Nimphious In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 19:56:07 +0000 UTC]

In my opinion, tattoo isn't so much an interactive art form as it is a dynamic one. As much as the canvas is interactive, and moves with the person on which it lives, and although many tattoos are filled with life and motion; one can hardly call it an interactive experience. Interactivity would mean that input of the viewer alters the experience in a meaningful way. A tattoo on skin is no more interactive than a painting on a loose canvas flapping in the wind. I don't think distorting the image should constitute interactivity.

And when we finally get to the point technologically in which tattoos could change similar to the image on a graphic display device (like a computer monitor) then it's still too late to call it the "first interactive art form" since video games have been around much longer, and have grown more and more into an artistic medium.

That being said, some would argue that games are not art. While I do agree that in general, video games have a long way to reach a point in which they would be comparable with the other great art forms such as painting, sculpture, literature, etc. Video games have had far less time to grow and mature, and not only is there definite potential there for it to become something great (artistically speaking) but it's also quite impossible to prove that all video games lack any artistic merit whatsoever.

That's a discussion for another place, however.

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Meganj7139212 In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 19:55:51 +0000 UTC]

I think they are the most beautiful art form. What I dont like is everyone asks "what does it mean to you". Well to be honest mine doesnt have a meaning, I just think it looks beautiful. So before tattoos were maybe more for a meaning, but I hope it turns into more of appreciation for the ink and not just for a meaning.

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brucethebandit In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 19:52:51 +0000 UTC]

Ive been a shop apprentice for a long time now, not a tattoo artist yet until I get daubed. haha
here's my two cents based on my experience and some of my commonsense.

#1.I believe there's a difference between copy and pasting a tattoo of another persons artwork on skin and having the tattoo artist be creative to put his own idea and artwork on that persons skin.
Ex:if the artist puts a basic standard football team logo on the skin its more of the person getting tattooed thus making him more the important subject compered to a person coming to the artist requesting him to draw a dragon in where the artist draws his take on the dragon and putting that effort to create a unique tattoo.

#2:I know that tattooing goes far in time but i believe that body painting is the first “interactive” artform, I'm not saying its %100 a fact but there are still Indian and native African tribes that still body paint one another for spiritual hunting and ceremonial purposes.
think cave man, what came first ink in skin or paint? ( mud, plant juice, bat poop)

#3: The relationship between the artist and the person getting the tattoo may not always be a good relationship. some people come and go and some become good friends, If the person who got tattooed did not like how the artist lay'ed out the job then they may never come back to the same person again or from other bad experiences. But if the artist and the person getting the tattoo get along and they both like the work, they may continue to further projects.

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NateTheKnife In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 19:45:27 +0000 UTC]

From the stand-point of a 5-year professional tattoo artist.

1. There is a definite importance between the artist and the client. The client can be a muse, art director, and strong inspiration. However usually, they're just indifferent, and want something cool. So if I come up with a tattoo that is appealing to them, they'll get it, usually without much judgement or concern to tweak and peak the design. It is up to me to come up with the coolest, most inspirational, and attractive piece I can. Often I design something they are happy with, but I know I can do better, and I will take it up a notch. So the most important factor most clients play in the outcome of a tattoo, is out of their hands. Because it is their skin that really defines how good a tattoo can be; skin color, thickness, thin/thick blood, and how weathered their skin plays the biggest role. Some will bring in their own art to be tattooed, and not to be arrogant, but it's usually something I can beef up and make more attractive, and in most cases I won't want to do the tattoo if I can't adjust it. Because in the end it is a reflection of my own artwork. I am the one judged in the end. It's my neck on the chopping block.

2. All art is interactive. There are obviously different levels of interactivity, but tattoos are far from being the first. Jewelry, for example, is probably about as old as cave drawings.

3. The relationship varies, haha. I enjoy most of my clients, and develop many mini relationships with these people, and honestly, most of them are very positive and enjoyable. Some people are all business, and that's that. Some are horrible, usually move way too much, complain too much (complaining, I've found, actually intensifies the pain, the more you're focused on how much it hurts, the less you can tolerate it...and the less I can tolerate you), and worst of all, some people aren't clean and stink. But I love the interaction I have with my clients.

