David Bruehl is the Birdman
Tags: tattoo artist, Tattoo Snob, David Bruehl
When I first saw photos of David Bruehl's work, I was amazed that I had never come across his work before. Tattooing since August 2001, mostly in Florida, it's hard to believe he hasn't received more widespread attention. Before tattooing, he attended the Savannah College of Art and Design in the Illustration department. Taking a bold, graphic approach to tattooing has really shaped his work as being able to stand the test of time without sacrificing the opportunity to add in many finer details. Like an oasis of talent tucked away in Norman, OK I can only hope his work and approach to tattooing not just as an art form but a profession gains widespread attention.
TattooSnob: Let's get the most generic question out of the way. Tell us a little about yourself!
David Bruehl: My name is David. I'm an artist. I tattoo because I love the synergy in working with another person to create pieces of art that they will wear forever. People stretch me, so to speak. I have two sons, Ezekiel and Abraham. A lot of my time off is spent with them. I also paint, do yoga, and various athletic things, and ride bicycles.
TS:
Artists often refer to a time period when it all came together, could you tell us a bit about when that was for you?
DB:
I can see several steps when I look back. One was when I saw Grime's work when I was first learning to tattoo, which opened my eyes to what could be approached in tattooing. Also, after around 2 1/2 years into tattooing, I moved to Tampa and started getting to do some larger custom pieces on friends, which was a big step. Every time I've gotten critiques from artists I respect my work has jumped almost immediately. Perhaps the most recent has been moving to Oklahoma and being away from so much of the "hype" of tattooing. I've withdrawn from much of any viewing of others' work and magazines and such. I'm trusting non-tattoo reference and my own instincts more than anything right now.
TS:
Often the downside of being particularly skilled at any "type" of tattooing is winding up pigeonholed. Are there any types of tattoos you wish you got to do more of?
DB:
I wish to work with more of my own imagery. Free reign, which will lead to more "out there" stuff. I don't think very much of what's been swirling in the back of my mind has been out there yet, minus a couple pieces, and I've only recently started exploring it in my painting work.
TS:
Playing off that whole "pigeonholed" thing up there, I really like all the bird tattoos I've seen in your portfolio. Do you have any specific interest in ornithology or are they just something you found yourself tattooing frequently?
DB:
When it comes to the bird thing, it originated in me incorporating them into traditional compositions and such. The imagery of a perching bird resonated with me, usually one of loneliness and unrealized potential. I think many people in modern society feel tinges of that. It was something I included in tattoos if I had some freedom. (Birds in flight, however resonate differently with me.) From there, once something relatively unique is put out into the public eye, people tend to jump on it, so it's a common request. I prefer when I get to make up a bird to work with a greater scheme rather than just tattooing some exact type of bird and that being the only image in the piece, almost like a portrait.
TS:
It's obvious your work is in demand--what's the best way for someone to get in touch with you?
DB:
Email (davidbruehl@gmail.com) first for consultations. Include a paragraph or two describing the tattoo you want, the size, etc. Include any reference that helps get your point across. That makes things simpler than trying to call or come in. Please be patient with a response.
TS:
How long can the average client expect to wait before being able to get an appointment with you?
DB:
I book out myself in 4-6 week blocks and then hold off booking until I'm mostly through those. I try to keep the wait from being too ridiculous.
TS:
Is there one tattoo you've done that you'd consider a personal favorite?
DB:
Man, that's like asking me which of my kids are my favorite! I did a weird lucha libre creature just recently that was definitely one of the most fun tattoos I've done. Saying one's my favorite, though? That's impossible. I guess it's the one I'm doing at that moment, as that's the one I get to see
TS:
Let's talk about the last time you were tattooed - who did it, and what was it?
DB:
The last tattoo I got finished is a cobra on my thigh from Phil Holt of Red Letter 1 in Tampa, FL. He started it at Skull & Sword in San Francisco. The most recent tattoo that got started and finished is a torch on my shin from Michael "Shack" Shackelford, who's one of my dearest friends.
TS:
Are there any artists out there you'd like to be tattooed by, space and time permitting of course?
DB:
Phew, that's a list... I want to get in with Grez and Seth Wood. My most definite plans are getting some major work from Fernando Casillas, who I work with.
TS:
What are some of your favorite tattoo conventions to attend/work at? Do you have any you specifically like to work, or any new ones you'll be checking out this year?
DB:
To be honest, I hate working conventions. I dislike working out of a shop element, and don't care for the time constraints inherent in convention tattooing. As far as meeting up with other artists and such, though, they can be a lot of fun. I'm about to go to the Cigar City Convention to work for the second year in a row. I really enjoy that convention, they try to keep up a high standard of artists. Also I feel the same way about The Masters of Tattooing in Dallas, but have not worked that.
TS:
I've witnessed tattoo artists using head phones before while they were tattooing. Personally, I definitely feel like part of the bonding time between an tattoo artist and a client is the chatter that typically occurs during the tattoo. What is your general feeling on this?
DB:
I don't personally use headphones while I tattoo. I tend to reflect the client, and thus if they are talkative, I'm talkative. If they're quiet, I'm quiet. I don't necessarily think every person wants to bond with their artist.
TS:
Speaking of those conversations while being tattooed, I'm sure you have some humorous memories. Any specific ones you'd like to share?
TS:
What are you involved with aside from tattooing?
DB:
I do yoga. A lot. I go to yogalife studio with Becca Hewes. I ride bicycles; I own two--both fixed gears that I put together though Buchanan Bicycles and Give & Take. I'm starting a blog where I track my weight loss at FatTattooist.com. I'm down to muscular 250 currently... at my heaviest I was 324. My ex and I are doing t-shirts together for Fingers Crossed Design and I'm doing some design for embroidery patterns for a good friend.
TS:
Any last minute plugs?
DB:
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