Alfredo Shares a Sugar Skull with a Family Twist

I ran into Alfredo last month in Penn Station and he shared this tattoo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj778ZIwPLmlGL9KmCqFYYsfzF6pPPOSbSpnQ2ar-53xZ8qc4SGJLTc1nZIh4ttzlfqs6ZwTzE_Mh9K3eMHYZbbJrzPeH8EEw97wk2E1EOrQ0xKCd7vXN8DCnTIduFbYJniOLPycMY3lHE/s0-d/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj778ZIwPLmlGL9KmCqFYYsfzF6pPPOSbSpnQ2ar-53xZ8qc4SGJLTc1nZIh4ttzlfqs6ZwTzE_Mh9K3eMHYZbbJrzPeH8EEw97wk2E1EOrQ0xKCd7vXN8DCnTIduFbYJniOLPycMY3lHE/s0-d/IMG_0329.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><br />He credited this to an artist named Sy at Sunset Park Tattoo.<br /><br />Alfredo, who has "over 23" tattoos, told me that this traditional sugar skull is embellished with a hairstyle modeled after the way his mother wore her hair on her wedding day. The rose at the edge of the tattoo is in tribute to his grandmother.<br /><br />Thanks to Alfredo for sharing his ink with us here on Tattoosday!<br /><br /><b id="internal-source-marker_0.3673110231757164" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This entry is ©2012 Tattoosday.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit</span><a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://tattoosday.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.</span></span></b>

Alfredo Shares a Sugar Skull with a Family Twist

I ran into Alfredo last month in Penn Station and he shared this tattoo: He credited this to an artist named Sy at Sunset Park Tattoo. Alfre...

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Jesse's Tribute to Pee-wee

On a Saturday back in March, I was passing through Penn Station when I spotted Jesse, who had quite a few tattoos. He shared this great <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee_Herman">Pee-wee Herman</a> tattoo on his foot:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQErRO_hfBIZFE4EFHDMAvUHNtzm3r2aXWNnuooz4CrdSr2v_dMIr1Z36J2mwv1AlE5Kqv9YkedO451pKHAZ4ZxwXwRHDrPg-aCp3J3ylZSRXcsn0zaS2aI3nOD3mpXq1Fx8g_lBqYTY/s533/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQErRO_hfBIZFE4EFHDMAvUHNtzm3r2aXWNnuooz4CrdSr2v_dMIr1Z36J2mwv1AlE5Kqv9YkedO451pKHAZ4ZxwXwRHDrPg-aCp3J3ylZSRXcsn0zaS2aI3nOD3mpXq1Fx8g_lBqYTY/s640/photo.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />Why did Jesse get Pee-wee inked on his foot? He explained, "When I was growing up, the only good thing that was happening in my childhood was watching his TV show [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee%27s_Playhouse">Pee-wee's Playhouse</a>] ... so I felt like I owed it to him".<br /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />He credited this incredible piece to <a href="http://blakebrandtattoos.com/home.html">Blake Brand</a>, a California-based artist who occasionally comes out to the East Coast and tattoos out of at <a href="http://philadelphiaeddieschinatowntattoo.com/home.html">Philadelphia Eddie's Chinatown Tattoo</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Jesse for sharing this amazing piece on Tattoosday!<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><b id="internal-source-marker_0.5167225380428135"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This entry is ©2012 Tattoosday.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit</span><a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://tattoosday.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.</span></span></b>

Jesse's Tribute to Pee-wee

On a Saturday back in March, I was passing through Penn Station when I spotted Jesse, who had quite a few tattoos. He shared this great Pee-...

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Erin's Tribute to Thomas, Her Grandfather

Back in June, I met Erin on the subway, and she shared this section of her inner forearm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9_99zc8eEsZ-RPHjY1V0OQxsYs8oDmBo_VVKSyF3dUnPbIIOtxTytlAhzHjP20eb7QoSdSUfRFUYsuKc9evaHP55De9aQ50A_yG_3CSyBKyfBPq_3YYSt2DTOEOU-tOj5ru4GvfI1W0/s1600/erin+anchor+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9_99zc8eEsZ-RPHjY1V0OQxsYs8oDmBo_VVKSyF3dUnPbIIOtxTytlAhzHjP20eb7QoSdSUfRFUYsuKc9evaHP55De9aQ50A_yG_3CSyBKyfBPq_3YYSt2DTOEOU-tOj5ru4GvfI1W0/s640/erin+anchor+1.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br />This tattoo is a tribute to her grandfather, Thomas, who served in the U.S. Navy.<br /><br />The work was done at <a href="http://www.highstreettattoo.com/">High Street Tattoo</a> in Columbus, Ohio.<br /><br />Erin explained:  <br /><blockquote>"I just told [the artist] that I wanted something that would relate to the Navy, I guess, so that's the anchor. I like Old School tattoos, I like <a href="http://sailorjerry.com/">Sailor Jerry</a> classic-style."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm7QceGyN_R7iOflwSYFS6myrZ8WVjNDqElD3GmIYVaUW77KZhQilCa4oMW-YH9HAt_VgZLvSuS0QDsh85Feo0RRDcPfHEBYF4k9sqDvd6Z4KzgZluZhoZy1wG1Gp5rO1TNfa2OLeVJA/s1600/erin+anchor+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm7QceGyN_R7iOflwSYFS6myrZ8WVjNDqElD3GmIYVaUW77KZhQilCa4oMW-YH9HAt_VgZLvSuS0QDsh85Feo0RRDcPfHEBYF4k9sqDvd6Z4KzgZluZhoZy1wG1Gp5rO1TNfa2OLeVJA/s640/erin+anchor+detail.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><br /> Erin also has a Friday the 13th tattoo below this, on her wrist:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQGYsgYjzZs1-Qxtt1BOkW6IBRN5SO-alYQ4CtBhaJUH-hT7w-NlR-7J1amCfIqpv_A8u0XvP-Z_rBm3y1s1Bmn6WGBFCGPyaL4nNSkAdewCJOEQ-ZCJKyL4v73Gl5pLEPNksEKmfgNg/s1600/erin+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQGYsgYjzZs1-Qxtt1BOkW6IBRN5SO-alYQ4CtBhaJUH-hT7w-NlR-7J1amCfIqpv_A8u0XvP-Z_rBm3y1s1Bmn6WGBFCGPyaL4nNSkAdewCJOEQ-ZCJKyL4v73Gl5pLEPNksEKmfgNg/s400/erin+13.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br />This was done at <a href="http://www.onlyyoutattoo.com/">Only You Tattoo</a> in Atlanta.<br /><br /><br />Thanks to Erin for sharing these cool tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://tattoosday.blogspot.com</a> and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.</span></div>

Erin's Tribute to Thomas, Her Grandfather

Back in June, I met Erin on the subway, and she shared this section of her inner forearm: This tattoo is a tribute to her grandfather, Thoma...

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Gretchen's Shrine for Federico

I spotted <span class="il">Gretchen</span> in the Penn Plaza Borders and asked if she'd share the tattoo on her upper left arm. She gladly agreed:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvtPW7jIMk0tU2Rum0zsnK3Tye3yikJcEEGLOg1340xQMi6QVHEIoj9XNeTaemFD-uWKgO85uwsgU5AIzMSu3rzWQ9clEuRVqIhd64eAqOGf1gunijWd2KGjURrWw2fAtpcndOlXF/s1600/Federico+1+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvtPW7jIMk0tU2Rum0zsnK3Tye3yikJcEEGLOg1340xQMi6QVHEIoj9XNeTaemFD-uWKgO85uwsgU5AIzMSu3rzWQ9clEuRVqIhd64eAqOGf1gunijWd2KGjURrWw2fAtpcndOlXF/s640/Federico+1+wm.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />This piece is an homage to grandfather Federico. She remembers that he introduced her to nature, so she included natural elements like plants and butterflies. Gretchen also added a replica of her grandfather's tattoo, which was inked with the name of her grandmother, Hermes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBAUVZ79coQ6jxfURnswElA-Z8wR7MNCJslFZavF2b8zh2QJucawYdr8GeGb6hh699whyZyMROjNMWUOQbxS-NgrVdP0if72odMxb3kqAT41JK4afA4lkk0BCnVE01K-rJsdcz4Wz/s1600/Federico+1+detail+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBAUVZ79coQ6jxfURnswElA-Z8wR7MNCJslFZavF2b8zh2QJucawYdr8GeGb6hh699whyZyMROjNMWUOQbxS-NgrVdP0if72odMxb3kqAT41JK4afA4lkk0BCnVE01K-rJsdcz4Wz/s320/Federico+1+detail+wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is one of about  ten tattoos Gretchen has, and she had this done at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/liquidskinstudio">Liquid Skin Studio</a>, in Inwood, on the north end of Manhattan.<br /><br />Gretchen is an artist that works with craft and jewelery. You can see her website <a href="http://renfineart.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Gretchen for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Gretchen's Shrine for Federico

I spotted Gretchen in the Penn Plaza Borders and asked if she'd share the tattoo on her upper left arm. She gladly agreed: This piece i...

