Since I started getting ‘inked’, I’ve become semi-obsessed with the “Ink” series – Miami Ink, LA Ink and London Ink – mainly LA Ink. I’ve found that it does both incredibly positive, but also quite misguided things for the perception of tattooing.
On the positive side, it shows that not all people with tattoos are thugs. The complete range of people that step into the stores to get artwork done show that societies perception of the kind of people that have tattoos has shifted. It used to be highly associated with prison, gangs and so on; but these days, most tattoos done are (or at least seem to be) commemorative pieces of loved ones, or a way of holding onto a special memory, and that’s nice to see. It’s really good to show that you don’t have to be a down-and-out degenerative to get ink on your body, and that hopefully the stigmata assosicated with them is on the move. I’d like to see a day when anyone can look any way that they like, and they’re judged on their actions, rather than their appearance.
Negatively though, I’ve watched four series of LA Ink, three series of Miami Ink and one series of London Ink, and I’m yet to see someone step through the shop doors and say “I just want to have this tattoo because it looks good”.
That’s why I have my artwork. Sure, there are little bits dotted around in it that have some significance to my life, but there are bits I’ve had done just because I thought it looked awesome. Like “Skully”, one of the most central pieces of my left sleeve. He ‘means’ nothing, I just like his big stupid gawping skull face. That’s all.
Same way as I’m going to get the Adventure Time waving snail hidden on me. No reason other than it’s funny. And isn’t that the point?
Discussion
No comments yet.