Piercings and Tattoos

The world of Body Art from Disha’s eyes

Jan
06

Is it a handle or an illusionary tattoo design on arm?

Posted by Disha Singh on January 6, 2015

Is it a handle or an illusionary tattoo design on arm?

Well, don’t be confused this one is an astonishing tattoo design that seems like you could grab the swirling handle-like pattern on the customer- Paddy Buckley’s arm. It is an interesting tattoo design that certainly makes viewers take a second look due to its unusual optical illusion.

This impressive skin art is inked by tattoo artist Paul O’Rourke from Allstar Ink in Limerick, Ireland. The tattoo is so intriguing that it has become an Internet hit and many online visitors are praising this unusual creation. According to O’Rourke, the tattoo design was quite challenging but fun at the same time.

I totally loved the twisted pattern of this delusional tattoo; but wonder how the client deals with people wanting to poke his arm to clear their visionary doubts?

Jan
17

Kat Von D geared up with her High Voltage Tattoo Book

Posted by Disha Singh on January 17, 2009

Darling Kat Von D, has again come up with new venture other than tattooing though about tattooing…am I confusing you? I don’t think so. You remember last year in May she brought out her Make-Up Line and this year she is ready with a book called, High Voltage Tattoo, which she claims, is a window into the world of tattooing through her eyes.

Book appears to be a real treat to eyes and in it you will also see the tattoos Kat has done on the likes of Bam Margera, Kerry King of Slayer, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Anthrax, Alkaline Trio, Eagles of Death Metal, Margaret Cho, Jeffree Star, Jamie Thomas, Steel Panther, Fireball Ministry, Nikki Sixx, as well as some of her never before seen final tattoos on her all time fave clients!

Let’s see what introduction they give for the Book:

“High Voltage Tattoo is a graphic perspective on today’s global tattoo culture by Kat Von D, star of The Learning Channel’s L.A. Ink and one of the most talented and popular artists working today. Designed in a style that is reminiscent of a handmade Gothic journal with its red padded cover, ornate typography, and parchmentlike pages, it throws the door wide open to tattooing culture in the way only an insider like Kat can.

High Voltage Tattoo traces Kat’s career as an artist, from early childhood influences to recent work, along with examples of what inspires her, information about the show and her shop, her sketches, and personal tattoos. The book goes deep into tattoo process and culture: readers can see up close the pigments, the tools, and the making of complex, even collaborative, tattoos.

With a foreword by Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx, the book features images and stories about celebrities, rockers, pro skaters, and everyday citizens, including Slayer’s Kerry King, Anthrax’s Scott Ian, Margaret Cho, Jackass’ Bam Margera, David Letterman, and many others. It profiles and showcases the work of artists Kat has selected from all over the world, her interviews with people who have compelling tattoos and stories, and amazing images of extraordinary tattoo work. Numerous portfolios throughout the book showcase a range of relevant subjects, from the black and gray portrait work for which Kat is famous to a popular tattoo theme, such as the rose or biblical images. There is a knockout ten-page full-body spread of Kat—clad in a yellow bikini and seven-inch, rhinestone-studded red stilettos—that catalogs in detail all her personal tattoos on her front, back, left, and right sides—even her hands and head.”

High Voltage Tattoo, By Kat Von D
will be available January 20th in bookstores nationwide,
as well as on The Official Book Tour launching January 18th, 2009.

Virgin Megastore Hollywood & Highland
6801 Hollywood Blvd 105
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Thursday, 1/22 @ 7pm

Virgin Megastore
2 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Friday, 1/30 @7pm

Tattoo artist, Kat Von D, will be signing copies of her book, “High Voltage Tattoo.” Purchase your copy beginning 20/1/2009 at Virgin Hollywood and receive a wristband that guarantees you a spot in line to have your book signed.

*While supplies last. 1 person per wristband. 1 wristband per purchase.



Book Release dates:
Read the rest of this entry »

Apr
04

Interview with Great Tattooist – Lionel

Posted by Disha Singh on April 4, 2008

Lionel at work
(Lionel at Work)
Please welcome the great tattoo artist from France – LIONEL. As you cannot hold sand in your hand similarly the free tattoo artist cannot be seen tied in the chains of a tattoo studio. He keeps touring and you can find his availability list on his website. His tattoos are his reflection, making him taller than all other tattooists. His tattoos will surely bring a smile on your face as well as they will take you back to your childhood.

For me his tattoos rejuvenate the child heart lurking inside me. Let’s see what fuels the fire in him to bring out such cute masterpieces on the canvas of skin, through this interview with him.

