vanguard of tattooists weren’t pushovers. They operated in an environment of tough motherfuckers and this demanded a certain set of life skills. There was no time to be sensitive. You had to be tough, confident, and above all else, a boss. This wasn’t the age of the daisy in Vancouver, this was hard nosed biker territory, people out to live life to the fullest and challenge societal norms. Guys like Bryan Zuk, Vic Gregory, John, the Dutchman, Paul Jeffries and Dave Shore were exploring new territory.
The artists and the clientele came together to create new ideas and wild new concepts for tattooing. Japanese influence from Gifu and Tokyo were being blended with biker and fantasy art in a bold traditional way. Westcoast Greaseball Style was born.
If there’s anyone that epitomizes the character and lifestyle of that 70’s tattoo era, its Dave Shore. This guy was ground zero for the advent of custom tattooing. He walked into a stagnant folk art and breathed dragon fire into it. His personality was a juggernaut that was ultra magnetic, a real force, that pioneered an industry that we all take for granted today.
