Just did a segment on tattoo machines. Time Warp is a show that uses a super-high speed video camera to capture everyday events and then plays them back in super slow motion.
It's really cool to see a tattoo machine captured at 2500 or 5000 frames/second played back at 30 frames/second.
Skin looks just like water, with tiny little concentric ripples every time the needle punches into the skin. It looks just like dropping a stone into still water. Cool.
Showing posts with label tattoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tattoo. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The End
Tattoo Session #23
December 6, 2008
So, it’s over. My 16-month odyssey into pain, suffering, and tattoo shop culture has run its course. Only a single touch-up session remains, and that won’t happen until spring so that the ink has really settled into the skin properly.
The end itself was a little anti-climactic. I expected at least one more session, but Joel just laid down the tattoo machine and said: ”That’s it, we’re done.” “Done, done?” I asked. “Done, done.” he answered.
These sessions have become fully integrated into the rhythm of my life. Every 3-4 weeks, usually on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon we had a convenient excuse to drive up to Boulder. They have also become part of Kathy’s life as she came to every single session. So, after 23 appointments, and almost 55 hours of needle time, we need to find a new reason to go to Boulder.
One upside of the experience is that my ability to meditate has radically improved. I could never reach nothingness during a tattoo session but I was readily able to detach physically for 20-30 minutes at a time. Now I find traditional meditation much easier.
I write this as though someone has died and in some way it's how I feel. But at the same time I know that this really isn’t the end. Does something like this really end? Does anything ever really end? Or, like the great cosmic continuum, is the beginning of the next thing? The start of the start? I like to think if it this way more that it just being over.
Maybe it’s still too soon to write about this; the lessons will only begin appear with time. I’ll keep you posted. In the mean time I will celebrate the fact that I can now choose, or choose not, to get more work done.
Tattoo FAQ:
Does it hurt?
A: Yes, of course it hurts.
How much dies it hurt?
A: More than a really bad sunburn, less than a 25 M.P.H. bicycle crash. (These are the only relevant points of reference I can give.)
Why did you do it?
A: Because I wanted a big tattoo.
How much did it cost?
A: Labor and tip total a little more than $6k.
Did you pick the design?
A: No, I picked a general theme – Initially just the Dragon, and later the Japanese Myth of the Koi and the Dragon. I also picked the color of some of the larger things – the Blue Dragon, the Black/Yellow and White/Blue Koi. Beyond that it was really the artist’s call although he frequently asked if a particular color was OK.
How could you trust him so much?
A: I did my research; I looked for the right artist for well over a year before finding Joel. I was prepared to fly to either Miami or Austin to get this level of quality. I was lucky enough to find someone locally who had the chops to do the work I wanted.
December 6, 2008
So, it’s over. My 16-month odyssey into pain, suffering, and tattoo shop culture has run its course. Only a single touch-up session remains, and that won’t happen until spring so that the ink has really settled into the skin properly.
The end itself was a little anti-climactic. I expected at least one more session, but Joel just laid down the tattoo machine and said: ”That’s it, we’re done.” “Done, done?” I asked. “Done, done.” he answered.
These sessions have become fully integrated into the rhythm of my life. Every 3-4 weeks, usually on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon we had a convenient excuse to drive up to Boulder. They have also become part of Kathy’s life as she came to every single session. So, after 23 appointments, and almost 55 hours of needle time, we need to find a new reason to go to Boulder.
One upside of the experience is that my ability to meditate has radically improved. I could never reach nothingness during a tattoo session but I was readily able to detach physically for 20-30 minutes at a time. Now I find traditional meditation much easier.
I write this as though someone has died and in some way it's how I feel. But at the same time I know that this really isn’t the end. Does something like this really end? Does anything ever really end? Or, like the great cosmic continuum, is the beginning of the next thing? The start of the start? I like to think if it this way more that it just being over.
Maybe it’s still too soon to write about this; the lessons will only begin appear with time. I’ll keep you posted. In the mean time I will celebrate the fact that I can now choose, or choose not, to get more work done.
Tattoo FAQ:
Does it hurt?
A: Yes, of course it hurts.
How much dies it hurt?
A: More than a really bad sunburn, less than a 25 M.P.H. bicycle crash. (These are the only relevant points of reference I can give.)
Why did you do it?
A: Because I wanted a big tattoo.
How much did it cost?
A: Labor and tip total a little more than $6k.
Did you pick the design?