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Nick Remembers Billy, I Remember Siki

<a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-first-tattoo.html">My first tattoo</a> was modified from a piece of flash at <a href="http://www.bodyartstudios.com/">Body Art Studios</a> by an artist who goes by the moniker "Siki". Shortly thereafter, Siki left the shop and went on his way.<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/06/peter-carusos-ink-old-school-brooklyn.html">Pete</a> knows who he is but, until recently, I hadn't met anyone with ink from Siki, other than myself.<br /><br />Then, I met Nick on the R train one day after work and, while discussing his many tattoos (he "lost count after 45," they've all connected) , I heard him talking about Siki.<br /><br />So today's tattoo is by Siki and was, like my lynx, modified from an old piece of flash. Although he adapted it a lot more fully and developed a more unique tattoo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWWVAmdh_KikiAd8uiwPzMVG0ProVSMXsmHT7S51LhwPekB2ginMjUmuykfy83fbhazTRDRolAuVHwnZFw6oP7XEBeWTb937sBOD0HsEzFCIjZ1nJE6QiFTUV4I737dkixrfzQxng/s1600/sii+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWWVAmdh_KikiAd8uiwPzMVG0ProVSMXsmHT7S51LhwPekB2ginMjUmuykfy83fbhazTRDRolAuVHwnZFw6oP7XEBeWTb937sBOD0HsEzFCIjZ1nJE6QiFTUV4I737dkixrfzQxng/s640/sii+tattoo.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />Siki and Nick had a mutual friend named Billy, who Nick would often go with to get tattooed. When he passed away, they added Billy's name to the bottom of the tattoo as a tribute to their departed friend.<br /><br />Thanks to Nick for sharing his tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Nick Remembers Billy, I Remember Siki

My first tattoo was modified from a piece of flash at Body Art Studios by an artist who goes by the moniker "Siki". Shortly ther...

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Sugar Skull Sunday: Hannah and Her Family

I met Hannah in Penn Station one afternoon after spotting this amazing sugar skull on her upper left arm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aFQMjdZGj0UzP_LkpYGi_hCXEcfb4E0XaVPlAxN_Qhie5os6NYer86urjluJa8086DMCRcqR7lLG9NHHelumCE-pSSQyhKb28bhAf1HkyKeK34-Nt-f70Tv6dVl4kAnLetdteVCb/s1600/Sugar+Skull+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aFQMjdZGj0UzP_LkpYGi_hCXEcfb4E0XaVPlAxN_Qhie5os6NYer86urjluJa8086DMCRcqR7lLG9NHHelumCE-pSSQyhKb28bhAf1HkyKeK34-Nt-f70Tv6dVl4kAnLetdteVCb/s640/Sugar+Skull+1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />Here is a broader glimpse of the tattoo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3ZTxXYc04EEJFf31J-FOj5qZe89NUpsVdUzuCy1MPm1WVijX9yEzJ2UlaXTgfrjuhKoI4EDWBzb6tb_XhPYXmcZwkhlBjJMu5htxJatmpef6Tsf4VCexeAAtd1trQ5-TivzI5GwD/s1600/Sugar+Skull+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3ZTxXYc04EEJFf31J-FOj5qZe89NUpsVdUzuCy1MPm1WVijX9yEzJ2UlaXTgfrjuhKoI4EDWBzb6tb_XhPYXmcZwkhlBjJMu5htxJatmpef6Tsf4VCexeAAtd1trQ5-TivzI5GwD/s400/Sugar+Skull+collage.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br />Hannah has over twenty tattoos and told me she wanted this piece to have alot of different elements in it. The gold tooth was a must, because Hannah loves pirates.<br /><br />Gold teeth in sugar skulls are not necessarily unusual. Chainsaws, however are a bit out of the ordinary:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwW54cvsI3ONB9CXFZx7-aCd3HgNHcWnxdkq4Gik38fkErIONzoOydcQH4YeUjiDssUsVPRR2evK9YRqwUs26lfuSuC6f3EnT1k0_3ypHdPKTRb8DK9MS5rg1ImglfTsuREPxQttn/s1600/Sugar+Skull+1+chainsaw+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwW54cvsI3ONB9CXFZx7-aCd3HgNHcWnxdkq4Gik38fkErIONzoOydcQH4YeUjiDssUsVPRR2evK9YRqwUs26lfuSuC6f3EnT1k0_3ypHdPKTRb8DK9MS5rg1ImglfTsuREPxQttn/s400/Sugar+Skull+1+chainsaw+detail.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br />The chainsaw, Hannah explained, is a tribute to her uncle, who is a lumberjack. And, she added frankly, the bottle is there to acknowledge her grandfather, an alcoholic.<br /><br />This sugar skull was completed in two 2-3 hour sessions by Tim Barnes at <a href="http://holeshottattoos.com/home.html">Holeshot's Premium Tattoo & Piercing</a> in Amherst, Massachusetts. Tim has moved on to Florida, according to Hannah, but I haven't been able to identify where he is currently working.<br /><br />Readers can see all of the sugar skulls previously posted on Tattoosday by clicking here or on the Sugar Skulls tag at the end of the post.<br /><br />Thanks again to Hannah for sharing her sugar skull with us here on Tattoosday!

Sugar Skull Sunday: Hannah and Her Family

I met Hannah in Penn Station one afternoon after spotting this amazing sugar skull on her upper left arm: Here is a broader glimpse of the t...

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Katie's Tattoos: A Tribute and a Memorial

I met Katie on 34th Street one afternoon when I stopped to ask her about her foot tattoo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOxWJwlm1f6xsjQoa9iEvOfCw5wetQ1eg5n0UL5UuqpH1BdKCpoAb8Kd3y7zppneHttkJcpVVrGquiuPI5PTVsE9EaH1YfUc5S6RYk3moCuBe7ILy3Zn8b4EP4AI-APAKZWiAvAry/s1600/JMS+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOxWJwlm1f6xsjQoa9iEvOfCw5wetQ1eg5n0UL5UuqpH1BdKCpoAb8Kd3y7zppneHttkJcpVVrGquiuPI5PTVsE9EaH1YfUc5S6RYk3moCuBe7ILy3Zn8b4EP4AI-APAKZWiAvAry/s400/JMS+ribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />This tribute piece on her left foot is for her cousin, whose initials are JMS. The letters sit astride the ribbon designating awareness for the disease <a href="https://health.google.com/health/ref/Multiple+sclerosis">Multiple Sclerosis</a> (MS). The two feet represent the fact that she helps raise awareness in the fight against MS by participating in an <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/walkMapRegion.aspx">MS Walk</a> each year.<br /><br />For more information on MS, visit the <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx">National Multiple Sclerosis Society's</a> website <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx">here</a>.<br /><br />Katie also shared with me these wings on the back of her neck:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xLvdYBA4m72DYVWEmAkjYlUpOd9YSxnKfsqPIXqqoczAhmxxNfax3BA8rc79eD38QQhEmYI-Bnks06YrMUY2wU280x8_Ntx_WUxpyE2g4IOWH3zkHCn2r0c_ao3vyhuGqKyhAE_R/s1600/MCF+memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xLvdYBA4m72DYVWEmAkjYlUpOd9YSxnKfsqPIXqqoczAhmxxNfax3BA8rc79eD38QQhEmYI-Bnks06YrMUY2wU280x8_Ntx_WUxpyE2g4IOWH3zkHCn2r0c_ao3vyhuGqKyhAE_R/s400/MCF+memorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The initials "MCF" refer to her brother Mark, who was killed with a friend a few years back when a train struck them. This memorial piece ensures that her brother is always with her.<br /><br />Katie's tattoos were inked by Spencer at <a href="http://www.fatkattat.com/shop.html">Fat Kat Tattoos</a> in Keyport, New Jersey. Work from  Fat Kat has appeared previously on Tattoosday <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/Fat%20Kat%20Tattoo">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Katie for sharing two of her four tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Katie's Tattoos: A Tribute and a Memorial

I met Katie on 34th Street one afternoon when I stopped to ask her about her foot tattoo: This tribute piece on her left foot is for her cou...

