Tag Archives: body art
Inland Empire Weekly: IE’S Best HipHop Artist of 2013 60East
Joey Atilano, better known as 60 East, first got into hip-hop as a kid watching his big brother work on his own music. Since then, his reputation has grown steadily, thanks to a few high profile gigs and some legit tracks. One of those tracks is “Motivation,” which features the lyrics, “You can teach motivation, you can’t fake motivation, so please keep hatin’, ‘cause I could use the motivation.” That’s all well and good, but only issue is that not a lot of people appear to be hating.
Not every artist has a happy beginning but sometimes it’s the effect of a dark event that can shape and mold us into what we need most. Artist 60 East is fully aware of the connection between a friend’s and father’s death and his prominent succession as an up-and-coming hip-hop artist of the Inland Empire.
It all started innocently enough, 60 East was a young sibling attached to his older brother’s musical ambitions which included friends working on a label. “I was always around listening and watching them rap, record, write, perform, etc. and at 9 years old that’s when I first decided that’s what I wanted to do with my life. This phase continued until around 2006 when the main artist on my brother’s label ‘Spaceghost’ was murdered in Ontario.
”60 East fell into limbo for a while, dropping out of high school and working construction to make ends meet but eventually he was reunited with a few of his brother’s old friends. It was the kick he needed to jump back onto his destined musical path was losing his father to cancer in 2010. “That’s when I decided was going to put all my effort, strength, time and resources into making it in the music industry,” says 60 East.
Passion for 60 East’s loved ones fuels his lyrical creativity. If you’re not a fan of life stories put into song, you might not get the same desired effect as someone who has gone through similar events. “I am very personal and open with my life and my experiences. My goal at every show is to touch someone through my music whether it’s done by describing a scenario they have been through or sharing one of my own stories and having them be able to relate to it,” says 60 East.
60 East should be on your radar by now since him and his group FIRST DIRT were the opening act at this years 2013 PAID DUES FESTIVAL and also head lined the D.I.Y Fest ( Do It Yourself Festival) and the E.O.S Fest (End Of Summer Festival) so if you have’nt heard of him keep an eye out for 60East and FIRST DIRT!
http://ieweekly.com/2013/10/feature-stories/arts-entertainment-5/
MILEY CYRUS TATTOO: The Artist that Created it
Tattooer Scott Howard (https://www.facebook.com/ScottEHoward) at The Living Canvas Tattoo Studio (http://www.bigtoptattoos.com/artists.html) outside Buffalo, NY has a phone that wont stop vibrating today but he took time to talk to Inkedmag.com. Howard is suddenly popular because he is responsible for the tattoo of Miley Cyrus from her “Wrecking Ball” music video that is blowing up the internet at the moment.
Howard often draws funny designs, puts them up on his Facebook page and sees if he has any takers. A few days ago the Disney Princess-turned-disaster was his muse for a sketch replete with a Yolo foam finger. Within five minutes, a guy he went to high school with was in and the rest can never be unseen. “I told him to make sure he was sure about getting it because he is going to get a lot of shit for this,” Howard says. “So he is definitely in on this big joke.
” Howard himself sports some mirthful tattoos including Mickey Mouse smoking meth (Disney on Ice) and a California Raisin shooting an AK-47 (Raisin’ Hell). All in all Howard says, “I’m proud of the Miley Cyrus piece. It’s a good tattoo.”
Western Division Tattoo: Little article about A Tattoo I did on my boy Daniel
We unexpectedly ran into Danny this weekend at the NHRA Winternationals. We were doing our thing when he walked up and noticed a W sticker on the KROQ van. He spoke right up. “Hey, you guys have any of these stickers? I’ll trade you one for a tattoo.
“OK, we’ll take the bait. Whatcha got?
He pulled up his pant leg and lo and behold a killer Western Div logo, one of the cleanest we’ve seen. Danny says his plans are to fill in the open space with some SoCal landmarks. We can’t wait to see the finished product.
Danny was the Bob Marley day festival back in ‘09 and came across the KROQ booth. He swooped one of their last W stickers and instantly fell in love with the logo. Little did he know that his friend Steven Sandoval, a tattoo artist, also had a sticker. When they met up one afternoon they realized they were both rockin’ the sticker; Danny on his car and Steven in his tattoo shop. According to Danny, he told Steven to prep the ink.
“Either put the sticker down or tattoo it on me, one or the other.”
When asked what the tattoo meant to him, Danny said, “I’m in love with the The California lifestyle. I don’t think I could ever live anywhere else.” It unifies the whole SoCal area. I’ve got family in the North and South and this brings them all together.
http://www.westerndivision.com/2011/02/27/ontarios-danny-flores-is-represtin-western-division/
Tattoo Nations: Edward “Chuco” Caballero
California tattoo legend Edward “Chuco” Caballero died on November 2008 following a battle with an aggressive form of cancer; just as he had become one of the nations most familiar faces in the tattoo and lowrider scene. Thousands of family and friends mourned his loss as the “walking canvas” was laid to rest at the All Soul’s Cemetery, in Long Beach, California on Friday, November 7, 2008.
