The tattoo community is morning the loss of Thom DeVita, a legend of tattooing and stylized tattoo folk art, who passed away April 5th. Thom was born in Manhattan in 1932 and opened his first tattoo studio in the very early 60’s.
I recently had a conversation with Lance McClain, another world famous tattoo artist from Hawai’i. He had the opportunity to meet Thom for the first time in the 70’s, and caught up with him several times while attending tattoo conventions. Lance described the trip to New York to me.
“You had to find him in a really seedy part of town. He had a door guy who would come and let you into the studio. Thom was unlike anyone I had seen at the time. He was one of the first guys you would see with all the ear rings, ya know. And he tattooed one of his ladies on my leg, so I was like part of ‘his’ crowd.”
Thom had a different way of viewing tattoos and tattooing. He would place new tattoos half over older work, creating almost a layered effect like painted advertisements on an old brick building. He had an interesting way of displaying ‘tattoo flash’ as well, hanging thin wooden panels covered in tattoo designs all around his studio. Each panel a piece of artwork in its own right. He would also incorporate old posters or flyers into his etchings as well.
The creativity, folkish whimsy, and depth of soul he incorporated into his artwork and tattooing will continue to inspire tattoo artists for many, many generations.
This Articlehas other pictures and more information on Thom Devita, as well as a link to a video by Tattoo Age. Images used are from the mentioned article or various websites.
I hope even if you are not a tattoo artist, Thom’s lifelong dedication to artwork will inspire you. Thank you for stopping in to look!