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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.
Monday Jan 30, 2006
Every BODY Has a Story - The Heart Spiral
"Well, when I was first diagnosed with cancer (Hodgkinsons), I had a large tumor surrounding my heart. As I went through treatment, so much of my healing process had to do with opening my heart and opening up my emotions. I needed to learn how to deal with my life and learn how to connect with people in a different way than I had in the past.
When the tumor healed, I wanted to get a tattoo that would evoke a spiral into my heart so that I would always be reminded to keep my heart open, to let things in and to express things out.
There is one spot that wasn’t filled in (one petal of the spiral) because when I was getting tattooed the ink and blood were so thick, the artist and I didn’t notice it until she finished her work. After I discovered this, I decided purposefully to keep that petal incomplete. This unfinished petal reminds me that my work of learning how to keep my heart open is never done.
- Jason"
| Monday Jan 30, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - The Scarab
In ancient Egyptian religious iconography, the scarab (which is commonly known as the dung beetle) represents regeneration and rebirth. The scarab beetle makes its home in and feeds on the waste of other animals, thus perpetuating nature’s cycle.
During the Napoleonic wars, Egyptian artifacts became popular in Europe and The United Kingdom; this was as a result of Napoleon’s occupation of Egypt. Sadly, this occupation resulted in the destruction and defacement of many Egyptian artifacts and architectural monuments. Nonetheless, Napoleon’s forced exportation of all things Egyptian perpetuated the European fad of using Egyptian artifacts and iconography as a mode of home décor. Egyptian artifact and archaeology became a popular aesthetic in Europe and The United Kingdom throughout the nineteenth century.
Naturally, many artists and writers were enamored of the mystique that surrounded the Egyptian aesthetic. This was particularly true of the Decadent writers of the Fin de Siecle. In fact, author and playwright Oscar Wilde adopted the symbol of the scarab for himself; it became his own personal iconography. In many of his letters, Wilde references a lapis lazuli pinky-ring, carved in the image of scarab; it was the writer’s favorite piece of jewelry. Other Fin de Siecle writers such as Andre Gide and Lord Alfred Douglas also note Wilde’s fondness for his scarab ring in their own writings. Wilde’s choice of the scarab for his own personal symbolism is ironically apropos; that he had the uncanny ability to use other people’s verbal waste (the criticism and judgment of not only himself, but society as a whole) as fodder for his monumentally successful plays is certainly an example of artistic regeneration. However, the scarab symbol is also a poignantly appropriate icon for Wilde as he was constantly forced to resurrect his own image as a popular writer and socialite from its demise; Wilde was continually labeled as an iconoclastic ‘sodomite’ and summarily shunned by the self-righteous and morally hypocritical Victorian society.
My reason for adopting the scarab as a personal symbol, as represented by my tattoo, is a result of my admiration and respect for Oscar Wilde. Where the Victorians shunned Wilde for his iconoclasm, I embrace it. Of course, I am also a huge fan of his writing, particularly his social satire. Thus, by appropriating the Egyptian iconography of the scarab, I am honoring not only a universally important idea, the idea of regeneration and rebirth, but I am also honoring the spirit Oscar Wilde and that which he stood for as a writer and social commentator.
Monday Jan 30, 2006
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here
Friday Jan 27, 2006
Tattoos from Ground Zero
After ten months of work at the ‘hole’, the name given to the remainder of the World Trade Center buildings after the 911 attacks, the workers from Local Union 79 needed to make some kind of gesture as a result of that experience. The work of the firefighters and service workers was publicly exalted, but the Union workers cleaning up the horrific site were given little to take with them but their chronic coughs- a result of the inhaled chemicals.
The workers decided that like many of the military men who got tattoos after Pearl Harbor, a tattoo would best express the camaraderie in tragedy that they shared.
It was difficult to select an image, but they finally decided on the cross of twisted metal that remained on site during their toils.
