VeriCheri [2011-08-07 16:56:47 +0000 UTC]

1. The tattoo artist - is the actual artist.

2. Maybe not the first, but definitly interactive.

3. I find it difficult to put the relationship into words :C

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Soul-Bell-M [2011-08-07 16:51:12 +0000 UTC]

With regards to question #2, I always have suspicion about people claiming things to be "firsts" or prototypical. I think it's more accurate to say that it's the first in terms of documentation, and with regards to how it fits into a particular set of criteria for what constitutes interactive. Since we haven't yet discovered some form of interactive art older than Neolithic, it's probably best not to make any assumptions...

And even if we did, was there any interactive art before that? (The question of continuous regression...)

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WinterCamryn [2011-08-07 16:48:39 +0000 UTC]

The first question bugs me, because I feel both have an extreme importance in the process. I'd say the canvas, though, because if the tattoo is meaningful to them, like someone's name, then it affects them more than the artist. They become part of the piece.
Tattoos might be the first interactive art. I'm wondering when piercings came, though. If those came before, then I'd say piercings and working hand-in-hand with piercings, jewlery.
I think the relationship is as powerful as either person extends it and intends for it to be. If the tattoo is intimate, then the relationship is as well. If the tattoo is something they're getting just because 'it looks cool' then I think it ends at that. I see it like a translator, though. Both people have their own interpretation of the final product and the process it took to achieve that piece of art

I think I'd want to be a part time tattoo artist when I get older. My dad would literally disown me, but I think it would be a fun summer job. I just have to research it more and find out whether it would be within my reach and what collage classes I'd need to take in order to be certified I think it would be a lot of fun, though

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semiot [2011-08-07 16:33:23 +0000 UTC]

speaking for me:

1. "Which author is more important the tattoo artists or the one to become the living canvas?"
The one with the mark.

2."Do you consider tattoo art to be the first “interactive” artform?"
Nope. Art is always interactive.

3."How would you describe the relationship between tattoo artist and the person being tattooed?"
always different.

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BlacK-Kat9 [2011-08-07 16:06:41 +0000 UTC]

This should become a poll D:

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PerianArdocyl [2011-08-07 15:58:10 +0000 UTC]

1. Definitely the tattoo artist... they are bringing to life the vision of the client. Before that, it's just an idea, or a concept (unless, of course, the person brings in an actual drawing, but for the most part, it's the tattoo artist).
2. I guess they're an art form, though I admit it begrudgingly, because my spiritual beliefs are such that the body is sacred, and thus tattoos are a desecration of the flesh. (I'm extreme, though. You can do whatever you wish; these beliefs apply only to myself, as these are my personal values. Please don't take what I've said personally.)
3. My mom designs websites, so I can't help but view the relationship as the same kind of relationship she has with her clients... she's an artist, she has clients... her clients have a vision of what they want, she makes it happen.

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Pain-t-ink [2011-08-07 15:03:03 +0000 UTC]

I´m all in for this! I don't know how anybody could not think of tattooing in any different way....

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Norble [2011-08-07 15:01:19 +0000 UTC]

Don't have any tattoos though I have considered it. I myself am too picky for a tattoo. Something about it would be just slightly imperfect and it would bother me for an eternity.

1. It's the person being tattooed that has the vision and the artist that has the skill to bring the vision to life. It's just like a commission. I personally really like those tattoos that take the wearer's body into consideration. There are a lot of people that get something stamped on there body that looks disproportional for the location. It's okay if that's what you want, but remember, from a distance that lady bug looks like a big wart on your back. Sorry, I've digressed. The point is that the wearer's body is the canvass. Can't do much tattooing without a canvass.

2. No. To me, language is the first interactive art form. But maybe I'm interpreting "art form" too broadly.

3. Imagine the relationship between a lady and her hairdresser. The hairdresser know exactly how to style that hair to make her client happy. Why would tattooing be much different.

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superiorxemnasi [2011-08-07 14:25:40 +0000 UTC]

1. As a tattoo wearer I believe the wearer and the one applying their vision to their skin are equally part of it truly coming to life: the wearer gives it its meaning and is the canvas for the tattoo artists work and the artist must understand the wearer to truly capture a tattoo that represents what the wearer wants out of the tattoo.
2. It is one of a few interactive arts, but id say this is the most visceral interactive art form due to the collaboration of the two parties and due to its meaning is defined by the wearer giving it life with meaning and a story.
3.Refer to one.

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Eckko [2011-08-07 13:49:39 +0000 UTC]

As a tattoo artist, splitting people in to those with tattoos and those without, is grossly simplifing the tattooing atrform. Even within the tattoo community there is a large difference in clientele. There are those who walk in to a shop, pick something off the wall (as if they were buying a tee shirt) and get it done. This is werckless and unfortunately represents the majority of the public's opinion of tattooed individuals.

