Tattoo Design: flowers

Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts

Two for Tattoosday - Dave's Scalpflower and Bethany's Lonely Whale

A couple weeks back, I met Dave and Bethany outside of the Borders Penn Plaza in Manhattan. Both had amazing ink and shared some tattoos with us. Let's start with Dave's "scalpflower":<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dave explained that this floral tattoo on his scalp was inked by Mike Adams, who was doing a guest spot at Thicker Than Water in Manhattan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dave elaborated:</div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We had talked about some ideas when I saw him [Mike Adams] at the Philadelphia Convention. We showed up [at Thicker than Water] and he just showed me some of the drawings of the tattoos he had recently done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGM_5xhWrinrCyO0npO42T3gqHLRBqsP-i7JxKWbqszkvdR7FbGXY4gJBqtfsYPrAaiEu5OSvxUGByBEYAMUaFY5tV7n05RAtr9FkWwEI8ZBuoXdETixCgR8b9GEjuxquAnKHDbPVlVw/s1600/Scalpflower+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGM_5xhWrinrCyO0npO42T3gqHLRBqsP-i7JxKWbqszkvdR7FbGXY4gJBqtfsYPrAaiEu5OSvxUGByBEYAMUaFY5tV7n05RAtr9FkWwEI8ZBuoXdETixCgR8b9GEjuxquAnKHDbPVlVw/s320/Scalpflower+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He had done another flower on someone else in the past week and I said 'Oh, let's do one of those.' He said, 'Yeah, that's awesome/ Let's do it.' "</div></blockquote>Dave, who is approximately 70% covered in tattoos, had mostly been worked on by Tony Hundahl from Rock of Ages Tattoo in Austin, Texas. Hundahl has done both of Dave's sleeves (including the traditional segment pictured below), his chest, stomach, back, knees and one of his legs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8l34aPVIy2mjvMLcHEaG2gE0h0iNcuqLlrztRX82H-iIkJU8FrXGFh9gjMxBqBIH_vbQhl_rctIlshibHIKpuC2nJB8jAPpYbEzc2KrhDUEULQFspqJp10UVKsE03XPqFD3PiK7r2os/s1600/Mom+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8l34aPVIy2mjvMLcHEaG2gE0h0iNcuqLlrztRX82H-iIkJU8FrXGFh9gjMxBqBIH_vbQhl_rctIlshibHIKpuC2nJB8jAPpYbEzc2KrhDUEULQFspqJp10UVKsE03XPqFD3PiK7r2os/s640/Mom+Dad.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
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Dave added that, since moving to Washington D.C. recently, he started collecting work from other artists in the East.<br />
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Along with Dave, I met Bethany who, shared one of her more recent tattoos, this whale by Deno Jr.:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA8sTxfpuTs_X7HXzyIv7K6ZoIQxW1ZK56jMqUEGfWYC1aLR_tGQutW_wxzo7AWq0cXwjiUkrW4SBwfycHRxMVmwHrTnjdmQSKqUYJCyGf-kidZzm2C4DohKDoPgmSWbeScr51EdrjUQ/s1600/Whale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirA8sTxfpuTs_X7HXzyIv7K6ZoIQxW1ZK56jMqUEGfWYC1aLR_tGQutW_wxzo7AWq0cXwjiUkrW4SBwfycHRxMVmwHrTnjdmQSKqUYJCyGf-kidZzm2C4DohKDoPgmSWbeScr51EdrjUQ/s400/Whale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Deno Jr. works out of Circus Tattoo in Madrid, Spain, but had recently done a guest spot at Tattoo Paradise in D.C.<br />
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This tattoo is of this lonely whale, whose song is different from any other species, so it is an outcast, and she doesn't have a mate.<br />
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Two for Tattoosday - Dave's Scalpflower and Bethany's Lonely Whale

A couple weeks back, I met Dave and Bethany outside of the Borders Penn Plaza in Manhattan. Both had amazing ink and shared some tattoos wit...

1:52 PM

Colleen Returns to Share Some Lovely Ink

I spotted a woman with some really great tattoos out on Penn Plaza and, after talking to her a brief moment, realized it was Colleen, who appeared on Tattoosday once before, back in 2009, as chronicled here.<br />
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Colleen shared two tattoos that grace her upper arms:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5BuSKuhxei1MNu6lTcmCyo_Hg9fy2j7enKDpN7T6-L2x8pnF1Y1d8_18YlrEfJMQ3GkMTuFl8w4gSla-bwGu3ab8xHxFYHcb4ChwYZ5V-Mh2LusBf8XOWss1PsaNKrioBxtcWH8Dps0/s1600/lotus+skull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5BuSKuhxei1MNu6lTcmCyo_Hg9fy2j7enKDpN7T6-L2x8pnF1Y1d8_18YlrEfJMQ3GkMTuFl8w4gSla-bwGu3ab8xHxFYHcb4ChwYZ5V-Mh2LusBf8XOWss1PsaNKrioBxtcWH8Dps0/s400/lotus+skull.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br />
Colleen <b>loves</b> this tattoo and I can't say I blame her. As a Buddhist, she appreciates the symbolism of the lotus and the <i>om</i> on the skull. She explained:<br />
<blockquote>"the lotus comes out of the mud at the bottom of the water and blooms out of that and that's ... birth. And the skull [represents] death."</blockquote>The piece encompasses the cycle of life and death. She credits this wonderful work to Patrick Conlon at Graceland Brooklyn.<br />
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Colleen also has this work on her right arm:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo-WZNHtXkPxcFoutYkLeaE5JKnpGzVVFY_urWAUAhOsFOsvDBAD1diEffOtobwKPyId2Go_8j-FpqyaUk_0ogRJUK7j8SOR7LWPDMfNrX0uMzWkmb-Ml9cRLCNaBShfVGTVDumGfbHY/s1600/dragon+colleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo-WZNHtXkPxcFoutYkLeaE5JKnpGzVVFY_urWAUAhOsFOsvDBAD1diEffOtobwKPyId2Go_8j-FpqyaUk_0ogRJUK7j8SOR7LWPDMfNrX0uMzWkmb-Ml9cRLCNaBShfVGTVDumGfbHY/s400/dragon+colleen.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br />
Colleen explained that the dragon was there first, and then Patrick added the fire and pansies, to make it a much more beautiful tattoo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_LcsjKhSk8VpNLOe9o6atP6G4jEP3qtLC1DiENp-q4m5ISiRMSqDRrKAPYXtv7ns-Yb2tgKyRmICmTbht_zqJLrt2x8wzYCrx2WMztLeON8d_lV04pczk7fLvFgdTCO4SvWnNxzvLXQ/s1600/colleen+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_LcsjKhSk8VpNLOe9o6atP6G4jEP3qtLC1DiENp-q4m5ISiRMSqDRrKAPYXtv7ns-Yb2tgKyRmICmTbht_zqJLrt2x8wzYCrx2WMztLeON8d_lV04pczk7fLvFgdTCO4SvWnNxzvLXQ/s400/colleen+detail.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Thanks to Colleen for sharing her tattoos with us (again) on Tattoosday!<br />
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Colleen Returns to Share Some Lovely Ink

