Jennifer Stell

I had the chance to go to the Bay Area Convention of the Tattoo Arts today and I now consider myself spoiled silly. Backpieces and bodysuits! Not only was I able to purchase a copy of the impressive 2 vol. Bloodwork: Bodies collection, which documents some outstanding pieces, but I was also able to attend Horitomo's presentation on backpieces. I don't know about others who may have attended today but I found it very enlightening. Essentially addressing a variety of Horitomo's own beliefs on how a traditional backpiece evolved to it's current state since the Edo Period, his belief on traditional composition, what makes up a "completed" backpiece, the differences between pieces for men vs. women, even the traditional belief that the bacpiece should be the bearer's first tattoo prior to adding sleeves. In my own account this was the exact opposite of my own planning, where I'd started with my arms. Jill, had mentioned this to me, and there are many examples of this in Japanese tattoo magazines, but I always assumed it had to do with the traditional idea of hiding the tattoo behind clothing. It was then interesting to hear Horitomo giving examples of how adding sleeves first was potentially detrimental to the composition of background in an artistic composite. Even an artist's signature added to the tattoo, which was debated in another post was discussed.
It was a great opportunity for me to look into the traditional Japanese tattoo mindset without having to question the authenticity of the source as there's so much "exoticism" sometimes applied. There's another seminar tomorrow and I'd recommend it. Besides it also comes with Horitomo's new book too. Bonus! Anyone else's thoughts about it today?

Just came across this today. It's my man's back done by Jeff Rassier. It's almost done now, the picture is kind of old.
Also can't wait to see that backpiece Stewart

A few of Richards Bald Birdies... Animals: Eagles, Snakes, Big Cats... Most of his favorite subject matter to tattoo...

me, eric doyle, jason goldberg, and dave waugh.

Richard: "Chris was given that name out in Japan but it has a double meaning... It's one who flies close to the sun... or something, like you can fly near the stars but never truly be... I dunno, I have heard that from a few people, but I think Chris is one of the hardest working, internally driven artists to hail from Texas. . . Or even this hemisphere... so **** those *******."
I would like to Quote Bob Roberts...
"I'd rather be a first rate Bob Roberts, then a second rate Nakano."
Either way I give it up to anyone whom displaces themselves in order to undertake the traditions, and learn the protocol for anything they love or are interested in. It's good to see, and it's inspiring.

I think the back piece is really one of my favorite things when it comes to meeting other people with lots of coverage...
My tattoos on my back are my favorite, and it just sucks I can't see em... but that's what a photo is for right, so here goes...
Top Chrysanthemums were by Casey Corklic Garland, TX, and the Jigoku Dayu was done by Doug Love, Santa Cruz, CA..
And of Course, theres a cover up or two. . .

At the same time, I must admit Megan Massacre's contribution to Inked Magazine obliterates what Hardy Marks Publishing has accomplished.
Put the fucking crackpipe down and find someone to teach you something. If an idiot like me can develop somewhat of an eye for tattooing, anyone can. I had no idea what I was doing when I first started getting tattooed (hence, 36 laser removal sessions). However, when Adam Ciferri kept shoving Jerry flash books in my face, I listened. When he strongly suggested I get tattooed by Mike Malone, I did. When he showed me Greg Irons' flash, I looked at it, even though I didn't get it. Ami James? I'm not here to shitbag anyone, but if you asked him to compare his contribution to the evolution of American tattooing to Hardy's, his eyes would look like saucers. They sure as fuck better. Dude's making money. That's it. You see all that aboriginal-derivative "tribal" imagery adorning motorcycle tanks and douchebags' t-shirts? Thank Ed Hardy, Mike Malone, and Leo Zulueta for that. How do I know this? I read it in a Malone interview, in which he bemoaned the fact that no one knows this shit. Ami James is a "tattooer." Ed Hardy is arguably the greatest tattooer in American history. Period.
Wanna see real tattooing? Buy Kuronuma's "Horiyoshi's World." Zeke Owens, Jerry, and Hardy all pored over any 5x7 photo they could get of that guy's shit. He's the greatest tattooer I know of.
I need to leave the coffee alone.

I think the back piece is really one of my favorite things when it comes to meeting other people with lots of coverage...
My tattoos on my back are my favorite, and it just sucks I can't see em... but that's what a photo is for right, so here goes...
Top Chrysanthemums were by Casey Corklic Garland, TX, and the Jigoku Dayu was done by Doug Love, Santa Cruz, CA..
And of Course, theres a cover up or two. . .

Jeff does real nice work..The shop is kind of out of the way,off of the highway in an industrial area.The building looks like an airport hanger.They just legalized tattooing down there a few years ago,and most of the shops are in industrial areas.Hero is the best shop down there.

I want to mirror what Ursula said... and yeah, having a little spot to run off to online, has been refreshing when needed the most here lately.

Thanks for making my summer alone in the country in Canada not so boring! I've had fun talking/arguing/getting told off/learning and hope to keep doing so for another year and more to come! I've made some new friends and reconnected with some I haven't seen in a while.

It's not completely gone. I have been to places it still exists... It's a vibe.
Those shops are the places I think of, and draw my hope for the future. It's not just the shop either.... it's the chemistry of the crew inside the place that makes the mood, and sets the tone, which makes the magic happen.
Some days I hate life in general. But I dunno... Doesn't everyone?
For the most part I try to remind myself, it's a blessed-charmed life we lead in a jaded sort of way, there's a lot of freedom, but that's a double edged sword...
I have been doing a lot of thinking, and yeah, it's all appeared to become shit, but there's still the few circles of comrades, that I draw my inspiration and try to absorb the magic when around them...
I've only been working in or around a shop, since I was 18... a measly 11 years. But it's the faith a couple people have in me, (one in particular), that's what gets me to pull my head out of my ass and keep my chin up, and keep going. Learn the lessons good and bad, eyes open mouth shut, and mind open.
Welcome to the site sir... I have stumbled upon some magic here: Kore Flatmos Interview really struck a good chord, I listened to it three times already while working on other stuff and it gave me some goose bumps listening to him talk about tattoos.