Friday Jan 27, 2006
Nike Swoosh Tattoos -
What makes the employees at Nike tattoo themselves with their employer’s logo? Is it that Nike management brought three tattoo artists to their campus, ‘just in case’ there was interest? Despite appearances to the contrary, the Nike tat phenomenon doesn’t seem to be just another way to get in big with the boss. There are a group of extremely gung-ho employees who called themselves EKINs (Nike spelled backwards), who started the tattooing craze before the managers actually brought the tattoo artists to the office. Now that’s some job loyalty
Thursday Jan 26, 2006
Runic Tattoos - An Introduction
According to a dictionary of religious terms, Rune is a word derived from the early Anglo-Saxon word "runa", meaning "secret" or "mystery." A rune was also a letter in the Norse pictorial alphabet. Runes have both a sound (like a letter of our alphabet) and a concept attached to them. The mere writing or inscribing of these images is said to produce forceful results.
Though runes have been used as the subject of tattoos since the Vikings, or from about 700 AD, they are also advised against in many cases because of the strength of the images.
Many of the runic symbols are considered dangerous to the wearer because of their potency. These symbols are lovely however, and if you are of Northern European heritage, it is possible that these images are part of your historical culture.
According to the Runic Tattoo website, there are a few runes that are both beautiful, and safe for the wearer. The Aegishjalmur charm is a particularly benign rune representing prot ection.
Thursday Jan 26, 2006
Pegasus Tattoos
What is the first graphic image that most of us strive to draw in our notebooks, on our knees, throughout our textbooks, and on the back of our test papers?
Pegasus.
Though this has been commonly considered a female phenomenon, Pegasus is an ancient Greek image whose popularity remains strong among dreamers, young and old.
In the Greek stories, Pegasus is the messenger of the gods. He is a fierce and wild winged horse who was only ridden by one master, Bellopheron. To imagine a partnership with a being as fierce as a beast, yet as free as a bird is an inspiring poetic notion- and it’s not just the forth-graders who think so!
(foto above nicked from ">here)
Thursday Jan 26, 2006
Buddhist Tattoos - An Overview
Buddhism is a religion that does not have a central God, but instead focuses on the teachings of the Buddha. The central question in Buddhism is “Why is there pain and suffering?” Basic teachings of Buddhism focus on the Three Noble Truths, believed to be the answer to this question.
The First Noble Truth is that there is pain and suffering in the world. The Second Noble Truth is that suffering is caused by desire. The Third Noble Truth is that suffering will cease when a person can rid himself of all desires.
Many Buddhists see humor in the idea of a tattoo because it exemplifies the Three Truths in many ways. Images are an important part of Buddhism, however, and it is a well-respected form of worship.
Buddhist tattoos and imagery are very popular in the US as well as the rest of the world.
The Lotus, images of the Buddha, Sanskrit text, and Mandalas are all popular Buddhist images.
One cautionary note- it is considered disrespectful to have a Buddhist tattoo below the waist.
Tuesday Jan 24, 2006
Wiccan Tattoos - An Introduction
Wicca is a religion that mixes witchcraft and nature worship. Originally dating from before Christianity, Wicca is still practiced today. Many women see Wicca as a feminist and female centered religion. Wiccans worship a Goddess, who represents the earth. Wicca’s revival is due in great part to the feminist movement though there are male practitioners as well.
There are numerous symbols associated with Wicca. These symbols are often very ancient and interlaced with a myriad of meanings.
Wiccan tattoos are gaining in popularity, and include Wiccan symbols and combinations of Wiccan symbols.
The most prevalent Wiccan symbols are combinations of the moon. The symbol of the Goddess, a sun enclosed by two crescent moons, is one of the most common Wiccan tattoos. This represents the three stages of womanhood: Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
Pentagrams, particularly ones surrounded with a circle or vines are a Wiccan protection symbol.
In addition to traditional symbols, Wiccan tattoos often contain images of the Goddess; some simple others very elaborate. The Goddess is primarily featured as a woman with vines or foliage for hair, but the variations of the image are numerous.
Monday Jan 23, 2006
Beyond the Basics: Talking to Your Artist
When choosing the perfect studio for your tat, there are many factors to consider. Hygiene and the quality of the artist’s artwork are of course, the two major concerns. However, another thing to think about when choosing an artist is whether you feel comfortable talking to this person.
Getting a tattoo can be a very private experience. If you combine this feeling with a tattoo that has personal meaning, or is in a place that you normally cover with clothes, it is possible to feel a little (or a lot) shy.