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Blocks of Lucky Ink: Heather's Tribute to Her Son

Heather has seven tattoos.<br /><br />The one I noticed that led me to approach her is not the one you're about to see. It is on her foot and, in her opinion, slightly "flawed," so she chose to share one that is nearer and dearer to her heart:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xper4nSDAnRdWFa3FVLosn7yB-PhWd6sVb3Wfw4ICYOde0JiK0bZ4ywxd7Ix4COpLYULHjfZ6jUEzhSo9sPa_LgWKLaCyFb9ptU9zWNWBiY4DU1bz_UJD0DPxpg8g_4QQh8MemXI/s1600/Vegas.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452133878710622370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xper4nSDAnRdWFa3FVLosn7yB-PhWd6sVb3Wfw4ICYOde0JiK0bZ4ywxd7Ix4COpLYULHjfZ6jUEzhSo9sPa_LgWKLaCyFb9ptU9zWNWBiY4DU1bz_UJD0DPxpg8g_4QQh8MemXI/s400/Vegas.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />The tattoo marks the birth date 3-28-99 and spells out the name Vegas, for her son.<br /><br />What's particularly cool about this tattoo, which is on Heather's outer left forearm, is not just that she spells out her son's name in kids' building blocks, but that these blocks are also dice, which acknowledges the name Vegas, and its link to the city which is built on chance and luck.<br /><br />Other images that ring the name are a slot machine, a horseshoe, and a hand of cards featuring four aces. The colorful dice/blocks also feature some traditional tattoo designs, including the standard "Mom" design (on the A block).<br /><br />This great tattoo was completed in two sittings and was done by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/vintagebaba">Baba</a>, who works out of <a href="http://www.vintagetattooartparlor.com/">Vintage Tattoo Art Parlor</a> in Los Angeles.<br /><br />Heather also has a large back piece that she will hopefully share with us in the future,<br /><br />Thanks to Heather for sharing her wonderful tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Blocks of Lucky Ink: Heather's Tribute to Her Son

Heather has seven tattoos. The one I noticed that led me to approach her is not the one you're about to see. It is on her foot and, in h...

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Trina's Tattoo for Her Momma

The second subject of our March 10 tattoo bonanza is Trina, who sports seven tattoos, several of which are on her legs.<br /><br />After her sixth piece, her mother chided her, saying teasingly, "You have all of those tattoos, and none of them are for me?"<br /><br />The next tattoo solved that problem:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKQVU6jlpPXDFOlhROrvWhyphenhyphendrrNvieR3jlRpxzeXj4ypfHn9QrUBXD4Z6l_8OQDBL9xi-1mTslM2JYEmGOKoCjv6bVoLjTBp_cYoSUGHzLkdNkZ01hmKZ_-UknqkxMFXD3mElLp-9/s1600-h/trina-momma.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447694936050072018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKQVU6jlpPXDFOlhROrvWhyphenhyphendrrNvieR3jlRpxzeXj4ypfHn9QrUBXD4Z6l_8OQDBL9xi-1mTslM2JYEmGOKoCjv6bVoLjTBp_cYoSUGHzLkdNkZ01hmKZ_-UknqkxMFXD3mElLp-9/s400/trina-momma.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Reading "I'll always love my Momma," this piece was inked on the back of one of Trina's calves at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/uptown-tattoos-and-body-piercing-new-york">Uptown Tattoos & Body Piercing</a> in Harlem.<br /><br />And what does the woman to whom this tattoo is dedicated think of it?<br /><br />"Mom loves it," Trina grinned. As well she should.<br /><br />Thanks to Trina for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Trina's Tattoo for Her Momma

The second subject of our March 10 tattoo bonanza is Trina, who sports seven tattoos, several of which are on her legs. After her sixth piec...

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Cody's Eagle Braves the Storm

On the day after Thanksgiving, I was passing through Penn Station and I spotted this tattoo:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1RiDrIrjXO1gDu_ttHrASWItkB4RNjIU-yGBUmMDUOKtmVTNgolcVXuIhyphenhyphenG8oYMkLuxXdup2xwzd-1VppMB44rgM4qzXrJVUa2JOoKjojkQS2G5Wu0NAAZiBuDo5sEezU_kb-owJ/s1600/Eagle+Storm+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408989027652440354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1RiDrIrjXO1gDu_ttHrASWItkB4RNjIU-yGBUmMDUOKtmVTNgolcVXuIhyphenhyphenG8oYMkLuxXdup2xwzd-1VppMB44rgM4qzXrJVUa2JOoKjojkQS2G5Wu0NAAZiBuDo5sEezU_kb-owJ/s400/Eagle+Storm+5.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" /></a><br />This depiction of an eagle flying through a storm belongs to Cody, who was in town visiting from Key West, Florida.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHitVVGpa5tENbRqSvue6bvhVr_a22zW7lrhT3-lTADJOPcwUwXtrw1gldHAL54eFcp9-rgmcBC0UVUlh4aN_rDgDuv0PJ9Vhlq5q8CnNZOBW2Yen7z2LVse2W98ffhrAaRDGftDE/s1600/eagle+storm+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408988817984680466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHitVVGpa5tENbRqSvue6bvhVr_a22zW7lrhT3-lTADJOPcwUwXtrw1gldHAL54eFcp9-rgmcBC0UVUlh4aN_rDgDuv0PJ9Vhlq5q8CnNZOBW2Yen7z2LVse2W98ffhrAaRDGftDE/s400/eagle+storm+1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />This symbol of strength and courage enduring the dangers of a powerful storm is fitting, as Cody began work on the piece as a tribute to his father, serving in the Armed Forces in Afghanistan.<br /><br />Cody has already had three sittings for this wonderful tattoo, and is close to finishing it with "Tattoo" Mike Haugh at <a href="http://local.yahoo.com/info-41533108-key-west-tattoo-company-key-west?csz=Key+West%2C+FL">Key West Tattoo Company</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Cody for sharing this great tattoo! We look forward to seeing the final product!

Cody's Eagle Braves the Storm

On the day after Thanksgiving, I was passing through Penn Station and I spotted this tattoo: This depiction of an eagle flying through a sto...