I spotted a woman with some really great tattoos out on Penn Plaza and, after talking to her a brief moment, realized it was Colleen, who ap...

1:03 AM

Repost: Michael's Mariachis

<i>Well, it has been a repost sort of week, and as it is All Soul's Day, a.k.a. The Day of the Dead, this only seemed fitting. It's from my college friend, Michael, and it appeared here originally on December 30, 2008. Enjoy!</i><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269720254143055906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQG-ZjqGAKyU6o5IkT212dRhV7cOIi2W7HddOZIXsB72SOF90r-RjM_nNv1Hfi8Ifuhxuw4sdYLrGcK3uJDHfm0GgTE0d5lQcprCSOt0j021YLHmUWrrFwYS4l3ZjZFZoSSlVcJONl7RaL/s640/mariachi+with+iris.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 356px;" width="569" /><br />
In reconnecting with old college friends through Facebook, my old friend Michael who I haven't seen in almost twenty years sent me an amazing tattoo he has on his right arm.<br />
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He sent me before and after shots so we can see the transformation from outline to spectacularly colorful body art. First, the before shots.....<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269719225156372226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpyG47s5Ab8GZzuoS1FNB8aCl6O5cyuj1MnBuap7LOWhUMnchVn3JFTHDRp3jp_8Qf3ovzh-NWrElPPFHCkDJ8D2Q8z2SkscaSM_B2igTRLp9BgJuNE4DdnGC7Zmy0YB8reZu3q2wALOv/s640/mariachi+outline+1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" width="342" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269718659087915346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnGG_JoKA7YaO8p5uY6xCGuMGVrQ-Ug8saDlDuUcYjb5OewHZtBPUuQolSqr7IGkoGuGdqSstRU94FTHgeUWLeHQs6uUynfxGCSuZWQl0wRdJG8aVAXnm-QGqHoFYXAsq1Yyy6Eo-Q7qt/s400/mariachi+outline+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 176px;" /><br />
The detail and the line work is exemplary and breath-taking. As someone with a guitar inked on my arm, I can appreciate the intricacies of a finely-drawn instrument. The detail on the mariachi's jacket cuff is incredible.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269719773239210498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_l-1sUP3l96Ox7DiTETQXOY_F1uscr0b7P3uVOeZ4tHe5gSarTKznkbnkcap-aenmNE9vjrEfXRfxugUEiEV1bUJmsjK3QeNa2WQtOiwwldtQzgF-2AgZNUfoescCovX7yIPpxubNF-0/s400/mariachi+detail.jpg" style="display: block; height: 147px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
And now, for some color:<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269718515179009634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pAPO8cWZeRiCaE2-jdLHiwmt33iPqti0yQESq2p5cNjr7VS2sTgcJwikiCwYl3nYlqJyWo7PPmB1z6aLPQcjdB0-GXkhHSFcafNMRepEcsjeu-wyg6SYwkN8iEJ061ItGHzzQGsidxFa/s400/mariachi+right.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 193px;" /><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269718414681594482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtWDXReXnqg3HDBDUK7BPOjKt99Qe1IHfY_AjLpTapDXiwUpeeAd8ypGYjRzEoEp0KW6ACKQUzEiTrt2eGbbLNrVN4u6LMuPXRZOhJy1BRgt_r8D_eKlz3soTjtjrnT-lofp2Tr9Rmps2/s400/mariachi+left.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 146px;" /><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269718302019198898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-ThIFKR8Yi6K_WHVGW27xaw-cGmn5vr7AK-mH52kev55n1Hv_Bjn8M0fzc9Bmfd_nGSb9hXkbwWy5oH2KL7zFnBfNm3vm6abfsGQEJ9NVByyhmpfKPe1QqwpFpvaJejRVG08tuQ8NR9C/s640/mariachi+center.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 190px;" width="304" /><br />
Michael explains the basic premise of this tattoo:<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">In a sense, this piece is a "memorial" tattoo, although I hate to call it that.  Since I grew up in the Southwest, Day of the Dead was a regular thing, so I've always been drawn to that type of imagery, plus I like the meaning -- honoring the dead, and reminding us to live life to the fullest.</span>   <span style="font-style: italic;"> I picked the mariachis partly because I am so into music, and partly because of the celebratory aspect of mariachis. </span></blockquote>Like many intricate tattoos with multiple elements, every part has significance. The tulips, for example, that are growing at the mariachi's feet, "are an actual heirloom varietal that I have in the garden" [and]  are for my wife -- tulips are her favorite flower".<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="285" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285329957944922738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyypf3FaboSBnBjkOPRfrUF_csDwPo1u81Ose2h3NbCMs1DVJKS8xe8vOLgJdiE8a_AqmVqC3zUTQFLpepfjm5Ip-F7MFn9c8dIo5iU6GOdnf3uDFyCxzwydpn6vTwH9FFIPA5nX6Xt-JO/s400/mariachi+tulips.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /><br />
And the angel at the top of the piece (and the top of the post)?<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="355" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269719465230803490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQhPyNCz5SQAgi4FPybnIrR8V13KKaOtnWvM0L9mmMFFUIxL4aY6TyQYI1l69dL5JHWaVQSyWC_A1YJct_xxWj50DfxfcducZ7DYV26H87rSkgJ1FEIAENz2_Z7koI1TCcQhLuQmMnBsx/s400/mariachi+top.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /><br />
Michael informs us that "the angel is for my mother, who is no longer with us.  The angel holds a purple iris (my mother's favorite flower), and looks down over the whole scene."<br />
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This amazing piece was inked by Susan Behney-Doyle who works out of Jinx Proof Tattoo in Washington, D.C. Mexican folk art is one of her specialties (see a gallery of her work here) and Michael says he "gave her a few reference pieces to look at, but she basically drew it after a consultation".  He continues, "we made just a couple tweaks after I saw the drawing, but it's a one-of-a-kind custom piece".<br />
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The whole tattoo was crafted back in 2006 over a five-month, seven-session period. Michael notes that one of those sessions was devoted solely to shading the guitar. A closer look at the instrument reveals an incredible complexity of brown variations that truly makes the guitar jump off the skin.

