Interview with Tomasi Suluape by Iva Kanceska 11/05/2009
Amazing style with black color and grey shadows, something what is
old for years, centuries... Please try to describe this style of
tattooing, like his historical sings, who are the most memorable and
the most impressionable things which are like a synonym of Samoa...
It`s a unique style the Samoan tattoo to describe it's very
difficult cause many information are coming together from stories
legends and Mythology of the old times. The Family The community,
the heart of the Samoan people I think it`s the most impressionable.
Q: When did you start tattooing and why did you chose this
style as your specialty?
A: I start tattooing back 5 years ago .I was sitting in the stack
for around ten years to make drawings with black ink .I worked
different styles and techniques but the Samoan culture kept me on a
one way train for not loosing my way, It just makes myself feeling
good.
Q: How did u get your inspiration to create this awesome
designs? Do you have a muse?
A: The Inspiration and muse is my family in Samoa and my good
friends who supports me all the time. I have three things I put
together in the best way I can. It's Inspiration, Imagination and
Intuition. It's some like melody with good rhythm and harmony.
hahahah
Q: Many people are making mix about this style and the Maori
style of tattooing, what's the difference?
A: To adjudicate about the different styles and mixes would be not
good. It isn`t my job.
Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: Traditional tools and modern machine.

Q: Have you ever try to manipulate with color ink?
A: Hahaha very Interesting question I will have to think about it.
Q: In Samoa to have a Tatau ( Samoan Tattoo) is like a
family statement, friends and to the village and more importantly to
the culture itself, it is synonym of pride, honor and respect.
What's the opinion now in this modern world?
A: Some sort of people think it's funny to talk about peace, love
and it comes some understandings. For me not! Because there are some
rules which are still existing.
Q: People often says that getting a tattoo is painful. What
are your thoughts about this?
A: Yes it s painful. You should visit Samoa or Germany to see:)

Q: Are there any possible complications?
A: Depended of the after care! Is also a matter of the climatic
situation and where it is, also about the Immune system of the
people. There are many factors coming together.
Q: What about the aftercare?
A: Washing with water and sop and a little bit of a oil liquid to
keep it soft.
Q: Samoa tattoos are like a sign of one culture, sign of a
tradition and self religion. Is this style belongs just for one
area, or people get tattoos no matter where they live or their
religion?
A: There s a time you can decide how to take the responsibility for
your live, your family and your friends and what you going to do
with it.


Q: Do you go on tattoo conventions? Where u like to go the
most and demonstrate your talent for tattooing?
A: Not, yet. I will think about this !would be nice to work on
conventions but I don't know now what the future brings? hopefully
yes I will think for this.
Q: Have you ever tattooed your family?
A: Not already, but I have a lot of time ...




