Photo inspiration Archives - Page 31 of 53

May 11, 2012May 13, 2012

Teeny tiny tattoos – I would love a little thimble tattoo

I love these little tattoos by artist Guen Douglas, who works at Magnum Opus in Brighton.

tiny teacup tattoo Guen Douglas — A little teacup tattoo on the back of an ankle

Teeny teapot tattoo Guen Douglas — A teeny teapot tattoo on a back just below the collar line

I have been on the search for an artist who could tattoo a tiny little thimble tattoo on my vintage arm. So I may have to book an appointment with Guen.

I would like a little thimble tattoo in memory of my lovely Gran who sadly passed away when I was younger.

I was always fascinated by her collections – she collected Toby jugs, pink glass, thimbles and many other random things. Her house was always so cosy and welcoming. My sister and I used to love spending weekends at Gran’s house – eating digestive biscuits in bed, reading The People’s Friend, making dens and eating Gran’s amazing meat and potato pie. Plus Gran used to let us decorate her Christmas tree however we wanted, mum always had a theme!

I miss you Gran. When I get my thimble tattoo, I will forever carry with me a memory of you.

April 27, 2012April 27, 2012

Sailor Jerry London venue – Hotel Street

“Good work ain’t cheap. Cheap work ain’t good.” – Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins – The father of old-school tattooing

The new Sailor Jerry venue in London is now open. Hotel Street is named after the infamous Hotel Street district in Honolulu, where Norman Collins aka Sailor Jerry made his name.

By night Hotel Street is a lot of fun, and I would highly recommend it for tattoo and music fans alike – or those who just want to have some fun in a cool new London venue and drinks lots of lovely Sailor Jerry cocktails…

I suggest trying out an aptly named Hotel Hooch…

Sailor Jerry cocktails - one mint collins and two daiquiri Hawaiian coffees. Very tasty

On 25 April – I danced the night away to Dirty Beaches and Chapter 24. And generally had far too much fun for a Wednesday evening….

And if that type of deborturous mid-week behaviour doesn’t take your fancy, this multi-functional venue turns into a rather arty affair by day….

Hotel Street by day is home to a gallery of original Sailor Jerry flash and artwork. His work is stunning in real life. And each bit of meaningful flash is described in detail – for example the swallow was to commemorate 5,000 miles travelled at sea and swallows are also deeply rooted in the symbolism of returning.

By night, all the artwork is hidden away from drunken revellers, so I suggest making at least two trips to the venue.

Oh and if none of that entices you, they also ply you with lots of free popcorn!

I know I’ll definitely be going back – most probably to see Joe Gideon & the Shark on 1 May and also Bass Drum of Death on 8 May. Maybe see some of you there?

Hotel Street is on 121-125 Charing Cross Road.

April 24, 2012April 25, 2012

Some pics from the Great British Tattoo Show

Here is a small selection of photographs from the first ever Great British Tattoo Show.

I discovered one talented new artist – Pedro Santos – and he had some amazing flash he tattooed at the show. Take a look at Pedro’s tumblr too.

PedroSantosTattooFlash — Pedro Santos Tattoo Flash

PedroSantosLadyTattoo — Here is a very lucky lady being tattooed with the lady face from the flash sheet.

PedroSantosPerfumeBottleTattoo — I also spotted this lovely perfume bottle in Pedro's portfolio - I would definitely like to add a perfume bottle to my 'vintage' arm...

And here is a quick snap of what I like to call my vintage arm at the show…

Photos: James, Papercut Pictures

The full album of photos from the show can be viewed on Facebook

April 15, 2012April 15, 2012

Rachel Jamie Baldwin (formerly Rachel Jamie McCarthy)

I love Rachel Jamie Baldwin’s girly style and fairytale appeal – and her ladies have the most beautiful, striking eyes…

Please paint a pretty lady on me Rachel?

Rachel Jamie Baldwin it's not like the movies — It's not like the movies

Rachel Jamie Baldwin Red Riding Hood — Red Riding Hood

Rachel Jamie Baldwin lady with leaves — Hiding in the leaves

Rachel works at Modern Body Art, Birmingham.

Photos from Facebook

March 18, 2012March 18, 2012

Cut and paste, don’t rub me it’s fake

Don’t rub me it’s fake.

Where do you wear art forever?

Try before you buy…

Think about art you like or make your own art, then put a transfer of it on your skin and see how it looks.

I rarely go off the art that hangs on my wall in the same fickle way I toss a pair of shoes or a skirt into my great crate of former loves (the deepest, darkest caverns of my wardrobe). This is why tattoos should never be seen as a fashion fad, don’t get a tattoo to accessorise your latest favourite outfit (unless it’s fake).

Art hangs on my wall, always loved. The same way tattoos sit on my skin. Invest in tattoos as you would in art – only get it if you love it. Until one day it becomes part of you, sometimes unnoticed, until you meet someone new and they comment (positively or otherwise). Obviously one piece of art cannot be loved by everyone, it’s subjective, but that’s the beauty of it. And as long as you love it, who cares?

All photos are taken from the beautiful book Tattoo Icons • Victionary 3 (Limited edition). This book inspires you to think about tattoos and art beyond their tradional boundaries. Think of tattoos as more than just anchors, flowers, butterflies and tribal bands and have fun and experiment with transfers to see how they change when they are put on the body.

Photos: Tattoo Icons (removable tattoos for trial included)