“For my grandma. She was a huge Elvis fan, loved rings, let me hunt for “treasures” using a magnifying glass, and always had pink roses in her house.
She was a huge believer that having hope could fix any problem. When she died of lung and brain cancer a year ago, up until the day she died she kept telling us that she had hope that she would get better. She lived a year and a half longer than doctors said she would and had minimal pain. Pretty amazing in my book.
I love you, Grandma! I hope you’re rocking out with Elvis in heaven (and eating some fried chicken, too).
Done by Jake Bussie at Alkali Tattoo in Janesville, WI.”
Tonight, I have finally got round to putting about three months worth of pictures onto my computer. I stumbled across these two photos. From the floor I can deduct that these pictures were taken in the Dolphin. However I have no idea who the photos feature, so if it’s you please get in touch!
East London antics in the Dolphin, Hackney
On the same night this photo was taken of me and my friend Keely. If any of you Hackney folk have ever been to the Dolphin you will understand the drunken, glazed look of the eyes and the photos of a random man’s tattoos…see you there on Friday for a Jägerbomb or three?
Feature girl: ReeRee Rockette, London
ReeRee Rockette is an inspirational woman who is minding her own business…she is the alternative entrepreneur…
I am very happy to share this interview feature with the talented ReeRee Rockette. ReeRee has managed to turn a part-time passion for blogging into a successful career. ReeRee has a unique and driven attitude to life and this is reflected in her style.
Here the inspirational, and very lovely, ReeRee answers some of my questions about her work, life, inspirations and of course, her tattoos…
Tattoo by Scarlet Hel
Tattoo by Scarlet Hel
How would you describe your style? I think other people would describe me largely as a Rockabilly girl, but I enjoy flitting between different styles. Some days I’m more vintage, or more punk, or more rock and roll. Fashion should be fun, and I love being able to play around with my look.
What go you into tattooing?
Oddly, I used to hate tattoos, and my first one was a memorial tattoo, a very small one on my hip. I was surprised at how little it hurt (the little ones are over so quickly they don’t hurt too much!), and I started collecting smaller ones around my waist. I have quite an all-or-nothing personality, and it wasn’t that long until I got a larger back piece.
Tattoo by Valerie Vargas
What inspires you?
Tattoo wise? Lots of things I guess. Places I have been, experiences, and people. I wouldn’t say I have a specific tattoo inspiration, but my current style is definitely old-school inspired.
In life, I would say I am inspired by people who create something from nothing – whether it be a brand, a product, a life etc. People who are positive go-getters, and create the life they want to live.
Do your tattoos have meanings?
Some of my tattoos have meanings, whereas some are completely frivolous. I have three in memory of my Dad, two for life changing experiences, two have references to life mottos of mine, whereas the rest are quite impulsive and have no actual meaning.
Are you planning more tattoos?
Always! Cash flow is what has slowed me down at the moment, although that is probably a good thing! The next one is a Rockalily Lipstick one, but I would also like my calves done. I would like more work on my thighs, and perhaps my back worked on too.
How did the ‘ReeRee’ personna grow? I was given the name ReeRee years ago by a teenage girl I worked closely with, then I started working in the burlesque world and it seemed like the only natural choice!
How did you make your blog such a success? My blog (thank you for saying it is such a success!)…it has been pretty organic to be honest. It has been awesome to see it evolve and grow as my own ambitions have grown with it.
So tell me more about your businesses.. Rockalily is a lipstick brand which reflects my love of rockabilly and retro styling. Red Lipstick is such a key part to my look, and Rockalily Lipsticks are perfect for every day wear (they are very moisturising). I also run Wonderful Women: Minding Our Own Business– a London and Norwich based business group, for women who run their own business. Both of these grew from the success of my blog – Alternatively Lovely. They all give me a chance to live the life I have always wanted!
Tattoo by Valerie Vargas
Thanks so much ReeRee for answering my questions…and I look forward to seeing your new lipstick tattoo…
The band will be signing copies of their latest album Laugh Now, Laugh Later, with Corey Miller who designed the album’s artwork.
Meet the band and the artist, get your copy of the CD, vinyl and artwork signed, and enter a competition to win a pair of tickets to the FACE TO FACE show, on the same night at the Best Buy Theatre.
KINGS AVE TATTOO NYC is located at 188 Bowery (at Spring Street) in New York City. The event starts at 5pm.
A beautiful memorial tattoo I found on fuckyeahtattoos