Sometimes people have fabulous ideas for tattoos, but when the artist draws them out, they are not quite what the client had in mind. Of course, the best thing to do is to have your artist continue to work on your image until it is perfect. Finding an artist that makes you feel comfortable taking the time to perfect your image is imperative. Though tattoo artists know a lot more about tattoos than you do, they do not know your style as well as you do.
The best way to find out if you are comfortable talking to your artist is to ask questions! If you feel shut down, it’s not working. If you feel encouraged, you’ve found a good match.
Friday Jan 20, 2006
When Did Tattoos Arrive in the Americas?
When Cortez and the conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they were shocked by the tattoos the native people wore on their skin. Tattooing was then unknown in Spain, and the invading Spaniards believed that the tattoos were proof of devil worship. While there is an accurate account of tattoos in America from the time of Cortez, there is considerable debate among scientist s about when tattoos originally arrived on the continent.
Some believe that tattooing was brought to America by the Polynesians during their strenuous 2000-mile migration long ago. Others believe that the Siberian Chukchee taught the art of tattooing to tribes throughout Northern America. They arrived after crossing over the Baring Strait from Asia into Alaska.
Friday Jan 20, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - Cyborg Fig Vines
We found this tattoo on a guy working at Hot Lips, a Portland pizza shop. Curious, we asked the story…
This tattoo runs all the way around and the length of his arm. It’s a fig vine. Fig vines encircle other plants such as trees, and use their solidity as a base to climb. After a number of years, the original tree is completely overtaken by the fig, and dies. Sometimes you can see whole forests made of great towers of fig vines- the only remnant of the trees they have smothered over the years. This tattoo is drawn in the Cyborg style purposefully. This man told us that it’s interesting to compare the way figs grow to machines. We agree.
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - "Wearing My Heart on My Sleave"
The story of my favorite tattoo is pretty simple. After a three year failed marriage… well, let me tell you WHY it failed. Being married to THE EX had me dealing with extreme physical abuse, death threats, broken ribs, split lip, sleeping to be woken to having the entire bed flipped over with me on it, drug into ice cold showers, his stalking after I left, and in the end being forced to move well over 1,300 miles to get away from THE EX, I decided to get this, because I will always, no matter how hard I am pushed around or stepped on... I will always wear my heart on my sleeve.
To be blunt, I don't care if wearing my heart on my sleeve targets me as a living carpet because it is who I am, it's what makes me “special,” and not in that short bus sorta way. I may be tough, strong, empowered, but, I refuse to grow hard, and I will always, at least underneath it all, be soft inside. Ok, I'll stop all this corny talk. It's too sappy, even for me.
My heart tattoo was done by Chris at Peter Tat2 in Fort Myers, Florida.
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - The Lotus Blossom
The stylized lotus blossom tattooed to my right arm is an exact reproduction of the lotus blossom which Art Nouveau artist Aubrey Beardsley employed in many of the pen-and-ink illustrations he drew during his short lifetime.
Beardsley, who moved in the same artistic circles as Oscar Wilde, Andre Gide, Lord Alfred Douglas, James McNeil Whistler, and numerous other Fin de Siecle writers and artists, was, in essence, a Victorian pornographer. Though many of the drawings he did for the Victorian magazine Yellow Book and the illustrations he did for several novelists of the time were extremely popular and critically acclaimed, Beardsley frequently pushed the artistic envelope by producing many tawdry and sexually charged pieces. Little men with giant phalluses and buxom women in compromising positions with smaller, almost boyish men were favorite subjects for Beardsley.
Though I am certainly attracted to Beardsley more ‘scandalous’ pieces, like many of his contemporaries, what draws me to Beardsley’s art is actually his amazing attention to detail and his ability to take organic images and turn them into intricately stylized designs. Anyone familiar with Beardsley’s art is well aware that his work is not limited to a central focus (or subject), but that much of what is interesting and important about his pieces are the incredible borders and margins, as well as the designs within designs that occur in something as minute as a butterfly’s wing.
Interestingly, Beardsley’s attention to margins in his work was reflected in his tragic life, as he was a marginalized person himself. As a tubercular alcoholic, Beardsley spent much his life in hospitals and sanitariums battling the two severe and contradictory diseases. In their memoirs, many of Beardsley’s friends note how he was misrepresented and misunderstood by society. He succumbed to disease at the age 29.
