Asakusa Horikazu. This traditional tattoo master is the son of legendary Shodai Horikazu; I had the privilege of spending an afternoon in his private studio to watch and document his work. This method of tattooing repeatedly taps hand-mixed ink into skin with handmade tools: varying numbers of needles bound together at the endpoint of a long handle. It’s hypnotic to watch and, at its best, results in vibrant flesh tableaus akin to embroidered silk. Horikazu works in a traditional Japanese …
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Click image to see her bigger. Alkonost || Tattoo design* for Claire This was incredibly fun to work on. Little-known fact: I drew another graphite Alkonost a few years ago for an unrealized project – it was never posted anywhere because… Well, it sucked. Having a second chance to explore the theme of one of my favorite Russian mythological creatures was pure redemption and delight – I actually want to draw more of these now, but have to work on …
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In response to my Hearltess crest tattoo design, Biorequiem reader Alyssa asks: As a huge (silent, lurking type) fan of your various artistic endeavors, this is really astounding for me. How do you feel about people other than the commissioner having your work tattooed on them? A timely question! Since I’ve been on a tattoo commission kick lately, I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback from my readers. Awesome! I’ve also run into a curious ethical issue: folks asking if they can …
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This summer, I went to NYC where, in addition to having adventures with Molly and Sam, I also finally got my upper back tattoo finished by the talented Tm Kern, after getting it started back in 2005. Though this was the third time Tim tattooed me, it was the first session we had on his home turf. Tim’s shop, Tribulation Tattoo, is filled to the roof with art and taxidermy, so Samantha snapped away while patiently waiting the entire three-and-a-half …
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It is reborn, at last. 6 hours today, and now we must wait. Tim, thank you. You’re an inky god among mortals.
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