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INKEDblog takes you beneath the skin of today's tattoo culture. Our mission is to celebrate tattooing as a modern art form which incorporates art, fashion, style, and pop culture. While paying homage and respect to the past, we look to present a contemporary take on the present and future of skin art.
Tuesday Nov 29, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Tattoo Artist Paul Jamison
Paul Jamison tattoos the bad ass crew from TV’s “Dog the Bounty Hunter.” On top of that, he was cool enough to take some time out and talk to us. Enough said.
... Justin Pelegano
INKEDblog: Do you remember when and how your love for tattoos [and tattooing] started?
Paul: I always hung out with the older crazy f---ers in my neighborhood and went to punk rock and metal shows when I was young. Everybody I saw had tattoos and I guess it just rubbed off on me. As for doing tattoos... I saw tattooing as a way to do what I want, instead of building new homes and doing remodels. I was tired of destroying my body and wanted to find something that would make me more money without killing myself.
INKEDblog: From checking out the photos of you work, I want to describe your tattooing aesthetic as traditional with a modern edge. Is it important for you to keep your work rooted in tradition?
Paul: First off, I hate traditional tattoos. I don't think I have a traditional bone in my body. I would describe my work as realistic more than anything else. I really like to do black and grey stuff. I also like to do fish. So maybe my style is more "Modern Realistic.” I don't root myself in anything. I just do what I do.
INKEDblog: How did you get hooked up with Leland and the crew from Dog The Bounty Hunter?
Paul: I lived in Hawaii on the island of Oahu for 3 years. I worked at Tiki Tattoo in Waikiki for a little over 2 years before moving back home to the South Bay. Leland came into the shop one night and said he wanted some work done. Since then, I've become good friends with the whole Chapman family and I have tattooed 4 of them now including Leland, Dwayne Lee, Baby Lisa, and Youngblood (Tim). I still tattoo them when they come to Los Angeles so check out the 3rd season for some new work. I love that show!!!!!
INKEDblog: You're also a musician and an actor, but is it safe to say that no matter where you're at with your band or the acting gigs, that you'll always find the time and desire to tattoo?
Paul: Yeah, I play bass in ORPHANED TO HATRED (OTH). I have also been an extra in a few things. THE BIG BOUNCE being the latest film I was in. Sure, even with all the touring and movie s---, I still love tattooing. I almost crave tattooing sometimes. Kind of like a need to stay creative I guess.
INKEDblog: Better experience: Giving ink or receiving ink?
Paul: Of course getting ink, just not the pain. No pain, No gain I always say.
Check out Paul’s tat work at www.tattoopaul.com
| Tuesday Nov 29, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Tuesday Nov 29, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Tomas Webb
"I had gotten other tattoos before this one, though still related to my faith, I didn't feel complete. I've loved lions in all forms for years now, and collect all sorts of documentaries and other stuff about them. When I found the verse in the bible,
"The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off
even when no one's after them
Honest people are relaxed and confident,
bold as lions." (Proverbs 28:1)
It represented a feeling I had inside. By getting the tattoo done, it serves as a constant reminder of how I should approach life, as well as being based on an important principle I want to instil in my kids. It's also in a good position so that I can cover it if I need to, or just wear a singlet and "let it all hang out".
Karl from "Deuce Tattoos" in Rooty Hill, NSW Australia did it for me and I'm so happy with the work that I've booked in for another tattoo on the 13th December to celebrate my 25th birthday!"
Monday Nov 28, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Chopperchick
"I've always wanted to get a tattoo. Being Jewish it wasn't easy with the parents, and grandparents constantly saying that you can't be buried in a Jewish cemetary with a tattoo. Lo and behold I grew up and found out that it was a lie. Then began the motorcycle phase which unfortunately for my family has not stopped. :) I will always and forever be a "Chopperchick" hence the idea for the tattoo.
I had a guy at a local tattoo shop in Maryland draw it, and then he tattooed me. I will always be grateful for his skill and relatively pain-free needling. I am looking forward to the next one...."
Monday Nov 28, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Wednesday Nov 23, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More photos from Mark here.
Wednesday Nov 23, 2005
Do You Have A Secret Tattoo?
Do you have a secret tattoo on a place of your body that only you and a few people know about?
Have you dated someone who had a secret tattoo?
In the coming weeks we'll be running a series of posts on "Secret Tattoos"
Send us your "secret tattoo" stories at getinked@inkedblog.com
Wednesday Nov 23, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Aspiring Tattoo Artist Rob Marston
Where do young artists go to find tattoo apprenticeships? How does the industry get out of its own way and insure that aspiring ink slingers -- the ones with great respect for tattooing; the one’s who are truly willing to put in the hours, months, years of learning required – find generous and knowledgeable tat mentors? They’re good questions. And Rob here would kinda like some answers. He’s got the drive and the skills. All he’s looking for now is someone to take him under his/her wing and push him to be the best tat artist he can possibly be. Sounds like a pretty reasonable request to me.
-- Justin Pelegano
INKEDblog: Let's start with, where are you from?
