Gents,
In 1991 archeologists discovered a 5,200 year old “Iceman” along the Italian-Austrian border
. The ancient man had tattoos and after further investigation scientists discovered the markings were strategically placed on areas that were suffering from pain. It appears the Iceman used tattoos as therapeutic treatment to alleviate pain. Many cultures and economic classes have adorned the human body with tattoos, whether it was the Samurai, Pacific Islanders or Egyptian Women, tattoos were always significant and had a specific meaning.
About 15-20 years ago, in Western culture, tattoos were typically found on sailors, bikers, military, rebels, ex-cons or adventurous souls. Nowadays, tattooing has come full circle and enthusiast are getting their permanent marks with significance and meaning in all cultural and economic classes. Tattoos have become acceptable in society and are no longer stigmatized with movie stars, business men, lawyers, doctors, musicians and models proudly displaying their art.
As tattoo enthusiast cultural and economic classes broaden, so are the tattooists who transition from the art world to create their work onto the only living canvas, the human skin. They bring skill and artistic creativity to a surface that does not allow a redo!
A prime example of an artist who transitioned into tattooing is Twig Sparks, who started dabbling in art when he was 5 years old. For the last 12 years Twig has been learning the tattoo craft. Twig worked in almost every art medium and achieved some level of success. Many of the tattoo designs he created were done by “shitty” tattooist. Eventually Twig decided to get involved and found an apprenticeship in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to Twig, “Tattooing is the highest and most spiritual art form, because it’s done on the most expensive surfaces, and has a very short life span, and has no room for error in its application, tattooing to me means commitment.” Twig enjoys, “portraits, and Japanese work, I love the detail of a portrait, and I love the way Japanese artwork moves and flow’s on the body.” The artistic tattooing has allowed him to work in Las Vegas, Orlando and Miami. The desire to have the designs transferred correctly to the human canvas has brought Twig success and satisfaction.
Another artist who made their way from the sketchpad to the human canvas is Lisa Del Toro. A single mother of two, Lisa has been involved with art since she was a child. During high school the interest became serious but later found herself focusing on jewelry design. Being a mother of two, tattooing did not seem like a career path but friends sought her renderings for tattooing, “I really enjoyed bringing their ideas to life,” says Lisa. After submitting several art pieces she gained a tattoo apprenticeship. The love of art has remained and according to Lisa, “I love to water color paint, paint acrylics.” The perspective that Lisa has for the clients is astonishing, “I think people who get tattooed are almost like a walking piece of art, usually they care a lot about there appearance and they appreciate the art they put on themselves and want other people to appreciate it just as much as they do.” Not only has Lisa found an avenue to express her artistic creations, she has gained freedom and independence.
Tattooing is an art form that is significant and meaningful to the individual and for the tattooist. Some barbers get a straight razor to symbolize their love for the craft and others get a portrait of their deceased loved one to memorialize them. Twig and Lisa are making their marks on more than the human body and keeping the art form of tattooing alive.
The term tattoo originates from James Cook’s expeditions to Tahiti during the late 1700’s, “tatatau” and “tattau” which means to strike or hit. The art form was uncovered through discovery by people like James Cook and archeologists who illuminated the therapeutic application by the Iceman. Some people get tattoos to mark significant events, ideas, philosophies, beliefs and people in their lives. Tattoo is a visible and permanent discovery of the human experience we call life.
Twig on Facebook
Lisa on Facebook
www.facebook.com/lisa.deltoro7
Photo of Wild Records Artist Jake Allen Courtesy of Daniel Funaki
www.facebook.com/daniel.funaki
Mr. M
www.facebook.com/Gentlemens.Ave
LYB!
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