Repost: Michael's Mariachis

Well, it has been a repost sort of week, and as it is All Soul's Day, a.k.a. The Day of the Dead, this only seemed fitting. It's fro...

7:19 AM

Stu's Sleeve in Progress

One of the drawbacks of approaching folks in Penn Station as I pass through after work is that, if they're waiting for a train, and their platform is called, they're off to the races. Sometimes people reach out to me after I've met them, but other times I don't hear from them again.<br />
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Such was the case with Stu, who shared the top part of his sleeve-in-progress:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkkMP4nABh88h5cUszioEqFjHACFACMB9wOLt9yfwp_Vi6BWhXxpdDLYScHMx-aHO3zOoZoKKEpON_c6kzDZ_UI3eBI_E46hChnHLLqr1d7vMAMlq5yZdiTX0nqa3voLTsJ1syP89hY0/s1600/steve+sleeve+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkkMP4nABh88h5cUszioEqFjHACFACMB9wOLt9yfwp_Vi6BWhXxpdDLYScHMx-aHO3zOoZoKKEpON_c6kzDZ_UI3eBI_E46hChnHLLqr1d7vMAMlq5yZdiTX0nqa3voLTsJ1syP89hY0/s400/steve+sleeve+in+progress.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><br />
Stu was able to tell me that his artist is <span class="st"><i><i></i></i>Richie Calascibett</span><span class="st"> at Starlight Tattoo in Rochelle Park, New Jersey.</span><br />
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<span class="st">I particularly love the blue flower and the way that Richie tattooed the wind into the design.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzdrhLywVJz9tJ7TwBlDRzWxJY0zjbUfMucPooxRlIg4ty_0vkbUlctDdt0Nhfn8ULWYAtnk_ecO3WKoOrCANa51w2cayhG80L8GA9_V1biQ2KH9wSKzy0J1LeZzMd5jDlp1ly_lQegU/s1600/stu+sleeve+in+progress+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzdrhLywVJz9tJ7TwBlDRzWxJY0zjbUfMucPooxRlIg4ty_0vkbUlctDdt0Nhfn8ULWYAtnk_ecO3WKoOrCANa51w2cayhG80L8GA9_V1biQ2KH9wSKzy0J1LeZzMd5jDlp1ly_lQegU/s400/stu+sleeve+in+progress+detail.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><span class="st"><br />
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<span class="st">Thanks to Stu for sharing this great tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!</span><br />
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Stu's Sleeve in Progress

One of the drawbacks of approaching folks in Penn Station as I pass through after work is that, if they're waiting for a train, and thei...

7:14 AM

Kim's Floral Arm

Kim's Floral Arm

I caught Kim in Penn Station one day after work last month, just as she was getting ready to board her train. She shared this floral tattoo ...

