Interview with Sailor Jerry Swallow
ON THE ROAD WITH SJS
I just received this interview from my old pal Sailor Jerry Swallow and thought you might like to read it, too.
Photo by Jeff Harp
HOPKINS COUNTY, Kentucky (12/27/12) –“Sailor” Jerry Swallow’s 53-year mark on the international world of tattooing, with especial regard to his work in the realm of American traditional style, is undeniable, timeless, and—quite literally—indelible.
Guided and taught by old-school tattooing legends like Huck Spaulding, Paul Rogers, Cap Coleman, and childhood mentor Charlie Snow, as well as Japanese master Kazua Ogori (Hori Hide) via overseas correspondence, Swallow’s knowledge and understanding of classic tattoo design is enviably vast—a fact evidenced by his astounding, decades-long collection of work. And while he’s aware of his following and the impact he’s had on artists the world over, fame is his last concern. In fact, he remains humble about his craft and has done what he can to catalogue and honor those who have helped to shape America’s historic tattooing landscape.
But what does this legendary artist have to do with Hopkins County, Kentucky? …read more