Additionally, I love being apart of tattoos and growing in this community, 100 years ago tattoos were basically at the level of cave art, and it's pretty awesome to be apart of the growth and development of this art form, and with the help of Phil Garcia and art school, I plan to take tattoos to intense levels of fine art.

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La-gato-negro In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 19:38:32 +0000 UTC]

tattoos is a creative way of expressing either the tatooist or the person getting the tattoo.

for the first question i think their both important without the tattoo artist the "canvas" will forever be blank. But without the person "canvas" the tattoo artist will have no way to express themself nor will the "canvas"

Ya i think tattoo art to be the first “interactive” artform. I mean the person begin tattoo will be living art that interacts with the people around them.

Some times i think that the tattoo artist will not feel anythink for the person only how the art they creat will turn out for them. However recently i've noticed that some of them are actually friends with one another. So both of them have a really close realtion ship, even though it is only for a short time.

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AprilTwilightFreak In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 19:16:28 +0000 UTC]

Tattoos are so cool,they're art!
It gives out a message and symbol of something or of someone

I don't have tattoos myself since I'm young and can't get one but I love looking at tattoos

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emovanillaross In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 18:50:59 +0000 UTC]

This is awesome!

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GrimDeath636 In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 18:44:29 +0000 UTC]

I agree with this tattoos are an art form most never get to see. But most people when they get them have a spiritual awakening. I have designed tattoos and at one point of my life was a Tattoo Artist and i have heard some awesome stories from people and why they are getting to either remember someone or remember a special event that really touched their lives. And I also think tattoos free the soul of one person to be viewed by another.

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LAvenus79 In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 18:42:50 +0000 UTC]

I don't think one or the other can override each other since the tattoo artists are important as the ones who become the living canvas, who will portray the tattoo artist's creativity.

Yes, I believe tattoo art is the first “interactive” art form.

Honestly, I wouldn't know... I might on Saturday. If all things pan out, I'll be going to the InkFest Festival live in Raleigh, NC. I'm so excited.

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Studiohq In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 18:37:44 +0000 UTC]

When you feel deeply about a tattoo and it turns out well there is nothing like it. The relationship you have with the artist during your session is very personal, they have to be aware of your body reactions and how you personally are reacting to your journey. People get this art done for different reasons, but when it's very meaningful, and is treated as such by both parties...there is nothing like it... You feel a kind of "love"... I can't really express it any better...

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OstaraMoon In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 18:18:24 +0000 UTC]

I have two tattoos - a cluster of stars on my back and some music notes on my foot. I also have several others I want to get done, so my answers will be based on the few experiences I've had, and the ones I want to have.

1) I think both the tattooist and the "living canvas" are both incredibly important authors. The tattooists will (usually!) have years of experience and will have plenty of stories to tell as an author - the weird, the wonderful, the moving tributes. I think they're also important as an author because they are essentially controlling the story that you want to tell - if they don't tattoo you to a standard that is satisfactory, the story that you might want to tell with that piece of permanent art is altered - even if you're just getting something generic because it's pretty or makes you look tough etc, if it's not done the way you want it, it changes the story of your experience and what you're left with.
However, I think the "living canvas" is the most important author, as it is essentially their story to tell; the tattoist may misinterpret it or just have no clue if you've not told them. I find my tattoos a talking point - sometimes when I'm discussing them with people who don't know me it gets us talking for ours. With my cluster of stars, each one represents someone important to me, two of which have passed and it keeps their memory alive. My music notes represent my love of musicals and how they provide an escape - they connect me to my Dad and my girlfriend and it's a very special connection. Those are my stories, and my other tattoos will have others that mean something to me privately.

2) I do think it's an interactive art form, whether or not its the first, I don't know. But I think it's certainly unique. As far as the ink one person is in possession of being applied to the body of another, it's interactive...of course. However, I think the rest of the experience is about as interactive as you both make it - how willing they are to talk to you as they do it, how many questions you ask/answer. Depends if piercing was bigger before tattooing, because my piercer considers piercing an art-form as well and that's interactive too.