A: No, I picked a general theme – Initially just the Dragon, and later the Japanese Myth of the Koi and the Dragon. I also picked the color of some of the larger things – the Blue Dragon, the Black/Yellow and White/Blue Koi. Beyond that it was really the artist’s call although he frequently asked if a particular color was OK.
How could you trust him so much?
A: I did my research; I looked for the right artist for well over a year before finding Joel. I was prepared to fly to either Miami or Austin to get this level of quality. I was lucky enough to find someone locally who had the chops to do the work I wanted.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tattoo Update
Joel is featured in an extensive article in the current issue (#13) of Tattoo Artist Magazine. The article include a picture of my dragon sleeve along with a very complete catalog of his work.
My Koi sleeve is done except for coloring the Koi themselves. All the background and all the maple leaves are done and really look good. I've been doing three-hour sessions recently which speeds things up considerably. I've only got a couple of sessions left and I'm done. It's weird to think it's coming to an end so quickly. The end has always been some intangable, far-away thing. Now I'm probably done by Christmas.
Here are photos from the last few sessions.
My Koi sleeve is done except for coloring the Koi themselves. All the background and all the maple leaves are done and really look good. I've been doing three-hour sessions recently which speeds things up considerably. I've only got a couple of sessions left and I'm done. It's weird to think it's coming to an end so quickly. The end has always been some intangable, far-away thing. Now I'm probably done by Christmas.
Here are photos from the last few sessions.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tattoo Session 8
Session 8
February 2nd
6:30PM
In this session Joel shaded the belly scales in green (a combo of mint and neon). He also shaded the underside of the claws in Lavender and began shading the fringe along the backbone. He started be adding small brown spots and will finish during the next session be filling them with yellow.
Great news -- Joel thinks there are only two more sessions to complete the work -- followed by a couple of touch-up sessions.
February 2nd
6:30PM
In this session Joel shaded the belly scales in green (a combo of mint and neon). He also shaded the underside of the claws in Lavender and began shading the fringe along the backbone. He started be adding small brown spots and will finish during the next session be filling them with yellow.
Great news -- Joel thinks there are only two more sessions to complete the work -- followed by a couple of touch-up sessions.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Wide shot
Here is a wide shot showing the recently completed head in context. The belly scales and the spine fringe are the largest parts remaining. The very last thing will be the completion of the eyes. I'm leaving the choice of eye color to Joel.
Everything is healing nicely (It's now been three days) and I'm really looking forward to the next session on Superbowl Saturday (if there is such a thing).
Everything is healing nicely (It's now been three days) and I'm really looking forward to the next session on Superbowl Saturday (if there is such a thing).
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Photos from Session 7
The Dragon's head completed.
Here is an excellent article by Japanese master Kazuo Oguri, describing traditional Japanese tattoo.
Here is an excellent article by Japanese master Kazuo Oguri, describing traditional Japanese tattoo.
Tattoo (Session 7)
Yesterday was session 7 -- another hitoppori (Japanese for "two hour tattoo session"). Joel completed shading/coloring the dragon's head. The results are really spectacular. The head was the largest part that was still unfinished. Finishing it made a huge difference.
It was also a very different session. Being a Saturday, the shop was really busy. Every station was full as was the waiting room.
It was also a very different session. Being a Saturday, the shop was really busy. Every station was full as was the waiting room.
My mom is visiting this weekend and watched the first hour of work. As an artist she was really interested in the process and, I think, came away impressed by what she saw.
See all the tattoo photos here
See you all again in two weeks for hitoppori....
Friday, December 14, 2007
Session 6
I especially like this one. It sort of captures the moment. Note that this is isn't because of a tattoo gun -- this is cleaning up with "Green Soap". It stings and he scrubs pretty hard. It is often worse than the tattoo itself.
End of session 6
Session 6
December 13th
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Tattoo (Session 5)
Monday evening Joel added a little red and yellow to the flames and filled on most of the cherry blossoms either red or pink. The pink ones look red and white when new but will blend to pink over the next few days.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
London Ink
I just watched the premier episode of London Ink just now and am astonished to learn that people in Jolly Old England seem to feel actual pain when getting a Tattoo. I've seen a lot of tattoo-themed reality TV shows in my time, I've seen Tattoo Wars, Tattoo Stories, Inked and both Miami and LA inks, and in all those shows I have never seen a single person show any pain at all. I always figured that when you get under TV lights or in front of a video camera you become completely impervious to pain. It's like having a super-power.
