Meet Sulu'ape Si'i Liufau
- siitattoo
- Dec 20, 2015
- 3 min read
Sulu'ape Si'i is the founder and owner of A-Town Tattoo of Garden Grove, CA. Our specialty tattoo parlor is one of the only tattoo establishments that is approved to practice the traditional art of the tatau (hand tapping), alongside conducting piercings and other various cultural tattoo styles in sunny, Southern California. Learn more about the culture, vision, and tattoo industry by reading this short interview with Sulu'ape Si'i:
Q: What does the "A" stand for in A-Town Tattoo?
A: I grew up in the Orange County area, specifically Anaheim, CA. So when I opened the shop, I took a little bit of home with me. The "A" basically stands for Anaheim...or AWESOME! Since we do do AWESOME work here!
Q: When did you start tattooing? Who or what pushed you to pursue the art of tattooing as a profession?
A: I started tattooing over 10 years ago. Honestly, my first tattoo was done on myself. I fixed an old piece that I thought needed work. After all of my friends and family saw what I had done, they asked me to start working on them. So I did...in my own home. About a year after I had tattooed myself and close family and friends, I decided to open my own shop.
Q: How would you describe your tattoo style?
A: I like to think that I have developed an ecclectic style of tattooing. I truly appreciate all forms of art, so I like to explore different genres. Our location is known for our custom Polynesian tribal pieces so I do tattoo a ton of Polynesian art, but I also tattoo other cultural art, black and grey tattoos, minimalist tattoos, portraits, color pieces, and even script work.
Q: Can you tell us about the tatau process and the meaning behind the "Sulu'ape" title?
A: The word "tatau" is translated to tattoo in english. Although tattoos have become newly accepted in the United States, tattoos have a different meaning within the Polynesian culture. Each mark represents a different story for the client. In Samoa, the tatau is often times used as a rite of passage for men and women. When men or women transition into adulthood, family and friends gather to watch the individual recieve their Pe'a (the man's tattoo) or Malu (the woman's tattoo). Recieving your Pe'a or Malu shows a lot about the individual's character, quality of life, and overall prestige. Different islands have different meanings and rituals behind their tatau marks and the process. The Sulu'ape title was recently bestowed upon me in order to pass on the traditional tatau markings and blessings within the culture. To become apart of the Sulu'ape family, one must put in years of work and studying under the guidance of the Tufuga’s of the Sulu’ape family.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about how you balance your role as a father and a business owner?
A: Man...it can be tough. I truly try to keep the shop as family oriented as possible. My kids come in and out of the shop all of the time and they have grown to love all of their "uncles" and "aunties" here. In fact, my kids love learning about the tattoo process, which is awesome for me. When I'm not working, my time and efforts are devoted to my children. As much as I love my job, I always keep my family first! I wouldn't have it any other way, I love all of my daddy duties.
Q: What do you foresee for the future of A-Town Tattoo?
A: I am really proud of all of those who have contributed to the success of A-Town Tattoo. We have some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world under our roof, including our guest artists who visit throughout the year. Knowing that we have been blessed with such talent, I would hope to see A-Town Tattoo expand. I mean...a nice place near the beach would be awesome! All of the artists here love fishing so who knows, maybe during our breaks we can catch some fresh fish and make some poke everyday for lunch!
Comments