Rob: I am originally from Maine. More specifically a little mill-town called Rumford. I moved to San Francisco for art school and am currently "taking a semester off," which I'm sure will undoubtedly turn into not returning.
INKEDblog: When did you realize you had something artistic in ya that you really wanted to get out there?
Rob: Both my twin brother and I have always been artists, whether it be web-design, painting, animation, automotive, music, etc. When I was young I was selected to be in an advanced, "gifted & talented" art class, and have taken special advanced classes ever since. In high school I skipped ahead three art courses and excelled in both photography and graphic arts. I scored a 3 out of a possible 5 on an advanced placement studio art college exam my junior year, the best grade of the entire school matched only by my brother. Since about the age of 16 I was constantly being told I had a more design-oriented style, proficient with lettering and shading. Eventually my style was interpreted as a sort of "tattoo style" illustration. I began than designing tattoos for friends, yet, due to my age, I was still unable to get any of my own - let alone create them! It was then my thirst to eliminate that middle-man (the tattoo artists) and get it all done myself began!
INKEDblog: Why tattoos? What about the form speaks to you?
Rob: Tattoos aren't really huge where I'm from, which is strange. There were and still [are] a lot of skulls, American flags, and tribal arm-bands (no offense anyone!) in my area, not a lot of great artwork and color. It wasn't until old-school sleeves and tradition Japanese boy-suits became more popular in the Northeast that tattoos really excited me! Seeing portraits you swear were done with chalk & charcoal, or vibrant colors and photo-realistic drop shadows! After I turned 18 I was able to get some ink of my own! I instantly fell in love with the feeling, the "tattoo shop" atmosphere, the entire process! It looked as complex as surgery but as intense as anything I had ever seen! I could go on and on about why I love it, but I'd be writing forever!
INKEDblog: You've been inking on melons and friends...but you really want an apprenticeship to take your art to the next level? You say you sense resistance from those you've approached [about a tat apprenticeship]. Any sense as to why?
Rob: I've been inking for about five months now, and I think I've been making some great progress. I still remember obliterating that practice skin! Cutting melon after melon until I got a hang of holding that thing steady. Since than I've been offered quite a lot of money, from people who actually know what I can do - which is nice. Good to know people like my stuff! I want an apprenticeship because I want to learn more. I want to clean, organize, trace flash, get lunch, walk the dogs, etc. I think shops are awesome and fun to be in -- that’s a small part of why too. Really I just wanna learn more about technique, answer some un-answered questions, put in the time and pay my dues! I think I draw good now, but I wanna draw better - always improve. Plus, I think someone who's been on the job for a while can streamline my process, show me how to do things better and faster! I'm still very humble. I've produced some pretty good work thus far, but I don't call myself a tattoo artist and I rarely seek clients. I'm already turning people down who just want some work for the sake of getting some work. I wanna make art I'm proud to say is mine, ya know. I think the resistance I've encountered is because I am not taken seriously. They're probably approached everyday by some kid who thinks it would be cool to "work there." I've tried every approach, asking while being tattooed, calling, even mailing letters! Nothing seems to work! I also think it may have something to do with flooding the pool. By taking on an apprentice they’re only creating an artist who will eventually take away from their business, their paycheck! Nobody wants that. But, instead I look at it as creating an artist who might be able to offer a style or influence they cannot [and] and insuring that the future of tattoo will be in the hands of great artists who share their beliefs.
INKEDblog: What are the main things you're looking for in a tattoo mentor?
Rob: I want someone who produces good work, that's definitely a start. Someone who's maybe been around, worked a few places, knows what it takes. Someone who's friendly and still likes the "working with people" part of the job. I want someone who isn't going to take me for granted, someone who will help me refine my skills so I can say, yah - he/she taught me everything I know! I want someone who will tell me how it is and not mess around. I understand that this takes time, lots of time, but I still wanna get down to business. If an artist tells me to put down the machine until he sees fit, then that's how it's going to be. I'm a very hard worker, and having me around, even if it's to answer the phones, wouldn't be a bad thing. Basically to me, it's about the art. I want to do this the right way. I think when a master tattooer takes on an apprentice he/she is saying, "Hey, I want to make sure the future of tattoo art is secure, it’s always done with precision and attention to detail. I want to keep this thing going, the right way."
INKEDblog: Where do you want to ultimately take your art? How far?
Rob: I would eventually like to own a shop. Hand-pick some really great artists and open a nice place! I'd love to travel too, do some work in Europe or Asia, and get some good work done too! Just be known, ya know. And, who knows...maybe some day take on an apprentice of my own.
If you’d like to contact Rob, he can be reached at robmarston@hotmail.com
Tuesday Nov 22, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Dru
"I have always been really taken by Margaret Kilgallen's work since i first came across it. Her work has really inspired myself and my own artwork. Her large murals of womyn and intricate typography are amazing and her work has a strong philosophy and is laced with so many stories. My first tattoo were olive branches on my chest; I had found the design on a webpage featuring her work. I really wanted some artwork that would more noticably be from her. The next tattoo came from a book I have featuring her artwork, and I got in done for barter by a local artist. It is still unfinished and needs touch up, and though I am looking forward to expanding the artwork onto my shoulder and lower back, I really appreciate what it is right now and what it stands for now; which is that everything is in transition and that i can appreciate things for the "imperfection, the part that is off."
