naturalnews--2019-11-06--These 5 flowering plants will attract good bugs to your garden

Create the right habitat for beneficial insects  Not all insects are bad for your crops. While some insects feed on and destroy your plants, other bugs will feed on the bad bugs.  These bug-eating insects will protect your crops and planting the right kinds of flowers to attract them is the key. To ensure that your garden has a lot of carnivorous bugs that will keep the herbivores from ruining your crops, create the right habitat for them.  Provide food and shelter for carnivorous bugs by planting beautiful flowering plants that offer both. The good bugs will make their home in the flowering plants.  Time your planting right so the carnivores are in full force when the herbivores arrive. Carnivores like hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, parasitic wasps, pirate bugs, and praying mantises will get rid of pests like aphids, cabbage worms, leafcutter ants, squash vine borers, and whiteflies.  Other insects will feed on nectar from the flowers at various stages of their life cycle. The beneficial bugs may also feed on nectar when their prey isn’t available in your garden.  Listed below are five flowering plants that provide habitats for your tiny garden helpers. (Related: A simple guide to creating a pollinator-friendly garden.)  Coneflower (Echinacea) plants have two-foot-tall flower stalks that suit a perennial border adjacent to your vegetable garden.  Sponsored solution from the Health Ranger Store: The Big Berkey water filter removes almost 100% of all contaminants using only the power of gravity (no electricity needed, works completely off-grid). Widely consider the ultimate "survival" water filter, the Big Berkey is made of stainless steel and has been laboratory verified for high-efficiency removal of heavy metals by CWC Labs, with tests personally conducted by Mike Adams. Explore more here.  Coneflowers attract butterflies that feed on the nectar from its flowers, but the plant’s unique purple blossoms also attract various smaller, beneficial insects.  Goldenrods are known for their loose yellow blossoms, which are an eye-catching late-season addition to any home garden. While the other plants included in this list usually blossom during spring and summer, goldenrod tends to bloom late in summer all the way into fall.  Pair the other flowers on this list with goldenrod to ensure that the beneficial bugs stay in your garden throughout the year.  Marigolds are a small annual plant with orange- and yellow flowers. Incorporate marigolds into your vegetable beds to beautify your garden and keep out pests.  Marigolds don’t just repel above-ground pests. Their roots are also toxic to root-knot nematodes. This common pest attacks your precious vegetables from below.  Sweet alyssum has honey-scented white flowers that will completely cover the plant. A ground-hugging annual, sweet alyssum flowers will blossom for several months during the growing season.  This small and low-growing plant acts as a ground cover around taller vegetables like chard and kale. As a bonus, sweet alyssum may seed itself. After you plant it once in your home garden, it will sprout again every year.  Yarrow is a perennial flower that bears red, yellow, and white blossoms. The flowers grow from a spreading mat of lacy foliage that exudes a lovely herbal fragrance when crushed.  Yarrow attracts good insects like hoverflies and ladybugs. The plant also attracts butterflies that feed on the large blossoms full of nectar.  Additional tips that will attract beneficial bugs to your home garden  Planting dill and gazania also attracts ladybugs while nasturtium attracts ground beetles and spiders.  Clover will help attract pollinators like bees. Grow native flowers in your garden to attract more beneficial bugs than cultivars.  Finally, don’t use harmful pesticides that may kill the good bugs that you need in your home garden.


naturalnews--2019-12-08--Guerrilla gardening tips: How to hide survival food in plain sight

