Tattoorism: Dean's Samurai

Last Saturday, I posted some tattoos sent to us from Tammy in Texas. Her son Dean is also tattooed and, in a much bigger way. We'll let him explain:

My very first tattoo was done on my 18th birthday in 2005...[it is] a black dragon with kanji above it. About a year letter I had a koi fish done on my calf...both of these tattoos were just drawings I had found. In 2006 I started working on my rib piece and in 2007 I got together with John from A Different Drummer here in Wichita Falls (he is now at the Lawton, OK location), and the two of us collaborated on bringing the rib piece together. Once the drawing was to our satisfaction, it took a little over 2 months of 3-4 hour sittings weekly until the tattoo was complete. 16-plus hours and worth every minute!

In 2009 I decided it was time for an arm piece and went back to A Different Drummer and Tuan who was in Art Class with me in high school listened to what I wanted... and the arm piece came to life...this one was done in one day and took a little over 7 1/2 hours:

Both pieces are marvelously done.

Thanks to Dean for sharing his work with us here on Tattoosday! And a hearty thank you, as well, to Tammy, for being a cool mom, sharing her pride in her son's amazing body art!

Geisha traditional japanese art

Geisha traditional japanese art

Geisha traditional japanese art

Geisha traditional japanese art

traditional japanese art

traditional japanese art

Japanese Traditional Art

Whether it is the Japanese paintings or pottery, Japanese traditional art is vivid and has its own beauty. Here’s a look at some of the different types of Japanese traditional art that reflect the rich history and culture of the place.
Japanese Traditional Art
Japan has always been known for the various forms of beautiful art that is seen out here. The Japanese have managed to retain their own aesthetic lookout while merging foreign influences as well. There was a time when Japan was invaded by ideas that came from outside and there was also a time when the Japanese rarely had any contact or influences from places around the world. Japanese traditional art can be seen in various forms, which the Japanese artists have used to express through various mediums.

When one mentions Japanese traditional art, one can see that it can encompass a whole lot of mediums of expression. Japanese traditional art can include the beautiful Japanese paintings, the exquisite Japanese pottery, the artistic Japanese sculptures and the traditional art extends to the art of flower arrangement known as the Ikebana and Origami which is the art of folding paper. Here’s a look at the various forms of Japanese traditional art that has mesmerized people for years.

Japanese Traditional Art: Painting
Japanese paintings are unique in their own way and have certain characteristics about them as well. This is also the oldest of the Japanese traditional arts. One can see a wide range of styles under Japanese art. This is a combination of traditional Japanese ideas and influences from outside as well.

The various periods in the history of Japan also had certain influences over the Japanese traditional art forms. Beautiful murals were the most significant forms of art during the Nara period. These were seen on the walls of the temple of Horyu-ji in Ikaruga , Nara. Here, the style of the paintings was quite similar to the Chinese paintings. Most of the paintings of the Nara period depicted religious beliefs and stories.

As time passed, one could see various images of the Mandala gain prominence in Japanese art. With Japanese Buddhism on the rise, one could witness new genres being added to the traditional Japanese art. Chinese art slowly disappeared from the scene by the mid-Heian period. This period saw many artists incorporate religion into their paintings.

The 14th century witnessed the Zen monasteries make a strong impact on Japanese art. Ink painting was introduced from the Sung and the Yuan dynasty. The Zen artists gradually moved away from the Chinese style of painting and monochrome landscape paintings gained prominence. This took on a more of a Japanese style in the Muromachi period and towards the end of this period, the ink paintings gave way to a decorative style of art.

Traditional Japanese art also saw the use of gold and silver foil in the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Monumental landscapes adorned the sliding doors and wall paintings decorated beautiful castles. A number of new trends came to the surface during the Edo period. The Rimpa school that was seen during this period were known for their classical themes which were depicted in a very bold fashion with a decorative style.

Western art gained prominence during the Meiji period. Due to the efforts of certain art critics, traditional Japanese art saw a revival during this period especially the Nihonga art. With time, Japanese art also saw many changes in the various art styles.

Today, modern artists have gone towards new themes and abstract paintings as well. The traditional Japanese art style called the nihonga is still represented in various modern ways by artists.

Japanese Traditional Art: Pottery and Sculpture
The earlier forms of pottery seen in Japan were coil made and decorated with rope patterns, which were impressed by hand. Many artists studied the traditional methods of glazing in order to prevent the native styles from disappearing from the scene. Various styles of the Japanese pottery evolved which were initially created by Korean potters. Classic wares were crafted in numerous areas of Japan by the end of the 1980s. Dragons and floral designs adorned the Arita porcelain. The bizen ware was easily distinguishable by the reddish brown color and the ironlike hardness.