But in London folks seem to actually feel pain while under the needle. I really saw it; tears, grimacing, jaw clenching, hand wringing, and general fidgeting. I was shocked. I can only think the crazy 50Hz power European power system blocks all the super-powers.
But in London folks seem to actually feel pain while under the needle. I really saw it; tears, grimacing, jaw clenching, hand wringing, and general fidgeting. I was shocked. I can only think the crazy 50Hz power European power system blocks all the super-powers.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tattoo (Session 4)
Session 4Sunday November 18th
5:00pm
I think the shading is all done now. It's really starting to look good. I just need some color. I'm still not totally sure about the final color of the dragon's scales, Blue or Green. Next appointment is 2 Dec.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Tattoo (Session 3)
Session #3
Sunday, October 21st, 2007
7:00PM
Wow, what a change from last week. Last night’s work really hurt. In fact it still really hurts.
Last night was the first session without any drawing. It was just sit down and get to it. Joel finished all the shoulder, and under-arm leaving only the chest left to shade. After the shading we start on color.
Sunday, October 21st, 2007
7:00PM
Wow, what a change from last week. Last night’s work really hurt. In fact it still really hurts.
Last night was the first session without any drawing. It was just sit down and get to it. Joel finished all the shoulder, and under-arm leaving only the chest left to shade. After the shading we start on color.
Tattoo (Session 2)
Session #2
Sunday, October 14th, 2007
3:00PM
Sunday, October 14th, 2007
3:00PM
Today was more hand-drawing and finalizing the lower arm. After much thought and consideration I decided to go with Joel’s recommendation of “three fingers up from the elbow” as the edge of the piece. I felt a more conservative 5 (or more) was what I wanted, but after a couple of weeks I decided to let Joel do what he thinks is best. I also decided to add cherry blossoms to the edge of the design.
In addition to an hour of outlining, tonight was also the first session of shading.
The first step in shading is the preparation of the Sumi ink. This involves grinding a solid Sumi ink block with a little water on an “Ink Stone” to produce the black ink. The Ink Stone is a small tray made of smooth unglazed ceramic with a shallow well at one end where the ink collects. The Ink Stick is ground on the bottom of the tray with water and the ink gathers in the well. This process takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Shading is done with a much different needle configuration. All the lines are done with a single needle and shading is done with 4-15 needles. Joel generally uses 5 needles for shading.
In general shading is less painful than line work, but this depends greatly on the area. In fact after 2.5 hours I was ready to continue but also happy to end the session on a high note.
Tonight Joel finished shading the outer half of the lower arm. It’s really starting to look like a tattoo now. My next session is scheduled for next Sunday, only seven days between sessions.
In addition to an hour of outlining, tonight was also the first session of shading.
The first step in shading is the preparation of the Sumi ink. This involves grinding a solid Sumi ink block with a little water on an “Ink Stone” to produce the black ink. The Ink Stone is a small tray made of smooth unglazed ceramic with a shallow well at one end where the ink collects. The Ink Stick is ground on the bottom of the tray with water and the ink gathers in the well. This process takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.Shading is done with a much different needle configuration. All the lines are done with a single needle and shading is done with 4-15 needles. Joel generally uses 5 needles for shading.
In general shading is less painful than line work, but this depends greatly on the area. In fact after 2.5 hours I was ready to continue but also happy to end the session on a high note.
Tonight Joel finished shading the outer half of the lower arm. It’s really starting to look like a tattoo now. My next session is scheduled for next Sunday, only seven days between sessions.
Tattoo (Session 1)
Session #1
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
12 Noon
Yesterday we finally got started. The first couple of hours were spent drawing. The head of the dragon was done as a hand-drawn stencil, everything else was drawn on my shoulder with Sharpie markers. After more than an hour of drawing, the real work begins. This session was all outlining and covered my right chest (pec), shoulder and part of my upper arm. The lower arm will be done next time.
The shop was pretty busy and a number of prospective clients looked in to see Joel working. The first question is always “Does it hurt?” Of course it hurts; some guy is jamming a needle into your flesh 40-50 times a second for hours. Duhhh.
Outlining is pretty brutal, it a single needle and very sharp, thin lines. The total time for this session was just over three hours. The first hour was fine, the pain a distant irritant. By the second hour I was starting to really feel the burn with each new line. My leg was starting to twitch uncontrollably after the longer lines. By the third hour I was holding my breath during each line. I was really glad when he finished.
