This is James Kalinda

Interview by Crist Espiritu.
Photos provided by James Kalinda.

Tell us a little bit about your roots. When and how did your interest in art start?

I made my first graffiti when I was 15 years old. One of my classmates did strange writings and it stirred something up inside me. It was 1995 and there were no social media or digital cameras, and painting was not something that made you look cool. Actually, painters were often seen as misfit.

It was all very genuine and real.

I remember that I needed two hours and a half by train to find a shop, lost in Milan area, specialized in “Montana” sprays.

“It was 1995 and there were no social media or digital cameras, and painting was not something that made you look cool. Actually, painters were often seen as misfit.”

Who have influenced your beginnings?

The people who have influenced me were Kyce and Ramo.

To see their works and be their friend gave me the opportunity to realize what I was doing and the meaning of graffiti. I understood what would be my way and my art. Over the years I have had the opportunity to meet many people, some of them became friends and with them there is a good feeling and a fruitful exchange of energies.

How did you get into the tattoo world? What fascinated you? What was your first tattoo?

I started by chance. I bartered the payment of some graffiti, in a tattoo studio, with tattoo art lessons and then this experience inspired me.

Tattoos are primitive, are “good first take”, and are real. I did the first one to myself.

“Over the years I have had the opportunity to meet many people, some of them became friends and with them there is a good feeling and a fruitful exchange of energies.”

What is the distinguishing factor between the tattoo and other forms of expression / art?

For me the tattoo is a good compromise between the customer’s desire and the inspiration of the tattoo artist.

Do you have a favorite piece?

I do not have one in particular.

What is the worst tattoo anyone could get?

One done for fashion.

“For me the tattoo is a good compromise between the customer’s desire and the inspiration of the tattoo artist.”

What thing has kept you busy lately? Do you have future projects to share with our readers?

I don’t have future projects. I live from hand to mouth. I take what comes, trying to avoid traps and projects that take energy instead of giving it to me.

What inspires you?

Nature is my biggest source of inspiration.

“Nature is my biggest source of inspiration.”

Follow James Kalinda on Instagram @jameskalinda
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