Tattoo U

Fetus tattoo-Conveying a silent message!

Pictured here is one innovative tat! I mean, just imagine someone actually thought of getting a fetus inked on their body. What do you think could be the reason why this person got a fetus inked on the body. Done by Angie Leaf, it’s a cool tat that surely conveys some message, whatever our take on it. Hey, this could be the best way of conveying the message of not killing the girl child. What say?

Via: Ironhorsetattoos

Popularity: 3% [?]

Footprints Over the Heart: Anthony Celebrates the Continuing Tradition of a Name

  

Mary-Lee appeared in my doorway at the end of the work day with Anthony standing next to her.

Mary-Lee’s tattoo was featured here in December. I had never met Anthony before, but Mary-Lee had mentioned his tattoo to me, and she had told him about Tattoosday. He works for one of the vendors our company utilizes for a mailing process.

Anthony, whose birth name is Antonio, is a second generation Italian-American, and the son of Antonio, Sr. He is 100% Sicilian, and last year, on July 29, experienced the joy of having a first child, a son, also named Antonio.

Antonio III.

Aside from memorial tattoos, ink honoring one’s offspring is equal to, or possibly greater, in popularity. As a parent myself, I’m partial to tattoos that pay tribute to one’s kids. Both of my tattoos were inked in honor of my daughters, so parental tattoos have a special place in my heart.

To so honor little Anthony III, Anthony Jr. inked his son’s birth name over his heart and, just below it, had his baby footprints added.

He wears with honor the legacy of his father’s name, and bears the mark of tradition, as it carries from generation to generation.

A closer look also shows that the footprints are done lighter than the print of the name, which I think is a nice effect:

A footprint isn’t generally a “permanent” fixture, and fades with time. Although the tattoo is permanent, the lighter ink lends more authenticity to the temporary nature of this snapshot in little Anthony’s first moments in the world. It captures the moment of his birth, a pinnacle of joy in every father’s life.

For a comparison, and I pass no judgment here, check out this earlier footprint post. There’s a stark difference in the two tattoos, and I will say that this example is a nicer representation of the style of tattoo.

This is Anthony’s third tattoo, but clearly the most important one. He had this inked at Tattoo Lou’s in Selden, New York. Work from one of Tattoo Lou’s other locations has appeared previously here.

Thanks to Anthony for sharing his meaningful tribute to his son, and his family tradition, here on Tattoosday!

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Technorati Tags: body art, inked, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos

Female Tattoo Gallery - Locating the Websites That Have Superb Artwork

  

Something has taken quite a bit of the fun out of searching for a great female tattoo gallery. This “something” has led so many females to a never ending tunnel of generic tattoos and cookie cutter junk art. There’s an easy way past this, while getting to the places that post fresh, crisp, well drawn artwork. Here’s how to find that type of female tattoo gallery.

Link

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Technorati Tags: body art, inked, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos

Tattoo Hunter Premiers

I’m just giddy over the international arrival of a new show that delves into body rituals and traditions:  Tattoo Hunter with our favorite tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak.

Tattoo Hunter hits Europe tomorrow on Discovery World channel at 10pm.

In the US, the series premieres on Discovery Channel, March 7 at 1pm (according to their website).

Lars gave me a hint about the premier show: “The first episode is really a scarification show we shot in Papua New Guinea. It’s perhaps the bloodiest of all and I find it amusing that DC has rated it “G.”

Here’s more on the series:

In this landmark series, Krutak seeks to understand the meaning behind sacred traditions that date back thousands of years by immersing himself into the daily life of indigenous peoples worldwide. Through his many adventures, viewers will be exposed to unique tribal customs including tattooing and scarification practices in Africa, Asia, Oceania, North and South America before these fascinating cultures disappear. And through his personal experiences with tattoo and scarification masters who cut and tattoo his skin, viewers will learn how these painful rite of passage ceremonies continue to shape the very essence of tribal identity, religion, and cosmology.

Check out the articles on Lars’ site for previews of the storylines and locations. Fascinating accounts of bod mod culture among indigenous people. An education in themselves.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Tattoo Hunter Premiers

I’m just giddy over the international arrival of a new show that delves into body rituals and traditions:  Tattoo Hunter with our favorite tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak.

Tattoo Hunter hits Europe tomorrow on Discovery World channel at 10pm.

In the US, the series premieres on Discovery Channel, March 7 at 1pm (according to their website).

Lars gave me a hint about the premier show: “The first episode is really a scarification show we shot in Papua New Guinea. It’s perhaps the bloodiest of all and I find it amusing that DC has rated it “G.”