As an artist, Beardsley used very little color in his work. His favorite medium was black pen on white paper. Perhaps this was symbolic of his view of life…and death. Furthermore, symbols of death, such as the lotus blossom, often appear in his work. However, their presence is not so much ominous as it is a reflection of his understanding of his own mortality.
When I chose Beardsley’s lotus blossom for my tattoo design, I did so because I view the lotus blossom as a symbol of the ephemeral nature of mortality, but also as a symbol the eternal and circular nature of life and death…and their dependency upon each other.
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here
Wednesday Jan 18, 2006
Baby Tats
In INKEDblog’s search all things old, new, interesting, or frankly wack in the tat world, we found a bunch of online references to a tattoo studio called “Baby Ink”. Though the site is no longer up, you can still find pages and pages of diatribe from outraged parents and artists, as well as a few pages of comments from people who believe it might be ‘cute’ or a ‘good idea’ (?!). What is ‘it’? Tattooing babies, of course. The site featured babies with fake tattoos, and instructions for tat touch ups as the babies grew and stretched their skin.
DJs at Channel 933 KHTS-FM radio in San Diego conceived this joke site as an April Fool’s Day joke. Nice one. The oddest part of the online discussion? People actually debated whether tattooing babies is any worse than piercing little children’s ears.
Tuesday Jan 17, 2006
Every BODY Has a Story - The Elliot Smith Tattoo
The arm tattoos read, "This is a cloud of smoke, trying to occupy space." They are from an Elliott Smith song, which goes:
"There's nothing here that you'll miss
I can guarantee you this
Is a cloud of smoke
Trying to occupy space.
What a fucking joke."
I'd always like the song and his lyricism. After he died, I may have wanted to memorialize him to some degree. But moreover I had been thinking about life in general, and how I know I'll die, and how I know that most things we do are in a small way, an attempt to immortalize ourselves, such as having kids or creating art. And I was thinking that we are puffs of nothingness; in many ways, we humans are merely a temporary distraction to ourselves. I could go on, but more to the point of the tattoo: I wanted the coroner or whoever handled my body after I died to know that I wasn't shocked and it was no tragedy when I passed. I didn't want them to feel worried about it. I was having work done on my sternum, and when I went in for that, I asked the tattooist to do the quotes on my arms instead. He picked the style; I just told him I wanted blue. I think the blue is a pretty gorgeous color, and it's weird looking without any black outline on the letters. I like it a lot, and it was pretty spontaneous.
Tuesday Jan 17, 2006
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Friday Jan 13, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - Sunburst
"I got my tattoo on my 26th birthday. It has special meaning to me because a buddy drew it for me. He now lives on the East Coast, but he had always dreamed of being a tattoo artist. He was always drawing designs and tagging buildings. I told him I wanted a Chinese star and some type of "sun".
He spent a great amount of time and care in making it special for me. The end result was a tattoo that no one else in the world will have. The center of the tattoo gives off the illusion of the sun shining on the design and it reflects the sun back onto the view."
Friday Jan 13, 2006
Every BODY Has a Story (including Jessica Lund)
"I got my ‘Eye in the Sun’ tat on my shoulder when I was eighteen. An artist that some friend of mine knew was coming down to Portland for the night from Seattle, and anyone who wanted a tat just came by the house that day. I don’t even remember the artist’s name at this point, but it was a funny party. Against all medical advice, we sat around drinking beer and listening to the buzzing while we waited our turns. While my tattoo was somewhat moderate as inked images go, the rest of the people in the house started to have increasingly ridiculous tattoo ideas as the night went on. Finally, the inevitable happened: I told my friend Celia that I would pay for her ($10 to the artist at the time) to get ‘666’ tattooed on her head. Bad judgement reigned and she still has the proof of my coercion, but I like to think Celia’s hair keeps the tattoo on the down low…
I still really like my tattoo; I had designed the symbol years before as a sort of bastardized Egyptian symbol for Ra, the sun god. A year after I got this tattoo, I had the same image tattooed on the other shoulder for the sake of symmetry. I’ll put up a pic of the two together in the next week or two. The only thing that bugs me is the dumb four-eyes joke that every pot-bellied man over the age of sixty feels he has to tell. My next tat? A Tarot card, on my inner wrist. I’ll keep you posted."
