Kokoro means heart in Japanese – the feeling or the inner meaning that underpins the Japanese approach, not only to art, but to life as a whole.
Horiyoshi III is a tattoo artist and champion of traditional Japanese culture. He is the essence of kokoro. His artwork is now on display at Somerset House, until 1 July 2012.
Jigoku Dayu
Jigoku Dayu (mineral pigments on silk) – this was my favourite piece in the exhibition. I love the detail in the clothing.
Namakubi
Namakubi (mineral pigment on silk) – I find this picture very deceptive. The colours are soft and feminine, and it is only when you look a little closer that you see the violence and horror.
A little teacup tattoo on the back of an ankleA 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.
Gran's thimble collection
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.
“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.
Hotel Street entrance
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 tastyThe barThe stamp
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.
Sailor Jerry flashThe artwork on display at Hotel Street
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 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.
Pedro Santos Tattoo FlashHere is a very lucky lady being tattooed with the lady face from the flash sheet.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…