7:13 AM

Tattoorism: Sean Returns, Part 1

Back in 2009, one of our loyal readers, Sean, submitted a whole slew of his work for our viewing pleasure. You can read the original posts, <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/02/tattoorism-seans-leg-piece-represents.html">here</a> and <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/03/tattoorism-sean-stops-by-to-unveil-more.html">here</a>. <br /><br />Why do I bring this up now? Last summer, Sean sent us more of his tat-alog of work and I had been saving it for a rainy day. Since it's a rainy, sleety, snowy day, I thought I should share more of what Sean sent along. And since he sent a lot, I'm splitting it into two posts. What follows is the first installment. Italics represent direct quotes from Sean.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39089uzI3Di9SAKqKQKWymj0bOu4IMbAJKUq2GA_Ik21oev4v7dpcA-c1a-E2W_dyeQwRxjvB5ClNKWRM24-_wGGtQYfH34UxyO_XDYfCBRREL7DlzWHOhorgYQEhsXGoQaMHuB8Rxs0/s1600/Flower+Ditch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39089uzI3Di9SAKqKQKWymj0bOu4IMbAJKUq2GA_Ik21oev4v7dpcA-c1a-E2W_dyeQwRxjvB5ClNKWRM24-_wGGtQYfH34UxyO_XDYfCBRREL7DlzWHOhorgYQEhsXGoQaMHuB8Rxs0/s400/Flower+Ditch.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><i>I got the ditch of my elbow done probably about a year or so ago.  It is  a flower of sorts, of my own design, made up of various geometrical  shapes.  The tattoo represents two parts of our world, nature (the  floral shape itself, petals, leaves, etc.) and science (the geometric  shapes making up the flower).  I believe that one should not base their  ideals solely on nature or science/technology, but on a mixture of the  two.  It represents my appreciation for both nature and science.   Basically, I am fascinated by technology and the sciences that are its  basis, but at the same time do not feel that science should trump nature  all together but rather, have the two working together in harmony.  It  was done by <a href="http://electrictattoonj.com/section/6906_ROBERT_RYAN.html">Robert “Binky” Ryan</a> at <a href="http://electrictattoonj.com/home.html">Electric Tattoo</a> in Bradley Beach, NJ.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJJ6Xw65zP7bCING-Lm4CtVZ4tLQoNO34zzRVN73ffkz4PUdWhtkLiTaivqwTjck4sTGj3vuLS42YBKi2LRcs3OMZa4v4RewpaQ-TDuFMalNrAuotxTEkjRsJbstUksAWdYwUc2a6PIc/s1600/Sparrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJJ6Xw65zP7bCING-Lm4CtVZ4tLQoNO34zzRVN73ffkz4PUdWhtkLiTaivqwTjck4sTGj3vuLS42YBKi2LRcs3OMZa4v4RewpaQ-TDuFMalNrAuotxTEkjRsJbstUksAWdYwUc2a6PIc/s400/Sparrows.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><i>The sparrows circling my outer elbow were my next pieces done.  I had  attended a Marine museum in Philadelphia which had a great exhibit on  the tattoo culture surrounding the Navy and sailors in general  throughout history.  According to the exhibit, sailors would earn the  right to a single sparrow tattoo after traveling 5,000 miles at sea and a  second sparrow after 10,000 miles.  I am not much for sailing, but the  idea of the sparrow representing travel and all the hardships, journeys,  and successes that surround that travel appealed to me.  Further, I  have a general appreciation for American Traditional tattoos and their  overall aesthetics.  These were done by <a href="http://electrictattoonj.com/section/66139_Rich_Heller.html">Rich Heller</a> at <a href="http://electrictattoonj.com/home.html">Electric Tattoo</a>  in Bradley Beach, NJ.  </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r_Y_4dmR7cQAXeUCHYEN1oVSdmxA6lfUMZrtktmGKfcCt1jgSmSTgKW2VlUM8aHtVhFzk6i-O2MpNHt1zqVnYHmK6gxDbl_UtZHiezb2NJYRF6xrQAqU0k0Je8Ryj0D-I-lw3_XgxSc/s1600/bothfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r_Y_4dmR7cQAXeUCHYEN1oVSdmxA6lfUMZrtktmGKfcCt1jgSmSTgKW2VlUM8aHtVhFzk6i-O2MpNHt1zqVnYHmK6gxDbl_UtZHiezb2NJYRF6xrQAqU0k0Je8Ryj0D-I-lw3_XgxSc/s320/bothfeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>Don’t quite remember when I got my feet finished up, but it was sometime  within the last year and a half or so.  My feet are tattooed with a sun  and moon, which I drew myself about 6 years ago.  The duality of the sun  and moon, and various meanings that these two symbols hold are why I  had them tattooed.  The idea that each represents night and day, or two  opposites that work together to make up a whole, are what drew me to  having the designs placed on my feet.  Further, it represents the two  sides that I have to myself, a lighter, happy, and caring side and a  darker, selfish side.  I feel a person cannot fully understand  themselves without acknowledging and accepting all parts of their  personalities.  I also gave the sun and moon, a dark, kind of macabre,  look as I am a huge horror fan and have always been attracted to the  darker side of things.  Originally, I had them inked by Robert “Binky”  Ryan (then at <a href="http://www.bodytattoos.com/">Body Art World</a> in Pt. Pleasant, NJ but now Electric Tattoo  in Bradley Beach, NJ) in 2004.  They were done in grey wash and I was  happy with them for about 5 years, in which point I decided to have them  colored in, and had some background added.  The color and background  were added by Brody Longo at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/slingininknj">Slingin’ Ink</a> in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrii1Z-iitVNP61yRB-1Es1gRE-VVI229p-UH2f3OF3H6wLthkv0Fq7tbyiG4PbMhYGh8RhevF4NKqak4A4jHPGF55zzn4WY2nuYswlWhJq3VbDiAEQ30MxE-6v2MQzWOsdFshLPHaOw/s1600/anchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrii1Z-iitVNP61yRB-1Es1gRE-VVI229p-UH2f3OF3H6wLthkv0Fq7tbyiG4PbMhYGh8RhevF4NKqak4A4jHPGF55zzn4WY2nuYswlWhJq3VbDiAEQ30MxE-6v2MQzWOsdFshLPHaOw/s400/anchor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><i>The next piece I got was an anchor on my inner forearm.  The anchor  represents all the things that drag me down in life.  Across the anchor  is a banner that reads “P.M.A.” the abbreviation for positive mental  attitude.  I feel the first step in pushing through any kind of hardship  in life is to have a positive attitude, and the rest will follow.  I  want to say the original use of PMA was in a <a href="http://www.badbrains.com/">Bad Brains</a> song, but I  pulled it from its use in the <a href="http://glassjaw.com/">Glassjaw</a> song “Piano.”  This tattoo is  also a throwback to the band Glassjaw, as they have been my favorite  band for I would have to say at least 10 years now and I have  experienced just about every emotion possible while listening to their  albums.  So as an added bonus, the tattoo brings me back to all those  memories.  The tattoo was done by Rich Heller at Electric Tattoo in  Bradley Beach, NJ.</i><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Sean for sharing all of this with us here on Tattoosday, and for patiently waiting for me to post it!<br /><br />Stay tuned for part 2.....

Tattoorism: Sean Returns, Part 1

Back in 2009, one of our loyal readers, Sean, submitted a whole slew of his work for our viewing pleasure. You can read the original posts, ...

4:44 AM

Clark's Tattoo Incorporates Utah Wildflowers and a French Surrealist

Back in October, I briefly met Clark when I was passing through Penn Station at the end of the day. He was waiting for a train, so we didn't have a lengthy discussion, but he did let me photograph his right forearm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJc5dmRddnNzzNPtGO-GiTRs71JWpagOkCSQbplJ17bSyrfxW6IMI1suiAGCckU_vypxDvsP65fEBfmNfO5AvNfyawyfabS49F0PANMP3BzAF53s2SQmKsmO-b08nj0DTtBllPU6HxFk/s1600/utah+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJc5dmRddnNzzNPtGO-GiTRs71JWpagOkCSQbplJ17bSyrfxW6IMI1suiAGCckU_vypxDvsP65fEBfmNfO5AvNfyawyfabS49F0PANMP3BzAF53s2SQmKsmO-b08nj0DTtBllPU6HxFk/s640/utah+collage.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />There are two significant elements to this work. Clark is originally from Utah, and he has chosen to acknowledge this in ink by having Utah wildflowers incorporated in the piece.<br /><br />The figure is bordered by the French phrase <b style="font-weight: normal;">"Nul n'est censé ignorer" which can be translated as "ignorance is no excuse." The figure is based on the work of French painter and poet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Picabia#Visual_gallery">Francis Picabia.</a></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;">Clark credited both Jonah Ellis and Joss Macetti at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gracelandbrooklyn#%21/gracelandbrooklyn?sk=info">Graceland Brooklyn</a> for work on this tattoo.</b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;">Thanks to Clark for sharing this with us here on Tattoosday!</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Clark's Tattoo Incorporates Utah Wildflowers and a French Surrealist

Back in October, I briefly met Clark when I was passing through Penn Station at the end of the day. He was waiting for a train, so we didn...