Japanese sculpture is beautiful in its own way and has its main focus on Buddhism. Different periods also saw the emergence of various styles of this art form. In the initial stage, materials such as metals and wood were used for the Japanese sculptures. The ancient dogu and the haniwa figures were made of clay. These also had a story behind their form and creation.

The most important and significant Buddhist sculptures belonged to the Hakuho art period. The earlier styles of the sculpture saw a change and features became more softened in their appearance.

Towards the modern times, new ideas and materials were put into use for Japanese sculpture. Outdoor sculpture also became an important feature. These are used in parks and as a part of landscape design. The 1980s saw the use of natural materials being made for Japanese sculptures.

traditional japanese art

traditional japanese art

Japanese Traditional Art

Whether it is the Japanese paintings or pottery, Japanese traditional art is vivid and has its own beauty. Here’s a look at some of the different types of Japanese traditional art that reflect the rich history and culture of the place.
Japanese Traditional Art
Japan has always been known for the various forms of beautiful art that is seen out here. The Japanese have managed to retain their own aesthetic lookout while merging foreign influences as well. There was a time when Japan was invaded by ideas that came from outside and there was also a time when the Japanese rarely had any contact or influences from places around the world. Japanese traditional art can be seen in various forms, which the Japanese artists have used to express through various mediums.

When one mentions Japanese traditional art, one can see that it can encompass a whole lot of mediums of expression. Japanese traditional art can include the beautiful Japanese paintings, the exquisite Japanese pottery, the artistic Japanese sculptures and the traditional art extends to the art of flower arrangement known as the Ikebana and Origami which is the art of folding paper. Here’s a look at the various forms of Japanese traditional art that has mesmerized people for years.

Japanese Traditional Art: Painting
Japanese paintings are unique in their own way and have certain characteristics about them as well. This is also the oldest of the Japanese traditional arts. One can see a wide range of styles under Japanese art. This is a combination of traditional Japanese ideas and influences from outside as well.

The various periods in the history of Japan also had certain influences over the Japanese traditional art forms. Beautiful murals were the most significant forms of art during the Nara period. These were seen on the walls of the temple of Horyu-ji in Ikaruga , Nara. Here, the style of the paintings was quite similar to the Chinese paintings. Most of the paintings of the Nara period depicted religious beliefs and stories.

As time passed, one could see various images of the Mandala gain prominence in Japanese art. With Japanese Buddhism on the rise, one could witness new genres being added to the traditional Japanese art. Chinese art slowly disappeared from the scene by the mid-Heian period. This period saw many artists incorporate religion into their paintings.

The 14th century witnessed the Zen monasteries make a strong impact on Japanese art. Ink painting was introduced from the Sung and the Yuan dynasty. The Zen artists gradually moved away from the Chinese style of painting and monochrome landscape paintings gained prominence. This took on a more of a Japanese style in the Muromachi period and towards the end of this period, the ink paintings gave way to a decorative style of art.

Traditional Japanese art also saw the use of gold and silver foil in the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Monumental landscapes adorned the sliding doors and wall paintings decorated beautiful castles. A number of new trends came to the surface during the Edo period. The Rimpa school that was seen during this period were known for their classical themes which were depicted in a very bold fashion with a decorative style.

Western art gained prominence during the Meiji period. Due to the efforts of certain art critics, traditional Japanese art saw a revival during this period especially the Nihonga art. With time, Japanese art also saw many changes in the various art styles.

Today, modern artists have gone towards new themes and abstract paintings as well. The traditional Japanese art style called the nihonga is still represented in various modern ways by artists.

Japanese Traditional Art: Pottery and Sculpture
The earlier forms of pottery seen in Japan were coil made and decorated with rope patterns, which were impressed by hand. Many artists studied the traditional methods of glazing in order to prevent the native styles from disappearing from the scene. Various styles of the Japanese pottery evolved which were initially created by Korean potters. Classic wares were crafted in numerous areas of Japan by the end of the 1980s. Dragons and floral designs adorned the Arita porcelain. The bizen ware was easily distinguishable by the reddish brown color and the ironlike hardness.

Japanese sculpture is beautiful in its own way and has its main focus on Buddhism. Different periods also saw the emergence of various styles of this art form. In the initial stage, materials such as metals and wood were used for the Japanese sculptures. The ancient dogu and the haniwa figures were made of clay. These also had a story behind their form and creation.

The most important and significant Buddhist sculptures belonged to the Hakuho art period. The earlier styles of the sculpture saw a change and features became more softened in their appearance.

Towards the modern times, new ideas and materials were put into use for Japanese sculpture. Outdoor sculpture also became an important feature. These are used in parks and as a part of landscape design. The 1980s saw the use of natural materials being made for Japanese sculptures.

