Vyvyn Lazonga is a Seattle tattoo artist and the owner of Madame Lazonga’s Tattoo. Lazonga will be one of 250 highly sought-after tattoo artists who will be appearing at Seattle Tattoo Expo, taking place from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18. Learn about Vyvyn Lazonga…
Hometown: Seattle
First job: I got my first job as a tattoo artist in 1972 when I met a retired seaman, Sailor Jerry, who had just opened a tattoo shop. Before then, I worked several jobs, including services for a phone company and several factories. Sailor Jerry was known as one of the first individuals to bring Japanese-inspired tattooing to the West Coast. I knew I had a long road ahead to create my style, and I loved experimenting with techniques like Sailor Jerry. Now, my career has extended well over 52 years, and I can pick and choose who and what I want to work on these days.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: I love to watch interviews with interesting people, go for walks around Green Lake and research topics for my paintings.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: After high school, I was so anxious to leave my childhood home. My father was not around, and my mother was unstable, so I wanted to move out. But, I was unaware of the challenges ahead of me and had to learn how to make a living and other life skills independently.
Someone who inspires you and why: I am inspired by one of my favorite artists, Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch painter from the 15th century. His work started as mostly religious, but eventually evolved into very prophetic visions of heaven and hell. A couple of my favorite pieces of his are The Garden of Earthly Delights and The Temptation of St. Anthony.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Just keep making art!
Favorite quote: “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through action, because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.” —Martha Graham
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: My gratitude for my life—a guiding mantra I will carry with me for the rest of my days.