Piercer, actor and writer. Baz Black, from the old beloved Ireland, works on many different frontlines against prejudice, especially that one regarding body art.
His work unfolds through projects, TV programs, fairs, and conferences.
by Giacomo Pisano, translation Valeria Martini
When did you approached the body art and how did you translated your passion into a job?
Ever since I was a child, I was always fascinated with any form of body art. I was always into heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden and Pantera so I wanted tattoos like them. I used to draw tattoos all over my arms and legs so once I got to my teenage years it was inevitable that I would end up getting them. I never set out to be as heavily covered as I am but if I wanted something, I would just get it done and never sought anybody’s approval. Piercing wise I got my first one done when I was 14. As I can’t draw to save my life, I always wanted to be a body piercer never a tattoo artist. I moved to California to do an apprenticeship and I have now been piercing over 17 years.
You made your body an artwork, and often you participate in TV programs in which you defend the right to be different and the reason why body art must be respected. Do you think we’ll win this battle against the “being different” prejudice?
I think it’s a double-edged sword as for me personally being different is the whole point of altering your body, to express individualism and be whoever makes you happy. Unfortunately, this does come with prejudice in society that we have to deal with. Humans judge aesthetically and society is framed to keep people in uniform boundaries. So, anybody that breaks these rules of a conformist mentality is always going to met with resistance. When I go on any of these shows I am well aware that my job is to educate some of the haters in some small way. Although I feel I am speaking for likeminded people and representing them I at my core really do not care what these people think of me personally. Imagine going through your life not being who you truly believe you are for the fear of what some stranger might think about you? Fuck that. Life is too short, live it how you want, not how you think people want you to live it.
You authored the book “Ink Princess”, how did this literary project came to you?
Writing a book was on my bucket list of achievements. I never thought I would actually do it but the idea for the book just would not go away so I put my ideas to paper and ended up with “Ink Princess”. It’s a thriller mystery story that is set in the tattoo world. I have been very lucky with the success it gained and it is an amazing that people really related to the protagonist Megan. The rights to the book have been picked up by a production company in the UK so hopefully you will see “Ink Princess” on your screens soon.
You are also a director, and your works have been awarded in many competitions and nominated for as many. What kind of messages do you want to communicate to people?
I love film. It’s my escape. Getting to act for a living is really like a dream come true. looking as I do; I do get typecast as the villain or the drug dealer etc.. These are fun roles to play but I wanted to show that I had more of a range so i started to write my own scripts so I could showcase this. My first film “Reflection” I play a guy that has decided to end his own life but is saved by the interruption of a little six-year-old girl. The juxtaposition of Paul, this scary looking tattooed guy, being shown in a weak and vulnerable position and the interaction with Katie, a sweet innocent kid lost in the woods highlights the fact that despite appearances we are all emotional beings. Even if there is one moment in the film that the viewer re-evaluates a preconceived notion, they may have had going in then I have done my job. I was shocked and amazed how well it has done at the Film Festivals and to pick up awards along the way has opened up doors for my career as a director. My new one is called Merrow based on a Mermaid from Irish folklore. I’m really excited for people to see this one. Myself and my wife own a production company called Sure Look Productions and we have lots of projects coming up which is very exciting.
You love to play drums. Is music a kind of inspiration in your life?
Music is a huge part of my life. I have played drums since I can walk (according to my Mother) and have played in many punk rock bands over the years, currently I drum for Amongst the Wolves (celtic punk rock) and I also drum for a Prodigy tribute band called The Prodigy Sons. Getting to drum is such a cathartic release, I am in my own zone when I play and nothing else matters. My love of music is a huge part of my film making process as I know how deep it can illicit emotions when it is done right. Actually, my debut feature film which I have written a script for is about a Dublin based punk band in the early 90’s which is heavily influenced by a notorious band I drummed for over 6 years called Mongohorn. This will start filming next year.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What spare time?? ha-ha. One of the curses of having a creative mind is that I am always jumping from one project to the next and my mind rarely stays quite enough to chill but I am getting better at this as I get older. Watching films is still my favourite thing to do, a good movie can take you away from this planet for a few hours, I have a DVD collection of over 5 thousand movies. I try to go to the gym as often as I can, I definitely don’t enjoy it but I end up feeling crap if I don’t try stay in some form of shape. I also love animals, way more than humans. We have a Chinchilla named Columbo (after the TV detective)
