Chats & Tatts

#100: Tattoos and Sacred Geometry ft. Dillon Forte

Chats & Tatts

Show Notes

The belief in separation is a fundamental issue that contributes to ignorance and suffering. Recognizing our interconnectedness could lead to a more harmonious existence. This idea is deeply explored in the podcast episode featuring host Aaron Della Vedova and guest Dillon Forte, who discuss the implications of viewing reality through the lens of separation versus interconnectedness. Dillon is a renowned tattoo artist located in Austin, TX, and is credited with helping to launch the geometric tattoo movement in the U.S. in the early 2010s. The conversation blends art, spirituality, and the transformative power of tattoos, making for an engaging and thought-provoking episode for lovers of both art and deeper contemplation. Whether you're an art lover, a tattoo enthusiast, or someone intrigued by the nature of reality, this episode promises engaging conversations and thought-provoking ideas. Chat Highlights: [00:03:01] Measurement of reality through geometry. [00:05:44] Ancient origins of the flower.. [00:12:25] Technology versus nature awakening. [00:21:09] Belief in inseparability from nature. [00:31:45] Maya, the Grand Illusion. [00:37:36] Simulation theory as illusion. [00:44:46] AI's impact on humanity. [00:54:17] Tattoo robots and human artistry. [01:02:05] Strategic relocation for safety. [01:12:02] Living an honest life. [01:19:12] Experimental tattooing techniques. [01:24:50] Community support in tattoo culture. [01:27:38] Art of giving and receiving. [01:30:56] Tattooing in Austin, Texas. Quotes: "I think what would save the world would be simply our release of the false belief of separation." "In all of nature, there is a fundamental order, a structure behind all of it." "Is that us offloading consciousness into the thing that we can travel the universe with because we can't do it in bodies like this?" "We don't need additives. We need to remove what's unnecessary, not just keep filling." "I think the false belief of inanimate separateness is the root of ignorance, which is the root of suffering." "Maya the Grand Illusion, we have been talking about this, we are aware of this, not new. Reality being an illusion. We know it's an illusion." "The big bang is the breath of Brahma." "It's definitely a paradigm shift, and maybe not bad. Maybe we're supposed to have machines doing stuff for us so we can make music and write poetry and follow our passions and our dreams." "Prepared as much as anyone can be, mentally, physically, spiritually, as much as you can be. And then after that, drop the fear and just live." "If your heart is heavier than the feather, your heart is fed to the crocodile deity, devoured for eternity in all damnation." "If you focus on love, light, truth, all the good stuff, we shall persevere." "You've got to start looking out there at the people that are getting tattooed, and you've got to find a way to find out what their needs are, what they want, and find a way to fill it." Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron:⁠ Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠ Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Dillon: IG: https://www.instagram.com/dillonforte

More from Chats & Tatts

Oct 21, 2026

What role do tattoos play when life gets impossibly dark? Live from the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Pasadena, Aaron Della Vedova sits down with tattoo collector and mental health advocate Koichi to share an deeply moving story of survival and transformation. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22, Koichi faced severe mental health battles before turning to tattooing as a way to physically rebuild his identity. Alongside artist Ricardo Camargo (Zenith Tattoo L.A.), Koichi transformed his body into a canvas of fine art—enduring the process completely sober as a form of grounding meditation. Together, Aaron and Koichi discuss tattoos as psychological armor, physical vs. emotional pain, and finding community through ink. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Live from Golden State Tattoo Expo 02:00 - Diagnosed with Schizophrenia at Age 22 05:30 - Tattoos as Physical Armor & Reinventing Yourself 07:30 - Aaron's Story: The War Veteran's Bodysuit 09:40 - Surviving Dark Times & Finding "First Light" 13:25 - Meds, Stability & Promoting Men's Mental Health 17:30 - Finding Community in the Tattoo Industry 20:45 - No Numbing Cream: Pain as a Teacher & Meditation 25:48 - Physical Pain vs. Emotional Pain 28:30 - What Happens When the Bodysuit is Complete?

Oct 7, 2026

What happens when an experienced henna artist and documentary filmmaker steps into custom tattooing? Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Portland-based artist Erika Ryn (Living Ritual Body Arts) to explore the deep connections between ancient body adornment and modern ornamental tattooing. Erika breaks down the sacred history of natural henna, her documentary trips through India and Morocco, the dark side of toxic chemical "black henna," and the reality of navigating Oregon's mandatory tattoo licensing laws.

Sep 23, 2026

Are client-prompted AI designs taking over custom tattooing? Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Australian tattooer, shop owner, and podcast host Jake Straat (Rats Get Fat Podcast) to break down the global state of tattooing. From navigating the post-COVID economy to handling clients who run artist flash through ChatGPT, Jake and Aaron discuss the fine line between technical execution and true artistry, modern numbing creams, and why classic watercolor painting remains the ultimate discipline for tattooers. TIME STAMPS 00:00:00 — Introduction & Australian Geography 00:04:00 — Australian Tattoo Styles: Realism, Trad & Japanese 00:08:00 — Post-COVID Economy & The Shift to Smaller Tattoos 00:15:00 — Running a 20-Artist Studio vs. a 2-Man Trad Shop 00:21:00 — The 30-Year Evolution of the Tattoo Industry 00:25:00 — Pricing Differences: USA vs. Australia 00:30:00 — Creating Identity: Tattoos in the Age of Social Media 00:38:00 — AI in Tattooing: Clients Using ChatGPT for Designs 00:45:00 — Will Handmade Art Become a Luxury Flex? 00:52:00 — The Truth About Numbing Creams & Modern Healing 01:15:00 — Why Young Artists MUST Paint Watercolor Flash

Sep 9, 2026

In Episode 121 of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Kirk Nilsen—a pioneer of medieval, woodcut, and architectural ornamental tattooing. In this episode, we discuss: • The early days of ornamental blackwork and overcoming industry backlash • Horror stories from 2000s-era apprenticeships (drug dealers, fake papers, and Sink-or-Swim moments) • The trap of defining your personal identity solely by your job • How AI, Procreate shortcuts, and pattern brushes are eroding original art—and why handmade work will ultimately skyrocket in value • The reality behind 14 years of tattoo shop ownership and making the pivot to Charleston, SC Quotes "Everyone hated it... When the ornamental shit started really going off, every tattooer fucking hated it. I was definitely the new young guy everyone fucking hated." — Kirk Nelsen

Aug 26, 2026

In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with world-renowned tattoo artist Julian Siebert from Munich, Germany. Known globally for his incredible large-scale bodysuits, Julian shares his 21-year journey in tattooing, having completed over 200 backpieces and 100 frontpieces.

See all episodes →