Tattooed On My Mind

My busy life only allows me a glimpse of TV when I get home. Recently, I've been addicted to one show I never thought I'd take time to watch - Miami Ink. It showcases the art of tattooing, where each tattoo is inspired by a story (or not - "I just like it so much so I want it embedded on my body forever.").

When I was younger, I was always reminded by my elders about tattoos - "Wag na wag kang uuwi ditong may hikaw sa ilong, at lalong wag ka nang bumalik kung may tattoo ka." Then there's also the judgment on people wearing tattoos -"Pag nagka-boyfriend ka i-check mo kung may tattoo ha." In short, I grew up thinking tattoos are bad and only bad people would have them. I used to cringe at the thought of needle and ink. But the show changed this. I have come to appreciate the artistic expression behind tattoos. I really admire the artists' creativity and skill in putting images to life on people's skin.

My two favorites are Ami James and Chris Garver. Ami is hot. Period. Haha. But I think it is worthwhile to mention that he is very passionate about the art and is a dedicated businessman (he co-owns the tattoo shop and a bar with another of the show's stars, Chris Nuñez). Ami is also really good at freehand drawing. I had this pseudo-conversation with him in my mind that goes like this: Ami says "Would you mind if I add some freehand details to this?" and I go "Oh grab that pen and scribble away, honey." Not the sexiest thing to say, but in my mind I got a flirty grin, so what-the-heck. ;)

Chris Garver is, by all means, the best artist on the show. He has the most experience in tattooing. Even Ami said that he learned from Chris G. His large tattoos are breathtaking. It's a shame the site flipbook doesn't contain that many large tattoos of his. Chris G has this fascination with Japanese-inspired art - I love his Japanese flowers! (Off-topic: More than these flowers, I am quite interested in the Japanese culture myself. It amazes me how intricate Japanese details are - from sushis to woven silk kimonos to cars. The Japanese definitely pay attention to presentation, and I appreciate the amount of effort and skill they put into achieving perfection.) Anyway, I think I am just trying to connect with Chris G, one of the greatest artists in the world, on a psycho-spiritual way by associating his Japanese flowers to my premature interest in anything-Japanese.

I am pondering on getting a tattoo myself. Maybe I'll have a geisha on my back, or a star on my butt cheek. I wonder what my Mom would think about that. Hahaha.