It was 1993 in the twin cities of Champaign Urbana, Illinois and life was throwing Ben Wahh some nasty curve balls. The academic grind was a year short of bearing fruit in the form of an art degree and Ben wasn't that keen on the idea of a career as a tattooist. Nick Wiggins offered him an apprenticeship, and you guessed it, Ben said yes. Before he knew it, he was heading down hill with no brakes. As he picked up speed he headed north to Chicago and worked with Bob Oslon at Custom Tattoo. It wasn't that long after when he ventured out on his own in the windy city opening DELUXE TATTOO on April 25, 1997. With a crew of 4 top notch tattooists the shop is buzzin' 7 days a week.

Some of the finest custom work comes out of Chicago by tattooists like Guy Aitchison and Kim Saigh, so Ben was surprised to find that most customers idea of tattooing is limited to flash. Once people see a few custom pieces they clearly recognize the difference and that is where Ben steps in. Only then do they discover what the world of tattooing has to offer. Clearly, Ben Wahhh doesn't mince any words when he says...

I push the envelope. I know when I'm biting and when I'm not. I know when I'm not applying myself or pushing it. Doing the same old thing-who do your think your fooling? I want to see tattooing get more individualistic and crazy. You either come in sit down and get tattooed or go get a slice of PIZZA.

Ben Wah doesn't like to be pigeonholed into one style, if he did he would definitely say that he loves biomech, or as he puts it the biowreck. Check out tattoos and artwork at www.deluxetattoo.com

And if you are wondering what is the right way to spell his name.... he says it is W-A-H and then put as many H's as you want. His card has one H and the stickers have two so it is whatever the space allows.