Work done by Ishmael
Do you have a tattoo with an interesting story behind it?. Send us a photo and a paragraph or two about the story behind the tat. We'll post them throughout the week. You can email them to getinked@inkedblog.com
Monday Nov 21, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Rey
In November 2002, I left my husband of 9.75 years; I was a mere 19 years old when we married, and he was only 22. No, I wasn't pregnant at the time, just delusional, I suppose.
"In the spring of 2003, I spent six weeks in hospital ending with a total hysterectomy (I am forever thankful for my seven-year-old daughter, Cambria, especially now). During my stay in the infirmary, I had plenty of time to think (as well as plenty of morphine... imagine a continual morphine drip for six weeks!) and one of the thoughts that kept resurfacing was that maybe my partner and I could have worked out the kinks in our marriage. Just prior to being discharged from the hospital, I told him that I was willing to give 'us' another try and we both decided that we'd give *100%* to try and work it out. To prove that we were serious, we both had *100%* inked on ourselves. His is on his chest, over his heart, and mine is on my back, over my heart (I'm pretty 'chesty' and didn't want *100%* on my cleavage!!...100% real?! 100% fake?!).
Anyway, to give away the ending of this story (or at least the next chapter), we never moved back in together, and in fact, divorced over a year ago. However, we are joyously and effectively co-parenting our daughter and have a pretty good rapport as long as we don't spend too much time together! At first, I wanted a cover-up or to have something inked beneath it ('gemini', 'brat', 'sassy', 'flirt'...) to essentially 'destroy the evidence', but seeing as there was, in fact, evidence all around me of our marriage, I decided to embrace it and celebrate it. Besides, it's a great ice-breaker and conversation piece...everyone wants to know what it means!
Definitely more tatts in my future! The quick list: the insides of both wrists...a black square about 4cm x 4cm with kanji writing that shows through to my skin colour...on one wrist the symbols will mean, 'baby', 'love' and 'angel' (for my baby, Jamie, who died in 1994) and the other one will mean, 'older brother', 'love', 'angel' (for my brother, Randy, who died in 1993); a very simple, and not-too-big angel at the nape of my neck (after all I've been through, there's gotta be an angel looking out for me); a gemini sign, somewhere; some sort of triquetra with the names of my mum, me and my daughter around my navel (as it's our 'navel' that has, for all intents and purposes, connected the three of us); a Canada flag or maple leaf, likely on the front of my hip-bone ('cuz I'm thankful to live in a country where I can fall asleep without the sound of gunfire ringing in my ears...although I do live in a shady area of my city...); blah, blah, blah...so many ideas, so little bling..."
Monday Nov 21, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Friday Nov 18, 2005
Friday Linkage
- Rae Schwarz takes a look at the tattoos of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Askaban
- Charles Purdy details his tattoo removal process for PlanetOut
- A 'Dumb' tattoo leads to the arrest of a suspect
- A bullet strikes and kills a man right next to his 'Why me' tattoo
- Video-imaging Technology from NASA used to convict abductor based on detailed imaging of tattoos on his forearms
- University of Connecticut's Daily Campus examines the growth of the tattoo industry
(image above from Jason Loui's upcoming show at Invisible NYC)
Friday Nov 18, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
To see more of Mark's photos, click here.
Thursday Nov 17, 2005
Canadian Government Funds Tattoo Parlors Inside State Prisons
Getting a tattoo in prison, usually means the down-and-dirty homemade needle and ink version with a paper clip, and some ink from a pen
But recently, in an effort to stem deseases like AIDS and hepatitis, the Canadian governement has allowed inmate-run tattoo parlours inside the minimum-security Rockwood Institution, Atlantic Institution in Renous, N.B., Cowansville Institution in Cowansville, Que., Bath Institution in Bath, Ont., and Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford, B.C. Funding for the project has come from a one-year, $700,000 grant by Health Canada.
The cost for the prison tattoo is $5 Canadian
Thursday Nov 17, 2005
One Man's Body - A Photo Essay by Mark The Cobrasnake
You can see more of Mark's photos here.
Wednesday Nov 16, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Artist Michael Hyman
Seattle-based artist Michael Hyman knows what it’s like to sit for a tattoo. He’s got a few. He also has some firsthand experience utilizing the body as canvas. The big difference between his art and tattooing: the ink he slings stays up on the surface. Michael is a body painter. He’s been on the receiving end of the tat gun and the other side of the paintbrush. I recently asked him to compare the two forms.
–Justin Pelegano
INKEDblog: The body painting you do is a unique take on the body art movement. When did you start?