9:08 AM

Something Girly This Way Comes

I met Nadya one afternoon in the beginning of October in Borders on Penn Plaza.<br /><br />She shared this tattoo, which covered up a date she had initially inscribed on her arm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr-SG5ZGoMXJqRxiLKnrLEISDoOXB0fs-nypN_ZOaPznsYAUF_g-o3mMrrKVU5k2fwoeJkhlu72zLYc-b0WCuRQ8Sp5-D7cNruQgHSgsWcAfJvbhavAjy2iR8pQ7A6OgTqaiJTDdNIl8/s1600/Nadya+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr-SG5ZGoMXJqRxiLKnrLEISDoOXB0fs-nypN_ZOaPznsYAUF_g-o3mMrrKVU5k2fwoeJkhlu72zLYc-b0WCuRQ8Sp5-D7cNruQgHSgsWcAfJvbhavAjy2iR8pQ7A6OgTqaiJTDdNIl8/s640/Nadya+wm.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />Nadya told me that she wanted something "girly".<br /><br />What I found most interesting about this tattoo is that when I asked her who the artist was, she told me it was her father. I can't imagine tattooing my own daughter. I would be too nervous!<br /><br />Thanks to Nadya for sharing this tattoo with us here on Tattoosday.

Something Girly This Way Comes

I met Nadya one afternoon in the beginning of October in Borders on Penn Plaza. She shared this tattoo, which covered up a date she had init...

8:39 AM

Sarah's Chrysanthemum

I spotted this lovely flower on Sarah while she was waiting for her train in Penn Station:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApxg1d9o43iIi2BBtzd16jJ3zolRkjeX1ImCmIXwPK1tKosE5uBPebAcvj_HX-SnZ8TBoayCmFFBpjo_O4VTQiHrpF8lhw7IlbiutbXKUOlQcjtpPm4Fr6Jliv1I90zupHcEPUWus/s1600/chrysanthemum+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApxg1d9o43iIi2BBtzd16jJ3zolRkjeX1ImCmIXwPK1tKosE5uBPebAcvj_HX-SnZ8TBoayCmFFBpjo_O4VTQiHrpF8lhw7IlbiutbXKUOlQcjtpPm4Fr6Jliv1I90zupHcEPUWus/s640/chrysanthemum+wm.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br />This <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum">chrysanthemum</a> is her first tattoo and sits on her upper left arm. Sarah is a big fan of Eastern art and understands that chrysanthemums are symbols of joy (except in Germany, she noted). She feels that <a href="http://www.silkcitytattoo.com/russell-kelley/">Russell Kelley</a> at <a href="http://www.silkcitytattoo.com/">Silk City Tattoo</a> in Hawthorne, New Jersey did a nice job of merging Eastern and Old School styles on this beautiful flower. Work from Silk City has appeared multiple times before and can all be seen under Silk City's Tattoosday label <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/Silk%20City%20Tattoo">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Sarah for sharing her tattoo with us, and Happy Labor Day from us here at Tattoosday!

Sarah's Chrysanthemum

I spotted this lovely flower on Sarah while she was waiting for her train in Penn Station: This chrysanthemum is her first tattoo and sits ...

6:17 AM

Kristine's Globe and a Memorial for Mom

Kristine has seven tattoos, two of which she shared with us late last month in Penn Station.<br /><br />The first one I  noticed when she walked by was this piece from the back of her calf:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NRZwFuHlWIX9vZNU5l2MbRZxMX1aee8_hLbRjX8OpOSEtSGp9M3SJ6630Q_DNSH26mn5qRGIx29W-Mk4-_GxVb120W5pb9SAFAkPsZ_09EouV_UHaJBmXbQ6SNvAj9gaP4VLyVTz/s1600/Globe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NRZwFuHlWIX9vZNU5l2MbRZxMX1aee8_hLbRjX8OpOSEtSGp9M3SJ6630Q_DNSH26mn5qRGIx29W-Mk4-_GxVb120W5pb9SAFAkPsZ_09EouV_UHaJBmXbQ6SNvAj9gaP4VLyVTz/s320/Globe.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />This is an homage to her travels, having recently returned from ten months in New Zealand. The Latin phrase below the globe, "<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20omnia%20paratus">On Omnia Paratus</a>" translates to "ready for all things".<br /><br />She also shared this lovely floral tattoo on her upper right arm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtgqWjK-8UGOurpTkvb8ugWZILaGCVX8l79Zxj-GspyrTDjDQZDOvdhSIKd5SLhXuTnVcN_fefBKUZn6mWD-Sd6-KbTqhFEDTYHNjgKgAx8u9eJaLVWC0NDoOUOOflAyKEyu-Kj9g/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtgqWjK-8UGOurpTkvb8ugWZILaGCVX8l79Zxj-GspyrTDjDQZDOvdhSIKd5SLhXuTnVcN_fefBKUZn6mWD-Sd6-KbTqhFEDTYHNjgKgAx8u9eJaLVWC0NDoOUOOflAyKEyu-Kj9g/s400/tulips.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><br />Kristine explained that these <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulip">tulips</a> are a memorial to her mother, who passed away from lung cancer.<br /><br />These tattoos were done by <a href="http://www.nogroovesingunsights.blogspot.com/">Chris Pesonen</a> at <a href="http://www.fatkattat.com/index.html">Fat Kat Tattoos</a> in Keyport, New Jersey. Work from Fat Kat has appeared previously on Tattoosday <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/Fat%20Kat%20Tattoo">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Kristine for sharing her tattoos with us hereon Tattoosday!

Kristine's Globe and a Memorial for Mom

Kristine has seven tattoos, two of which she shared with us late last month in Penn Station. The first one I noticed when she walked by was...