(Natural News) Not everyone would be prepared when SHTF. This means looters may come rushing to your home to steal your supplies. Outdoor gardens are especially vulnerable. You can install security systems all around your property to dissuade potential thieves, but even the most desperate ones may figure out a way around them.  One of the best ways to protect your garden is to hide them in plain sight. This means disguising your plants to look ornamental, but they are actually edible. (h/t to AYearWithoutTheGroceryStore.com)  Each garden will be different for every person. It depends on the available space, weather conditions and personal preferences of the family. Start planting your guerrilla garden with this handy guide:  When choosing which plants to use, always consider diversity and nutritional value. • Consider what your family likes. If your family doesn’t like a certain vegetable, there’s no point in growing it in your garden. Save the limited spaces for the ones that your family is willing to eat multiple times a week. • Add perennial plants. These are plants that can last up to two years or more. You can harvest some of them multiple times a year. Some of these plants include asparagus, garlic, kale, leeks and horseradish. • Include annual plants. These are plants that grow and die in one harvesting season. Some of these include cabbages, peas and marigold.  Once you come up with an initial list, here are some factors that may help you choose which ones to plant:  Sponsored: NEW Biostructured Silver First Aid Gel created by the Health Ranger combines three types of silver (ionic silver, colloidal silver, biostructured silver) with seven potent botanicals (rosemary, oregano, cinnamon and more) to create a breakthrough first aid silver gel. Over 50 ppm silver, verified via ICP-MS lab analysis. Made from 100% Texas rain water and 70% solar power. Zero chemical preservatives, fragrances or emulsifiers. See full details here. • It has to look ornamental. Research the variety of the plant that may look like something else from afar. For example, sweet or chili peppers may look like flowering plants to an untrained eye. Some flowers are edible as well. • If possible, choose the local variety. Plants that have acclimated to the area are less likely to experience planting shock and are most likely to survive longer. • Consider its maintenance. During an emergency, you’ll be busy protecting your house and attending to your family’s needs. It’s best to use plants that need minimal supervision.  2. Preparing and planting on the property  After deciding on which plants to grow, you should consider the physical property next. • Know the space. It’s best to have a layout of the space and find out how much you can plant in each area. Consider the soil, the slopes and the availability of sunlight and water. • Mix and match the plants. It’s difficult to gauge how the plants would look once they’ve grown. Nonetheless, try to imagine how these plants would look like and find a way to blend them. For example, you can hide the fruit-bearing bushes behind tall grass. • Develop one part at a time. You don’t need to plant everything at once. In this way, you can make adjustments on how you mix and match the plants. • Post-planting assessment. Once the plants have grown, you can check which parts worked and which ones did not. Change or adjust the items that did not blend so well.  If you don’t have a yard or you simply want to plant more,you can try indoor gardening. Numerous plants – like herbs, salad greens and even potatoes – can be grown inside your home. Recycle old containers or buy some pots to start your garden. Make sure to do your homework on which plants can grow indoors.  During an emergency, food supplies are always at risk. Hide them in plain sight or plant them indoors to ensure that you have a sustainable source of food.


prepareforchange--2019-04-09--Urban Gardening Grow Amazing Food In A Limited Space

Urban Gardening: Grow Amazing Food In A Limited Space

You’re running around all day. You get up early and catch the train to work. You spend a long busy day at the office. And back to your apartment when it’s all done.  You want to have some moment of peace. You’ve heard that gardening is a way to reach that.  But what can you do with the limited space you live in? Is there a way to grow plants that you enjoy? Will the city life suit your plants and not kill them?  The good news is there is a way to grow most plants you want in the comfort of your home. This method of growing is known as urban gardening.  But that’s the problem urban gardening tries to solve. It aims to use accessible places in your house or apartment and get you growing.  You could be growing your own food in balconies, rooftops, alleyways, or sidewalks.  This does encounter difficult conditions like polluted soil. Or soil filled with sand or clay. Situations like noisy or windy places that affect the plants.  But that’s where you need to be creative and experiment. That’s where the magic of urban gardening can help you.  The first thing you should check if what space you’re working with.  You could be growing your garden in the balcony, fire escape, desk, windowsill, closet, bookshelf, patio, or railing. The possibilities are endless if you put your mind to it.  If you’re going to grow in the balcony, will it take the weight of the plants? Can you place heavy pots without collapsing it?  You could be innovative and use a “false” floor on your rooftop. This will be tailored to grow plants without leaking water or damaging your roof.  You can make good use of your urban home space by using vertical gardening. This helps grow plants vertically instead of taking a lot of horizontal growing space.  It’s important to grow the type of plants that are suitable for your growing space. Some plants need more sunlight than others and you need to consider this fact.  You should spend a day looking at the path of the sun. Check this every 2 hours to know which spots get how much sunlight.  There are many plants that do well with at least 6 hours of sunlight. But you might not have that much sun available in your apartment. Maybe your apartment is blocked by partitions, other buildings, or walls.  But no worries, there are several plants that don’t need as much sun to grow well. The plants can be divided into full-sun, part-sun, or shade-loving.  The full-sun plants are those that need at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. These are fruit-bearing plants like tomatoes, chilies, peppers, and beans.  The part-sun plants are those satisfied with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. These could be greens like lettuce, spinach, coriander.  The shade-loving plants are those that grow well in shade and don’t do well in too much sun. They need less than 4 hours of sunlight every day. These include plants like carrots and leafy vegetables.  You could choose to grow plants in containers that could be moved around on wheels. This helps you get them the right amount of sunlight they need.


