Flash Your Tattoo » Tattoos-Body Art

Seniors and Tattoos

Tattoosue — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:10:11 +0000

I love women like Helen Lambin. Confident and attractive and proud of her tattoos. Helen is a perfect example how seniors can still pull off the cool look and attitude. Lambin feels that her tattoos offer her an opportunity to connect with and talk with young people she meets when she’s out in public. The tattoos give people a reason to start a conversation with her. She thinks that her tattoos seem to help young people look at her as more of a person than some old lady with gray hair. It’s like a communication tool which helps bridge the generation gap.

One of the most interesting facts about her work is that she got her very first tattoo just 3 years ago. (And you know how that goes – after the first she was addicted.)

She got her first tattoo to help snap her out of a funk she got into about getting older. She decided to cheer herself up with her first tattoo.

Although she won’t give her age, Lambin has 3 kids in their 40’s and an eighteen year old granddaughter.

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Adopt a Tattooed Pig Program

Tattoosue — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:49:19 +0000

I wrote about this farm almost 3 years ago and the business is still in existence and going strong. I admire the beautiful tattoo work that these artists are laying on these pigs and the pigs seem to be living a good life and are well taken care of. They are the draw and the key to this business.

In Yang Zhen, Beijing artist Wim Delvoye tattoos hogs. Large crowds come out to the farm to observe the colorful tattooed pigs.

The pigs are anesthetized during the process and while they are out a total of 3 artists work on the pig to get as much work accomplished as possible. Delvoye works with 2 co-artists.

Animal rights activists are complaining about the pigs being used for commercial gain at the expense of their suffering. I thought at first this was a little over the top considering the pigs enjoy a fairly good life while the tourists gawk and stare. Each pig has a person taking care of their skin and applying daily moisturizer to keep the tattoo in good shape.

THEN I heard about another aspect of the business which is pretty disgusting in my book. Delvoye offers an “adopt a pig” program. Sounds like a good program until you hear the details.

Sponsors pay to have the pig stuffed so they can display the artwork. Or you can get their hide to hang on a wall or stretched over canvas so it looks like a painting. Disgusting.

How can you look at these wonderful friendly and intelligent animals and be thinking about hanging their skin on your wall? It reminds me of Hitler making lamps shades from skin of concentration camp prisoners. Wim said “Instead of producing art I wanted to harvest it.”

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Valentines Day – Just Say No

Tattoosue — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:10:08 +0000

It’s that time of year when people are flocking to the tattoo parlors to make a big and expensive mistake. I hate to be the sound of doom here but it is NEVER a good idea to get your lover’s name tattooed on your body. The statistics are there. Over fifty percent of marriages end in divorce at some point. You can just imagine the chances of a non marital relationship surviving.

Never the less, tattoo parlors report a brisk business this time of year – people just don’t pay attention to the facts and feel their relationship is the exception to the rule.

I know – gloom and doom when I should be speaking of love and romance. I’m just a realist – buy some flowers or candy – some sexy lingerie – but don’t get someone’s name tattooed on your body. There’s no reason for it and chances are you’ll be spending some hefty change on some form of tattoo removal before you know it. I’m just trying to save you the grief and cash. Happy Valentine’s Day! And stay away from the tattoo parlor tomorrow!

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What’s Your Sign?

Tattoosue — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 20:47:13 +0000

I don’t know if you’ve heard the latest regarding Zodiac signs. It seems the astrological sign you thought represented when you were born and what type of personality was typical, may no longer be the case. Certain dates that used to fall under Aquarius are now Capricorns. Not everyone has changed. There’s even a brand new sign called Ophiuchus which has pushed around the other signs. The sun’s relationship to other stars had changed since the first zodiac was created by the Babylonians. This means we’ve been incorrect for quite some time. It seems strange to have something you thought was etched in stone to be so wrong.

I started thinking about the effect on tattoos. Although it seems very silly to think of removing a tattoo for this reason, getting a second tattoo of your “new” sign may be the perfect answer. If possible getting the two tattoos in the same general area and possibly of the same style I think would be a great idea. See if you need a new tattoo:

Capricorn: Jan. 19 – Feb. 15
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 12- April 18
Aries: April 19 – May 13
Taurus: May 14 – June 21
Gemini: June 21 – July 20
Cancer: July 21 – Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 11 – Sept. 15
Virgo: Sept. 16 – Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 – Nov. 22
Scorpio: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 – Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 18 – Jan. 18

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Celebrity Tattoos

Tattoosue — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:23:53 +0000

Celebrity tattoos really have 2 meanings. On one hand, you have celebrities with tattoos. This group is growing all the time and celebrities are more than proud to show off their tattoos when being photographed. There are websites focused on this subject as well as at least one book has been published featuring celebrity tattoos. This has a positive influence for the tattoo industry. Fans of celebrities tend to mimic them. They admire them so it makes since. If it’s OK and safe for their heroes to get tattoos , then tattoos are A OK for them. Hell, some fans probably admire some of these people so much they may even get the same tattoo as the person they admire.