3:48 AM

Eric's Tattoo: Zero the Fool and an Obsession with Time

I met Eric on Seventh Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets earlier this month.<br /><br />This tarot card on his left forearm jumped out at me:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYiRLU8v9WqzaHmujCCtmfs_cVaF8DIkQ4l8nnEI1fAfKk7YPZrEDg15HC6fo_-rodAhdqBBkQKDshTBEfMazYs27_gslZEDAwstkZZ4RC77hyphenhyphen9wHAWwCDO9KNPi9BYtI95PQthvU/s1600/fool+center+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYiRLU8v9WqzaHmujCCtmfs_cVaF8DIkQ4l8nnEI1fAfKk7YPZrEDg15HC6fo_-rodAhdqBBkQKDshTBEfMazYs27_gslZEDAwstkZZ4RC77hyphenhyphen9wHAWwCDO9KNPi9BYtI95PQthvU/s640/fool+center+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Eric is a mixed media artist whose website can be seen <a href="http://www.ericdevlin.com/">here</a>. He is an illustrator and is currently in school studying toy design. The tattoo he has is primarily based on a linoleum block he had created that recalls the Tarot card "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fool_%28tarot_card%29">The Fool</a>". Because it is an unnumbered card in the deck, it is often referred to as "Zero" or 0.<br /><br />The Fool often represents the beginning of a journey, oftentimes a "foolish adventure". He had this tattooed to commemorate his decision to move from Boston to New York City. While the decision may not have been foolish, it did mark a new journey in Eric's life.<br /><br />The card was tattooed by Hannah at <a href="http://regenerationtattoo.com/home.html">Regeneration Tattoo</a> in Boston.<br /><br />One may have noticed that there is work around the tarot card, as well, so it's only fair to show the piece as a whole:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RGT7zOvLbRBv7KaZk4e6rtmww23vmxVKti3eltXrIxMvnooCbY1b7qUUGHA9Ln_pl1exuewzEVQ_FbfN79QJu7K4lWSIS-8zSeV7ke9_bu0gtf9uM7IGuAmw5B3ZTfHFqdb05GJW/s1600/Fool+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RGT7zOvLbRBv7KaZk4e6rtmww23vmxVKti3eltXrIxMvnooCbY1b7qUUGHA9Ln_pl1exuewzEVQ_FbfN79QJu7K4lWSIS-8zSeV7ke9_bu0gtf9uM7IGuAmw5B3ZTfHFqdb05GJW/s400/Fool+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And the tattoo extends up the arm a bit from the pocket watch on the right:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJviCtzjWouCUukjhCtVpeBJlPNU_Xs52Rr2tisvugtJYoUD3iCANR0_vo4pN-HTJoynqzMLTDVlniFrZNxwluRdMe_bMQmsDgSFD1jdHGEAHS1Wva3HcUrjUquOg1-FbXWDAhShi_/s1600/Fool+extra+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJviCtzjWouCUukjhCtVpeBJlPNU_Xs52Rr2tisvugtJYoUD3iCANR0_vo4pN-HTJoynqzMLTDVlniFrZNxwluRdMe_bMQmsDgSFD1jdHGEAHS1Wva3HcUrjUquOg1-FbXWDAhShi_/s640/Fool+extra+collage.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><br />The additional elements in the tattoo speak to Eric's obsession with the passage of the time. Snowflakes are only temporary as they fall from the sky and melt, or become mixed with other flakes and lose their singularity.<br /><br />The flowers are imagined creations representing growth. Eric's floral images are inspired by the artwork of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Darger">Henry Darger</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn92lAQLPGheOKDd2xtT1yZe_tj7zSRgvHrwCIEimRaGIXlTD9obloCN1N6IjmPh2Rm4DM2w1ydtrZyR_wqRLPK7IEYKJ7iDwI9KIxYTI3RzpozmNbZS4oSq4DGTmIVSIb9jyH8Iww/s1600/dargerprops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn92lAQLPGheOKDd2xtT1yZe_tj7zSRgvHrwCIEimRaGIXlTD9obloCN1N6IjmPh2Rm4DM2w1ydtrZyR_wqRLPK7IEYKJ7iDwI9KIxYTI3RzpozmNbZS4oSq4DGTmIVSIb9jyH8Iww/s400/dargerprops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />He also notes that the time piece is cracked and broken:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWAcb9iqPuCUJD7UGhFlABMuTvGvY9oxlXQuxjClGBDclFgtrOhwfvAE19tY0dyyYZ8eYliXbMWr7oNOnOWHXaae7UJoPga3c1AK1VDOVFdtnSeukXqCi2ZP8fat09M0khsla4UaO/s1600/clock+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWAcb9iqPuCUJD7UGhFlABMuTvGvY9oxlXQuxjClGBDclFgtrOhwfvAE19tY0dyyYZ8eYliXbMWr7oNOnOWHXaae7UJoPga3c1AK1VDOVFdtnSeukXqCi2ZP8fat09M0khsla4UaO/s320/clock+detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />This, he says, represents the fight against the obsession and paranoia over the passage of time.<br /><br />The work around the tarot card was all tattooed by <a href="http://www.louchelink.com/pages/page14kellykrantz.html">Kelly Krantz</a> at the now-defunct Hold Fast Tattoo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. From what I can tell, Krantz is not currently affiliated with any one tattoo shop.<br /><br />Thanks to Eric for sharing his thought-provoking tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Eric's Tattoo: Zero the Fool and an Obsession with Time

I met Eric on Seventh Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets earlier this month. This tarot card on his left forearm jumped out at me: Eric is...