prepareforchange--2019-06-10--How to Start a Vegetable Garden

How to Start a Vegetable Garden

Growing vegetables at home is rewarding on so many levels. You’ll get to savour the taste of garden-fresh veggies all season — and everyone knows the flavour of home-grown tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and other vegetables is so much better than store-bought produce! On top of being able to serve up the tastiest green salads, roasted veggie soups, and pasta primavera on the planet, when you know how to start a vegetable garden, you’ll also save money on your grocery bills. With a home garden, you’ll have an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs for your kitchen. In fact, you’ll likely have extra veggies for pickling or to share with friends and neighbours.  There are a few things you should know about starting a vegetable garden and helping it thrive. And if you need assistance getting started or want someone to take care of the garden work for you, you can always get help from an experienced gardener from Airtasker. Don’t worry, you can still tell your friends you grew everything yourself!  From planning what to plant to knowing how to prep the soil, with a little garden knowledge you can get started growing your perfect vegetable garden.  Before deciding which veggies to plant and shopping for a fun pair of gardening gloves, you’ll want to decide the location and planter type for your garden. Here’s what you need to consider:  Even if you have a lot of space to plant your vegetable garden, you don’t necessarily want to create more work for yourself than you can handle. As your plants grow, you’ll have to do some weeding, watering, pruning and other basic maintenance.  A good rule of thumb is to start small — 3 or 4 square metres is a reasonable size for a starter garden. Then, you can expand next season once you decide how much garden work is enough for you and how many vegetables you want. You can always add more raised beds, expand your ground soil garden bed, or add more pots or planters later on.  The right soil is essential for helping your plants to grow. Plenty of nutrients in the soil and adequate drainage is a must for healthy growth and disease resistance:  When you are learning how to successfully start a vegetable garden, go for plants that are relatively low maintenance like lettuces, beans, radishes, peppers and tomatoes.  You also will want to try and plant companion vegetables near each other. As funny as it sounds, just like people, some plants get along well together and can even support one another’s growth, whilst other vegetables will stunt the growth of certain plants.  Here are some vegetable garden growing ideas, keeping companion planting in mind:  If you are starting early enough in the growing season, you can start your vegetables with seeds. Plant your seeds indoors — you can use egg cartons with potting soil — about 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting to your garden bed or outdoor pots.  If you want to make starting your vegetable garden a little easier, or if it’s later in the season, you can purchase seedlings from your local garden centre and put those directly into the ground.  For any help setting up your vegetable garden or with routine care, garden services are available on Airtasker. From building your raised beds and prepping the soil to getting everything in the ground, you can get all the help you want.  Once your vegetables are planted, you’ll want to follow the care instructions for each plant and regularly check for pests and remove any weeds. Before you know it, you’ll have plump red tomatoes, fresh spring peas, sweet, crunchy carrots, and more ready to harvest.  Disclaimer: We at Prepare for Change (PFC) bring you information that is not offered by the mainstream news, and therefore may seem controversial. The opinions, views, statements, and/or information we present are not necessarily promoted, endorsed, espoused, or agreed to by Prepare for Change, its leadership Council, members, those who work with PFC, or those who read its content. However, they are hopefully provocative. Please use discernment! Use logical thinking, your own intuition and your own connection with Source, Spirit and Natural Laws to help you determine what is true and what is not. By sharing information and seeding dialogue, it is our goal to raise consciousness and awareness of higher truths to free us from enslavement of the matrix in this material realm.


renegadetribune--2019-05-20--Attract Butterflies and Bees to Your Garden by Reducing WiFi Radiation Frequencies

A happy garden is a wireless-free garden. Decades of research has already determined that plants and insects as well as animals and people are harmed by exposure to wireless radiation.  This flyer provides details on how to eliminate or at least reduce these sources for California residents who want a healthy garden.  Of course, the same suggestions apply to gardeners everywhere.  Make your garden safer and happier for bees, birds, trees, plants, wildlife, and you. Reduce wireless microwave radiation in and around your home. It interferes with learning, fertility, neurology, immunity, navigation, sleep, DNA, and overall biology of wildlife and humans. Here are some steps:  For more information:  Physicians for Safe Technology  www.MDsafetech.org  Protect the Earth. It starts with you!  Protect the Earth. It starts with you!  Protect the Earth. It starts with you!  Protect the Earth. It starts with you!  Tens of millions of utility “Smart” Meters have been installed throughout the U.S. and around the world so it’s likely that you have them unless you have already “opted out.”  These meters have also been associated with many other awful issues besides killing plants and repelling insects.  Free documentary, Take Back Your Power, provides more details.  People everywhere hate these meters and are fighting to get them off their homes and out of their communities  (See 1, 2, 3).  For more information, visit the following websites:


thedenverpost--2019-04-22--Thinking of planting a garden from seeds Here are 5 inspirational ideas to get you started

Thinking of planting a garden from seeds? Here are 5 inspirational ideas to get you started.