There is however another breed, those who think, conceptualize and form a relationship with their tattoo artist who designs them a custom tattoo. this is the true form of tattoo, in my opinion. While I do my share of already established art like Starwars or Zelda, I try to make it as original as possible. It's embarrassing to see someone wearing the same shirt, imagine the same tattoo? I have no flash on my walls, everything is drawn up custom. This is why my clientele are typically firefighters, lawyers, cops and doctors. People you wouldnt peg for having tattoos. To sum up my point, there is a middle ground of people who don't fit the tattoo mold, but have some serious ink. These are the true art wearers.

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mano-emanuel [2011-08-07 13:34:44 +0000 UTC]

Sadly, today, we find lot tattoo artists that only print an image from internet and that's all.

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Ithiliendude [2011-08-07 13:28:05 +0000 UTC]

I don't know how to answer questions 1 and 3, as I'm not tattooed, but question 2 I find interesting.

I think tattooing is definitely an interactive art form, but not just in the sense of ink-into-skin, but how people view them, and how they feel about them. Tattooing is an art form that has caused a lot of controversy in our 'civilised world', and people are connected or alienated by how they view tattoos.

I've always wanted to get a tattoo, ever since I was about 14. I've never had the money to do so, or parents willing to pay/give permission for one, and now that I'm out of education, I have to keep my skin clean for employment prospects. In my country, most people with a tattoo is judged as a low-life and/or violent person, but most times, that couldn't be further from the point.

My boyfriend has a few tattoos, and he got his first one when he was 14. He said even though at the time he didn't fully understand the commitment, he's never regretted it, as it was how he felt at the time. Most would find that outrageous, and accuse his parents of irresponsibility, but in his household there was no prejudice surrounding tattooing.

I find so many people have this 'life-long commitment, therefore big-deal' approach to tattooing, and as such there can be a lot of fear around it. I've never been one to freak out about these things. I find looking back on things with regret to be a pointless exercise.

I hope this rant made sense...

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Alloronan [2011-08-07 13:01:46 +0000 UTC]

I've thought about getting a tattoo for years and I even did a few designs, though I never had the courage to put them on myself. The other day I got a comment on one of my designs which basically said that the guy had actually used it- attached was a link to a photo of his new tattoo.

My feelings about it were more mixed than I would have guessed if you'd asked me earlier. I was hugely honoured and amazed that he had chosen my artwork to use. I mean, he was literally inscribing it indelibly on himself such that only a laser was going to get it off again, and he'd chosen my artwork for that.
At the same time I was actually a bit... I don't know, offended? He hadn't actually asked my permission to use it. To have a person put your artwork on their body is not only incredibly personal for the tattood but also for the designer. Whenever I create an artwork I put a bit of myself into it, and so for someone to attach what is essentially a bit of me to themselves without my knowledge or consent feels quite weird.

I hope one day to make a design I'm happy enough to put on myself. In the mean time, I think that the artist certainly ought to be considered as having at least some claim on the design, even once it's on a person.

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RavenShadewing [2011-08-07 12:29:40 +0000 UTC]

i think tatoos are beautiful. even thou i dont have one i want to get one

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daisho13 [2011-08-07 09:07:41 +0000 UTC]

1. The tattooist is the most important member of the creation of the artwork, but they rely on the canvas to perform. The artist will determine the quality of the piece, but it is the canvas that makes the opportunity available for the artist to work, and the team of them that determines the form and content of the work.

2. I don't know if it is the first interactive art form. It is certainly collaborative, but interactive to me signifies interaction with the audience, rather than the artist and client. I think you can certainly argue the point though.

3. Having no tattoos myself that is challenging. I would say it is one that requires trust and communication.

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zeuqramjj2002 [2011-08-07 08:41:08 +0000 UTC]

the artist is just as important as the living canvas as long as the art is unique and yes tributes count as unique!!
if it is some "off the wall" piece neither the artist nor the art is important. but if the canvas put thought into the piece and found a capable artist both are equally important.
tattoo is the first interactive art there are 5000 year old bodies that prove it.
only the artist can convey the idea of the canvas to its fullest so the artists skill is most imperative even thought the canvas is the wanting party and.

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evantattoo [2011-08-07 08:36:25 +0000 UTC]

let me know if you need anything

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feeheelee [2011-08-07 07:23:53 +0000 UTC]

Tattooing is such a unique form of expression from both the Tattooist and Tattooee (I understand that's not a word, but it bloody well should be!) Who is more important? Quite frankly they both are. The tattooed is the one making the big decision, choosing the right art to commit to their delicate canvas. The tattooist walks a tight rope daily to get it right. You cannot CTRL+ALT+Z a mistake, you have to do your canvas, the art and most of all yourself justice. And you have to get it right the first time! The Tattooee is making a life long committed to their canvas and they have entrusted a certain Tattooist to do it. It's like picking the right Doctor or Dentist!

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SkyeTrinity [2011-08-07 04:37:50 +0000 UTC]

1. The living canvas is the most important author...he or she must supply the tattoo artist with the inspiration and surface upon which to create the artwork. It is the canvas' responsibility to completely commit to the artwork, while the tattoo artist may move well past this particular piece.

2. I think it is a close call, because many forms of body modification have been seen throughout history. I would rather say body modification rather then tattooing should be given this title. Piercing and scarification also have long histories.

