Take it from me (not that I’m an sort of authority about tattoos; or anything in particular), most heavily tattooed individuals are a mess. Yea I said it, their a mess. Thats not a totally bad thing, and don’t think that the non tattooed masses are any less of a mess, if you get what I mean. I’m just saying that most of the heavily tattooed people I’ve met are on some shit.

What is my evidence? Where are my examples? Well um-uh-hmmmm. I don’t have any examples other than myself and those that I’ve met during my travels.

I know there are loads and loads of sober, clean living, vegan tattoo artists and collectors who read holy texts every day and chant until their urine turns to water, but thats not the person I’m talking about. I’m talking about people like me who drink, smoke and generally act a fool.

Real Talk, I can only speak for myself. After long hours of thinking about “Why the hell am I spending all this money and subjecting myself to this intense pain.”. In reality unless your a Native African Tribesman, a Polynesian, indigenous south american or tibetan, there really isnt’ much of a cultural reason for tattoos. Its painful and expensive. Why do I love them so much?

Since there really isn’t a practical reason for getting a tattoo, yea yea i know there are medical reasons for tattoo’s but, to me that is the  end of their practicality, other than looking pretty.

There has to be an intent, right? A reason for getting marked. I’ve heard a lot, but to me it all boils down to pain. Emotional Pain, Physical pain, psychological pain, you take your pic, but most times one of those take into account. The skin is similar to the surface tension of water. Some of us want that barrier to reflect a little of what they have on the inside.

I tell people that my tattoo’s are random but their not. The design might be random, true but the intent isn’t. For example I wanted to get a shark on my arm one day, but I couldn’t find one I really liked so I substitued it with an owl, still a predator but a different kind with much different connotations.

My dad is always trying to dissect why I’m so determined to cover most of my body ( No Neck, No Face, No Hands) in tattoos. I know it has something to do with my mothers battle with drugs and alcohol, but we all have a story. Even when i try to get a random one it end up being tied in.

On the stage

Originally uploaded by pagano17

Wonderful flickr find. I love being able to post from flickr. Soft looking buns helps also.

They Said No Names

I’ve heard it over and over again.

“You should never get the names of wives or girlfriends tattooed on your body.”

Well to hell with that. I got my wife’s name tattooed on my arm. My tattoo artist asked me if I was sure. I slid my eyes his way shot him a scowl and blurted:

“I ride and die for her, this is my bitch”, as I throw up nondescript hand signals trying to look as tough as possible, but not succeeding.

When I got married, I swore that I was only getting married once, divorce is a no no. I love her, and I hope we stay together longer than the tattoo stays on me. If that makes any sense.

Her nickname was “Pimp”, that means she wasn’t no Hoe!!!!