4:50 AM

Tattoosday Goes To Hawai'i: Mark's Sleeve Pays Tribute to East and West

I spent a good chunk of time at <a href="http://www.alamoanacenter.com/">Ala Moana Center</a> one of the days I was in Hawai'i. Even in paradise, malls are great places for inkspotting.<br /><br />It was there that I met Mark, who had a full sleeve to offer up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyR7WWcJejZ1IIi2XTpnc7cZYsvlPx-RYGDv5VzeZc5NycXCMzoMeqROfKn-_aNpY77-6YhBxBrxCNuzHasZty93_Nt_Tyd1BBkNshZVJvmGY0nPKhyphenhyphenvJxjm7F1bWiqJyUHpISwNO/s1600/Mark+sleeve+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyR7WWcJejZ1IIi2XTpnc7cZYsvlPx-RYGDv5VzeZc5NycXCMzoMeqROfKn-_aNpY77-6YhBxBrxCNuzHasZty93_Nt_Tyd1BBkNshZVJvmGY0nPKhyphenhyphenvJxjm7F1bWiqJyUHpISwNO/s640/Mark+sleeve+1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />Now, before we begin, let me just say that I generally shy away from featuring full sleeves here on Tattoosday, out of respect to the host, the artist and, most of all, the tattoo. A work of art laid across flesh is often difficult to express in two-dimensional photos on a computer screen.<br /><br />But Mark's sleeve was exceptional and I loved the color detail in the work. So let's check it out....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAZZImG-nkGen25mLO4bkuSCltjl7zwwS-0CGXONPUgUsG7HDSp362xVyLcX03yeXsd2R7o0-PX8xr7fjVPLUaamEAbdR2gDRmDWO3tFBiMf3vFc-PulxNePp3cVHZGsiRWIPQon2/s1600/Mark+Lower+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAZZImG-nkGen25mLO4bkuSCltjl7zwwS-0CGXONPUgUsG7HDSp362xVyLcX03yeXsd2R7o0-PX8xr7fjVPLUaamEAbdR2gDRmDWO3tFBiMf3vFc-PulxNePp3cVHZGsiRWIPQon2/s400/Mark+Lower+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />Items to note in this work:<br /><br />Mark was born in the year of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_%28zodiac%29">Snake</a>, which explains the serpent.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsTbsVYUBK0Dit59Ft9JWitrFUV6amqAq2BHKpCLYz8RUSSY9sQvKoiDB1EbNtYe68lmKJe7dGodzgm514ckB-73m4ZVdM-5ZuB6YLgd4m1ufz1-QsmdNxjgRZ3-s0Ng_f02jqze3/s1600/Mark+snake+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsTbsVYUBK0Dit59Ft9JWitrFUV6amqAq2BHKpCLYz8RUSSY9sQvKoiDB1EbNtYe68lmKJe7dGodzgm514ckB-73m4ZVdM-5ZuB6YLgd4m1ufz1-QsmdNxjgRZ3-s0Ng_f02jqze3/s640/Mark+snake+detail.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br />He was also born during Autumn, which is why the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_maple">Japanese Maple</a> leaves are sporting fall colors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBjhWwFNTA0BoxvPvQjLALrwAO2JW8SOaujz1evJRWmn9pRT-HT-faNp48ccL36AC5bbZcmhG-OGwUkZQd6OjArfHkJCXybydBucCfw_DZt5X0K8wUsoxeEgC0lCrI8WSfJ49JuZs/s1600/Mark+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBjhWwFNTA0BoxvPvQjLALrwAO2JW8SOaujz1evJRWmn9pRT-HT-faNp48ccL36AC5bbZcmhG-OGwUkZQd6OjArfHkJCXybydBucCfw_DZt5X0K8wUsoxeEgC0lCrI8WSfJ49JuZs/s320/Mark+rose.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's also generally non-traditional to see a bright red rose in a sleeve that is predominantly Japanese. He incorporated because he is, as he described it, "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapa_haole">hapa</a>," a shortened form of "hapa <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haole">haole</a>," or a person of mixed heritage, part of which is Caucasian. To make a long story short, the red rose is a nod to the "Western" aspect of his lineage, as it is more a traditional element in tattoos in the west. The rose is complimented by the chrysanthemum, which is a more traditional Japanese flower design.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNqbcIl0y6wsU2uVF-XGoio_IB7tdQ5T_w0k2CLu2nMe5P2ycWYPTadcHj2q-hkH8l6UtS3NueS4e2qxKev5EgB3uoY4xpRx20nv8DlHDwLQjdbjKZnpwj69L2uiM44yuj0PffHLW/s1600/Mark+Upper+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNqbcIl0y6wsU2uVF-XGoio_IB7tdQ5T_w0k2CLu2nMe5P2ycWYPTadcHj2q-hkH8l6UtS3NueS4e2qxKev5EgB3uoY4xpRx20nv8DlHDwLQjdbjKZnpwj69L2uiM44yuj0PffHLW/s320/Mark+Upper+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />Similarly, the skull element at the top of the arm is more of a Western flavor, juxtaposed nicely with another chrysanthemum. <br /><br />I also love the multicolored pebbles in the design. They really pop out, especially among the milder tones of the autumn leaves and snake scales.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP74aZhprHi4OV2_xRWRkyONEZjdHM3RLhbt8paQ6gtZUyoWizGywg0x7lKOmFUINtDZ-IYOEaLF6Z0otCG24kMi2SAa_Ut_R3FIpJWUnj4559ovZ5pCwFt9Wq9KUFUrRLJX5LH5B/s1600/Mark+color+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP74aZhprHi4OV2_xRWRkyONEZjdHM3RLhbt8paQ6gtZUyoWizGywg0x7lKOmFUINtDZ-IYOEaLF6Z0otCG24kMi2SAa_Ut_R3FIpJWUnj4559ovZ5pCwFt9Wq9KUFUrRLJX5LH5B/s320/Mark+color+detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />Mark informed me that the whole sleeve was completed in five or six sittings by <a href="http://soulsignaturetattoo.com/?page_id=95">Lucky Olelo</a> at <a href="http://soulsignaturetattoo.com/">Soul Signature Tattoo</a> in Honolulu.<br /><br />Thanks to Mark for sharing his amazing work with us here on Tattoosday!

Tattoosday Goes To Hawai'i: Mark's Sleeve Pays Tribute to East and West

I spent a good chunk of time at Ala Moana Center one of the days I was in Hawai'i. Even in paradise, malls are great places for inkspot...