3) I'd describe the relationship between the artist and the person being tattooed as exactly that; unique. There is a great deal of trust there, and not only that but you're putting your trust in someone that you haven't necessarily ever met before. I'd also describe the relationship as something that never really comes to an end, even if the two parties don't realise it. They have become a part of your lives by being the one to do the work on your body and unless you have that tattoo removed, they always will be. You will always remember that tattooist and that experience, whether that be for good or bad reasons, without it necessarily being intentional.

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Cecicreactivo In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 18:17:16 +0000 UTC]

pues a mi me encantan los tattoos, me parece arte total, creo que tengo pendiente varios espacios de mi cuerpo para tatuar

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magic-kid In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 17:54:31 +0000 UTC]

This is exactly what I want to do in the future!!! I saw this in my inbox and instantly grinned the biggest grin ever...I love tattoos but i can't get one yet... <3

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murasakimilton In reply to magic-kid [2011-08-05 17:57:22 +0000 UTC]

i agree

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GisaPizzatto In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 17:39:34 +0000 UTC]

Featured: [link]

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galaric In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 17:24:25 +0000 UTC]

hey...not sure where to send this, and am worried that the note didnt process....so ima answer here too:

Hey, I'm a tattoo artist from Wilmington, NC, and have been for probably about five years now. In regards to your questions:

1)Which author is more important in the tattooing of the body - the tattoo artists or the one to become the living canvas?
This is definately an interesting question; one i fear doesnt really have a one or the other answer. As you stated, tattooing is very interactive, and as such, Id say both parties play an important role. Obviously, its the customer that gives us the direction to go in. They let us know what they want and how they want it, though at the same time, a lot of people dont seem to fully appreciate the range afforded them by todays standards. That's where its important for a tattoo artist to show what exactly is possible. An analogy I often give is that getting tattooed is like cooking with salt...you can always add more, but once its there, its there. Its therefore important that there is a boucing back and forth of ideas between the two, especially on large pieces like sleeves etc. Nobody wants something that looks stamped on them. Its therefore important to plan ahead, similar to highschool, when you had to come up with a rough outline before you wrote your papers. The actual art is obviously dependant on the skill of the artist, but once the customer leaves the shop, its up to them to take care of it, to ensure it holds up to the ravages of time.

2)Do you consider tattoo art to be the first “interactive” artform?
I think it would be hard to say that it is the first interactive artform. To me, all art it fundamentally interactive. Throughout history, art has attempted to express an idea, and though those ideas have changed over time, as well as how they are sought, the fundamental basis of all art remains one of communication. As such, to say as such implies that tattooing came before art, which i think would be hard to prove by any quantitative analysis.

3)How would you describe the unique relationship between tattoo artist and the person being tattooed?
There is definately a bond that forms between the two. Obviously theres the initial trust that somebody shows towards the guy that they are paying to stab them with needles in order to get marked permanently, but more than that...people getting tattooed just seem to open up. Almost like a confessional, Ive had people tell me things while getting tattooed that Im sure they dont publicly address. Customers definately become loyal to their artists as well. Sure there are some that'll go to just about anyone, but for the most part, people always seem to assume that what they got on them was awesome, even when its not, and that their particular artist is the best, even when they are far from it.

I hope this helps out some, and if you have any other questions, feel free to hit me up )

Sincerely,
Kam

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LAvenus79 In reply to galaric [2011-08-05 18:54:10 +0000 UTC]

It is interesting that you mentioned about the customer not appreciating the art of the tattoo artist. I'm not a tattoo artist, but I know enough what looks good on the skin; especially when someone has a darker skin. My skin tone ranges from yellow to bronze to very chocolate brown. It is one of the reasons why I haven't had a chance to go to an ink parlor to "stamp" one on me. I have a very sensitive skin too. There's still a skepticism on my part as to how the needles are treated as far as sterilization goes. I'm apparently allergic to chrome 6.

As a professional tattoo artist, what is your advice?