Michael: My first experience with body painting was around six years ago. I did some painting for an underground fashion show, although it was fairly tame compared to what I do now. [I’ve done] it occasionally since then, but really swung into much more active body painting a year or so ago.
INKEDblog: What about it [body painting] speaks to you?
Michael: The human body is an amazing canvas. I really like working with such an organic form. It is quite different than what I do on linen or cotton canvas... the level of detail and technique is different. But I like having a living, breathing, moving form to work with, and each person has different curves to interact with. It is also enjoyable to work with a canvas that thinks and talks. I also like that few people do it. The people I have painted have all been very excited about the work and often wish they could go to work 'dressed' that way. I would love to do a show sometime with just body painting in it, or maybe with a set of my paintings and body painted models walking around.
I also like the indirect nature of the displayed work, in that it is a picture of a painting on a person, so there is kind of a cascade of actions. I have paintings of people and paintings on people. When I do the body painted political cartoons, I like that I have a message about my distaste for conservative Republicans that is on a form that they would of course hate as well – a naked woman! Oh dear! And I love seeing the moment when people realize what they are looking at. They always start by looking at the cartoon and trying to figure out
what I'm saying. And then there is that uncomfortable 'oh' look that they get.
INKEDblog: You have several tattoos, so you know what it's like to sit for permanent ink...can you compare the patience and stillness required for tattooing to that required in body painting.
Michael: They are pretty similar. Body painting can take several hours to do. But there are some big differences in that the subject is completely naked, and the initial coverage is much faster. Like with tattooing, my models also often zone out during the process. Sometimes they lie down so they can sleep since it is very relaxing. I find getting a tattoo to be similar. Something about it is just so relaxing and can initiate a trance like state.
With body painting though it is much easier for a model to move, change positions, or take a break. And I can start over if I want without penalty. And there is no blood...
One difference though is that someone with no skill or clue can body paint someone. The result will most likely be lousy, but it doesn't take any skill to get some paint or liquid latex and slap it on someone. (Removing the liquid latex though... that is a different story.) Of course, that isn't creating a work of art. I would hope that most tattoo artists have skill and a clue.
INKEDblog: Tattooing is a very intimate art form between artist and canvas...do you feel that full body painting goes a step further in the intimacy direction?
Michael: I find that I get to know my models very well. They become friends during the process, in part because they are often initially nervous, and in part because it is a very transformative process. I haven't found that same level of camaraderie to form with the artists that have tattooed me. Body painting also is complete coverage, so it naturally starts out a bit more intimate. I find though that my models very quickly lose any feeling of vulnerability, and then become very curious and excited about what I am doing.
Like tattooing, though, it is addictive. All of my models want to come back to do it again. Sometimes they send pictures of themselves painted to their parents or to friends, which is pretty cool.
On the opposite side, I would really like to work with tattooed/pierced models for some of my paintings. I've done things such as put tattoos on Barbie dolls in some of my paintings, since I think a pierced/tattooed Barbie is a great idea, but I haven't worked with any models who have a lot of skin art. It would be a fun challenge to work the tattoo into the painting, since it would be a work within a work, and I also really like how tattoos look and enjoy hanging out with fellow decorated people.
INKEDblog: Ever get done with a body painted piece and wish it wouldn't just wash off? It must be kind of heartbreaking in way do know that all of that paint and ink is gonna eventually hit the shower floor?
Michael: Yes, there have been several pieces like that. One piece I did a week before the model was getting married. I chose a floral theme to go with the occasion, and then put in mirror fragments reflecting different parts of her. It was a cool piece. I wished she could show up that way to her bridal party but, of course, that would be a bit much for the guests I guess.
I painted some people for the Fremont Parade in Seattle, in which there are a lot of painted people who bike, known as the nude bikers. That was exciting, because my 'pieces' were on show for the whole day, and even got written up on someone's blog as being very cool. When I finished them they walked outside my studio, wearing only their artwork, and it was great seeing the look on the face of someone who was standing outside. The girls were very excited to have their picture taken with him... although not as excited as he was. To make the story better, the man was the CEO of a company one of the women wanted to work for. So she sent him her resume with the photo of them together attached. I'm sure that got attention.
Anyway, the women for the parade wore their art all day long, and reported that they had a lot of people photograph them, were treated to many free beers in bars, and even had their photo taken with some friendly police officers. They said they were very sad to remove the paint.
INKEDblog: You dig tattoos and you're a talented visual artist, why not consider tattooing as a possible forum or career move?
Michael: I would love to. In fact, I have wanted to learn how to tattoo for many years, but I just don't have any idea how to get started! At one point I thought about buying a gun off of E-bay and just trying it out on myself until I got the hang of it. I had some friends who volunteered to be models as well. It does seem like a form though where it would be good to get some pointers from someone who knows what they are doing since they don't erase too easily. Any of your readers want to show me how?
INKEDblog: You're a sculptor, photographer and painter...does any of your own work crossover and inspire you in terms of getting a new tattoo?
