Paul Fiddler practices his art on his partner, Tasia. Photo by Richie Richards
CRST member opens Phuzion tattoo shop in Rapid City
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer RAPID CITY –– The blending of indigenous cultural spirituality and modern art practices is becoming common place in many media forms. This would include skin art and tattooing. Paul Fiddler, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has opened a new tattoo shop in Rapid City called Phuzion Storm Tattoos. Fiddler has worked at two shops completing his apprenticeship and as a manager for Freedom Tattoo and Darkside Tattoo. As a four-year professional tattoo artist, Fiddler has made the jump into business owner, receiving his entrepreneur and business license in April, 2015. This followed his Bloodborne Pathogens for Body Art certification in March. Native Sun News interviewed Fiddler on several occasions after meeting him and his family at the weekly powwows held by the Wambli Ska Drum & Dance Society at the Mother Butler Center on Monday evenings. Fiddler and his family are active in the Native community in Rapid City; he is a wolf scout dancer who wears a timber wolf hide as part of his regalia. He has sun danced and sings with various drum groups in the area. Both of Paul and Tasia’s older children are dancers as well. Their son Jason, 13, is a traditional dancer and proudly wears the ribbon shirt his grandmother Roxanne Hitzel made for him and outfit given to him by Jon Old Horse- who is also teaching Jason to speak Lakota. Aja, 9, is a jingle dress dancer whose regalia was made by Roxanne Hitzel also. While sub-contracting and managing at Darkside Tattoo, he developed a client base of over 400 customers. Everyone from men and women working on the oil rigs in North Dakota to airmen and airwomen stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base are wearing his ink.
Phuzion Storm Tattoos is located at 4509 South I-90 Service Road in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo from Facebook
A large portion of customers are from the area; including Rapid City, Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Eagle Butte reservations in particular. He is always looking to expand his clientele and explore new concepts with individuals. Many artists supplement their income while their dream of becoming a professional in their specialized craft is forming. While waiting for the means and opportunity to open his own shop, Fiddler worked construction and most recently at Famous Dave’s as a line cook to provide for his family. Fiddler specializes in Native American art and designs for his tattoos and says, “I am known for my feather work. Feathering is difficult to do because of the fine details and intricateness of it. I’ve gotten good at it by working on myself.” For those persons with earlier tattoo mishaps and sometimes irresponsible skin art decisions of the past, Fiddler specializes in cover ups to erase those semi-permanent memories. He prides himself on being trained in both old and new school style as well as in the traditional style of tattooing. While managing and working at other shops, he kept note of “what not to do” in a tattoo shop as far as customer relations, cleanliness and code ethics, and staying true to the art of tattoo. For his past clients and incoming customers, Paul Fiddler of Phuzion Storm Tattoos says, “I invite everyone to visit my shop- both Native and non-Native. I am proud of my culture and heritage and it reflects in my customized work. I consider myself a Lakota artist who combines my Native spirituality and strong family bond as a means of inspiration. These are more than tattoos for me, these are pieces of art.” Fiddler would like to openly thank all of his friends and family who helped to make Phuzion Storm Tattoos a reality. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Paul Fiddler please call (863) 599-8667 or for more information, “Like” them on Facebook @ Phuzion Storm Tattoos. (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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