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The Return of Sal's Ink - A Teacher's Inspiring Words

Once in a while I check in with old Tattoosday contributors and I recently revisited Sal, who works at a video store (<a href="http://groups.myspace.com/MrVideoIIIFanClub">Mr. Video III</a>) in Brooklyn Heights. You may recall his <a href="http://web.gunsnroses.com/index.jsp">Guns 'N Roses</a> tattoo (<a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/09/sal-shares-his-illusion-ary-tattoo.html">here</a>).<br /><br />Earlier this year, he had this inscription tattooed on his inner right forearm:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPVQpVAEhlbwTw30We62zYpwzvKJtvImKXHThB1GTxM9w2aOFk11Y65wvqc3J84nlSt9k74YEy9BAF9fe9uM6iQbk6GikFKCRkteRZYbcSGDGI-UWfNHAWz2i70WK6vBnLz2-BEX2/s1600/not+a+moment+for+granted.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404864782844723650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPVQpVAEhlbwTw30We62zYpwzvKJtvImKXHThB1GTxM9w2aOFk11Y65wvqc3J84nlSt9k74YEy9BAF9fe9uM6iQbk6GikFKCRkteRZYbcSGDGI-UWfNHAWz2i70WK6vBnLz2-BEX2/s400/not+a+moment+for+granted.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />The phrase "not a moment for granted" is inked in tribute to his late acting teacher <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0439156/bio">Fred Kareman</a>, who inspired and taught Sal, not to mention countless others.<br /><br />Sal explained that Kareman instructed in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meisner_technique">Meisner Technique</a>, which he described as an "in the moment" method.<br /><br />This phrase can be further applied to life, in general, reminding Sal and anyone who sees the tattoo that every moment is precious, and should be savored like a treasure.<br /><br />The design and tattooing was done by the incomparable <a href="http://markharada.com/">Mark Harada</a> at <a href="http://www.eastsideinktattoo.com/">East Side Ink</a>. You can see other pieces by Harada featured <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/09/josh-slices-up-sturgeon-on-his-culinary.html">here</a> on Tattoosday. Similarly, clicking <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/East%20Side%20Ink">the East Side Ink tag</a> reveals other fine work done at the shop.<br /><br />Thanks to Sal for once again sharing a part of his body's canvas with us here on Tattoosday!

The Return of Sal's Ink - A Teacher's Inspiring Words

Once in a while I check in with old Tattoosday contributors and I recently revisited Sal, who works at a video store ( Mr. Video III ) in Br...

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No Hope But Home

I met Matthew walking through Penn Station last week. He has several tattoos, and shared this one with me:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4Q9DRAf2NWUPId30Z9L-TmfMpAwl14c1c5j2bp8PUggUsXVsTY6FFiwkBwhHUk0n5sQImGnQDZzPLbAwmBmhaQHxUPvn6HL1OGwtGxjzJv_7uAePPxUbp2t8gGAvOw4Jt8WMiRZ5/s1600-h/compass+rose.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402805407875778578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4Q9DRAf2NWUPId30Z9L-TmfMpAwl14c1c5j2bp8PUggUsXVsTY6FFiwkBwhHUk0n5sQImGnQDZzPLbAwmBmhaQHxUPvn6HL1OGwtGxjzJv_7uAePPxUbp2t8gGAvOw4Jt8WMiRZ5/s400/compass+rose.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />On his right arm, this traditional nautical star has been embellished with several design elements that personalize the tattoo.<br /><br />The banner "No Hope but Home" refers to lyrics from a song by a New Jersey band called <a href="http://www.myspace.com/screamhello">Scream Hello</a>.<br /><br />The nautical star is accompanied by a knitting needle and a fountain pen. These two objects refer to his parents. The knitting needle speaks to his mother who is a homemaker and also knits as a hobby. The fountain pen alludes to his father, who is a writer professionally, and also<br />writes for pleasure.<br /><br />The nautical star, traditionally worn by sailors to serve as a talisman to find a way home, serves a figurative purpose here, pointing toward, while also emphasizing the hopefulness of home, but also the importance of Matthew's parents in his life.<br /><br />This cool tattoo was inked by <a href="http://www.johnreardontattoos.com/">John Reardon</a> at <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/">Saved Tattoo</a>, in Brooklyn. Work from Saved has appeared previously on Tattoosday <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/Saved%20Tattoo">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Matthew for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

No Hope But Home

I met Matthew walking through Penn Station last week. He has several tattoos, and shared this one with me: On his right arm, this traditiona...

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Joe's Tribute to His Uncle

I spotted Joe earlier this month outside of Penn Station. He has seven or eight tattoos, and chose to share this one from his right forearm:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uft2tZqtj2fIjYXmFI8aorgL0UX3B6ClQ2nr78pc6Cy8Ymy8zlFG-Do5TzhtMY3uy1hoeKVNSnTIcQxabGPoQ4C5ngCJMtOGWkXcKMN9CeIBz5-1-g0QbXEp8O4bFuQP949uf_KH/s1600-h/Top+Hat+Skull.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396287986828795890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uft2tZqtj2fIjYXmFI8aorgL0UX3B6ClQ2nr78pc6Cy8Ymy8zlFG-Do5TzhtMY3uy1hoeKVNSnTIcQxabGPoQ4C5ngCJMtOGWkXcKMN9CeIBz5-1-g0QbXEp8O4bFuQP949uf_KH/s400/Top+Hat+Skull.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Joe explained that this piece is a tribute to an uncle who had passed away. He had served proudly in the <a href="http://www.marines.mil/Pages/Default.aspx">United States Marine Corps</a> and had had a skull tattoo upon which was perched a top hat.<br /><br />Joe collaborated with the artist, <a href="http://www.thetattooshop.net/pepe.php">Pepe</a>, at <a href="http://www.thetattooshop.net/">The Tattoo Shop</a> in Medford, New York, to take that idea and customize it for Joe's arm. Another tattoo from the shop appeared earlier this week <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/10/bills-deuce-cemetary-and-daughters.html">here</a>.<br /><br />The whole thing took about three and a half hours to complete.<br /><br />Thanks to Joe for sharing this cool tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Joe's Tribute to His Uncle

I spotted Joe earlier this month outside of Penn Station. He has seven or eight tattoos, and chose to share this one from his right forearm...

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Tattoorism: Erika's Yellow Rose

I've been remiss in sharing Erika's tattoo, which she sent me almost two months ago. So let's have a visit from her lovely rose tattoo:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm3InzKFuWBOhh5URANL7PFzXq6lOSHR7h9nOjZh9y5dWGnTn5-XDvTGNP23pxM_ih96GXZJxLlpIO1Ds-oLv24JV4gAd3gvpb9_fz6WRIETK4Ts7ztEODKVq5fxOocMVwWX0toPB-GU/s1600-h/healed+rose.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339421460016751186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm3InzKFuWBOhh5URANL7PFzXq6lOSHR7h9nOjZh9y5dWGnTn5-XDvTGNP23pxM_ih96GXZJxLlpIO1Ds-oLv24JV4gAd3gvpb9_fz6WRIETK4Ts7ztEODKVq5fxOocMVwWX0toPB-GU/s400/healed+rose.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />I'll let Erika explain the artowork:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>"...[this] was done at Miami Ink [actually called <a href="http://www.lovehatetattoos.com/">Love Hate Tattoo Studios</a>]. Not by anyone on the show, as they only tattoo for the show, but they have a group of very talented artists who are not featured. This tattoo has a very personal meaning for me. My mother's favorite flower is the yellow rose, so the rose represents her. I have a very close bond with my mother and tell her absolutely everything, and she means a lot to me. As for the two thorns? Representing me and my sister. Yes, we are the thorns in her side, but we also protect her.<br /><br />I went into Miami Ink with a couple of pictures of yellow roses, as I wanted it to be just going into bloom (that's when I think roses are at their most beautiful) and told them I wanted it to curve around my ankle bone. They drew up a design in an hour and I liked the very first thing they showed me. I always get comments on it when it's exposed, and it remains my favorite of my 6 tattoos. They did such a lovely job with the shading and I think it's beautiful!<br /><br />And for the record, it's the only tattoo I have that my mom kind of likes."<br /></blockquote></div><br />Here's a shot of the tattoo, just after it was completed. You can see the source material in the background:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadxHRX5iLnMVYisZQzo-u2uFf3Z1yqLq8kcfZNVnHRqvmSCv0dqFCwQynwRmrLkFu2nGV5d_cqnVnoVvm5i221OiOjG8WYg4UuOPQD4eXeuKC3E73CQA8MNjWXApaDkGd-3vwbDoNDZs/s1600-h/Erikas+rose.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339421335760508002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadxHRX5iLnMVYisZQzo-u2uFf3Z1yqLq8kcfZNVnHRqvmSCv0dqFCwQynwRmrLkFu2nGV5d_cqnVnoVvm5i221OiOjG8WYg4UuOPQD4eXeuKC3E73CQA8MNjWXApaDkGd-3vwbDoNDZs/s400/Erikas+rose.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 263px;" /></a><br />Erika followed up with more information:<br /><br /><blockquote>"<a href="http://www.lovehatetattoos.com/james-hamilton.html">James [Hamilton]</a> (pictured below with Erika) was the artist and he was great. I was in Miami over Spring Break in March 2007 and that's when it was done. Ami James was hanging around the shop when I went, so I got to meet him as well..."<br /></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74RieGrMVIokThlvYpNxGuHdZ3Se_SY0wwKi9HS4mAtgOaTxshfe5r_-iA2n7a7rWtb0T5c5wGdx8zw8AppPohDbDmwDWfR58Ho4gEp86rBuV_yRWGpl8McUk0EzZEH67BW5sq_7na94/s1600-h/n5300243_32394145_1964.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339419879727486370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74RieGrMVIokThlvYpNxGuHdZ3Se_SY0wwKi9HS4mAtgOaTxshfe5r_-iA2n7a7rWtb0T5c5wGdx8zw8AppPohDbDmwDWfR58Ho4gEp86rBuV_yRWGpl8McUk0EzZEH67BW5sq_7na94/s320/n5300243_32394145_1964.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 246px;" /></a><br />Thanks so much to Erika for sharing her rose tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Tattoorism: Erika's Yellow Rose

