From the time he was 7 years old, New York transplant Kurt Fagerland knew he wanted to be a tattoo artist. Growing up, Fagerland’s mother encouraged him to try all things artistic — including sculpting with Play-Doh and carving with a pocket knife. But it was his Norwegian uncle and his older brother who brought Fagerland into the fascinating world of tattoos.
Here, CommonCreativ talks with the Decatur resident and Kingdom Tattoo artist about his first tattoo and how each one transforms him into a new person with every speck of ink.
CommonCreativ: What drew you to tattooing?
Kurt Fagerland: My uncle Kris was a crazy Norwegian sailor. He had a tattoo that he got in Brooklyn, and I believe he paid $5 for it. That was my first introduction to the mystery of tattoos. It was an old tattoo and I couldn’t make out what it was. He told me it was a ship, with Norwegian and American flags and two hands gripped in a friendly shake. I was fascinated. When I was 6, my older brother got his first tattoo: A Tasmanian devil with punk rock spikes, and lettering under it that said “boppin.” The colors were so bright. That was it. From that day forward I counted the days until I could have my first tattoo. I could not wait. My crazy uncle, and brother who I admired so much. They brought me to tattoos.
CC: Where did you begin your career?
KF: I was fortunate to have a great apprenticeship under Cort Bengston at Cort’s Royal Ink Tattoo Studio in Patchogue, New York.
CC: Were you already inked when you looked into a tattoo apprenticeship?
KF: I hand poked my first tattoo on my leg when I was 16. I got my first professional tattoo on my 18th birthday. I collected tattoos for a few years before my apprenticeship.
CC: Who are some of your favorite tattoo artists?
KF: My mentor Cort Bengston is one of my favorites—his versatility and ability to illustrate almost anything in the skin. He is also a workhorse, no job too big or too small for that guy. Just get in the chair. I’ve always admired Paul Jeffrey’s tigers and dragons. He does a really illustrative western version of oriental tattooing. Marius Meyer is another favorite. He does so many wild freehand pieces. His tattoos are just so tough and bold.
CC: What was your first tattoo?
KF: I used a needle and ink to poke a smiling punk rock guy on my leg when I was 16. I didn’t have a plan. I just wanted to test the idea. I didn’t even know what I was about to draw. It took 30 minutes and it is still one of my favorite marks. It kind of illustrated the spirit of that time in my life. Optimistic. Experimental. Happy. That was how I felt when I was 16 and had found a group of like-minded friends at local punk rock shows.
CC: What’s your favorite tattoo that you have?
KF: Right now it would have to be my son’s name, “Odin,” on my stomach. He is my dude and I love him so much. I still need to add my daughter’s name. “Ada June” will be my newest favorite tattoo.
CC: What are you favorite and least favorite tattoos or styles to do?
KF: Watercolor tattoos are my least favorite. I usually tell people that I don’t know how to do them. I can do them, but it is an unhappy day at work when I do. I’ll do maybe three a year. I love doing illustrative and traditional tattoos. Anything with a bold outline and black shading. I tend to get a little fancy with my work, but I really have a deep appreciation for traditional work.
CC: How do you diplomatically counsel someone with an ugly tattoo idea?
KF: I really try to do my best to help people get the tattoo they want. Sometimes I need to change my own perspective a little. I have a lot of experience designing custom tattoos for people and I strive to give clients something that works for them. Sometimes it’s just really difficult to talk someone out of a bad idea.
CC: Describe your worst experience tattooing someone.
KF: Most of my bad experiences are tattooing over the ribs. I had a woman jump off the table while I was trying to pull a line. I sent her home and told her she needed to rethink what she is getting herself into. I’ll never forget her.
CC: Do you think that tattoo artists don’t get enough respect as artists?
KF: Most artists, in general, don’t tend to get a lot of the respect they deserve. It seems sometimes that a tattooer actually gets more respect than a “fine artist.” For the most part, people happily pay for a tattoo. It can be much more difficult to sell a painting or sculpture. That isn’t to say that a price tag equals respect, but it says something about the value people place on your work. In my own art, I tell the story I want to tell. With tattoos, I’m hired to illustrate someone else’s story. Some people appreciate it while others don’t.
CC: What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned over your many years of tattooing?
KF: Have fun. Don’t stress so much trying to fine the most meaningful or original idea. Tattoos are like totems. They mark different periods in your life. Have fun with that and choose what you like. No explanation needed. With each tattoo, you are transformed into a new person. Enjoy the experience and wear them with pride. That in itself is meaningful enough no matter what image you choose.
CC: How did you start to dabble in sculpting and carving?
KF: My mother encouraged me to try all things artistic. I’ve been carving with a pocket knife since I was maybe 6 years old, Play-Doh before that. I have always sculpted. I started carving rings 4 years ago when I couldn’t find the ring I wanted. I had to make it. I always just make things.
CC: Would you like to be able to carve more rings or jewelry in the future?
KF: I would and I will. Tattooing just takes so much of my time. The rings I make are extremely limited quantity. I make a few a year. There is one ring that I will only make for people who have been tattooed by me. Maybe in retirement, I can find the time to make more rings. I only have so many hours in a day.
CC: What types of materials do you like to work with most?
KF: I work with all materials. Wood, metal, graphite or paints. Whatever inspires me that week.
CC: Who are some of your favorite Atlanta creatives?
KF: Sam Parker is one of my favorite Atlanta creatives, although he recently moved to Colorado. His murals can be seen all over the city. I think he may be the hardest working artist I’ve ever come across. He’s also one of the nicest people I know. Steven Sloss is a stylist and one of the partners at Mary Todd Hairdressing Company in Cabbagetown. He’s an extremely talented guy who puts a lot of care into creating an experience at the salon that is more than just hair. The space he created is very unique, and local bands use it to shoot music videos. Steven has a hand in doing most of the shooting and editing as well. You can see some of these videos on their Instagram.
CC: What brought you to the decision to move to Atlanta?
I don’t really know. I just felt a call to move south. New York never fit quite right. I love the small town feeling of Atlanta. It’s a great city.
