Tattoos, whether its one little word on the wrist, or an entire bodysuit, have a life in the skin of the wearer. Usually they mean something to that person, or, like, me..don't mean much more than they look cool. I do have some that have some significant meaning to me, but only 2-3 out of the 20ish tattoos I currently wear really mean anything beyond their artistic value to me. Now, my bad choices aside, MOST tattoo collectors put alot of thought into their artwork, and they earn each and every one.
Just thinking of the small absurdity of the situation is just a little brain tickling. Just think of this: when you walk down the street, do you trust the people you walk by? Do you think,"Oh, that guy looks ok, Ill just hand him my keys for a minute to watch my car while I run in to do.."...whatever.
No.
You do not.
However, thats essentially what youre doing when you walk into a tattoo studio. Youre handing the keys of your earthly good looks to some dude (or dude-ette) in ink stained pants, probly with too much facial hair(or make-up), and many times, one helluvan attitude problem. You get shaved. You get manhandled. You get stripped down (sometimes) and overall publicly put on display for all to see. And THEN.
They hurt you.
BY CHOICE.
Yes.
Its not MY fault you wanted this done to you.
Ok, so its not that bad most of the time, and as a professional tattooer, I do my best to make people as comfortable and relaxed as possible. It is after all, a vulnerable situation for many people.
And yet, they put their, sometimes, blind trust in me, or whoever is doing their tattoo for them. Mind blowing when you think about it in todays society.
Why cant, or maybe I should say, why DONT people do that more often?
Is it because Kat Von D. put a pretty face to tattooing? Maybe. But the industry has always been that way. The TV shows have helped some people see my world in a different light, but ultimately its a scripted, partial glimpse into what this "tattoo thing" is all about.
Tattoos are the most primal form of art we have on this planet...in my opinion. Theyre one of the oldest recorded forms of art in history. Its a very visceral experience for many people, and it forces you to find that "happy place" in your mind...at least if youre sitting for longer than 2-3 hours. They hurt man. They really do. Not hurt like, getting slammed into the ground hurt, or kicked in the shin hurt...more like an insistent stinging burn that WONT stop..until I make it stop. They force you to endure more than you maybe thought you could...or even show you, youre tougher (or not as) than you THOUGHT you were. Its a victory of sorts. For you and me. You, as the wearer of a new tattoo, who sat through all the "almost done"s and wipe-downs and awkward positions and now can sigh in relief...and look in that mirror at your new skin.
And me, as the artist who put all of his concentration and creativity into your....3 word phrase on your too skinny wrist, or that little star you just HAD to have....behind your freakin ear. Thats a victory..
Tattooing is surely the working mans art form. The canvas is ever changing, and is never consistent. The tools must be kept in tune and in perfect working order. The workspace must be absolutely clean and sterile. The safety of the client and artist are at all times in consideration. Not even dentists have as high standards as tattoo shops. Think about that for a second. Many surgeons would kill for our hands.
Now...Im not trying to say all this to rant about the poor little tattoo artists...oh woe is me...blah blah blah..
Far from it. This is an amazing profession, one that I have have extreme respect for, and feel VERY blessed to be part of. One that fulfills me in ways that I hadnt realized I was missing before I began on this journey. And one that has let me meet some amazing people, and hear some amazing stories, and share in peoples pain,their loved ones, their lives, that in so many ways, have been written on their skin in one way or another. And being the person, blessed and honored to share in that with them has taught me alot about my own life, and what to cherish.
Tattoos arent meant to be, and shouldnt be without respect.
And thats what Ive learned the most from all the pain and trust in this crazy tattoo world....a respect for life. A respect for people. A respect for choices that I may not agree with.
So, you may, or may not agree with tattoos or people who get them,
but everyone deserves respect...
Even us hairy, ink stained freaks. ;)
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