20 questions with Josh Paki

20 questions is a fun short interview with our artists, this week we thought we’d delve into the mind of guest artist, Josh Paki.

I first met Josh in 2011 at the Auckland International tattoo convention, i have watched his career grow over the years. He has worked in some of Aucklands most well respected studios and he now resides at Two hands tattoo in Ponsonby. He specialises in contemporary Ta Moko tattooing, and has worked with us a few times this year, here is 20 questions with Joah Paki

1. How Long have you been tattooing?

8 years

2. How old were you when you got your first tattoo?

19

3. Where did you get it?

On my chest, at Two Hands Tattoo, when it was on Symonds St.

4. What’s your favourite style to tattoo?

Moko

5. Who are your favourite tattoo artists?

Those who work hard to make good work, to strive to progress, and are a good human being. 

6. Who are your favourite artists?

see above.

7. What’s your favourite thing about working at Union?

The environment that is created within the studio, how the clients are welcomed in, treated with manaakitanga and respect. We are nothing without our clients. Nga mihi ki a koutou katoa, koutou hia maumoko

8. What’s the most common question your get asked everyday?

e oho ana koe Papa? Are you awake Dad?

9. Who do you look up to?

Oku tupuna, a, ratou ko oku whanaunga. My ancestors, and my family.

10.How do you stay inspired?

Ka titiro au ki nga wa i mua, ki te mahi o oku tupuna,a, ki aku moemoea, nga korero mai o oku tupuna.

11.What’s your favourite brunch spot in wellington?

I do not eat brunch.

12. What are your favourite things to do on a day off?

Be with my whanau, surf, paddle and paint.

13. What’s you favourite movie?

I don’t have a favourite movie

14. Favourite book?

I do not have a favourite book as there are too many good ones to list. I am currently reading Franz Fanon’s, “The wretched of the earth”.

15. Favourite Album?

See answer above, my current favourite albums to paint to are Hirini Melbourne’s ” Te Ku o te Whe, and Om “Advaitic Songs” Both create a similar feeling that helps to perpetuate creativity.

16. Pineapple on or off pizza?

No pineapple on pizza.

17. Are you a cat or dog person?

No pets, let them run free.

18.Long black or flat white?

Long black with cold milk on top.

19. Indian curry or thai curry?

Too spicy, smoked mussels.

20. What would your last meal be if you were on death row?

I don’t have a favourite meal