Tex Buss: Tattooing in San Francisco
Renowned tatoo artist, painter and one-time punk rock kid out of Dallas Texas, Tex Buss, got her start tattooing, through the culture of the music that shaped her youth.
Tex explains, "In those first years it was all about looking hard and sharp, and as I matured it took me way beyond that idea--I became more interested in the finer uses of the medium to make something beautiful and interesting."
Tex has a background in fine art, so tattooing has been a logical combination of her lifestyle, interests and skills. She also spends a fair amount of time painting, and describes its relevance to her tattooing, "Painting is a really necessary part of what I do--it helps me grow as an artist and try new things I can't always try on clients. It also challenges me in ways tattooing doesn't. And when I can stretch that creative muscle more freely, I often find things I'd like to work into my tattoo work. But most importantly, it's all about what Tex wants--no outside requirements--so it's an outlet."
Scanfrancisco has seen just a small collection of Tex's paintings of the SF surrounds - the serenity she evokes from the local landscapes are a fantastic juxtaposition to the sassy, brash, and bad-ass tattoos she lays down on the human canvas.
Why does Tex choose to live and tattoo in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Bay Area is unique in the world for its tattoo style. We have some of the best and most creative artists here, which sets the standard really high. If you care about pushing yourself to a high level, it's always a challenge. You can never just rest on your laurels and get cocky, because there's always something that comes along and blows you away. It makes you step up your game and pay attention when you're surrounded by really excellent artists.