Thursday Jan 12, 2006
Hindu Tattoos
Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion. Replete with numerous beautiful gods, the Hindus unlike Islam or Christianity do not have a single source to their religion. Instead, Hinduism claims many founders and influences. The Hindus believe in one God, Brahman, but there are many other gods who represent different facets of Brahman. These other gods are poignant and powerful images. Brahma is the creator god, Vishnu preserves the universe, Shiva is the dancing god (when he lands on one foot, good things happen, when he lands on the other, bad.) and Kali the destroyer, is the mother god. Tattoos of Shiva seem to be the most common but the lushness of the colors in these images and the complexity of there meaning make them perfect material for tattooing.
Thursday Jan 12, 2006
Aftercare: Beyond the Basics
What is the best lubricant for your tattoo while it is healing?
Originally Vaseline was the top choice, but it was found to cause the colors in tattoos to fade and drain. Neosporin and Bacitracin are sometimes used, but often cause allergic reactions such as red bumps and weeping that can effect the healing process. Many artists now recommend A&D. Though it is not an antibiotic, it contains vitamins A and D which promote healing while the ointment itself provides a protective layer on the skin. Most artists will recommend using lotion on your skin after a few days, but try to avoid lotions containing bee’s wax and lanolin. Lanolin can cause allergies, and bee’s wax can clog pores. Bottom line? Ask your artist, they know.
Wednesday Jan 11, 2006
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here
Wednesday Jan 11, 2006
The Suikoden
The Suikoden is a Japanese story from the 1700’s based on an even older Chinese story called Shui-Hi-Chuan. In the tradition of the honorable bandit Robin Hood, this story featured 108 tattooed heroes. Historically, the story had resounded for the lower classes with its class-conscious theme, but in 1827, woodblock artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi published illustrations of these heroes and their fabulous tattoos. They became massively popular all over Japan and some of the most influential tattoo designs of their day. The original prints are still in use.
Tuesday Jan 10, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - "Naked Devil Chick
"I got the naked devil chick when I graduated from law school and I knew what to expect when getting a tattoo. I was living in Eugene and studying for the bar at the time.
No designing involved. The artist is some guy who does these designs for tattoo artists and others. It was on the cover of a Lords of Acid CD that I have. I liked it. I feel like her most of the time.
So, I went to two studios in Eugene. The first one refused to do anything "satanic." OK. Whatever.
The second one had no such compunctions. I took a friend of mine who was down from Portland for the weekend. He held my hand and I had it done. Same great feeling. Then we had beer and pizza and really great sex."
Tuesday Jan 10, 2006
Jessica Lund on Egyptian Tattoos
In this series, Jessica Lund explores some of the countries and cultures where the most striking or popular tattoo images originated
Egyptian Tattoos
The Ankh is the most familiar Egyptian tattoo in Western culture. Associated with Egyptian god of healing, Imkotep, the ankh is also known as the key of life. The ankh represents eternal life, sexual union and sometimes refers to Jesus Christ (with respect to the Christian idea of eternal life).
The next most popular Egyptian tattoo is the eye of Horus. The eye is used as a protection talisman, and a charm for good health.
A less common, but still familiar Egyptian symbol is the Sphinx. Representing the mystery of our existence, the Sphinx stands for riddles and wisdom.
In general, Egyptian tattoos stand for ancient knowledge and buried secrets. The style of these tattoos often resembles hieroglyphics. Egyptian themed tattoos however, are inked in all different styles.
Monday Jan 09, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - The Horse on My Ass
"The horse on the base of my back was my first tattoo. I had it done in 1997 or so. I can't remember what time of the year it was, but I was living in Yucca Valley, California--the middle of the f--king Mojave Desert. Three hours from Las Vegas, three hours from Los Angeles, three hours from San Diego. Really, three hours from anything good anywhere.