Tattoorism: Tammy from Texas

Last summer, my wife Melanie met Tammy on the staff message board of their company's website, where she and other employees across the country can exchange ideas and feedback. As a leader for Weight Watchers, Melanie often comes across members and co-workers who have used tattoos for inspiration and to mark milestones.

When talking to Tammy, a leader in Texas, she learned that she was inked, as well. She sent her the link to Tattoosday, and Tammy sent us photos of a few of her eleven tattoos.

We'll let Tammy describe them for us:

"I got my very first [tattoo] when I was 21 in Virginia while getting a tattoo for my younger brother but I didn't get another for several years at which time I had my uncle in Arkansas place a rose under the butterfly I had done first. It is old and faded but holds so much meaning to me as my uncle passed away in his 40s about 5 years ago so I have him with me at all times...I then waited a couple more years and had a dolphin put on my left ankle as a reminder of a trip we had made to Florida. About a year later an apprentice in Shreveport added an ankle wave under the dolphin.

I then took a long break from tattoos and the rest have all been done in the last 5 years here in Wichita Falls, Texas, with the exception of the tribal butterfly [seen below]. I had it done in Lawton, Oklahoma, when my son was getting his rib piece finished up [a subject of a later post].

On my right thigh I have the New York Yankees logo:

On my left shoulder blade my husband and I got kanji symbols for Eternity for our 19th wedding anniversary. I have a tribal butterfly (the only tattoo I have ever picked off a wall) put on the top of my left foot and I love it:


When I hit 50 pounds gone, my oldest son paid for the star that everyone sees in pictures I post:

And a Pisspot with my husbands name [pictured left]. My husband just retired with 26 years in the service and was AMMO-I always wanted this but was never brave enough nor skinny enough for that so called "tramp stamp"... it actually looks awesome although this picture is a little blurry.



And of course when I hit Lifetime [when a Weight Watchers member reaches their goal and maintains it for six weeks], my rib piece came alive:

The photo above is the tattoo right after it was completed. Here is how it healed:



Most of Tammy's work was done at A Different Drummer Tattoo Studio in Wichita Falls.

Thanks to Tammy for sharing some of her photos with us here on Tattoosday!

Garden Designing Art | Amazing Garden Designing Art

Amazing Nature Wallpapers. Beautiful Sculpture Garden - must see. This is real & Natural Scene, which you are looking is created from live trees and plants in garden. See Nice Amazing Garden designing Art.

Garden Designing Art | Amazing Garden Designing Art

Amazing Nature Wallpapers. Beautiful Sculpture Garden - must see. This is real & Natural Scene, which you are looking is created from live trees and plants in garden. See Nice Amazing Garden designing Art.

A Lull

On January 20, I logged the following notes:

12:10 PM. Rather than wander in search of ink, I am trying something else. Staying put, here in front of the Amtrak Departures board in Penn Station, and seeing what walks to me.

I have only successfully met 2 of the inked nation in the last 27 days, and I'd like to resume posting more regularly.

I figure, sooner or later, this wintry drought will end.

12:20 A woman walks by with two interlinking gray hearts behind her right ear. I hesitate and decide not to approach her as she walks by. The tattoo didn't speak to me.

12:35 Still nothing. 5 minutes left in my little experiment.

12:36 Ed Hardy baseball cap.

Experiment Fail.

Happy Granny

Body painting of a baby and a happy granny.


Photo: Gianpaolo Dettoma, World Bodypainting Festival

Happy Granny

Body painting of a baby and a happy granny.


Photo: Gianpaolo Dettoma, World Bodypainting Festival

Daniel Returns with Another Machine Head Tattoo

Last month I featured a leg tattoo belonging to Daniel, who was visiting from Australia. At the time he alluded to the fact that he had a pretty cool chest piece, as well. Understandably, he wasn't about to whip his shirt off in Penn Station in December.

Anyway, Dan was kind enough to send me this picture. Although not the best quality from a photographic standpoint, it's clear enough to see what a great tattoo this is:


The inspiration from this art, also related to the band Machine Head, can be seen on their main web page here. Like his other tattoo featured previously, these pieces were done by Jonny at Abandoned Art in the Wanneroo section of Perth, Australia.

Daniel says they took two sittings and about five hours to complete.

Thanks to Daniel for following up with this photo here on Tattoosday!

Body Paint - Misc #8

Body paint with red, white, black and purple nipple.

Recommended reading:
* Old Yeti Spotted in Barcelona
* Body Canvas - Series #2
* Body Canvas - Series #1

Body Paint - Misc #8

Body paint with red, white, black and purple nipple.

Recommended reading:
* Old Yeti Spotted in Barcelona
* Body Canvas - Series #2
* Body Canvas - Series #1

van helsing werewolf

van helsing werewolf

van helsing werewolf

van helsing werewolf

werewolf artwork

werewolf artwork

werewolf artwork

werewolf artwork