I found out about this amazing project at the London Tattoo Convention. Tattooers from around the globe have donated original paintings to be sold on auction, the paintings were on display at the convention and they were all beautiful. The proceeds of the auction will go to the Red Cross Japan relief fund.
Frank Acevedo - Good Times Tattoo
Japan has influenced western tattooing for more than 100 years, with colorful woodblock prints that tell the stories of legend and folklore. And the realistic and bold tattoos of the Japanese masters. As tattooers and tattoo fans, we owe a debt to this mystic land.
The paintings will be auctioned on Ebay.
The auction begins on the 23rd of October and will end on the 30th October.
Not only will you help a worthy cause by bidding, you may well purchase an original piece of tattoo-inspired artwork too…I know which one I’ll be bidding on.
I decided a couple of months ago I would like to make a film about the London Tattoo Convention, so I enlisted the help of Papercut Pictures. I never dreamt for a moment I could actually do it. But, I am pleased to announce the release of my first ever film…
This film is the first in a series for Zeitgeist Magazine. Shot at the London Tattoo Convention on September 23rd, 24th and 25th 2011, this film provides an overview of the convention and asks some of the notable attending artists their feelings on the convention.
Interviewing Steve Vinall - Photo by Olivia Snape
From traditional Samoan done by hand, to antique Victoriana and old-school Americana, we spoke to some of the leading artists of each style about their particular take on the art form. This film shows the artist’s views on the convention itself. The next film will concentrate on the artist’s and their motivations behind tattooing. Keep watching for future installments.
In order of appearance:
Chad Koeplinger (Paradise Tattoo, Washington D.C.)
Amanda Wachob (Daredevil Tattoo, New York City)
Claudia De Sabe (Jolie Rouge, London)
Deno Jr. (Circus Tattoo, Madrid)
Jo Harrison (Modern Body Art, Birmingham)
Zele (Zagreb Tattoo, Zagreb)
Michelle Myles (Daredevil Tattoo, New York City)
Brian Thomas Wilson and Ryan Mason (Scapegoat Tattoo, Portland)
Steve Vinall (The Family Business, London)
Uncle Allan (Conspiracy Inc., Copenhagen)
Jason Donahue (Idle Hand Tattoo, San Francisco)
Doctor Matt Lodder being tattooed by Uncle Allan
Alex Binnie (Into You, London/Brighton) talking about his new collection of wood block prints
Ryan Mason (Scapegoat Tattoo, Portland)
Pili Mo’o (Mo’o Tatau, Tenerife)
Marcus Berriman (London Tattoo Convention Organiser)
Tattoo by Uncle Allan. Photo by James Stittle, Papercut Pictures
Music by:
Honkeyfinger – ‘HonknSkronkn’ & ‘Margarine Man’
Black Mass – ‘To The Cross’
The Lysergic Suite – ‘Earth and Water’
I realised last night that my blog is now just over a year old and I let the occasion slip by without so much as a mention. So, I would like to use this post to celebrate and thank all of you, my readers, for your support and comments over the past year. When I started this blog I didn’t think for a moment that I would meet so many inspiring people and receive so many encouraging comments. I have also been shortlisted to win an award from Cosmopolitan.
What a first year! Let’s hope the next is just as successful…
Feature girl: Claire Cocks Location: London Occupation: Cataloguer at an autograph auction house and retailer
Claire Cocks
Victorian Silhouette Tattoo
Where did you get your tattoos done?
I got my silhouette by Lucy at Into You and my Victorian lady “Gwendolen” by Miles at Frith Street.
What got you into tattoos and what was your first tattoo? I’ve always loved tattoos, but I was a bit dubious about whether I’d want something so permanent, until last year! I mentioned to a friend what I had in mind and he gave me a list of artists to check out and away I went. At first I wanted a simple cameo within an ornate frame, but the design evolved until I decided on a solid black silhouette portrait of my mum.
Are you planning any more tattoos? Yes definitely – although it took a few months after Gwendolen to think about having another one. I’d love to get a skull and crossbones that I saw on the floor of the Campo Santo in Pisa. The crossbones have a ribbon tying them together and I love the juxtaposition of the two. I’m also looking into getting a Victorian animal engraving, so I’m hunting around second-hand bookshops for an original drawing to work from at the moment.
Where did your inspiration come from? Victorian engravings and adverts, woodcuts, history of photography.
How would you describe your style? Vintage inspired, but without sticking to any particular period or style, although I’m always keen on Victoriana, 1920s cross-dressing (Louise Brooks in ‘Beggars of Life’) and the 80s 1940s revival.
Is there anyone you would like to get tattooed by? I’d love to get tattooed by either Volko Merschky or Simone Pfaff from Buena Vista Tattoo Club – their designs are amazing. I saw them at work at the London Tattoo Convention and it has definitely spurred me on to do some saving!
Victorian Corset Tattoo - Gwendolen
Do you have a favourite tattoo? As I only have two I think it would be unfair to have favourites!
Do your tattoos have meanings? The portrait of my mum is commemorative – I wanted something really simple in a place that I could always see. Luckily she liked it. Gwendolen on the other hand is just pure aesthetic joy – a corset advertisement I found one day and fell in love with!
For as long as I can remember I have dreamt about getting a padlock tattoo. When I was younger I was very secretive and wrote everyday in my padlocked diary about an unrequited crush or a first kiss. As in childhood, in adulthood I enjoy keeping certain things private or sharing things with only selected people.
Here is my heart-shaped padlock, it represents my secrets, now I wonder who holds the key to it?