I've been remiss in sharing Erika's tattoo, which she sent me almost two months ago. So let's have a visit from her lovely rose ...

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Grover's Tattoos Recollect the Past, But Focus on the Future

I ran into Grover a month or two ago where he worked in Penn Station and admired the work on his sleeve. As I try my best to not disrupt folks on the job, I passed him a Tattoosday card and was happy to see when he e-mailed me a few days later.<br /><br />Our schedules are different, and we tabled any definitive date to meet and discuss his ink. But one day, by chance, I passed the business where he worked and he was outside on a break.<br /><br />And he offered me his arm:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTYEn0i03AoF5YaQiOy3WlvYVF-mEKn6kljqDTdvCazlkFRkfz1gBcjwOa3IiWkzm-NKx46qHnTaikihEh2RBXWmV8LDq45aEEStpnAkpQWkArG_NrxqDslb1AIqMGPwGoVEz8h6EUrM/s1600-h/cross+dad+mom.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339099529570775746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTYEn0i03AoF5YaQiOy3WlvYVF-mEKn6kljqDTdvCazlkFRkfz1gBcjwOa3IiWkzm-NKx46qHnTaikihEh2RBXWmV8LDq45aEEStpnAkpQWkArG_NrxqDslb1AIqMGPwGoVEz8h6EUrM/s400/cross+dad+mom.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />We discussed the inner part of his right forearm first. This cross is a tribute to his parents, who were both injured in a serious accident about five years ago. He had this tattooed after it appeared that they would recover, and it symbolizes his faith in the blessing of their survival. The tattoo reads "Mom. Dad. God Bless."<br /><br />On the top part of the outer right forearm is an starred banner design and the words "Death Before Dishonor" to remind him that he has kept his head up while working hard for his daughter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1gnMEBFVryjhzVd6e-QU6kw4b4Qa7BT-0UR7yyn5EwU-aXcNcmZTIkScoMaWCRLWpYtTcWbS3H3jcQo3iZ2PdMRPW96MwqEEI1jyg8oaNcGcLuw-Obvh82qKL0p15MSmBGJNXpGVxGU/s1600-h/deathbeforedishonor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339098747126483506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1gnMEBFVryjhzVd6e-QU6kw4b4Qa7BT-0UR7yyn5EwU-aXcNcmZTIkScoMaWCRLWpYtTcWbS3H3jcQo3iZ2PdMRPW96MwqEEI1jyg8oaNcGcLuw-Obvh82qKL0p15MSmBGJNXpGVxGU/s400/deathbeforedishonor.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>He has chosen the honest life, rather than slip into the easy trap of making a living dishonorably.<br /><br />Grover's daughter's name is London, which he has inscribed on his flesh, over a tattoo of Big Ben, the emblematic clock tower than stands proudly in the city which lends its name to his daughter. Big Ben is frozen in time at 4:10, the date (April 10) that London was born.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOP8xEHsMzQZDF2N7pug-WerAFQ7YkPYWW7Vs2f3BiII68O4fqN58UL-g9psPTtEWWd_xPFYLqfdS-cHe7N9Rb3wTGs8MHT82kuzKYkJjkHo8sJXXHyM0JWPZMVKbnBHbCCLe2IAeORs/s1600-h/London.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339098572784962082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOP8xEHsMzQZDF2N7pug-WerAFQ7YkPYWW7Vs2f3BiII68O4fqN58UL-g9psPTtEWWd_xPFYLqfdS-cHe7N9Rb3wTGs8MHT82kuzKYkJjkHo8sJXXHyM0JWPZMVKbnBHbCCLe2IAeORs/s400/London.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><br />Below that is a skull crying blood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYdn9NLTOjzONrpEbJAtcvQnj0I73kOo3dAJFF5El_HoR-mcI-IxIVbKctMIsI4C603w9tx3DMC7tWVHWzQUKQoVeTWBZST8ydyttLquep_tzwXCvsC5wJfQBfRHffu0KDjUteNzwn8U/s1600-h/cry+skull+blood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339098483251697154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYdn9NLTOjzONrpEbJAtcvQnj0I73kOo3dAJFF5El_HoR-mcI-IxIVbKctMIsI4C603w9tx3DMC7tWVHWzQUKQoVeTWBZST8ydyttLquep_tzwXCvsC5wJfQBfRHffu0KDjUteNzwn8U/s400/cry+skull+blood.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />The blood is the only part of Grover's tattoos that are not done in black ink. This image reflects the harsh reality of the world and the raw emotion that life often pulls out of one's soul, in the form of bloody tears.<br /><br />And lastly is my favorite part of the tattoo, which rests on Grover's hand.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtNU7Kkj7fHqAgaZYwcaIU_W6XwJY3dRWWPhcCMlMaVW-aWNK5lrr0k-ACqHlv_8fslUEGWmVTsf58RCnC1KZMRPVk3u0JaJ3TKX3HteG1SrLYQX0pfn-a_ZqWV656BToQ8VsxRy3cUM/s1600-h/Harlem.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339098411509169138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtNU7Kkj7fHqAgaZYwcaIU_W6XwJY3dRWWPhcCMlMaVW-aWNK5lrr0k-ACqHlv_8fslUEGWmVTsf58RCnC1KZMRPVk3u0JaJ3TKX3HteG1SrLYQX0pfn-a_ZqWV656BToQ8VsxRy3cUM/s400/Harlem.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" /></a><br />He grew up in Harlem and the buildings represent the view south, looking to the skyline of the city. The dollar sign and, to the right, the leaves of marijuana plants, represent to Grover what it was like "back in the day," when the drive for money in the big city, and the prevalence of marijuana in the neighborhood, left a profound impact on his days growing up.<br /><br />Grover credits much of the work seen here to an artist named Marco, who works out of <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/crazy-fantasy-tattoo-new-york">Crazy Fantasy Tattoo</a> on West 4th Street in Manhattan.<br /><br />I want to thank Grover for sharing his set of tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

Grover's Tattoos Recollect the Past, But Focus on the Future

I ran into Grover a month or two ago where he worked in Penn Station and admired the work on his sleeve. As I try my best to not disrupt fol...