Here’s more on the series:

In this landmark series, Krutak seeks to understand the meaning behind sacred traditions that date back thousands of years by immersing himself into the daily life of indigenous peoples worldwide. Through his many adventures, viewers will be exposed to unique tribal customs including tattooing and scarification practices in Africa, Asia, Oceania, North and South America before these fascinating cultures disappear. And through his personal experiences with tattoo and scarification masters who cut and tattoo his skin, viewers will learn how these painful rite of passage ceremonies continue to shape the very essence of tribal identity, religion, and cosmology.

Check out the articles on Lars’ site for previews of the storylines and locations. Fascinating accounts of bod mod culture among indigenous people. An education in themselves.

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I feel pretty, oh so pretty…

I feel great. I am so high right now. Getting some new ink and/or a new piercing will do that to you.

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Technorati Tags: body art, inked, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos

Philly Tattoo Convention

A couple of weeks ago I gave my rundown of this month’s tattoo conventions, including the Motor City and Philadelphia shows taking place this Friday through Sunday.

Turns out that I will be making it to Philly, but only on Sunday, and I’m thrilled to bring along the Haitian sensation Sean Toussaint who will be photographing the event especially for Needled that day.

I’ll also be bringin my remaining Needled swag, like lighters, so look (down) for me (I look like this) hangin at the Tattoo Culture and North Star booths; oh, and the bar of course.

I’m known to be friendly as long as you don’t grab me and say, “I thought you would be taller,” so play nice and I’ll give ya free shit as long as they last. Looking forward to it!

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Inked Mag Latest Issue

The latest issue of Inked Mag is out and, yeah, I’d rather see Margaret Cho on the cover talkin about her first class tattoos than that Malin Ackerman chick and her don’t-blink-or-you’ll-miss-it ink, but there are some meaty items in this men’s lifestyle mag (they’re not billed as an industry mag despite the name). 

My fave: MASTODON! Nuff said.

For more badass, my Greek homegirl and X Games gamine Tara Dakides not only talks about potentially facing her last season of pro-snowboarding but also the symbolism behind her tough torso tattoo. [Such a hot photo of her; that would've made a sweet cover!]

There’s also the hotness of Heather Gabel, painter and illustrator, best known for creating the Alkaline Trio’s iconic skull and heart logo.

On the tattoo artist front, I contributed two pieces, which you can read in their entirety online:

In Sewn Together, I talk about tattoo artist collaborations with couture houses and street wear brands. Keep in mind that it was written before Ed Hardy filed suit against Audigier. For artists and illustrators, I’m hoping that the feature might give some background info that could be helpful in negotiating deals and avoid law suits of your own.

Then check my feature on Smith Street Tattoo Parlour, home to old school stylists Bert Krak, Steve Boltz, and Eli Quinters (shown in their Brooklyn studio above). The internationally renowned tattooers, sought after for their custom tattoo work, defend the “street shop” and talk about why they love walk-ins and flash:

“We love the street shop,” says Boltz. “That’s what we all came up doing. I was doing that for 10 years before someone said they wanted something ’special’ from me.” It’s a change from the custom-only studio trend throughout New York that has led to some snobbery over personalized work. In response, Quinters says, “Some customers will come in and say they don’t know what they want, and we’ll tell them to pick something off the wall. Then they’ll say, ‘I don’t want something off the wall!’ But how do you not want that? Are you too good for old Bill Jones flash?”

Pick up the March issue of Inked on stands now and online.

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Invasive Body Art and Hepatitis C by Lagena Davis

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Technorati Tags: body art, inked, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos

Margaret Cho in Urban Ink

Our homegirl Margaret Cho is lookin FIERCE in the latest issue of Urban Ink.

The beautiful badass is rockin a gold bikini showing off tattoo work by Don Ed Hardy, Mike Davis, Chris O’Donnell, Andrew Moore, Kat Von D, Mom’s Barnaby, and Nathan Kostechko.

Over the past few years, Maragert has transformed her bellydancing bod into a walking work of art by top tattoo talent. She’s also been the subject of fine art recently as well.

The wonderful Shawn Barber – who has a fab feature in Fecal Face — is working on this portrait of Margaret below (love the lollipop!):

A hardcore Cho fan even has a portrait and autograph tattoo of the comedian. Ok, you know I love me that Margaret but maybe I’ll just jewelry that tattoo instead.

I will be headin to dirty Jersey to see her perform at the Bergen Performing Arts Center on March 6th. Check her other tour dates here.

Watch our video interview with Margaret here for more tattoo goodness.

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