Rasteu: «The Tattoo is here to stay»

This week we premiered the month of July with a #CultivamosCon full of ink. We speak with the Madrilenian, although of Cadiz origin, Rasteu. Like us, transmitting values, tradition, culture ... is what this tattoo artist likes the most with so much feeling and devotion in each of his works.

1. Tell us who Rasteu is ...

Rasteu is my maternal surname and with whom I am known in the world of tattooing.

2. Looking back, as a child ... did you dream of being a tattoo artist or did you have another vocation?

As a child I always liked art, but I did not think that I could make a living out of it, not because of my artistic quality, but because of the opportunities that the job market offered. The world of tattoos interested me much more when I lived in Mallorca at the age of 29, there I began to tattoo, but later I came to Madrid to make my hobby a profession.

3. What do you think they do to your recognizable works?

My tattoos are of a realistic style, both in color and in gray, some combined with watercolor backgrounds or ink stains. I try to make them as realistic as possible, that they impact the eye and that they last over time.

4. Do you think that over time the general perception about the tattoo has changed? 

We see more and more tattooed people, nowadays the idols of many people such as footballers, singers, celebrities, etc. are tattooed. What's more, many well-known clothing brands use tattooed models to get the attention of customers, even tattooed politicians, who was going to tell me 15 years ago. Anyway, the tattoo is here to stay.

5. What was it that took you from Mallorca to Madrid?

 They are two charming cities and both have made me feel at home. What made me go to the capital was the tattoo, since there I had many more opportunities to learn and perfect techniques that were almost secret at that time. It is not like today, that you have tutorials, videos, seminars and even schools that are dedicated to teaching this trade.

6. A person you would like to tattoo ...

Anyone who appreciates my art, I do not ask for more.

7. Do you think it would be easy to transmit with a tattoo the tradition, the culture and the values, which are the pillars on which Melones el Abuelo is based?

I think yes, in addition, they are the tattoos that I like the most. Those that transmit and have a meaning.

From Melones el Abuelo we want to thank Rasteu for the time he has spent talking with us and transmitting his passion for tattooing. If you want to know more about him, see his projects or make an appointment to see him, you can do it on his page Instagram or on the website of The Left Hand.