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Milo's Tattoos Honor Family

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0xSsJ0yiyk7xEIrfjuDScHh8QZLsAy8csEa94iWoVOynZutFneFqJ_zbjY9q-gCVSrXSkAdlXipvNAVtckYd0lhouX8_IFvN5H-zqdUfsnkpYepgbIiXtNyZ8vVf9C0HS8ZJoPzvlgM/s1600-h/kale+detail.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335241991083260354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0xSsJ0yiyk7xEIrfjuDScHh8QZLsAy8csEa94iWoVOynZutFneFqJ_zbjY9q-gCVSrXSkAdlXipvNAVtckYd0lhouX8_IFvN5H-zqdUfsnkpYepgbIiXtNyZ8vVf9C0HS8ZJoPzvlgM/s400/kale+detail.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" /></a><br />I met Milo at <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a> in Brooklyn on the first Saturday in May. Working the door as a greeter, Milo's tattoos were peeking out from under a shirt sleeve so I couldn't help but stop to chat. Twenty minutes later, when Milo was on break and my groceries were bought, we continued our conversation.<br /><br />This tattoo is actually a series of family-themed pieces that make up what is currently a quarter-sleeve. The work to date has been completed over the course of two years by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/myleskarr">Myles Karr</a> at <a href="http://www.savedtattoo.com/">Saved Tattoo</a> in Brooklyn. Myles is now co-owner of <a href="http://www.threekingstattoo.com/">Three Kings Tattoo</a> in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.<br /><br />Each element is a tribute to, and/or inspired by, members of Milo's family.<br /><br />I generally shy away from larger pieces that circumvent the limbs, but each part, in and of itself, as fascinating.<br /><br />For example, Milo's grandfather was a doctor and a skier, which is represented by a stethoscope and crossed skis.<br /><br />Milo's grandmother was a musician and the instrument on the inner part of the bicep is a scaled-down representation of her double bass.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlYBR8es7_OW-er5EEVc0V3cKmQMZU6Y72pz6ty7kHcXJ_KHe1NZyJ5dxA04cbsfMsJo98A8RszWFNzTF2GL4oNzqunMxxfoVD89Dlb9mC3XE4A1NYsBZxBU4D7H_9gdxYjfzK_HrzPc/s1600-h/bass.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335241649084227970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlYBR8es7_OW-er5EEVc0V3cKmQMZU6Y72pz6ty7kHcXJ_KHe1NZyJ5dxA04cbsfMsJo98A8RszWFNzTF2GL4oNzqunMxxfoVD89Dlb9mC3XE4A1NYsBZxBU4D7H_9gdxYjfzK_HrzPc/s400/bass.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />What I originally took for severed octopus arms dripping colorful blood, upon closer examination, and a gentle explanation from Milo, was revealed to be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shofar" style="font-style: italic;">shofars</a> (ram's horns). These are traditional instruments that are sounded on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah">Rosh Hashanah</a>, the Jewish New Year, to welcome the arrival of another year. They are included in this mix of symbols as a tribute to the<br />Jewish heritage of Milo's father and paternal grandmother.<br /><br />The lines of color exuding from tubes of paint nestled in the shofars are a nod to the same two forebears, who were artists.<br /><br />The top of the tattoo, which features a baby eagle and a crown, represents Milo's paternal family crest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTMUzmR3_KKp6gl8ZdZCvR2wZc4M38LEGgq-x9tfAYkepMJzT8drGHZ9aixHF8f7FOlZur7mSbQkRKdc7zBOxKHtnZtKCmk7FKcKU9Fwv2MkVGGL_F_H97A3J8ZnSvSWK8l7CKoFXDWA/s1600-h/top.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335241910802557874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTMUzmR3_KKp6gl8ZdZCvR2wZc4M38LEGgq-x9tfAYkepMJzT8drGHZ9aixHF8f7FOlZur7mSbQkRKdc7zBOxKHtnZtKCmk7FKcKU9Fwv2MkVGGL_F_H97A3J8ZnSvSWK8l7CKoFXDWA/s400/top.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />And finally, on the back side of the bicep, these leaves pop out in a brilliant explosion of greens:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNl0gqrJIPEK4bWz5rLuTOO3hTzsh3PhN3Dvqzes-RkjJuWqW6MRfBSsHdVbnDCba_2BUaL_CvcWbsAiA_MKVAc9iSXdJx2FXIreAwa9aJBHNCypaCb068g6I6QI7LlZMXa3a1WAfYRE/s1600-h/kale.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335240583874624930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNl0gqrJIPEK4bWz5rLuTOO3hTzsh3PhN3Dvqzes-RkjJuWqW6MRfBSsHdVbnDCba_2BUaL_CvcWbsAiA_MKVAc9iSXdJx2FXIreAwa9aJBHNCypaCb068g6I6QI7LlZMXa3a1WAfYRE/s400/kale.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Tattooed are three different types of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale">kale</a>: your basic everyday kale, <a href="http://digitalflowerpictures.blogspot.com/2008/09/dinosaur-kale.html">dinosaur kale</a> and <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/20/FD2TUO19C.DTL">Tuscan flatleaf</a>. Milo explained that, growing up, food culture dominated the home. It was integral to the family and the kale not only pays tribute to family, but reminds Milo to eat right. It seemed<br />fitting to find a kale-themed tattoo at Trader Joe's, one of my favorite grocery stores, and a standard for healthy food.<br /><br />I want to thank Milo for taking the time to tell me about the numerous tattoos that seemed so personal, yet universal for so many. We here at Tattoosday loved the uniqueness of Milo's ink.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/05/kyles-take-on-heaven-and-hell.html">this other piece</a>, also by Myles Karr at Saved Tattoo, which appeared last May on Tattoosday.

Milo's Tattoos Honor Family

I met Milo at Trader Joe's in Brooklyn on the first Saturday in May. Working the door as a greeter, Milo's tattoos were peeking out...

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Stephen's Tailored Tribute to His Father

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDoiYljbOtTpFVeZXHsqc07Qr-Uje_k9KwfQVq5uoa_R6PfEuPVsN4RevIsBABfbqrvFZfmoO7yzhTn48edvoCxXWYj07B8krqPpJUwDEuEnMRcCoLzOnGiqtoTRjTvj-ajIKPJ-F5Ts-/s1600-h/PICT1570.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307829300472670194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDoiYljbOtTpFVeZXHsqc07Qr-Uje_k9KwfQVq5uoa_R6PfEuPVsN4RevIsBABfbqrvFZfmoO7yzhTn48edvoCxXWYj07B8krqPpJUwDEuEnMRcCoLzOnGiqtoTRjTvj-ajIKPJ-F5Ts-/s400/PICT1570.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I met Stephen while walking through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herald_Square">Herald Square</a> on an unseasonably warm Friday afternoon.<br /><br />He had his sleeves rolled up and I noticed the set of circles on the outside of his right forearm. He was more than happy to share the story behind them.<br /><br />Stephen was raised in New Jersey and he remembers his father commuting daily into Manhattan, where he was a Vice President at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AT&T">AT & T</a>. His father was extremely dapper, and always wore a "crisp" suit to work, dressing impeccably for the job.<br /><br />He vividly recalls his father taking him for his first suit, and how his father imparted all of his knowledge onto Stephen; how the suit was the uniform of a true gentleman, and all about the cut, the style, the fabric, etc.<br /><br />When Stephen decided to get his first tattoo, he wanted to pay tribute to his father and wanted something above and beyond a normal tribute tattoo.<br /><br />With a tip of the hat to nostalgia, and the acknowledgment that his father's influence guided him toward a career in the fashion industry, Stephen had the circles tattooed on both outer forearms:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfMl0mDdoX7gfWSLFl-m1dIMlq_ojwJaB_eQJFbZ96Fy_xEz-SVfy1oGqaIFPg_afAq2ijIntCC6lS7bI7lT2v-RTHBtOkMcWr6UHp9Nh5ubOJFn3SiR2qwONSr7rWmbaMdwfUPs6lrER/s1600-h/STEPHENSLEEVES.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307828995378951106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfMl0mDdoX7gfWSLFl-m1dIMlq_ojwJaB_eQJFbZ96Fy_xEz-SVfy1oGqaIFPg_afAq2ijIntCC6lS7bI7lT2v-RTHBtOkMcWr6UHp9Nh5ubOJFn3SiR2qwONSr7rWmbaMdwfUPs6lrER/s400/STEPHENSLEEVES.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><br />Seen together, and knowing his background, it is all the more apparent that Stephen has tattoos representing two sets of buttons on the suit sleeves of childhood memories.<br /><br />When I asked him what his father thought when he saw this tribute, he replied, "He wasn't super pumped about it, but it grew on him. The first thing he said after I explained it to him was, <span style="font-style: italic;">'Couldn't you've just gotten DAD tattooed...?' ."</span><br /><br />Stephen now has 10 tattoos, most of which were inked at <a href="http://electriclotustattoo.com/">Electric Lotus Tattoo and Piercing</a> in <a href="http://www.boonton.org/">Boonton, New Jersey</a>. His friend <a href="www.myspace.com/foxtrotwonder">Don Perdue</a> was the artist responsible for these honorary buttons.<br /><br />Thanks to Stephen for sharing these cool tattoos honoring his father!