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galaric In reply to LAvenus79 [2011-08-13 19:10:35 +0000 UTC]

lol, what i meant by that was moreso that a lot of times, customers dont seem to fully realize what all options they have in regards to tattoos. A lot of times, theyll look up blah blah blah tattoo, whereas we can really go off of anything, be it drawing, photo, painting, etc. As far as sterility goes, every state is different, but in nc, everything, savd the tube, must be disposed of, nothing should be reused, and if you go to an actual shop (rather than some buddy's basement) you can generally rest assured that theyve been properly inspected by the health department. Most needles should be surgical grade stainless steel, but it never hurts to consult your physician first. If you have allergies, the main thing i may be worried about would be a red reaction, due to its nickel content, but even if you do have one, it generally just means that itll take a little longer to heal, itll be itchy as hell, and it may need to be touched up, but black/grey should be fine, as well as most other colors, except maaayyybbbeeee green

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LAvenus79 In reply to galaric [2011-08-16 05:53:41 +0000 UTC]

thanks a lot. i'll definitely keep all this in mind. Just met one of the coolest artist on the INKfest Live expo. He did explain that it can't be too detailed or the ink on the skin would smudge. I definitely learned a lot.

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Studiohq In reply to galaric [2011-08-05 18:39:16 +0000 UTC]

Exactly! Well spoken Kam!

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NighshadeIceheart In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 17:08:27 +0000 UTC]

I believe that tatooing is a grate form of art

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VampsllNeverHurtYou In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 16:09:59 +0000 UTC]

1. Both are an important factor in Tattooing, I have a unique view as both a tattooed lady and I work in a tattoo shop as a receptioist and hope to progress into tattoing myself. I find that both parties are mutually working together to create something stunning.

2. Tattoing is centuries old and as the coustomer has as much imput as the tattoo artist. There is much interaction between the two parties when it comes down to creating something the coustomer will have for the rest of their lives.

3. I find that when I'm getting tattooed, it helps to talk to your tattooist, I'm lucky enough to have a very close relationship with both my artists and I find that the experience of getting a tattoo to be deeply gratifying on both parts.

Am am proud to be tattooed and I enjoy every experience I've had, I have beautiful skin, beautiful art, from it two beautiful frindships and one awesome job!

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TimOrth In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 15:57:37 +0000 UTC]

To answer your questions to the reader:

1. The importance of the author depends on the circumstances that surround the tattoo. In my opinion I feel it is absolutely necessary for the artists to have freedom to create, otherwise they are simply a human photocopier. Beyond that, it is comforting to know that there are so many people out there willing to remove their ego from the tattoo process. The TV era of 'This is my story' is coming to an abrupt halt because the artists' work is profound enough on its own to not have to follow the confines of one person's experience. The artwork can address issues and ideas that effect the masses rather than an individual.

2. Tattooing is completely interactive, all the way to a spiritual/energetic level.

3. Again, the relationship depends on the circumstances surrounding the piece. It can range from no relationship at all to a lifetime commitment to one another. Most often, client/artist relationships endure over a long period of time and expose elements of truth that are not often found through conventional relationships. The unique aspects of information exchange in tattooing create a bonding of trust between people and an understanding of each others' beings that is sometimes unparalleled.

Hope that sheds some light.

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Wylt In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 15:35:32 +0000 UTC]

Here is my opinion...
Which author is more important in the tattooing of the body - the tattoo artists or the one to become the living canvas?
-I think that this point is the more important, because is the becoming of the tattoed as a living canvas and the hand of the tattoo artitst that makes the two of them equaly important in the proyect...
Do you consider tattoo art to be the first “interactive” artform?
for a good tattoo it has to be a good interaction with the client, so i think that yes ,is the first "eye to eye" art form"
How would you describe the unique relationship between tattoo artist and the person being tattooed? is a union for love for the art...

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celticabria In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 14:18:51 +0000 UTC]

Well, I don't like it, but I believe it's art though!

