Geary Morrill – A Tattoo Artist I Adore

I had the chance to watch Geary Morrill work at the Tahoe Tattoo Convention and was intrigued by the solid color block cat tattoo he was laying down on a rather stoic young woman’s thigh and I got to watch him work again when he whipped up this rad Kurt Cobain drawing for some lucky future client whilst I passed a very pleasant afternoon getting tattooed by Teresa Sharpe at Unkindness Art.  I was impressed with Geary’s completely unique approach to color, composition, creativity, and overall design.  In the world of tattoos you may see many excellent examples of the same image – say a tiger, skull or rose – but how often do you see a tattoo that completely defies category or description and approaches color theory like an acid-infused carnival ride? And don’t even get me started on his line work – razor sharp and clean as a whistle.  My inner tattoo geek cried out to know more and Geary graciously took the time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions.

Geary Morrill: I started tattooing in 1999. I was about 22. I had been getting tattoos since I was 18, and some of my friends encouraged me to take up tattooing. I wasn’t really aware of what a long, crazy road that would be for me. I was initially attracted to the counterculture lifestyle associated with tattooing. The old “I don’t care what anyone thinks, I am gonna do this my way” attitude that really permeated tattooing in the times before it was quite so socially accepted. I was kinda in on the end of a different era. It was edgier, then. More punk rock. I really loved that. very unique. 

Geary: The style I have  is something that I tailored to my strong suits. I call it psycho-trad. It is a pop-art with a psychedelic aesthetic, steeped in some traditional tattoo application and sensibility. I also draw influence from all types of modern art, as well as street art and cartoon animation. I like to look outside of tattooing for inspiration, and I am always trying to grow and find new ways to build upon what I do!

Geary: I don’t really know if other artists are emulating me. At least not consciously. I see things here and there. Little things, and I wonder  “Did they get that idea from me?” I think it’s cool. I think if you really do something….If you change the way people look at tattoos or art, and you add an element that is worthwhile back into the collective consciousness, then other people are going to take it, and hopefully add to it, and make it different or better. I hope that one day I can look back and see that. I think that would be cool.

Geary: My clients are really very fun people. I don’t think you can look at my body of work and want to get tattooed by me if you aren’t an open-minded creative type. I am always amazed at the people who sit in my chair. I have such a connection with them. It is always neat to spend time with someone who vibes with your work, and then find out that you have so much more than that in common. But the art is what brings you both together. With no words or agenda. It just puts the two of you there and says “now figure out why you are both here”. I am very lucky in that way. It seems my clients understand that as much, if not more than I do. I don’t have to do much explaining. So I would say that my ideal client is anyone that makes it into my chair. 

Geary: My influences in the tattoo world are many, and for different reasons. I look up to so many people. I think that spiritually, I really look at Jeff Gogue and think, “Man, that guy is getting it right.” As a person who has a family, I look at people like Mike Mankin and James Hurley for inspiration. Those dudes are super devoted fathers who do awesome tattoos, and will outwork anyone in the studio. When it comes purely to artistic style, I love Jonathan Penchoff, Zack Singer, Tin Machado, Kati Berinky, Tobias Berchert, and Mike Riina.