Stephen's Tailored Tribute to His Father

I met Stephen while walking through Herald Square on an unseasonably warm Friday afternoon. He had his sleeves rolled up and I noticed the ...

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Footprints Over the Heart: Anthony Celebrates the Continuing Tradition of a Name

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyedQlTpaH9xQC9qOnsSXGlYdniRvQGnzf9b2OvB5sPedDa0uTN7Zs3bs0GcBfN8ZlDeWj3CezBLVbf23eEQOa2UCzNRhYTOTnbIEaW5IeSDbLM27ytgQj2isOYq-xKcXZMLKyElcCMha-/s1600-h/PICT1566.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307078187138591442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyedQlTpaH9xQC9qOnsSXGlYdniRvQGnzf9b2OvB5sPedDa0uTN7Zs3bs0GcBfN8ZlDeWj3CezBLVbf23eEQOa2UCzNRhYTOTnbIEaW5IeSDbLM27ytgQj2isOYq-xKcXZMLKyElcCMha-/s400/PICT1566.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Mary-Lee appeared in my doorway at the end of the work day with Anthony standing next to her.<br /><br />Mary-Lee's tattoo was featured <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/12/tattoos-i-know-mary-lees-paternal.html">here</a> in December. I had never met Anthony before, but Mary-Lee had mentioned his tattoo to me, and she had told him about Tattoosday. He works for one of the vendors our company utilizes for a mailing process.<br /><br />Anthony, whose birth name is Antonio, is a second generation Italian-American, and the son of Antonio, Sr. He is 100% Sicilian, and last year, on July 29, experienced the joy of having a first child, a son, also named Antonio.<br /><br />Antonio III.<br /><br />Aside from memorial tattoos, ink honoring one's offspring is equal to, or possibly greater, in popularity. As a parent myself, I'm partial to tattoos that pay tribute to one's kids. Both of my tattoos were inked in honor of my daughters, so parental tattoos have a special place in my heart.<br /><br />To so honor little Anthony III, Anthony Jr. inked his son's birth name over his heart and, just below it, had his baby footprints added.<br /><br />He wears with honor the legacy of his father's name, and bears the mark of tradition, as it carries from generation to generation.<br /><br />A closer look also shows that the footprints are done lighter than the print of the name, which I think is a nice effect:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGgGgGtk9TD-jUZs7pUnFT2zRsozGzdNkpj1t-769xf15-UvvK3E7_fAFLhYNzpdHrgW3BSiep9gR-db2JOLezk5AP3AsIPPmU3oNGHvtlpJb__2xjWqJrd1hAscB3OdIuVCs19SdslEp/s1600-h/antonio+close-up.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307080320230174914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGgGgGtk9TD-jUZs7pUnFT2zRsozGzdNkpj1t-769xf15-UvvK3E7_fAFLhYNzpdHrgW3BSiep9gR-db2JOLezk5AP3AsIPPmU3oNGHvtlpJb__2xjWqJrd1hAscB3OdIuVCs19SdslEp/s400/antonio+close-up.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 400px;" /></a> <br />A footprint isn't generally a "permanent" fixture, and fades with time. Although the tattoo is permanent, the lighter ink lends more authenticity to the temporary nature of this snapshot in little Anthony's first moments in the world. It captures the moment of his birth, a pinnacle of joy in every father's life.<br /><br />For a comparison, and I pass no judgment here, check out <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/10/charlie-honors-birth-of-his-youngest.html">this earlier footprint post</a>. There's a stark difference in the two tattoos, and I will say that this example is a nicer representation of the style of tattoo.<br /><br />This is Anthony's third tattoo, but clearly the most important one. He had this inked at <a href="http://www.tattoolous.com/seld.htm">Tattoo Lou's</a> in Selden, New York. Work from one of Tattoo Lou's other locations has appeared previously <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/08/nicoles-hibiscus-tattoo.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Anthony for sharing his meaningful tribute to his son, and his family tradition, here on Tattoosday!

Footprints Over the Heart: Anthony Celebrates the Continuing Tradition of a Name

Mary-Lee appeared in my doorway at the end of the work day with Anthony standing next to her. Mary-Lee's tattoo was featured here in De...

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Casey's Name Transcends Generations

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX487jnBRxxNP8cnUSQYLqgJu1V3tA5ZU6gdK56n4zmcYiXgacEwv3Q8FZVYowejwO0jRq_ORK1p4WEtV4C7vmcpDzzubMx2Qx1XuUmguyZtx8M0kUTv9ZLKU4FJ7GGnewuhA4PDFGb1xZ/s1600-h/casey-detail.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288412645836869842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX487jnBRxxNP8cnUSQYLqgJu1V3tA5ZU6gdK56n4zmcYiXgacEwv3Q8FZVYowejwO0jRq_ORK1p4WEtV4C7vmcpDzzubMx2Qx1XuUmguyZtx8M0kUTv9ZLKU4FJ7GGnewuhA4PDFGb1xZ/s400/casey-detail.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />I met Casey while passing through Penn Station. He was waiting for the Amtrak to his home in Rhode Island. I spotted his neck tattoo and asked him about it because it was not your typical neck piece. He was very enthusiastic about sharing it with Tattoosday,<br /><br />Simply, the ink, which begins on the left side of his neck and curves in a semi-circle to the right side of his neck, is his name (first, middle, and last) in Armenian.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w7yHXIkRNFyVtVdTAo8VZP8wqAJAExF9iWzUonRtypFIevnrLXvdUWfp_ZHCrPKjHBrtEKr6jAzbbdzFPTExzURX09T5X63r_oXfcdRZQzGFwpCDPGgKFl-7I3zC-6vMWKV1hJmlJ57J/s1600-h/casey-left.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411821004577426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w7yHXIkRNFyVtVdTAo8VZP8wqAJAExF9iWzUonRtypFIevnrLXvdUWfp_ZHCrPKjHBrtEKr6jAzbbdzFPTExzURX09T5X63r_oXfcdRZQzGFwpCDPGgKFl-7I3zC-6vMWKV1hJmlJ57J/s400/casey-left.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChbyHA36063b5GfszAEinkFY6_YooXi9ArLCDdT9uJV755L0WnGdWr1OjsAGYmVQakU-O1yX60ihjNFitwMJoVyCxL5kZiSBA6KP-vrku8RdCCGoO5hYaIrGRfWl6mRS7zHbvnsHKEOXD/s1600-h/casey-center.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411595419450098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChbyHA36063b5GfszAEinkFY6_YooXi9ArLCDdT9uJV755L0WnGdWr1OjsAGYmVQakU-O1yX60ihjNFitwMJoVyCxL5kZiSBA6KP-vrku8RdCCGoO5hYaIrGRfWl6mRS7zHbvnsHKEOXD/s400/casey-center.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv9tf4ZlE4AlQAKkCGfm7IWkymHpG3GfXqjeUhlwF9zErZWFV_1kmJIIv4zzf83GoElm566XQo00KVSBeWvs1TOdWKr0YWh16OUiccEOKf3bQmwkbnY8jXbqmpNC2132jfHKstNK69jN/s1600-h/casey-right.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411445111694514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv9tf4ZlE4AlQAKkCGfm7IWkymHpG3GfXqjeUhlwF9zErZWFV_1kmJIIv4zzf83GoElm566XQo00KVSBeWvs1TOdWKr0YWh16OUiccEOKf3bQmwkbnY8jXbqmpNC2132jfHKstNK69jN/s400/casey-right.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I normally don't spout opinions about people's choice of ink, but I have never understood why people tattoo their own names on their bodies. I work with many people who possess cursive renditions of their names in ink, and these tattoos don't appeal to my artistic sensibility.<br /><br />However, after speaking with Casey about his tattoo, I fully appreciate the design and meaning of the piece.<br /><br />One remarkable thing about the tattoo, in my opinion, is that it is inked in a language that is not commonly seen on skin, in this country at least. I have featured <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/kanji" style="font-style: italic;">kanji</a>, <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-doesnt-kill-you-makes-you-stronger.html">Hebrew</a>, and <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/08/thea-illuminates-music.html">Arabic</a>, but never Armenian. The name inscribed in another language, especially when it honors one's family<br />heritage, elevates the art and carves deeper meaning into the flesh.<br /><br />What makes this piece even more phenomenal is that the handwriting of Casey's name belongs to his grandfather. He went to him and asked for him to write the name out in the language of the Old Country, with the express desire to have it tattooed. And his grandfather not only gave his blessing, but loves the finished product.<br /><br />In this way, Casey has created a tribute to his heritage, as well to as his grandfather, and is able to convey that respect for the past. It will also be a constant reminder for him to remember his grandfather and the roots from whence he came.<br /><br />The piece was inked by his friend <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=9817253">Jesus</a>, who was not affiliated with a shop at the time he got the tattoo 2 1/2 years ago, but is now working at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/getwickedink">Wicked Ink Tattoo</a> in Riverside, Rhode Island.<br /><br />As a bonus, on two-for-Tattoosday, Casey showed me his other tattoo that is inked on his right bicep:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaYdgx_42bl2zgZ5MCOw3o-8yMaZZfbD4faAgdWUKExVHs4VQCIWrpxraG2eBqfNTxU7PSfvXALF26QjuqM7X8qfHXQvZbhg08m5wtk3La6VRn6qd3iRw532efkQ5r4znWkcmugkblSBO/s1600-h/yankees.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411276680117378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaYdgx_42bl2zgZ5MCOw3o-8yMaZZfbD4faAgdWUKExVHs4VQCIWrpxraG2eBqfNTxU7PSfvXALF26QjuqM7X8qfHXQvZbhg08m5wtk3La6VRn6qd3iRw532efkQ5r4znWkcmugkblSBO/s400/yankees.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />"So you're a Yankees fan?" I asked, smiling.<br /><br />Casey corrected me, "It's a memorial piece for my cousin J.J. who was a devoted fan".<br /><br />J.J. died at the too-young age of 26 and the tattoo was supposed to include the text "J.J. - Rest in Peace," but he didn't have time to finish it. There are plans to complete the memorial in the next month, and I hope to post the final version here in the future.<br /><br />I must say that I have seen tattoos of the "NY" logo for the Yankees, but this piece is one of the best I've seen, just based on its size and sheer brightness of color. The deeper meaning as a memorial for a close relative makes the tattoo even better, in my opinion.<br /><br />Thanks again to Casey for sharing both tattoos with us here at Tattoosday!

