Art & Influence in a Visual world

More tattoos. I promise after this I’ll be done!

I dont even know where to start. As I said earlier, tattoos have been an interest of mine for a while now. I love the romanticized idea of a man (or woman) set at sea, having a couple of drinks and sitting down in his port of call for a classic tattoo. Something to mark his short time on earth, something permanent, something to remind him of days gone by. To me, tattoo is as close to spiritual as I get. They mean a lot to me, each of mine, like those before me, tells a story of my past. They mark pain, achievement, and reminders of my own mortality.

Inkmasters. Guilty. Yes, I watched all season as the egos flared, the tattoos were done and the TV was great. Now thats entertainment! Inkmaster is a tattoo competition reality show, where each week a winner is picked, and someone is eliminated (much like Survivor). This went until there was one left, who won 100K, an article in Inked Magazine and the title of “inkmaster”. The winner, Shane O’Neill, is a solid tattooer. Not my cup of tea, but solid nonetheless. His website -> http://shaneoneilltattoos.com/gallery/

Well this show basically goes against everything I believe tattoos are about. For one, it has become novelty. The craft is now for everyone and anyone, they no longer for the rebels and outcasts (in part because of the fact that tattoos can now be removed). Making a competition out of an art form bastardizes the craft and takes away from the credibility of not only the artists but the industry. This romanticized vision I have is now ruined, with billboards, and commercials and more television shows about tattoos. The fact of the matter is, television ruins everything….a craft that was born out of anti-establishment is falling in line with the rest of society. Its sad.