[Book Review] With The Light of Truth

Compiled by: Dan Smith – dansmithtattoos.com

Design & Layout: Keath Moon – keathmoon.com

Editors: Jinxi Caddel, Jamie Parker, Mike DeVries

Published by: Memento Publishing - mementopublishing.com 

I purchased With The Light Of Truth a few months ago and have only just begun to read it. The book features artists from around the world, all with such a passion and dedication for the art of tattooing. Every single artist in this 256-page book is Straight Edge – drug and alcohol free.

In the preface Dan delves in to the definition of dedication and how it’s such an integral quality to possess; one which those featured in the book know all too well.  He goes in to how the Straight Edge lifestyle came to being and how it has grown in the last three decades. For him, to live such a lifestyle means being self-aware, to look around and realise the cause and effect of addictive substances, and rather than learning from mistakes, being wise enough not to make that mistake to begin with.

Whether you’re Straight Edge or not, With The Light Of  Truth is an interesting look in to the world of tattoo artists. The interviews with each artist allow you to gain some insight of how they first were exposed to tattooing, their art influences, how long they’ve been Straight Edge and how their lifestyle has impacted on their tattooing/art.

Dedication is a theme which resonates through the words and the work of all 60 artists. The dedication to their lifestyle and to their job, their passion. The dedication to work long days tattooing people, to go home and draw up pieces for the next day’s clients. The dedication to better themselves each day and have the thirst and drive to continue living Straight Edge.

Like with most tattoo books, I am blow away by the calibre of talent which graces the pages of With The Light Of  Truth. The tattoos, sketches, and watercolour paintings cover a wide range of subject matter, from Straight Edge imagery, to traditional and everything in between.

If you’re looking for Straight Edge, or just simply talented,  tattoo artists in your corner of the world, then With The Light Of  Truth is the book for you.

Follow Dan on Twitter and Instagram @dansmithism

With The Light Of Truth can be purchased at the following websites -

http://shop.dansmithtattoos.com/

http://mementopublishing.bigcartel.com/

http://www.mdtattoos.com/Tattoo-Books/

http://www.wonderlandla.net

[Book Review] The Tattooed Lady

Author:   Amelia Klem Osterud

Publisher: Speck Press

Date Published: December 2009

The Tattooed Lady delves in to the world of travelling circus sideshows in the US during the 20th century.

The book is filled with rare images of these young women with full body suits who made a living from being a literal human canvas. Tattoos weren't as socially accepted back then, however the paying customers enjoyed seeing people so different to themselves.

These tattooed women would often concocted stories of their lives, building a character to portray in front of their audiences. Their private lives remained so, as to not ruin the illusion.

When most people think about the history of tattoos in Western culture it often revolves around sailors and criminals, mainly males, sporting ink on their bodies. The Tattooed Lady gives insight to the lives of some of the first heavily tattooed women, a topic rarely touched on. If it weren't for this book, the fascinating stories of these women would be lost forever.

[Book Review] Inked - Carey Hart

Author:  Carey Hart with Chris Palmer

Photography: Bill Thomas

Publisher: Artisan

Date Published: September 2008

For some, Carey Hart is a Freestyle Motocross legend and to others he is Pink’s husband, but he is also a business man. Hart has built the brand Hart & Huntington around his love of tattoos and motocross, which has spawned a clothing line, tattoo shops and the sponsorship of athletes. However it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. What began as a business venture between friends, ended with Hart buying out his partner’s share of the business, but still keeping the name.

His show Inked aired the same year as Miami Ink (2005) however what made his show different was the location. Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company was the first ever tattoo parlour in a Las Vegas hotel. Following in line with the reality television formula, much of the show was based around dramas within the shop. What’s great about the book is that the sole focus is on the art and the stories behind them.

The introduction is written by Hart himself. He details his love of tattoos, what his first piece was and how a career-ending accident was what started a new chapter in his life, inspiring him to open his own tattoo shop.

From 2004 until 2009 Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company was located at The Palms. It was relocated to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 2009 where Hart’s now defunct Wasted Space rock club was also situated. In 2013 the Hart & Huntington Tattoo Company can be found in Orlando, Niagara Falls in addition to Las Vegas. For more information click here.

The book features photographs of many of tattoo artists who were featured on the Inked television show, along with clients and Hart’s friends. Some of the more recognisable faces would be that of MMA fighter Kit Cope and Pin-Up Model Sabina Kelley. Each person gives a little insight into who tattooed them and why they got a specific piece.

Tattooing can still be seen as a fad to the uninformed, but it’s a practice which has been around for thousands of years. Co-Author Bill Thomas provides a short history of tattooing, from the traditions of tribal cultures to the creation of the electric tattoo machine. Inked is somewhat of a beginner’s guide to tattooing, as it also includes information of how to care for a new tattoo.

If you love reading about the meaning behind people’s tattoos or are a Carey Hart fan then add this book to your collection.

Inked is available online at Book Depository and Amazon.

[Book Review] Black & Grey Tattoo – Photorealism: Volume Three

Author:   Marisa Kakoulas and Edgar Hoill

Publisher: Edition Reuss

Date Published: September 2010

Movie icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Bruce Lee, horror movie characters, and animal/pet portraits dominate the pages of Volume Three. The wrinkles on the faces, the flowing hair and the twinkle in the eyes brings these tattoos to life. It takes only an instant to recognise the famous face; the resemblance is uncanny. To be able to recreate a photo onto skin in such a way that it too looks just like a photograph is the talent of a true artist.