3. The relationship between the tattoo artist and the canvas is very important. I have to have complete trust in what you are about to do to my body and know that it is done with care. The tattoo artist has to listen and truly understand what it is that I want to convey with the art that is going to be placed on my body. The actual process of tattooing feels very intimate and could almost feel sexual at times. However, the lines do not blur with a true artist maintaing a respect for this intimate process.

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CorpseBride14 [2011-08-07 04:27:45 +0000 UTC]

1. Which author is more important in the tattooing of the body - the tattoo artists or the one to become the living canvas?

I believe it is a combination of the both to have the art on your body holds a very special meaning, for the one having it and the one doing the art itself.

2. Do you consider tattoo art to be the first “interactive” artform?
Yes I do.

3. How would you describe the unique relationship between tattoo artist and the person being tattooed?

The level of trust and the amount of passion and respect for the art & trade. I know this because I am a tattoo artist's apprentice and she is continuously instilling that into my work daily.

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DragonSlayerSheDevil [2011-08-07 04:07:48 +0000 UTC]

1) I think that the tattoo artist and the living canvas are both about the same. The canvas for thinking up, drawing and or creating the piece of art, then the tattoo artist who re-creates the piece or even comes up with the general design. Both have very important rolls in the process and only if both are happy with the outcome is it truly a piece of artwork.

2)I do believe that tattoo is one of the few interactive forms of art. Make-up can be another, as you are wearing it, if only for a few hours. Body modification in general (piercings, tattoos, and horn or ridge implants) can be considered art, not necessarily to everyone but not everyone liked or understood Picasso.

3)It kinda forms a bond between the two of you. I've had a few different tattoo artists out of the 6 tattoos that I have and the tattoos that I'm proud of and get excited about were done by my favorite tattoo artist. He mostly does tribal designs but when I had asked him to do an anchor for me he readily said yes! It's amazing, and I don't think I will ever go to anyone else unless he were to move or quit doing tattoos.

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KajaKing [2011-08-07 04:04:22 +0000 UTC]

1) Both the Tattoo artist and the tattooed have an important job. the tattooed is a living canvas yes, but to make that canvas beautiful is the tattoo artists duty. so that they both enjoy the beauty of the work that was done.

2) I believe that Tattoo's are traditional to culture and are a living canvas yes. because the person expresses an artists work as mentioned in the article above.

3) first off ther must be trust. ther must be an understanding that if there is a mistake that it will be fixed and made into something beautiful. there is also an understanding that this is a commitment. the artist may feel like a part of them is being taken away like apart of their soul is being put into a persons skin. the connection must involve trust and care.

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XxKoToNexX [2011-08-07 02:41:38 +0000 UTC]

1. I think both are important, but in my opinion the weight of importance lies in the tattoo artist. For me I have to really be impressed with their work to agree to get a tattoo from that person. Before I got my first one I spent a lot of time researching artists in my area and browsing what they had done. I also say the artist because sometimes people get really stupid tattoos, MISSPELLED tattoos (maybe even worse than butterfly tramp-stamps) or ones that just don't look nice because of the artist's lack of drawing ability. It's one thing for someone to let you put art on their body permanently, so you better deliver with some satisfactory work.
2. I don't think it's the first interactive art form, I mean there are lots of exhibits I've been to where you're welcome to touch the art and do whatever because they are entitled as interactive pieces. But then that is merely people interacting with the art. So I would agree that tattooing may be the first "interactive" form of art in the sense it is direct connection with the artist & person viewing the art and participating in it.
3. Well it definitely has a lot of trust. For me, I have to respect them not just as an artist but as a person (in the time I get to talk and discuss designs etc). I think it's also fun to have a mutual excitement about the piece together. Also when the artist is supportive while you're experience discomfort or pain (I got a lollipop after mine started hurting badly, haha). But that is another thing that is unique: the relationship between the artist and the receiver is based a little on pain. You are willingly letting someone drive needles into your skin for hours.

I think this is an interesting article idea. Talking about this just makes me excited to get more tattoos as well.

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Draw-me-to-death [2011-08-07 02:00:41 +0000 UTC]

1. I think they are both important. I mean i do want a couple tattoos and i even have decided where i want them but i dont know what yet and that is becacuse i havent seen anything i really like. I am an artist and i like other people's art and they can really be any wide stretch of things to robots to dragons to pretty much anything that blows my mind and i really like so if i look at a tattoo artists work, no matter what it could be, i may like it and if i do a whole lot then i will allow it to be on my body, forever which should be a compliment to the artist. I like drawing and creating tattoos also and i try to make some that may really appeal or speak to someone, because that's something i would like.
2. Yeah i guess tattooing is pretty interactive, because it's art on people in the real world that is really beautiful on a person and it...yeah it must be interactive since it is now part of a person (:
3. I would describe it as something only one with the tattoo can understand. I've heard people say "Oh i love my tattoo" or "i really regret this tattoo" and stuff so i mean when someone really loves and appreciates their tattoo and is so proud and happy of it then i guess its just awesome for them and makes them feel good about themselves and all that nice stuff

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