Casey's Name Transcends Generations

I met Casey while passing through Penn Station. He was waiting for the Amtrak to his home in Rhode Island. I spotted his neck tattoo and ask...

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Tattoos I Know: Mary-Lee's Paternal Inscription

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKji9eJRaXUShFz0sj5g5csAV51Ee0fdetjmwUdzSVUk_7G2q3xFTFUBUfZufc5TyAeJ-YPmfTHIUEXpM3BSn6EtxlHsQEUScJhucM7M5QcZ0ftmaL5cUrWharx3T85fpM96AJM_Wiwzi/s1600-h/mlkdadsig.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279680769305140194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKji9eJRaXUShFz0sj5g5csAV51Ee0fdetjmwUdzSVUk_7G2q3xFTFUBUfZufc5TyAeJ-YPmfTHIUEXpM3BSn6EtxlHsQEUScJhucM7M5QcZ0ftmaL5cUrWharx3T85fpM96AJM_Wiwzi/s400/mlkdadsig.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I'm particularly proud of this particular tattoo story because it hatched out of Tattoosday itself, in a roundabout way.<br /><br />The signature above is a freshly-inked autograph of a man who has been dead over forty years. It graces the back of Mary-Lee, who I have known and worked with for a decade. The signature is that of her father.<br /><br />Earlier this year, Mary-Lee, who has regarded the Tattoosday hobby of mine with a curious amusement, was moved by the story of Kate's tattoos (<a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/06/ellen-lives-on-in-kates-ink.html">here</a>), especially the one of her twin sister's signature. Kate's sister had died in a car crash the previous year, and the name of her sister, in her own handwriting, is a touching and beautiful memorial.<br /><br />Upon hearing this tale, and seeing this tattoo, Mary-Lee began thinking of a similar tribute, made all the more remarkable by the way the stars lined up to make this happen.<br /><br />Her father died at the age of 53, when Mary-Lee was only eleven years old. She was a typical Daddy's Girl, and has never forgotten the sudden nature of his passing, and the absence of closure, as she was not allowed to go to his funeral.<br /><br />So, as the anniversary of his death approached on December 4, and she realized that this anniversary was special in that she is the same age as he was that he died, she decided it was only fitting to get her first tattoo, honoring her dad, at the same age as he was on the day he died.<br /><br />The final question was, would she be able to get it inked after 6pm on the anniversary? She doesn't know the exact time he left this world, only that it was after 6pm.<br /><br />She started looking for a reputable shop in the area, and stumbled upon <a href="http://www.redrockettattoo.com/">Red Rocket Tattoo</a>, located between work and her home in Manhattan. She booked an appointment after 6pm on December 4 with <a href="http://myspace.com/bettyonly">Betty Rose</a> well in advance. As if the kismet of the dates lining up wasn't enough, Red Rocket is where our friend and co-worker Paul (see his ink <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/03/tattoos-i-know-paul-part-2-or.html">here</a>) had his work done, and Betty Rose was the girlfriend of Chris (see his ink <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/03/tattoos-i-know-paul-part-2-or.html">here</a>) with whom I served a brief stint of jury duty over the summer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsrmTLMFjbr1Ux47PuC9UJJjn0u5LtAJWnhuC-5hp_pyZjCreO6Yz7-oar6aiyrenpOxKCl2vb_o4eug3mBQgARrsOQ6x4bSpmIoQT3vTDVZ5i5d6BfAERPvJ7-pIyeGInoxfw9J1SgQp/s1600-h/scan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282564761219659874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsrmTLMFjbr1Ux47PuC9UJJjn0u5LtAJWnhuC-5hp_pyZjCreO6Yz7-oar6aiyrenpOxKCl2vb_o4eug3mBQgARrsOQ6x4bSpmIoQT3vTDVZ5i5d6BfAERPvJ7-pIyeGInoxfw9J1SgQp/s400/scan.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />When December 4 rolled around, everything went smoothly. Betty Rose had lifted the signature from the old ssocial security card that Mary-Lee still had in her possession, enlarged it, and placed the stencil in the perfect spot on the first attempt.<br /><br />She is very pleased with how the nuances of the signature were picked up in the process, and loves how the inked reproduction is tilted "upwards, toward heaven".<br /><br />And, whether it is the physical fineness of the lines and minimal surface area the tattoo affects, or whether there is a paternal heavenly influence with its hand in the process, Mary-Lee has marveled that she has experienced none of the typical symptoms that come with a healing tattoo.<br /><br />This lack of self-consciousness about the ink, combined with the minimal pain and aftercare required, has validated for her the transcendent healing nature of her tattoo.<br /><br />And it has helped her obtain another level of closure that she never received when she lost her father at the age of eleven.<br /><br />Thanks to Mary-lee for sharing her tattoo and its story here with us on Tattoosday!

Tattoos I Know: Mary-Lee's Paternal Inscription

I'm particularly proud of this particular tattoo story because it hatched out of Tattoosday itself, in a roundabout way. The signature a...

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