I was working for the court system in San Bernardino County and I had been playing with the idea of getting a tattoo for quite some time. One of the Sheriff's deputies who provided security for the courthouse was a tattooed freak (he really wasn't, I just can't think of any other way to describe him). Jerry finally had to limit himself to one new tattoo a month--he "collected" Vargas girls. [Ed. note: Nice going, Jerry]
At the same time, I was going through a divorce from my first husband. "Going through" is really rather a misnomer since really what happened is I told him that I was moving the f--k out and he wasn't welcome to come with me. File some papers, end of marriage.
I thought that I'd like to mark the change in my life in some permanent way. Jerry and I talked about a tattoo for me. It was kind of like being initiated into some sort of secret society. Jerry talked about colors and sizes ("If you're going to bother to do it, do it big!"). He eventually helped me design my horse.
On a Saturday, the two of us drove the hour and a half to San Bernardino (not a good place, it wasn't three hours away), and Jerry took me to his personal tattoo artist. I guess when you get one done each month; you end up with a personal artist. The tattoo took two and a half hours. The experience is really difficult to explain however, I think the best way I've ever described it is like feeling a hot butter knife being drug through your skin over and over again. The hardest part to explain to people is that this hot butter knife actually feels pretty damn good. Now I understood why my tattooed deputy friend he had to limit himself…
Monday Jan 09, 2006
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Monday Jan 09, 2006
Can Tattoo Ink be Vegan?
According to the Vegan Body Art website, tattoo ink is often not vegan due to the carrier (or liquid) in the ink, glycerin. Generally, glycerin comes from an animal source, though it is possible to obtain from vegetables. The problem for many vegans is that it is difficult to ascertain the origin of the glycerin. Often the studios and individual artists don’t even know.
One promising company, Stable, claims their ink is vegan, making it a safer choice for vegans. Beyond even the ink however, there are other non-vegan products in the tattoo process for which a vegan must watch out. Most aftercare ointments such as A&D and TattooGoo contain either lanolin or beeswax, but there are many vegan lotion and ointment options on the market.
Monday Jan 09, 2006
Symmetrical Tribal Tattoos
Tribal Tattoo with the ‘Tiger’ Character
"The first ever tattoo I got were two tribal bands with a Chinese character for "Tiger" in between them. This was the mid 90's and tribal's were all the rage. At the time I was teaching martial arts which also meant that I was really into the Asian culture. According to the Chinese calendar, I was born the year of the Tiger so I figured that that character would suit me."
Tribal Tattoo with the ‘Protect’ Character
"My second tattoo was almost the same as the first. It was the same two tribal bands but this time the Chinese character for ‘protect’ in the center. I chose ‘protect’ because I have always had a desire to protect others. My first tattoo was on my right bicep so I wanted my second one to be on my left bicep to balance it out. I liked the idea of having almost matching tattoos to make me symmetrical."
Friday Jan 06, 2006
The Barbed Wire Tattoo - Inkedblog Explains
Dear INKEDblog, Out of curiosity, why would someone get a barbed wire tattoo?
Barbed wire was invented in the 1800’s as a way of ‘taming the West’, but is often associated with prison camps and trench defenses in World War 2.
Historically, inked barbed wire was a coded tattoo. Russian coded prison tattoos are some of the most interesting and complicated in the world. Within the Russian prison system, barbed wire across the forehead represents life in prison without parole. In general, barbed wire tattoos all over the world signify confinement.
Lately, barbed wire tats were also made popular outside the pen, by Pamela Anderson. Rather than a coded tattoo most barbed wire tats you see now simply a current fad.
Friday Jan 06, 2006
Temporary Tattoos and Safety
Chris Co, a temporary tattoo company, has found a new market for tattoos: children. Owner Chris Lipper came up with the idea as a safety device for his own child. The temporary tattoo contains information that could easily identify a child if he or she got lost.
TIC (Teaching Innocent Children) is Chris’s tattoo line specifically marketed for children’s needs. These high quality tattoos last for up to four weeks. The packages are sold with safety flashcards, and the identity tats are meant to be the incentive for learning important safety tips. Chris Co also believes that the ID tats could be beneficial for Alzheimer sufferers.