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Emz-Photography In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 13:52:14 +0000 UTC]

I have one tattoo, so far (next three planned), and I think that even though we, as the person getting the tattoo, are the canvas, the work of art is what the tattoo artist makes it. If you paint something amazing on a canvas, you dont congratulate the canvas, you congratulate the artist.
As far as it being interactive, I think it is. Any art is interavtive but the fact that the two parties feel and can control what's happening it makes it doubly interactive.
You have to have trust in your Tattooist because they're effectively changing the way you look and sometimes how you feel. So if you don't 'get on' with the artist then surely the whole experience wont be an enjoyable one?
Tattooing is one piece of art that can only last as long as the 'canvas' does but the stories that can come from one tattoo can make a person and make friendships and so on ...
I still think that tattoos are ... frowned at in some perfessions because they assume that a person with a tattoo has made the wrong choice or is somehow not as smart as someone without a tattoo and with the amount of people getting tattoos I really think that those theories should be thrown away. 90% of people who get tattoos have put lots of thought into what they want and where to get it, so as far as a wrong choice I dont think that is true.
Jobs who don't accept tattooed people need to look into what makes them tick. They may hand a piece of art in their place of work and everyone in that place may not like it but they dont say anything about it, but just because someone has a tattoo its suddenly a crime.
Tattoos can be beautiful when done right.

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bobbeeart In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 13:47:59 +0000 UTC]

Well as far as I can see one ether loves it or hates it, I was trying to design tattoos at one stage ,but it didn;t go for me , . Stragetically placed as a fashion statement OK , but the thing is on women as they get older ,I don;t think look good ,But people make choices and it's a free world "mostly" there are some really beautiful tattoo models around , and the tattoo artists do a great job , with new colors and ideas , but for me I don't do tattoos , and that's my choice ,

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buckheadgar In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 13:46:14 +0000 UTC]

3. now i myself have not gotten my first tattoo yet. but the relationship is incredible. i have personally designed tattoos for my friends and thoose tattoos are now on their body. it is such an incredible feeling to know that on his body for all to see is my artwork.

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MYownArtiSTICfantasy In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 13:35:49 +0000 UTC]

Well, im not sure what to think about tattoos, to me it matters about what image it is and where your putting it on ur body.

now, i reckon the most important side is the living canvas, for they decide what goes on their body and how and where. im working on a tattoo commision at the mo and im very nervous about it, what if she doesnt like it?! personally i wouldnt get a tattoo, cause when u think about it, over time, u wont think that decision was such a good idea, especially if u have it on an obvious place. i cringe at those who have skull tatoos over their throat (ive seen it). i do not approve of skulls or death writings or other demon pics, but those tattoos that are genuinely a good peice of art, i can understand why it would be appealing.


yes tattoo is an interactive art form, not much else needs to be said.

lastly, i personnally am very priviledged to have been selected to possibly have my work done permanently on someones skin that will be there for life. i think it does have a sort of speicial connection.

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aploosa In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 12:51:20 +0000 UTC]

all that is created through inspiration, creativity, imagination be considered art, I have no doubt that tattoos are art.

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ZoeSPhotography In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 12:10:27 +0000 UTC]

If you've seen some of the work I have, You'd agree it's art. I don't even know why it's a debate, really.

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Mallenroh001 In reply to ??? [2011-08-05 11:56:11 +0000 UTC]

I think the tattoo-er and the tattoo-e are both intrensic to the process, tattooing takes a good bit of skill and dedication on the part of the tattooer and a good bit of trust on the part of the tattoo-e.

The tattoo artist typically goes thru years of training as an apprentice, more or less has to rely on their reputation and word of mouth for clients and so they have to be dedicated to their craft and they must continue to hone their skills. You're never done learning regardless of whether you're a tattoo artist or any sort of artist really.

On the other hand the tattoo-e has to be dedicated b/c they're going to be wearing that ink for the rest of their lives and they have to have a good deal of trust in the tattoo artist to allow them to inflict the pain on their bodies to receive the beauty of the art work and they have to have faith in the tattoo artist and their skills b/c you can't go back and just erase a mistake once it's been made.

As for tattooing being the first interactive art form, I would say yes and no b/c it depends on the "art". I'd say there's a good deal of artistry that went into and still goes into a particular tribe's ceremonies, traditions, the songs they sing, the dances they dance and the instruments they play and I would say that tattooing developed as a part of those ceremonies and as a way to draw even closer to a tribe's gods/spirits and as a way to represent one's connection to the super natural.

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