Michael: That's a really interesting question, because it never has. Perhaps because when I create artwork it exorcises whatever I am trying to work through or convey. Art is a very personal, emotional experience for me, and very cathartic. The tattoos I get are similar in that nature...they are very personal and have a lot of meaning to me. I think each form is its own experience with its own journey, and perhaps that is why there hasn't been a cross over.
Although, the black light body painting I've done has made me interested in getting a black light tattoo. But the artists I've gone to have all been skeptical about doing so since the inks are new and they aren't sure how they take. I will probably get one sometime though because I like the way it is yet another transformation. I sometimes make black light or glow in the dark paint and use it in my paintings and sculptures, so I like the idea of having that on my body. I would prefer a glow in the dark tattoo to a black light one, but I haven't seen any glow in the dark inks for skin.
Check out Michael’s dynamic artwork at www.habit.com
Wednesday Nov 16, 2005
INKED Tonight on A&E
If you haven't yet checked out INKED on A&E, here's a preview of tonight's episodes:
First, at 9PM/8C, en encore airing of "Meet the New Boss"
"H&S gets a new boss when former receptionist, Brian, gets promoted to manager. Brian's new job is certainly not an easy one, especially as troubles with the receptionists and helpers seem endless."
and then...
At 9:30 PM/8:30C - an encore airing of - "Supersize m\y Hart"
Carey struggles with the decision to return to competitive riding as financial pressures force him back on his bike for the first time since his near fatal accident. Thomas faces his own fears about his skill as an artist as does his toughest tattoo to date. And the entire Hart & Hunnington crew plan a charity auction for the kids of The Ronald McDonald House. TVPG L cc
** INKED on A&E is a sponsor of INKEDblog.com
Wednesday Nov 16, 2005
New Tees From Mark The Cobrasnake
Each week we showcase the photography of our good friend Mark The Cobrasnake. Because there are a lot of fans of Mark's out there, we thought we'd let you know that Mark has made a limited edition of 150 hand screen t-shirts. You can check them out here.
Tuesday Nov 15, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
Monday Nov 14, 2005
Justin Pelegano's Tattoo Stories - "Winter Morning"
At first glance Vin's tattoo seems straightforward enough (I mean, if you speak Russian that is). But the great thing about ink is that even the most basic looking tats can come loaded with deep meaning. So look below the surface; ink is almost never just skin deep.
... Justin Pelegano
"I am going through a divorce [and] my wife insisted I never get a tattoo. So when we separated I went and got one. [It] is in Russian. It's a line from a famous Pushkin poem called "Winter Morning" that says, "winter frost and sunshine." A lovely friend of mine recited this poem to me one evening.
Imagine a warm evening towards the end of summer. You are sitting outside as the sun begins to set and the stars start to appear. You are with someone that you care about a great deal. She begins to recite to you, "zima ootro...moroz e solntse...." There is just a feeling of the sun from the poem shedding its light into your soul and chasing away the wintery frost that is part of the break up of a marriage. Every time I think about my tattoo I remember that evening."
Monday Nov 14, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Friday Nov 11, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Up-and-Coming Tattoo Artist Julie Bellew
The coolest perk of writing for INKEDblog is that I get paid in coffee. Coffee BEANS actually. Well…okay, that’s the second coolest perk. The first is this: I get to meet some pretty incredible people. And whether they’re artists or aficionados, I’m honored to be on the receiving end of their tat stories. Meeting Julie really drove that home for me. She’s been inking for a year.5, and I feel lucky to have caught up with her just as she’s taking her art to the next level. Her passion for, and commitment to, tattooing is awesomely contagious. She’s eager to learn; she’s dedicated to her current and future clients; and most of all, she’s totally completely rad. For all those reasons and more, Julie embodies what each and every one of us should hope for in a rising tattoo artist.
– Justin Pelegano
INKEDblog: Your love for tattooing -- where did it start? What was your first tat?
Julie: I have loved tattoos ever since I can remember. I've always been drawn to them and always thought they were attractive and beautiful and thought people with tattoos seemed way more interesting. I've always been an artist, and have also been drawing since I can remember. I really started getting into tattoos and noticing them and wanting them in middle school, at probably 12 or 13. I actually attempted to tattoo myself and my boyfriend by using a sewing needle and pen ink!!! I didn't understand anything about it then, or how dumb that was to do. I just really wanted to get tattoos and give tattoos. I actually used to draw on myself with Bic pens, trying to see what I'd look like with various tattoos in different spots, and I can remember actually going to school with those designs, wanting people to think I had tattoos because I thought they were so cool. I can remember doing a really complicated forearm piece that took me a good 2 hours or so the night before school, and it stayed so well I just went to school with it and fooled everyone. I didn't actually get my first real tattoo until I was 16. It was from a friend of mine, who apparently used to work at a real studio, but was tattooing out of someone's house. I saw him tattooing my friend there and begged him to tattoo me, and he did. I wanted a tattoo so bad that I didn't really even care what it was. He had just done a Celtic piece on my friend, and had a Celtic artwork book there, so I just flipped through it and chose an arm band, and had him put it on me. I really regret it now, because it's crooked and the lines suck and I don't particularly like arm band tattoos, so I'm going to get it covered as soon as possible. But at the time I thought it was awesome. I only paid him $10 for it!