3:26 AM

The Tattooed Poets Project: Jeanann Verlee

Here on the final day of the 2010 Tattooed Poets Project, we are featuring two tattooed poets (in two separate posts).<br /><br />First up is <a href="http://jeanannverlee.com/">Jeanann Verlee</a>, who holds the distinction of being the one poet this year who met with me in person to discuss their tattoo.<br /><br />Jeanann offered up her upper left arm:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCxYrSg8z6yyt5TyRPfzr_T1KDa3tumCxHt72yFd9cihAVt6oEjxv-iFY6E9G9iP2XmH_ZdkxdPtV27qOTw3ncbFw7UtsinGRunS_J2ZlpYjKyrlP16IPKN_mZU7Dk4Koiv3mNsWH/s1600/racing+hummingbirds+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463131633509660418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCxYrSg8z6yyt5TyRPfzr_T1KDa3tumCxHt72yFd9cihAVt6oEjxv-iFY6E9G9iP2XmH_ZdkxdPtV27qOTw3ncbFw7UtsinGRunS_J2ZlpYjKyrlP16IPKN_mZU7Dk4Koiv3mNsWH/s400/racing+hummingbirds+2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />The incredible detail of this piece is in the hummingbirds:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuetlDBF-wD3MIQb5cW3_NdEqF0xYJB9KLxL6U2VP5nrL0yigBKsCaUza7fidJSv1OREjuDdomTd5N0qs9JyvztXU04md5aL1OwK9DIzmfz_f-ngOWMwsFTAhEER5KnwgkK0eIYeI/s1600/hummingbird+detail+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463131537879805394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuetlDBF-wD3MIQb5cW3_NdEqF0xYJB9KLxL6U2VP5nrL0yigBKsCaUza7fidJSv1OREjuDdomTd5N0qs9JyvztXU04md5aL1OwK9DIzmfz_f-ngOWMwsFTAhEER5KnwgkK0eIYeI/s400/hummingbird+detail+2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KYlk0cOw5RG8WJVh-6ldbDuMBBx8_dtOK58xRYCOaWU7g9qBehv1EHxDHDvdXPmP8uoWGfHRXPvrGFo8x98BGwDZB4HEowQxD-XKxATXAFdejtBkMn-T4Ihy1oNfdcsGQXBtwdfs/s1600/hummingbird+detail+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463131449655847426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KYlk0cOw5RG8WJVh-6ldbDuMBBx8_dtOK58xRYCOaWU7g9qBehv1EHxDHDvdXPmP8uoWGfHRXPvrGFo8x98BGwDZB4HEowQxD-XKxATXAFdejtBkMn-T4Ihy1oNfdcsGQXBtwdfs/s400/hummingbird+detail+1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />This whole tattoo is based on the cover art from her just-released first book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Racing-Hummingbirds-Jeanann-Verlee/dp/0984251553">Racing Hummingbirds</a> (<a href="http://writebloody.com/">Write Bloody Press</a>, 2010).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt8FqMEBYQhhrkk9GXvwkg7WJGcisBHhH0Y7W3lzKE4QS0I9S4IlPN0YN4EO2kDEtS7P2p5dMSrmNq-DlE_2cbV1pGz_BORY1GKKwB-3pwuJrag7G1WrdYIXCuS6Ft_7bIbJKKC4N/s1600/RacingHummingbirds_JeanannVerlee_final_FRONT.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463131108561577778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt8FqMEBYQhhrkk9GXvwkg7WJGcisBHhH0Y7W3lzKE4QS0I9S4IlPN0YN4EO2kDEtS7P2p5dMSrmNq-DlE_2cbV1pGz_BORY1GKKwB-3pwuJrag7G1WrdYIXCuS6Ft_7bIbJKKC4N/s400/RacingHummingbirds_JeanannVerlee_final_FRONT.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Jeanann knew she wanted her next tattoo to have something to do with the upcoming book. When she had the opportunity to work with an artist she respected, <a href="http://www.thegreatandsmall.com/">Tyson Schroeder</a>, Jeanann held off on getting new ink and waited to see his art for the cover. She was happy she waited and, loving what she saw, she took the design Tyson created to her tattoo artist, <a href="http://markharada.com/">Mark Harada</a> at <a href="http://www.eastsideinktattoo.com/">East Side Ink</a>.<br /><br />The racing hummingbirds design was placed adjacent to one of Jeanann's approximately fifteen other tattoos. The piece already on her arm consisted of a symbol comprised of Celtic and Nordic runes, and calla lilies, which represent transformation.<br /><br />It was truly a pleasure meeting Jeanann at Grand Central Station and talking with her about her tattoos and her poetry. One of her poems, dedicated to poet Eboni Hogan, can be seen <a href="http://oxypoet.blogspot.com/2010/04/tattooed-poets-project-jeanann-verlee.html">here</a> over on BillyBlog. Eboni's tattoo (<a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2010/05/tattooed-poets-project-eboni-hogan.html">here</a>) follows this post, and <a href="http://oxypoet.blogspot.com/2010/05/tattooed-poets-project-eboni-hogan.html">her poem</a> is dedicated to Jeanann.<br /><br />Thanks to Jeanann for taking the time to meet with me, sharing her tattoo, and rounding up an exciting 2010 Tattooed Poets Project!<br /><br />*****<br /><br />JEANANN VERLEE is a former punk rocker who collects tattoos and winks at boys. She is author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Racing-Hummingbirds-Jeanann-Verlee/dp/0984251553">Racing Hummingbirds</a> (<a href="http://writebloody.com/">Write Bloody Press</a>, 2010) and her work has appeared in a number of journals and anthologies, including <a href="http://www.nyquarterly.org/issues/current.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">The New York Quarterly</span></a>, <a href="http://www.pankmagazine.com/?page_id=42" style="font-style: italic;">PANK</a>, <a href="http://www.friggmagazine.com/" style="font-style: italic;">FRiGG</a>, <a href="http://dansemacabre.art.officelive.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-style: italic;">Danse Macabre</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.havenbooksonline.com/books/catalogue/not-a-muse">Not A Muse</a>, among others. An acclaimed performance poet who co-curates the weekly reading series <a href="http://original.bowerypoetry.com/urbana/">Urbana Poetry Slam</a> at the <a href="http://www.bowerypoetry.com/">Bowery Poetry Club</a>, Verlee has performed and facilitated workshops across North America. She was co-author and performing member of national touring company The Vortex: Conflict, Power, and Choice!, charter member of the annual <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spoken-Word-Almanac-Project/37812178129">Spoken Word Almanac Project</a>, and is an ardent animal rights and humanitarian activist. She lives in New York City with her best pal (a rescue pup named Callisto) and a pair of origami lovebirds. She believes in you. Learn more at <a href="http://www.jeanannverlee.com/">JEANANNVERLEE.com</a>.

The Tattooed Poets Project: Jeanann Verlee

Here on the final day of the 2010 Tattooed Poets Project, we are featuring two tattooed poets (in two separate posts). First up is Jeanann V...

4:00 AM

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