Then we have the other side of the coin. Everyday people getting ink that will be a constant reminder of celebrities they admire. Celebrities that hold a special place for them. I can’t say I have that much affection or respect for any celebrity but to each his own.

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Get a Tattoo at the Flea Market

Tattoosue — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:41:50 +0000

I credit the popularity of tattoos partly in due to the tattoo shops who realized the potential of reaching out to mainstream America by bringing the tattoo shops to them. By that I’m referring to the influx of tattoo shops in places like strip malls. Locations that make it easier for people from all walks of life to easily stroll into a shop and take a look around. At one time, tattoo shops were rare and usually located in the sleazier or funkier part of town. Areas of town that many never visit or would have any other reason to be near. The strip malls are more of a suburb sighting and makes tattoo shops more visible and easier to visit. Where I live, there are a few tattoo shops located in strip malls. Smart business. People that are stopping to pick up a few groceries can easily venture in to see what all the excitement is about tattoos.

Some shops combine with coffee shops and similar businesses to get people in the door who are curious about tattoos but have not quite taken the plunge. I recently discovered a new and creative way to reach the public. Went to the local flea market and there it was. A travel trailer tattoo shop. Buy some used dishes and pick up some new ink. Perfect for the people that are impulsive and bring the tattoo shop to the masses. I loved it. (pic courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/28943645@N03/)

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Paul Booth and the 13th Hour Exhibit

Tattoosue — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 11:54:21 +0000

When I think of Halloween and tattoos, the first artist that comes to mind is Paul Booth. His tattoos, his shop, and every aspect of the art of Paul Booth screams Halloween. This year marks the third year that Last Rites Gallery, Booth’s shop, has celebrated it’s 13th Hour Group Exhibit. The exhibit began this weekend and will run until the 21st of November. He brings together artists specializing in the dark, depraved, and gothic style from around the world to exhibit their work. The studio and where you can visit this exhibition is located in New York city. Booth built up a highly respected reputation in the tattoo industry and is now using his fame to help bring these artists together and help establish an appreciation for dark art which gets a bad rap. These talent artists are given a chance to display their work as a serious art form. Gothic art is slowly building up a respectable reputation with the help of artist like Paul Booth. (Last Rites also holds additional exhibits throughout the year.)

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Nate Beavers Tattoo Artist

Tattoosue — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:46:18 +0000

It’s so refreshing to discover such a talent along with a man you can respect. Nate Beaver, hailing from Houston Texas, headed down a troubled road before focusing on his art – specifically tattoo art. He doesn’t forget where he came from and has a really good attitude. Due to his previous addictions and troubles, his career was sidelined and delayed for a few years but you would never know it by the quality of his work.

It’s so refreshing to discover such a talent along with a man you can respect. Nate Beaver headed down a troubled road before focusing on his art – specifically tattoo art. He doesn’t forget where he came from and has a really good attitude. Due to his previous addictions and troubles, his career was sidelined and delayed for a few years but you would never know it by the quality of his work. Good interview with a great talent.

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Kelly Grows Up

Tattoosue — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:37:28 +0000

Although I’m not into most reality TV shows, The Osbournes was one that I looked forward to every week. Watching Ozzy shuffling and mumbling though family life with Sharon and the kids every week was my idea of entertainment. His kids kept the show interesting and I can still recall when Kelly divulged her first tattoo to her parents.

Well, now Kelly has grown up and has transformed into a “sophisticated” adult who is now planning on removing all of her 15 tattoos. Tattoo removal cost is high no matter what method you choose but lasering off 15 tattoos would probably carry the price tag of a new car.

Kelly is now twenty five years old (and would you even recognize her from this photo)? Talk about a makeover. She recently lost 50 pounds, has appeared on dancing with the stars, and is getting some acting roles.

She say she still likes some of them – including a matching tattoo she got with sibling, Jack, but has regrets about others. None the less, they’re all getting the ax.

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School Overreacts to Tattoo

Tattoosue — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:12:27 +0000

We have another case of over reaction on behalf of a school system. It reminds me of the silly objections raised when a teacher had a visible tattoo. Heaven forbid.

Well, this is a case where a Florida high school student was removed from her school for having a tame image on her arm. The school administration claims it is gang related and symbolizes gang activity. The nineteen year old senior was suspended for 10 days and then has to finish her schooling at an alternative learning center.

The tattoo depicts two masks – one is grinning and the other is sad and crying. The student says she got it to represent her twin sisters. Her mom says she had the tattoo all of her last year in school and her daughter is not in a gang. This tattoo does not scream gang to me.

Unfortunately, the school has all the power in this difference of opinion. It is up to the school to determine what is labeled a gang related tattoo and how the student should be punished.

Sadly, this poor kid would have graduated earlier except she has been battling skin cancer with multiple surgeries which set her schooling behind. Now these idiots are making her life more stressed by removing her from her classmates and her school. She’s missing out on football games, dances – the whole deal. She’s appealing and we wish her luck. Hopefully her story and her classmates will come out to support her.

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