INKEDblog: Is there a spiritual aspect to the tattoo process that resonates with you?
Julie: Oh yes...it's really intense at times, and I can only feel lucky and blessed to be able to share such an amazing experience with other people, and honored that they would choose me to alter their body in such a dramatic, permanent and painful way. I see it as a rite of passage for a lot of people, and it's amazing to see the process of them going through it, especially when it's particularly painful. It's a weird position to be in, trying to soothe and care for the client, yet at the same time inflicting pain on them, which sometimes is comparable to torture. I feel that tattooing can be a very Zen-like, out of body experience - both while getting tattooed and also for the person giving it. I zone out and completely lose myself to the process, and quite often won't be aware of anything around me. For the client, the intense pain and also the boredom of having to hold still for so long in uncomfortable positions leaves most people no other choice than to escape their body and mind and simply exist, because that's all they can do. A lot of people will space out and lose complete track of time - which is another thing - time seems quite warped when giving or receiving a tattoo. It can either go really, really fast, or very, very slow - never in between, it seems to me.
INKEDblog: You’re just starting to work with the tat gun. I've heard of beginning artists practicing on everything from their friends to melons. But you chose to ink yourself. Why? What does that particular piece mean to you?
Julie: I actually started tattooing grapefruits before anything else. Just to get used to the machine. I did that for a few weeks, working from just practicing lines and circles at first, to eventually free handing complicated pictures. Once I felt like I mastered that process, I moved on to my friends. I was doing on average 2 tattoos a day, getting me through my apprenticeship in 4 months. I had always wanted to tattoo myself, and was advised to from a lot of tattoo artists. I wanted to for a few different reasons. I wanted to feel what getting tattooed by myself felt like so I could understand what my clients were feeling. I also wanted to do it as sort of a spiritual type of experience, or rather a very intimate and unique experience with myself. Going through all that and overcoming all the obstacles was important to me. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and overcome the pain and adrenaline and uncomfortable positions I had to get into to do it. So many people told me to at least try it, but said it was so hard that I probably would have to have someone else finish it. Well, I'm the type of person that likes to prove things to myself and others, and I knew that I'd be able to do it. And not only did I do it, but I chose an extremely large piece because I wanted it to be more difficult, to be more of a trial, and also just because I love big tattoos. The whole thing took me about 3 hours just for the outline, and I have at least 3 more sessions left before it's done. I will also be tattooing my toes, feet, and my other leg in the near future. I chose a flash design from an old tattoo magazine, done by an unknown artist. I just was flipping through it and saw the design and loved it so much, and it seemed to symbolize a lot that I was going through at the time. The girl's face has a look of confusion and even fear, and there's a spider web (symbolizing for me having been trapped for so long in a web of my own), and there's a knife stuck through her head, and she's decapitated, and immobilized. I was going through a separation from a 7 1/2 year marriage, and was paralyzed by fear and pain and uncertainty, and [I] saw a lot of symbolism in that particular design. I was just drawn to it, and had to get it.
INKEDblog: What has the self-tat process been like for ya?
Julie: I love tattooing myself. It's such a crazy experience. Unfortunately, due to the impossibility of getting a good solid stretch with only one hand, and lack of a stable base, I feel I can only tattoo my legs and feet properly. I chose my shin because there's not a lot of skin to stretch, and it would be a lot easier to get at then the back of my leg. The first 5 minutes of tattooing myself was very difficult, and I almost thought I couldn’t do it. I just sat there, with the machine in my hand, ready to go, and my heart was beating so fast, and my adrenaline was pumping and I kept hesitating. I would put the needle up to my skin and just felt that first initial “buzzy” vibration on my skin and just a prick of pain, and I pulled back like 2 or 3 times before I was actually able to go into myself. The pain was so much worse than having someone else tattoo me that I was actually surprised by it, and for the first few lines I was not going deep enough to make a good, dark line. The pain totally got in the way of the normal tattooing process, because when I'm tattooing someone, I've developed the knowledge to just "know" how deep to go in a particular area. But when tattooing yourself, the pain gets in the way and makes you not want to go deep enough. It took me about 5 minutes to get over that, and be able to go in deep enough. I had to go over my initial lines a couple of times, as well as a few others throughout the rest of the tattoo, especially in painful areas like the foot and ankles. I hadn't been taught how to tattoo properly yet, so I actually did the whole outline with a 14 round shader, and my machine wasn't properly tuned or set up. I have to go over the outline now with a smaller needle group to tighten it up, because you can't get very solid lines with shaders, especially big ones. I also ended up scarring myself slightly because I overcompensated for the pain and going in too shallow and actually overworked my skin in a few spots.
INKEDblog: What are your dream goals in terms of tattooing? Where, and how far, would you like to take it?
