Tattoos now emerging as a modern art medium
Rebecca Farr
Equinox Staff
Tattooing and body modification datesback to over 5,000 years ago. But what exactly is it that keeps the modern-day tattoo machine buzzing and buzzing? It’s the emerging popularity and approval of this new type of art medium.
The acceptance and normality of tattoos seems to be growing more and more as the years go by. Shop owner at Secret Lake Tattoo on Emerald St. in Keene, N.H. Jesse Rix said the former tattoo stigma of past years is moving further away from the tattoo industry.
“Even up to five years ago they [tattoos] were frowned upon by a lot of people, and I think now that the caliber of artists are getting better, people are more drawn to a tattoo as a medium of an art form,” he said.
It takes far more than the simple trace of an outline and coloring. In order to be a successful tattoo artist, one must truly be an outstanding artist—minus the needle. Rix said the two most important things are to be as personable as possible with clients and to have a top-notch portfolio.
Junior at Keene State College Kenny Carr is working toward his ultimate dream of becoming a tattoo artist. However, Carr is aware that he must show his talent through his artwork to get there. Carr’s “real life” plans are to graduate from KSC with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree followed by a year to attain his teaching certification to become a high school art teacher. His plans don’t stop there.
“From there, I want to put two things I love together—art and tattoos,” he said. “If I could be an art teacher until 2:30 [p.m.] every day and open up a small tattoo parlor and run the business in the afternoon–that would be so perfect.”
When it comes to tattoos, Carr seems to understand some of the difficulties in the tattoo industry. Whether it is the fierce competition between fellow artists or the vast variety of all the different styles of tattooing, Carr said he plans to continue to build his portfolio and practice tattooing.
Some frown upon at-home practice, but others may also identify with those who just want to get their foot in the door. For instance, Carr said although one needs a license to obtain tattoo materials, a friend of his helped him out to get some equipment of his own. Carr has practiced tattooing oranges but he said it’s just not quite the same as human skin. In addition to that, he took a makeshift approach and stuck a pencil in the tattoo machine in order to test the heavier weight and vibration of the machine.
Tattoo artist Cesar Perez, from Mom’s Tattoo shop on Roxbury Street, said he began practicing tattooing on pigskin. From his past experiences and love for drawing, Perez said, “Once you see art you can put on people’s skin, for me, there’s no other feeling like that,” he said, “When I get a piece done, it’s better than just painting or drawing something.”
Both Perez and Patrick Powell from Mom’s Tattoo said it is crucial in the beginning to work towards high quality art to be able to survive as a tattoo artist. Rix seemed to agree.
“If you have a background in art, that’s one less thing I would have to teach you,” Rix said. There is an artistic side of tattooing and there is also a technical side. For hopeful apprenticeships, it’s in their best interest to walk in to a shop and show off their artistic side. All the while, it is also important to be approachable enough to persuade the tattoo shop that they, too, have interest in taking the time to teach the technical aspect.
“There’s a technical aspect to it. It’s not just art; it’s harder than art.” Powell said.
While shops like Secret Lake and Mom’s Tattoo continue a steady booking, one may question what it is that keeps people coming back for more.
“It’s a generation thing,” Powell said, “Look at the older generations. The people getting tattooed were sailors, prostitutes and bikers, whereas now pretty much our main clientele is college kids.”
Even so, perhaps the parents of college students are becoming intrigued as well. Powell said he’s been seeing a lot of people in their forties come into the shop and Perez said he has tattooed people in their sixties before as well.
To all those aspiring artists out there, especially with hopes in tattooing, Rix said to stay in school. “Get a degree in fine art or illustration,” he said, and that can build an astonishing portfolio.
Rebecca Farr can be contacted at
rfarr@keene-equinox.com