At the very least, he’s building the next generation of tat enthusiasts
Friday Jan 06, 2006
Portland Tats: by Jessica Lund
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
“So this tattoo is my most recent tattoo. It is also the first one that I designed myself. Everything else was “flash” (off the wall) in some way or another. At a young age, I was fascinated with Elvis. In high school, there were times when all I would listen to was Elvis. I also was fascinated with his lifestyle. The Memphis Mafia thing, carrying guns and Elvis buying cars like they were candy; Elvis was just cool in my book. So once I started getting tattoos it seemed logical that at some point I would have some sort of tattoo that had to do with Elvis. So a few years ago, I was also heavy into Harley Davidson, American custom motorcycles and “choppers”. Elvis was also into Harley’s so I decided that I should design something that would combine both things.
I had seen the TCB logo before but one day I saw this TCB logo that was metallic and looked as if it was welded to a metal shield. That was what started me on this design. I took the TCB changed the lightening bolt a bit and put it on this oval shield. I added what appears to be the top of a V-twin motorcycle motor, used in most customs and choppers. Continuing with the custom motorcycle look, I wanted to have flames. And then I decided that I could have the lightening bolt striking the grounds and having flames shooting out of the ground and surrounding the logo. So I drew it the best I could and then had my artistic friend re-draw it.
This tattoo is still my favorite, but it isn’t perfect and I am not that into bikes anymore but to me that is okay. I believe tattoos should tell your story in some way. So as long as it was important to you then it can always remind you of that time in your life.”
Thursday Jan 05, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - THE DOG-FACED BAT
“I've always wanted to be tattooed but I had weird notions about how I was going to go about it. It had to be centered or symmetrical or be something that made sense if it wasn't. It had to be something that represented some part of my personality or beliefs. It had to be something that wasn't likely to be seen on every other person out there. And it had to be somewhere that would be seen, if you're going to adorn your body you shouldn't be afraid of what people will think. I like things a little dark and/or macabre. So when I learned that my favorite animal happens to represent the underworld/afterlife I decided that's what I wanted. Originally I wanted to get it on my ankle but after seeing a PBS special about vampire bats and how they hang from the ankles on cows to feed I decided that might be a little too much imagery for me. I spent years looking for the perfect image and wondering when I'd find the money. Shortly after turning 30 and getting my tongue pierced, I happened on the perfect opportunity. I went to an auction for my niece's grade school and the man running the auction put his services in as an item to bid on. He's a tattoo artist with a studio in North Portland. I bid and won. We exchanged emails about what I was looking for. When I showed up, he had his son's National Geographic with a photo of a bat. It was one of the more attractive of the 900 different types, a dog faced bat. It was the actual size and much bigger than I meant to get but he thought we'd loose the detail if it was smaller so I let him put it on my forearm (the only place it would fit and be visible most of the time) and it turned out, in my opinion, very real looking. I want to have it worked on a bit with some coloring (including the blood droplets that I had intended to be bright red) and have it holding a branch of Deadly Nightshade. I've come to think of it as a sort of talisman or protector since it will never leave me and always represent a part of myself I actually like.”
Tuesday Jan 03, 2006
"Seen At The Clubs" - Photos by Mark The Cobrasnake
More from Mark here.
Tuesday Jan 03, 2006
Every BODY Has A Story - Erica Followwill
"Growing up, I picture myself as a caterpillar- a happy little bug with no cares in the world and in love with life and the world. Then, I went into a cocoon for a very long time (I got into a relationship that was full of anger, loneliness and control.) I was enclosed in my cocoon for over 5 years- sad and alone, kept from my family, friends, everyone. I was lost- the real me was no longer there and I didn't have the courage to break out of my cocoon until this past summer (I broke up with the a**hole). When I emerged, I was a beautiful butterfly with a whole lifetime ahead of me. I found myself again and came out even better. I'm happy, confident, and sarcastic again with a new maturity level and a lot of knowledge. Every time I look at my arm, it reminds me of all the s**t I will never allow myself to go through because I'll never get lost again- I've fallen in love with myself finally. The last picture is of me & my "man" Oscar Dog. He's the love of my life and nothing could separate the bond between us. He shows me the true meaning of love very single day. If this wasn't about tattoos, I'd send a bunch of pictures of all the cute tricks my "vicious baby-eating" Pitt bull could do. This is just the start to a whole body piece- the butterflies will eventually wrap around my body and end at my foot. The work is being done by a wonderful tattoo artist named Jake who works at Body Vogue in Pawtucket, RI."
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