Julie: I want to make a career out of this and someday own my own studio. I want to take it as far as I can, and get as good as I can as quickly as possible. I try to be like a sponge, and just soak up as much knowledge I can, wherever I can, from whoever will teach me. I have only been tattooing for about a year and a half, and have so much to learn. Tattooing is a very complicated, detailed profession and you need to have a very patient, open mind and attitude. I feel that I will never stop learning and growing, and tattooing will be a lifetime commitment and learning experience for me. I'm very excited about my future and just want to try to stay in a good place and not ever get ahead of myself or egotistical, and never forget that ultimately the client is the most important thing to consider, and to not let my wants and needs get in the way of theirs. I'm not in it to hustle, I'm in it for the art, and to satisfy my passion for this art, and to make people happy with the way I've altered their body.
Friday Nov 11, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Thursday Nov 10, 2005
How Do Tattoo's "Work"?
Curious about how tattoos "work"? Check out the tattoo section on the terrific website, HowStuffWorks
Wednesday Nov 09, 2005
Tattoos Banned From Iranian Basketball
From the Press Trust of India:
"The Iranian Basketball Federation has banned its players from having tattoos like many of their foreign counterparts, a student-run news agency reported on Wednesday.
"It has been noticed recently that some basketball players are copying foreign players and having themselves tattooed ... Which is against the morals (of the Islamic republic) and unacceptable," the federation said.
It called, in a statement carried by ISNA, for players who have "committed such an act" to take rapid measures to "make them disappear so to avoid firmer measures" against them."
Wednesday Nov 09, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Wednesday Nov 09, 2005
INKED Tonight on A&E
If you haven't yet checked out INKED on A&E, here's a preview of tonight's episodes:
First, at 9PM/8C, en encore airing of "Pull it Together, Dizzle"
Dizzle has made the decision to become a tattoo artist and the first step on that path is getting an apprenticeship. But apprenticing under Thomas and Clark won't be easy. These guys earned their ink the hard way and they're not about to just hand Dizzle the needle.
and then...
At 9:30 PM/8:30C - an all new episode - "Steve O & Skin Poetry"
"A man comes in to get his second tattoo in honor of Angelina Jolie - this one will say "Billy Bob." Melissa gets a pair of eyes just below her navel so they can overlook the "family jewels." And on a more poignant note, Lucas arrives to finish a piece by adding an angel to a portrait of Jesus. The angel is a tribute to his three-year-old daughter who died when her mother backed over her with the family car
** INKED on A&E is a sponsor of INKEDblog.com
Tuesday Nov 08, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Monday Nov 07, 2005
Justin Pelegano's Tattoo Stories - "To Be Frank"
To Be Frank
Frank got in touch with me in one exclamatory sentence: "Tattoos are my life!" And judging by his Japanese-style full bodysuit, he wasn't kidding.
His fascination with ink started some five years ago when he attended a tattoo convention. He was hooked from then on out. Since that fortuitous day he's sat for multiple sessions under the gun. But if he had it his way, he'd forego the rapid-fire method altogether and go old school...hand-poking.
Even today, traditional Japanese tattoos (irezumi) are applied via this method in which the ink is inserted beneath the skin using non-electrical, hand-made tools with needles of sharpened bamboo or steel. I know a few people with hand-poked designs, and they describe the sensation as being less painful but a little weirder than the feeling under the gun.
Apparently, the traditional hand held tat tools make a strange suctioning sound beneath the skin. So there's always that to look forward to. But having talked with Frank, I'm sure it would be well worth it; because being on the receiving end of irezumi is, I'm told, a highly satisfying and ritualistic experience."
If you'd like to contact Frank about his tattoos you can e-mail him at frank2penarelli@yahoo.com
Friday Nov 04, 2005
INKEDblog Interviews Tattoo Artist Monica Henk
Interview with Tattoo Artist Monica Henk
Monica’s my hero. How could she not be? Her tattoos and paintings are dark and stunning; she’s got a great sense of humor; she even models and sells her own line of g-strings. H-E-R-O. I first met Monica three years ago when she was inking at Sacred Tattoo in NYC. It was love at first sight – platonic respect-your-art love. (She’s married to fellow tattoo artist Dan Henk.) Recently, she was gracious enough to take some time out and talk with INKEDblog.
–Justin Pelegano
INKEDblog: You're originally from Colombia. You moved to the U.S. six years ago. What made you decide to make the move? Was it to pursue your art?
Monica: Well I got out of school, and I decided to go to the university which I didn’t pass the test for. A little disappointed, the opportunity to travel to the US showed up. I didn't think twice. The tattoo industry in Colombia wasn't as developed so I didn't think I could make this my career. It was a different world over here....So I wouldn't say I moved here to pursue my art – I called [it] destiny.
INKEDblog: Your style I suppose could be described as beautifully macabre. Do you remember where and when your love and fascination with that style first began?
Monica: When I got here and realized how big an Artist could make it I started buying tattoo magazines [and] going to conventions. And the scary/realistic tattoos always struck [me] more, not just because they look cool and all, but the skill that the artist had to have became a challenge for me.