Aftercare is Aquaphore lotion for the first 4-5 days followed by simple lotion.
P.S. There was a small amount of peeling on days 2 and 3 but no other problems.
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
12 Noon
Yesterday we finally got started. The first couple of hours were spent drawing. The head of the dragon was done as a hand-drawn stencil, everything else was drawn on my shoulder with Sharpie markers. After more than an hour of drawing, the real work begins. This session was all outlining and covered my right chest (pec), shoulder and part of my upper arm. The lower arm will be done next time.The shop was pretty busy and a number of prospective clients looked in to see Joel working. The first question is always “Does it hurt?” Of course it hurts; some guy is jamming a needle into your flesh 40-50 times a second for hours. Duhhh.
Outlining is pretty brutal, it a single needle and very sharp, thin lines. The total time for this session was just over three hours. The first hour was fine, the pain a distant irritant. By the second hour I was starting to really feel the burn with each new line. My leg was starting to twitch uncontrollably after the longer lines. By the third hour I was holding my breath during each line. I was really glad when he finished.
Aftercare is Aquaphore lotion for the first 4-5 days followed by simple lotion.
P.S. There was a small amount of peeling on days 2 and 3 but no other problems.
Tattoo (Session 0)
Session #0
Saturday August 18th 2007
Consultation with Joel Long, Bolder Ink
We arrive at the Bolder Ink shop a few minutes early and begin thumbing through Joel’s portfolio. I am shocked at the difference between what he has on his web site and the work in his albums. The work in the book is exactly what I am looking for, sharp, vibrant, lots of detail, subtle shadows.
I later asked Joel about the difference, he explained that anything he puts on his web site is immediately copied by other artists (I don't think he used the word "artist") so he keeps his best stuff in the books and only publishes older work to the web.
When he arrived we discussed what I wanted and he made some suggestions based on traditional Japanese technique. everything sounded pretty good so I made an appointment for my first session.
Saturday August 18th 2007
Consultation with Joel Long, Bolder Ink
We arrive at the Bolder Ink shop a few minutes early and begin thumbing through Joel’s portfolio. I am shocked at the difference between what he has on his web site and the work in his albums. The work in the book is exactly what I am looking for, sharp, vibrant, lots of detail, subtle shadows.
I later asked Joel about the difference, he explained that anything he puts on his web site is immediately copied by other artists (I don't think he used the word "artist") so he keeps his best stuff in the books and only publishes older work to the web.
When he arrived we discussed what I wanted and he made some suggestions based on traditional Japanese technique. everything sounded pretty good so I made an appointment for my first session.
Tattoo
After more than a year of planning, thinking, dreaming, I recently started the wheels on motion to actually get a new tattoo. I have a climbing rope and Figure-8 around my right ankle that is now 10 years old. I have loved it every minute since I got it.
Recently I have been attracted to traditional Japanese style tattoos, especially the snake-like Dragons and brilliant orange Koi fish. Japanese style is unlike the “single-point” style of most tattoos. The pieces are much larger, covering the entire arm or leg. In the Japanese style, there is a central tattoo that is framed by a more subtle background. The background can be wind bars, clouds, waves or other design. The background on this type of tatoo is typically done in gray. I am most attracted to Dragons and Koi, both very traditional designs.
After an aborted start in January, I have chosen another artist and set an appointment for the first session.
I originally wanted Chris Garver to do the work. He is one of a very few artists who specialize in traditional Japanese style. Unfortunately he is now a star on the TV show Miami Ink, which means the only way to get an appointment, is to send in a video tape and “audition” for the TV show. I have zero interest in getting a tattoo on TV so Chris was out.
My wife knows a guy working on a full body-suit, she asked him and he recommended Chris Trevino in Austin and Dave Tedder in Atlanta. I spoke with Chris, described the piece I wanted and learned that due to the size and complexity, it would take at least 3 or 4 sessions to complete. I like both Austin and Atlanta but traveling there multiple times seemed like way too much work.
Months pass…
I am again looking at Chris Trevenio’s web site and find a link to an artist in Boulder who has worked with Chris. His name is Joel Long.
I found his web site and looked at his portfolio. Some of the pieces looked pretty good but I wasn’t sure he could do the level of work I was looking for. A few more months pass and I decide to meet him to discuss my plans while Kathy and I were in Boulder for dinner at Frasca.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)