The work of Bob Tyrrell graces over 20 pages of Black & Grey Tattoo – Photorealism: Volume Three. He’s a world renowned artist who refuses to book clients months or years in advance, choosing to take the clients as they come, whether that be at his shop or at the many tattoo expos he attends. Tyrrell is a humble and down to earth guy who prefers black and grey work, only occasionally doing a colour piece because he feels “that someone else can do it better than me.” He knows his strength and has worked tirelessly to perfect his craft.

Andy Engel was a guy who left the world of rock ‘n roll to become a tattoo artist. Engel specialises in realism and works from his studio in a small German town where people trek every year to be tattooed by him. Tattoos are something which bring joy to our lives, but for some it has brought back a sense of normalcy to theirs. Engel, in the past, has joined forces with a local hospital, working with breast cancer survivors to perform nipple reconstructions. He tattoos realistic nipples and aureoles onto their reconstructed breast tissue to make it look just like their other non cancer affected breast.  It really is quite moving how a tattoo can make these women look and feel as though their bodies had never changed.

For many years the tattoos we knew were taken from flash sheets hung on the walls of tattoo parlours. As tattooing grew to being considered an art form tattoo artists have been pushing the boundaries, focusing on bringing a clients vision to life. “The most exciting portfolios of realistic work are not just those of long-time veterans but of “tattoo prodigies.” These young artists, with just a few years of experience, have approached the style with vigour and curiosity in experimenting with different techniques. The result has been hyper-realistic work that looks just as good over time as it does freshly tattooed.” All three volumes in this series are such an honest and heart-warming celebration of tattoos, art, skin and ink. I’m so excited to see how much the tattoo process and tattoo styles will change over the course of my life.

The book is translated in to English, German and Spanish.

Where to purchase: Book Depository - Cheapest by far and free shipping worldwide.

[Book Review] Black & Grey Tattoo- Dark/Horror: Volume Two

Author:   Marisa Kakoulas and Edgar Hoill

Publisher: Edition Reuss

Date Published: September 2010

“The collectors of these tattoos have been called freaks and monsters by those quick to judge others merely on appearance. Like all tattoos, however, the reasons behind them are personal and can range from the desire to intimidate to exorcising one’s own demons to it simply being an aesthetic preference.”

This applies to the tattoo community as a whole. Those who have no knowledge or no interest in tattoos can never fully understand our desire to decorate our bodies. Tattooed people, to some, are freaks and should be locked away like the monsters depicted in this book.

A book of horror tattoos wouldn’t be complete without an interview with Paul Booth. “For over two decades, Paul Booth has been tattooing his own brand of dark imagery on fans – or rather faithful minions – seeking beauty through demons, satanic sirens and an alien fetus or two.” What a joy must it be to spend your days tattooing horror themes, something you too have a passion for.

The images and subject matter range from the Illuminati, Religion, skulls, demons, Satan, horror movie characters, skeletons, blood, gore and everything in between. Most of these pieces are completely original pieces, being of such a supernatural and horror theme (with no other work to take inspiration from) that the clients and tattoo artists have worked together to create something from scratch.

The book is translated in to English, German and Spanish.

Where to purchase: Book Depository - Cheapest by far and free shipping worldwide.

[Book Review] Black & Grey Tattoo - Traditional Black and Grey: Volume One

Author:   Marisa Kakoulas and Edgar Hoill

Publisher: Edition Reuss

Date Published: September 2010

Volume One includes many religious pieces, depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary, sacred hearts and praying hands. The Aztec/Mayan and Chicano inspired tattoos are some of my favourite. The tattoo artist’s ability to use a tattoo machine and ink to transform their client’s skin to look like carved stone is simply incredible; it truly has to be seen to be believed.

Not only are there over 300 pages of tattoos, but it’s the interviews with one of the godfather’s of black and grey tattooing, Jack Rudy and Jesus “Chuey” Quintanar which details their love for black and grey tattooing. Unlike the art you see in a museum, with most tattoo art we now have the ability (through magazines and books like this) to ask the artist about their inspiration, technique and the meaning behind their work.

Many of the tattoo artists featured come from Christian/Catholic upbringings, or are of Native American or Hispanic descent. “The goal of this book is to honestly and artfully present black and grey tattooing from the perspective of the communities from which they are derived and with respect” says author Marisa Kakoulas. These tattoos are paying homage to their faith, heritage, mythology and the cultural and spiritual act of body art.

“I don’t have to travel far for tattoos, though. Los Angeles is the heartland of black and grey fine line” says photographer, Edgar Hoill with many of the artists in this book residing in the state of California.  For the reader’s benefit, each artist’s shop name and contact information is included. If you love black and grey tattoos, a trip to the US may be on the cards for you.

The artwork photographed for this book is of such different subject matter than what we see in Australia. If you can get your hands on this book and the other two volumes, I guarantee that it will blow your minds.

The book is translated in to English, German and Spanish.

Where to purchase: Book Depository - Cheapest by far and free shipping worldwide.