With all do respect: GET WHAT YOU WANT.... Efh the consensus.
Richard, " Jilly Bonny aka Horiyuki is the best in the States for a Phoenix.
The Phoenix is a beautiful metaphor, design, it's traditional, they can be simple to elaborate, and depending on who you pick to actually do the tattoo the options are limitless, with how, and where, and what kinda look ya wanna pull off... Do your research, it always helps in the long run....
Jacksonville, FL has a few guys that you could consult with, and I'm sure you'd be stoked... Mike Wilson, Jason Harms...
Attached is tattoo by Jill Bonny....

With all do respect: GET WHAT YOU WANT.... Efh the consensus.
Richard, " Jilly Bonny aka Horiyuki is the best in the States for a Phoenix.
The Phoenix is a beautiful metaphor, design, it's traditional, they can be simple to elaborate, and depending on who you pick to actually do the tattoo the options are limitless, with how, and where, and what kinda look ya wanna pull off... Do your research, it always helps in the long run....
Jacksonville, FL has a few guys that you could consult with, and I'm sure you'd be stoked... Mike Wilson, Jason Harms...
Attached is tattoo by Jill Bonny....

With all do respect: GET WHAT YOU WANT.... Efh the consensus.
Richard, " Jilly Bonny aka Horiyuki is the best in the States for a Phoenix.
The Phoenix is a beautiful metaphor, design, it's traditional, they can be simple to elaborate, and depending on who you pick to actually do the tattoo the options are limitless, with how, and where, and what kinda look ya wanna pull off... Do your research, it always helps in the long run....
Jacksonville, FL has a few guys that you could consult with, and I'm sure you'd be stoked... Mike Wilson, Jason Harms...
Attached is tattoo by Jill Bonny....

I think the reason there are so many Phoenix tattoos, is the same reason there are so many eagle, panther and pin up girl tattoos, because they make a good tattoo. I have never been one for getting tattoos with meaning, but in this case it's a good tattoo idea and it holds meaning to you so it seems like a win win situation. Just make sure you get it as big as you can, make it powerful and bold. That guys portfolio that was posted earlier in the thread looks like he would do a good job, some nice work.

Ursula.... CONGRATULATIONS from Richard and me..... You guys are some of the most genuine and understated people in my book and even with our differences, I miss the fuck outta of ya. I think it's one reason I am like ok lets get the fuck outta JAX to the next gig... Any who, much love to you both! It's a sophisticated, and timeless design. You'll wear it well.

There's too many he has done, it seems like he does at least one in every place we stop... But, it's one of our favorite tattoos... I am proud of the Knee Tiger he wasn't perfectly happy with it, but... that's how he rolls.

We were in Philly... At Mr. Perfect's Kadillac Duece... Now we are in Washington D.C. at Jinx Proof thru Wednesday of this coming week...
We'll be back in Jacksonville. Florida by the end of that week... So holler at me if you wanna schedule something. . . I guess I'll just keep updating this thread as we come and go... seems the gypsy life is how we are rolling right now... and can't complain life could always be worse...
I am soo tired though, missing my bed really bad right now.

Richard said this to me once, or twice... He heard it from Hardy First... I have tattoos I hate... It's one of those... You can live with it, it'll teach you one way or another...

Richard said this to me once, or twice... He heard it from Hardy First... I have tattoos I hate... It's one of those... You can live with it, it'll teach you one way or another...

Richard said this to me once, or twice... He heard it from Hardy First... I have tattoos I hate... It's one of those... You can live with it, it'll teach you one way or another...

I have an appt in Oct in SF at the State of Grace show with Trevor McStay -- to do my leg

Wellllll. Since you said to be honest I will. Like the other I agree it looks stupid to have hand tattoos and not have the rest of your arms and actually the rest of your body done. It makes me wonder why you chose to get your hand tattooed before doing the rest. As far as the actual tattoo, it's by far not the worst I've seen. It's not something I would ever get and I wouldn't go to the artists. The reason is not the quality of the actual tattooing, it's the drawing. I'm not into new school or whatever people would call that style. Just isn't my thing.
Having said all that, if you like the drawing then there's no problem at all as it's your tattoo. If I was you I'd wait until I you have a lot more tattoos on your arm and then see how you feel about it. I have a couple tattoos that are actually really fucking awful, like I mean horrible. It used to bother me soooo much, I wouldn't wear short sleeves because I was so embarrassed by them. Then I started getting good tattoos and lots of them and now the bad ones aren't so embarrassing. It all just kind of blends in. A good friend of mine who is also a great tattooer once told me that he likes it when someone has a couple bad ones in there with the good ones because it shows that you love tattoos and wanted them before you knew about 'cool rockstar hipster shit' like a lot of the kids today who are just getting tattooed because it's the cool trendy thing to do.

I think the back piece is really one of my favorite things when it comes to meeting other people with lots of coverage...
My tattoos on my back are my favorite, and it just sucks I can't see em... but that's what a photo is for right, so here goes...
Top Chrysanthemums were by Casey Corklic Garland, TX, and the Jigoku Dayu was done by Doug Love, Santa Cruz, CA..
And of Course, theres a cover up or two. . .