He was known to many as El Chuco and simply Chuy to others. Many considered the southern California native the true grand daddy pachuco with a natural zoot suit persona. He was remembered for his Calo dialect as he told stories about his life growing up as a pachuco in the in the 1960’s. He remained true to the style all the way to his recent death.As a pioneer of the tattoo community, Edward “Chuco” Caballero spent many years touring tattoo conventions worldwide. Just like tattoo legend Ed Hardey, Chuco too has become an legacy in the world of tattoos.
He earned a good reputation in the tattoo & lowrider scene, and was a popular representation ofGreenspan’s, the last original clothing store that sell vintage style pachuco clothing and other hard to find items.
Just like tattoo femme fatale Kat Von D, Edward “Chuco” Caballero became an immediate celebrity and gained the respect of tattoo aficionados around the world. Fans mourning his recent death have gone as far as tattoo portraits of Chuco on their bodies, as well as sport T-shirts with his image. His body’s monotone black and gray tattoos reflected cultural, religious and prison themes. Chuco was a true fan of Hollywood gangster Robert De Niro and confirmed his admiration for the celebrity by tattooing a portrait of De Niro on himself. Chuco was also known for his tattoos of American actresses Susan Hayward, Marilyn Manroe and the Statue of Liberty.”I grew up in the 60’s,” quoted Chuco, at the Body Art Expo in 2005 prior to his death, “when you could own a tattoo only if you were a gang member, a drug addict, or in prison. Now, celebrities and movie stars have made tattooing mainstream.
“We are honored to share all Chuco has achieved and present this page in his eternal loving memory. Enjoy!
Army To Announce Ban On Tattoos Below Elbows, Knees
The U.S. Army will announce new restrictions on tattoos in a forthcoming update to regulations on the appearance of soldiers.
Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler confirmed to Stars and Stripes over the weekend that ink visible below the elbows or knees, as well as tattoos visible above the neck, will soon be forbidden for soldiers. Existing tattoos in those areas may be grandfathered in, however.
The changes are set to be announced in an update to Army Regulation 670-1, which already prohibits tattoos anywhere on the head, face and neck above the class A uniform collar. Army Regulation 670-1 also contains a ban on ink that is considered extremist, indecent, sexist or racist. Those restrictions will remain in place.
The new rules will reportedly lay out a process by which soldiers can meet with their unit leaders and “self identify” their tattoos. Chandler told Stars and Stripes that soldiers will be responsible for covering the cost to remove any ink that violates the new ban. Under the previous version of Army Regulation 670-1, commanders were not allowed to order the removal of a tattoo or brand. They were, however, expected to consult with soldiers about potential violations and inform them of medical procedures for possible removal.
Chandler said over the weekend that the new regulations are awaiting signature by the secretary, and that they could be officially in place within the next 30 to 60 days.
A forum on Military.com shows the popularity of tattoos on the lower arms or legs. While that ink may be exempt from the new regulations, soldiers looking to get new tattoos may run into issues when the rules are updated.
TATTOO ACCEPTANCE: Tattoos not always job wreckers
Britt Cook, a barista at Durango Joe’s on Camino del Rio, hands a drink to Danielle Ghear, who used to be a tattoo artist in Australia. “Everybody is getting more (body) art, and with that, it’s becoming more acceptable,” Ghear said
We’ve all seen them here in Durango – the waitress serving us a hot plate of food while adorned with an intricate display of flowering ink, and the retailer with the embellishing tribal piece dancing down the curves of his leg.
Researchers have documented that humans have been decorating their bodies in such ways for thousands of years, so how has this ancient art form modernized in the Wild West?
A look at various Durango industry workers and employers indicates that some companies in town are a bit more relaxed than others when it comes to a person’s public display of body art.
Durango Joe’s Coffee is one of the more accepting customer service businesses when it comes to employees with visible body modifications. Britt Cook, a barista at Durango Joe’s on Camino del Rio, proudly debuts her tattooed arm sleeve while working.
She applied for 19 jobs in the area, and Durango Joe’s was one of few employers who called her back. Cook successfully survived her interview with the hiring manager but was hesitant for her first in-person encounter with Joe Lloyd, owner of the franchise. She soon felt comfortable after reviewing the coffee shop’s tattoo policy – or lack thereof.
Cook said the company primarily focuses on hiring employees who practice good hygiene and have exceptional customer service skills. Tattoos and piercings don’t hinder an employee’s ability to be clean and polite.