INKEDblog: You and Dan [Henk] -- two tat artists under one roof. Do you guys push each other to grow as artists? Or, be honest, you're just too busy competing with each other.
Monica: We definitely are growing together in tattooing. I think his art skill I will never be able to reach. I love the fact that I do what my husband does. We are always asking opinions on each other’s work and all that fun stuff.
INKEDblog: I read some time ago that you were studying art at the New School was it? Why was it important for you to go back to school? It seems to me a lot of younger tat artists have college degrees in the visual arts. It's like this new breed of ink slingers. And the things they can do on the skin are outstanding. Do you need a degree nowadays just to compete in the tat world?
Monica: I went to school seeking more knowledge of anatomy, perspective and skill. To tell you the truth I hated it. I didn't find what I was looking for. I got better instruction at home with Dan. I don't think to make it big in this business you need to go to school -- I think you need to have ART SKILLS and good ones.
INKEDblog: I love your paintings. “Su Corazon” is an amazing self-portrait and I dig that it was done in tattoo ink. Which is more fun for ya, painting or tattooing?
Monica: I love both for different facts....Tattooing: unless you are doing a butterfly or a tribal arm band, is fun because somebody out there is walking with a piece of your art that [you] have created and that is a huge satisfaction for me. Painting: you can do anything you want without hearing someone in pain or telling you that they don't like red [and that] they looove pink.
They are both art and craft.
INKEDblog: The eye -- you've got it branded on your hand and tattooed huge on your chest...can you tell me a little about the significance of that symbol to you?
Monica: It comes from high school. It comes from a pair of friends -- it was our symbol and with time it became more serious: "..... observe, look.... there is more to see, than what you see..."
INKEDblog: Dude, you're modeling and selling your own thongs on your website! Nice! How hot is that?
Monica: I say exploit everything you can to the max. The average lifetime of a female in America is 75-80 years old -- I got a good half of a century to produce :)
INKEDblog: So, the way I figure it, if people know what's good for them they'll stop by and see ya for some ink. Where are ya working now?
Monica: I split my time between two shops: Cliff's Tattoo in Centereach, Long Island (NY) and Pure Body Arts in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (NY)
Check out Monica’s awesome tats, paintings, and underwear at www.monhenk.com
Thursday Nov 03, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - ninnallegra
"Once I had a friend. He was a my best friend and I knew I could tell him everything about me and my life, and so I used to do so. One day he died because of a heart attack. I know it's strange when you are 23 and perfectly healthy, but sometimes it happens. Don't want to tell about the desperation and the pain and the punch in the stomach which wakes you up every morning in the moment you realize that IT HAPPENED. I just wanted to have a piece of skin "dedicated" to him: he was studying nursing, he loved it. and I have what I use to call "nursing syndrome", so then I decided that a nurse in a rose (the symbol of my surname) was good for the aim. I have just decided that I will put on my left arm all the things I love, I suppose that soon there will be my dog playing saxophone just near the nurse. maybe it could be quite weird to see but... actually I AM weird."
Wednesday Nov 02, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Vicki Rogers
"I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in June at the age of 33. I've had a challenging few months to learn that the cancer is not gone yet - even though I've had surgery removing the entire gland (tumor included) and one big dose of radiation. I decided to mark the event with this tattoo that will develop as my treatment does. The butterfly in the middle signifies my thyroid (which looks a little like a butterfly). She is broken, thus the X in the middle. The 2 and the 5 make up the year of my journey - 2005. With every major test and treatment I plan to add to this in content and color,
ultimately finishing when I hear the words "cancer free" - which I hope will come very soon."
Tuesday Nov 01, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Davey Gravy
What does it say?
“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law”
Who said it?
Aleister Crowley
What does it mean?
Many things to me, and probably more to others and myself in the future.By applying this magical statement people can achieve what they desire. Instead of procrastinating, follow your will, become one with the universe and you can make required changes in your life to become a star. Apply this magical statement and you can break free from the metaphorical cave you exist within, in order to experience true reality. Apply this magical statement and you can become the child you were born as, and are supposed to be, free, and uninhibited by the false rules and cultural norms that restrict our actions and ability to express ourselves, as long as you love and don’t hate. Applying this magical statement allows individuals to realise we are all as one, and simply perceive ourselves as singular entities striving to better each other by having bigger houses and better cars."
Tuesday Nov 01, 2005
Every BODY Has A Story - Scott
"It's a widely accepted phenomenon. Finding dimes is a message from a loved one from "the other side". I have been finding dimes for five years, since my son died in a horrible car accident. I probably have 200 of them! And they are always in the weirdest places. On the shoulder of the road, in a driveway, etc. I almost always find a dime during a race (I am a runner). I stop to pick them up, and have been almost trampled by runners behind me. I put this dime tat on my wrist, in a spot usually covered by my watch. The sillhouette is my son's instead of FDR. Now whenever I have to remove my watch, I find a dime. It always makes me smile."
Tuesday Nov 01, 2005
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
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