Disha Singh: Let’s start with your first rendezvous with the art. When did it started and how?
Lionel: Hi, since the beginning and as far as I do remember, my mom brought us to see any kind of exhibitions… we were living in a poor and very industrial city but there were lots of exhibitions with free admittance and my mom always tried to make our eyes wide opened! Thanx to her! The same with music. Even if our parents were strict, we had access to art! We could draw at home and I was a very quiet boy. I could spend hours alone just playing alone and dreaming… a little bit like now!ahahahaah!
Arm tattoo by lionel at paris
(A complete tattoo one of Lionel’s Paris Client)

Disha: Your tattoos are like a trademark for you, which are not like regular tribal or Biomech tattoos. Under what category do your tattoos fall for you and how do you get the idea of a design?
Lionel: Well I think I do something very near the person. I don’t impose anything, I just try to talk and discover the universe of the person. On through his/her belief I try to tell the story of this person on a positive way! Tattoo were forbidden in our culture, so it meant it was very interesting to my eyes when I was younger, but culturally I always preferred art history, illustration books for kids than bikers designs! My tattoos try to reflect the soul of the people who ask me a design…

Disha: What fuels the fire within you to keep going on and on? What sense of fulfillment do you get after inking a design?

Lionel:
When I finish my work I discover the result which is not mine anymore! I work for someone, not really for me! It is lots of concentration, taking care on every details, then when it’s finished the design has being done by me but it is not mine anymore! I need a few days before rediscovering the tattoo I have on the picture I took… it is strange, and hard to explain because skin is an alive canvas!

Skateboard designed by tattooist Lionel and his four children

(A Skateboard designed by Lionel and his four children)

Disha: Who are your main inspirations?

Lionel: My four children, my wife, the sun, the clouds, the landscape, nature, love stories, sky, books, exhibitions and a few painters artists like Cy Twombly, Georg Baselitz and Andy Goldsworthy and Thibault de Reimpré, art printings, people…

Disha: Could you please share any good or bad or some funny experience/request, you’ve encountered for a tattoo?


Lionel:
Mmmh… not really! Maybe one! One old man came to me one day and wanted me to put a microscopic electronic system in the ear of his dog. So that he could follow his dog if he would be lost with a military satellite system!

Lionel and his two children

(Lionel with his two children)
Disha: How have things changed regarding your inking over the years? How far would you like to take your body art?

Lionel: I am lucky. Everybody was spitting on my back for 8-9 years because my tattoos were not traditional enough and now I travel a lot, have wonderful customers and I can express myself more than in the past! People get tattooed on a younger age, their culture is changing of course and now you have lots of tattooists that specialize in one style. Then you can travel to discover the good inker!

Disha: Why do we see Lionel mostly traveling and can someone see him fixed at one stop. If yes, where? Lionel: I had a shop (OUT OF STEP, the enemy of the sun) but I felt depressed by staying in this place everyday! Before tattooing I was a professional guitarist in a punk band and I was on tour for 11 years… Then becoming the owner of a shop made really depressed… I tried two times to run my own shop but after six months I had to do the guest somewhere else!

It permits me also to have more time at home with my family and taking care of them much more. That’s also why it takes so long to answer to everybody!

Very cute Foot Tattoo by Lionel

Disha: Who would Lionel have been if he was not a tattoo artist?

Lionel: I was a professional musician in a punk band called PORTOBELLO BONES for eleven years. I was also organising tours in Europe for my band and some others… So I really think I would work in the music scene as music is a large part of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disha: For our readers information please tell us how much does a piece cost?


Lionel:
It costs the price a customer want to spend. He has to think it is for life, he doesn’t buy a pair of shoe when he has an appointment with me. We talk and then I decide if I’m tattooing him with his budget.

Tattooist Lionel house

(Lionel’s House)

Disha: In addition, who is Lionel apart from a being a tattoo artist?

Lionel: A normal guy who lives and dreams in the west of France, who loves life and who would love to visit India for sure!

Disha: Finally, what suggestions do you have for the newbies in the industry and especially to those who want get tattooed?

Lionel: Please take your time. Ask, watch, think, use your head and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leg tattoo by Lionel

Thank you so much Lionel for sparing your valuable time from your busy schedule. 

Don’t forget to check out few more tattoos by Lionel at our Image Gallery.

Jan
11

A look at Manic Tattoo Studio

Posted by Disha Singh on January 11, 2008

A tattoo by Chris

Manic Tattoo Studio is owned and operated by tattoo artist Chris Oppenheim. There are other artists also available here to provide you with their services. You can etch as well as poke yourself at Manic.

Chris has been tattooing since three and a half years.

When we asked him to throw some light on the Manic Tattoo Studio he replied:

“Manic tattoo is a relaxing, clean environment with flat screen tv’s, digital portfolios, and thousands of designs to choose from. Manic also has quality merchandise and specializes in body piercings. Manic tattoos is located at 2821 Churchville road in Churchville Maryland. Chris and the artists at manic will design any custom piece and portraits are also available.”

You can have a look at a few more Tattoo works of Chris Oppenheim of Manic Tattoos at our gallery or you can click here.