Cook also runs a side business as a personal pet sitter and feels that she has prospered regardless of her decision to permanently ink her body.
“I try really hard to make sure that my personality is bigger than my body art,” she said. “And for me, that’s easy to do.
”Mike Rich, owner of Wagon Wheel Liquors in Town Plaza, said he evaluates applicants on their skill sets and not on their physical appearance. Of course, there are always exceptions. Rich says he is unlikely to hire a person if his or her self-expressive work is blatantly offensive.
Banking on tattoos
How about a more conservative working environment? Can you be a successful bank teller and have tattoos? The answer: sort of.
Neck, hand and facial tattoos, otherwise known as “job wreckers,” would pose a problem for someone looking to get hired at a bank. But if the tattoos can be covered, they are fair game.
Banks view the display of tattoos and piercings as a violation of their professional dress code. Many banks in the area have specific policies when it comes to employees with tattoos and piercings.
Deborah Shuler, human resource assistant with First National Bank of Durango, said employees can have tattoos. But a condition is that their tattoos remain covered via Band-Aid or long-sleeve shirt; employees also are not allowed to have facial piercings.
Other banks in the area have similar policies regarding employees with visible tattoos and piercings.
Lisa Orndorff is manager of employee relations and engagements at the Society of Human Resource Management, a national association of human resource professionals. Orndorff said companies are free to create their own policies regarding dress code and acceptable body modifications in order to represent and brand their company’s image.
“Tattoos and piercings don’t define a professional,” Orndorff said in an email from the national headquarters in Washington, D.C. “The individual’s background, education and experience are some of the usual factors that help mold an individual into a professional. Body art, including tattoos, may be part of an individual’s religious observances and not a reflection of the individual’s ability to present him or herself as a professional in the field.
”Polls by Harris Interactive, a custom market research firm, regarding views on tattoos, shows those views might be changing. In 2003, 57 percent of those surveyed said those with tattoos are more rebellious than those without. In 2012 the percentage dropped to 50.
Jane Looney, communications director for the San Juan Basin Health Department, said the department doesn’t have a specific state regulation to follow regarding employees with facial piercings working in restaurants, but there is a policy regarding safe food-handling practices that can be interpreted at the discretion of the employer.
She stated the rule: “Proper hygienic practices must be followed by food-retail employees in performing assigned duties to ensure the safety of the food, prevent the introduction of foreign objects into the food.
”Essentially, if the piercing is secure enough to not fall into the food, then it is deemed acceptable.
The abstract Durangoan
Bob Lyon, owner of the Blue Tiger Tattoo shop at 1480 East Second Ave., has been tattooing for 33 years. He said he has tattooed a wide variety of professionals across the United States, ranging from housewives to electricians to federal court judges. He feels that this town is relatively open when it comes to people with body modifications. He also says his clients tend to be more abstract when requesting a design.
The abstract Durangoan tends to request nontraditional tattoos, often drawn on napkins, that lack bold lines and require intricate coloring. These pieces are difficult to do because, as Lyon says, skin is not paper, and in about five years’ time, these works of art will converge into a shapeless blotch of color.
“Here in Durango, if you really look about, you probably won’t find anybody of any class who is not tattooed,” he said.
Lyon occasionally has declined tattooing patrons who have requested face or neck pieces, with the exception of people who already have them. Lyon doesn’t want to be responsible for “wrecking” someone’s life.
“The integrity of the artist is more important than the money,” he said.
Lyon has noticed changes in tattoo trends through the decades.
In the 1980s, when he first started tattooing on Long Island in New York, there were only three tattoo shops. He needed a second job to make ends meet because tattoos were regarded as a hobby reserved for sailors and not the average citizen.
Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, he noticed a peak in the trend, which dropped in the late 1990s. Lyon says tattoos became popular again in the 2000s. He’s been through the rise and fall of this phenomenon twice in his career.
Tattoo reality shows have brought popularity to this fashion statement once again. Though Lyon feels the shows are influencing more people to rediscover this art form, he has a strong distaste for what he regards as a false portrayal of a tattooing experience.
After speaking with various Durangoans, there appears to be two common themes: everything in moderation, and character and expertise trump physical appearance.
“To me, a tattoo doesn’t change a person,” Lyon said. “I don’t want to be judged, so I don’t judge people.”
WORLD WIDE TATTOO CONFERENCE SEMINARS
Major International Tattoo Conference coming up ! The project WWTC (WorldWideTattooConference) was conceived in 2011 by Alex De Pase. The original idea was to get together different talented tattoists in an itinerant multicultural context who would travel around the world, stopping over in significant European and American spots to share and offer their expertise and personal views of their work to the global tattoo community.The project came to life in October 2011, when the first WWTC was held in Rome. The artists involved were: Nick Baxter, Jeff Gogue, Alex De Pase and Boris, sided by the tattoo marketing expert Gabe Ripley. It was a great success and attendees were enthusiastic about the experience they had had the opportunity to share.Then it was the turn of Chicago in April 2012 with Nick Baxter, Bob Tyrrell, Jeff Gogue, Boris, Guy Aitchison and Alex De Pase and its WWTC was even more successful than Rome: 250 guests rallied from all over the world to assist at the best tattoo seminars ever put together in recent times. The WWTC project was just the right stuff and it had to go on….The third edition took place in September 2012 at the Tobacco Dock in London, just before the 8th International London Tattoo Convention took off. This time the venue was different: the WWTC was hosted by a Tattoo Convention, in the same rooms that would have been crammed with astonishing tattoists a couple of days later. The London WWTC was rougher and wilder, but the most positive expectations were met for the third time. Lots of European young tattoo artists flocked to the Tobacco Dock buildings and were impressed by the sense of cohesion and belonging to a global community of people who want to share their knowledge without any barrier and where limits or dishomogeneous levels do not exist. The masters Bob Tyrell, Joe Capobianco, Boris, Nikko Hurtado, Stephane Chaudesaigues and Alex De Pase and the apprentices are just members of the same family and everybody is there to take their turn.At the Boston tattoo Conference the relators were: GUY AITCHISON _ BOB TYRRELL _ NICK BAXTER _ NIKKO HURTADO _ JEFF Gogue and ALEX DE PASENex conference, in the 2014 will be in ItalyBy joining the travelling WWTC, you will:- become familiar with the techniques and tricks used by many appreciated tattooists- be provided with different visions of the tattoo as a work of art in different styles- learn how to adjust your style and improve your performance- share your knowledge and ask questions to the artists during the discussion panels- submit pictures of your work to be assessed and evaluated by the artists during the criticism corner- take part in the WWTC award- be an active party in improving dialogue and communication among the global tattoo community- meet in person the best tattooists you’ve always looked up to as a model- have fun and be overjoyed by the sense of overwhelming familiarityDO NOT MISS IT!
http://www.worldwidetattooconference.com
ALEX DE PASE TATTOO: The Art of Tattooing, Portraits and Realistic Stuff
Alex De Pase is a tattoo artist born in in Grado, Italy.At 14, Alex was introduced to tattooing through a friend that learned the art in prison and start tattooing with a bic pen and home made needles.After more than 20 yeras he has become one of the Realistic movement’s known exponents with the intent to propagandize the idea of Art of Tattooing instead a simple practice.De Pase was included in the 2009 Dream Team Tattooing’s Best of the Best which showcased the outstanding tattoo artists of the year and in the 2011 the Magazine “Rebel Ink” included Alex in the 25 Most Wanted Tattoo Artist.Alex De Pase is the organizer of the World Wide Tattoo Conference, the first traveling event focused on the diffusion of the tattoo techniques and philosophy to move the tattoo comunity to new levels.Alex De Pase is a member of the jury of The Chaudesaigues Award 2013 together with the amazing artists Shane O’Neill, Nikko Hurtado and Mike DeVries.
Alex De Pase has taught Tattoo Techniques at ENAIP Friuli Venezia Giulia.He had done seminars at the Paradise Tattoo Gathering (USA) and at the World Wide Tattoo Conference in Rome, Chicago and London.In the 2012 Alex has teached at CLAAI FORM, training, promotion, study and research organization.
MIKE DEVRIES: Amazing Tattoo Artist
In the words of Mike DeVries
Born and raised in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. I recieved my first tattoo when I was 16 years old. That event opened the window to a whole new world for me. I’ve always been into art, I’ve loved everything about it! I always had a fondness for the realism style and would explore tattoo magazines during my early years, amazed at the portraiture work done by some of the great black and grey artists. I started tattooing professionally in 2003. As I progressed as a tattoo artist I soon realized that I found my niche with color realism. Constantly refining and polishing this craft keeps me extremely busy and motivated to climb to the next level. A glimpse through my portfolio reveals my preference for wildlife and portrait tattoos. Although realism is the style I’m technically “known for,” I do enjoy tattooing other styles and incorporating different aspects in my work to keep things fresh and interesting.In addition to owning and operating MD Tattoo Studio in Northridge, California, and Memento Publishing, where we market, publish and sell books that encompass a passion for the artistic lifestyle. I also keep busy as co-owner of Stencil Stuff, which is a company that offers Stencil Stuff and Spray Stuff, products that aid artists in achieving better tattoo results. The solutions are used by thousands of tattoo artists every day and I hope are a positive attribute to the tattoo industry. I am honored to be an award-winning artist, garnering approximately 130 awards in the first seven years that I have been tattooing. And the accomplishment I am most proud of is being happily married to my beautiful wife Serena, and a father to our awesome son, Kyle.
The TattCave 