When it comes to planting a vegetable garden, it pays to be a seed geek. Growing a garden from seed gives gardeners more options, helps ensure quality and saves money.  Choosing what to plant can be overwhelming, especially for new gardeners. The best advice is to plant the fruits, vegetables and culinary herbs you like to eat. Here are other ideas for inspiration:  1. If you’re going to plant a garden, you might as well get the best return on your investment. That investment includes your time, soil amendments, seeds or plants, water and everything else needed to grow a healthy vegetable garden.  The best ROI is a garden planted from seeds. There are more fruit, vegetable and herb choices packaged as seeds than there are transplants available at a garden center. Cornell’s Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners, a citizen science program, has counted 562 different pepper varieties, 365 kinds of lettuces and 853 types of tomatoes, according to the folks at the Home Garden Seed Association.  Some fruits, like peppers, tomatoes and eggplants, need to get a head start by planting seeds indoors before moving plants into the garden. But many other vegetables and herbs grow best when planted as seeds directly in the garden soil. These include greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach), beans, peas, corn, beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, squash, melons, cucumbers and Swiss chard.  Herbs like basil, cilantro and dill also do better when planted outside after the soil has warmed. In fact, herbs give the best return on the vegetable gardening investment, especially when compared to purchasing fresh herbs at the grocery store. A packet of basil seeds can cost less than $3 and provide an entire summer’s worth of fresh basil.  2. Many gardeners are now choosing to control the quality of their vegetables by avoiding plants and produce that have been exposed to pesticides. When you plant your garden with seeds, you can choose organic seeds, use organic soil and follow organic growing methods.  Every year the Environmental Working Group compiles a list of the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables grown with the most pesticide exposure. The EWG uses reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program to compile the annual list.  Use the list to avoid unwanted chemicals and grow your own organic spinach, kale, tomatoes and potatoes.  3. If you like to order Chinese takeout, you can grow your own Asian vegetables as an inexpensive alternative. Soybean edamame is as easy to grow from seeds as green beans, and they can be planted in containers on a sunny patio or balcony.  Other Asian delicacies planted from seeds include specialty eggplants, Pak choi, Napa cabbage, Japanese cucumbers and the leafy green called tatsoi.  4. For those with a sweet tooth, plant Stevia seeds and use the leaves either fresh or dried. The fresh leaves of this herb can be used as a low-calorie sweetener or as an herbal tea. The dried leaves keep for many months when stored in an airtight container.  5. Intrepid gardeners who like to cook can plant and grow the most expensive spice in the world. While planted from saffron crocus bulbs instead of packaged seeds, the orange-red stigmas on the purple flowers are almost worth their weight in gold.  Jodi Torpey is author of “Blue Ribbon Vegetable Gardening” and “The Colorado Gardener’s Companion.” More information at WesternGardeners.com.  “I never quarrel with a man who buys ink by the barrel,” former Indiana Rep. Charles Brownson said of the press. But we need your help to keep up with the rising cost of ink.   Get your first month for just 99 cents when you subscribe to The Post.


eveningstandard--2019-04-09--Curated ears the cool way to stack your piercings

Curated ears: the cool way to stack your piercings

Business has never been better for London’s piercing parlours.  The demand for multiple piercings — or curated ears, as they are known within social media squares — shows no sign of slowing down, with the number of decorated daiths and hoop-clad helixes becoming more commonplace in the capital than naked lugs. And therein lies the dilemma. How do those now seeking to unleash their inner angsty teen with a freshly-punched hole find a point of difference? Well, the answer may in fact lie with your lobes. Specifically, with a vertical lobe piercing.  The look, also known as a high or stacked lobe piercing, involves a second piercing directly above a typical existing one (ie. the one you got in Claire’s Accessories in your adolescence). Maria Tash, the piercing pioneer who spearheaded the multi-piercing movement among fashion fans, has seen a spike in customers requesting the look at her Liberty London parlour.  In essence, it’s a chicer way to double up on lobe piercings by adding up the lobe rather than along it. It’s also a clever way of turning a dodgy juvenile piercing job into a work of art.  What’s likely to also prove music to the ears of those who flinch at the idea of the human pin-cushion trend is that it comes with a reduced ouch-factor compared to its cartilage counterparts. While piercing the more gristly parts of your ears, such as the conch or rook, take on average between six to 12 months, the soft and squishy lobes take just six to eight weeks to heal.  Fashion writer Rachael Dove claims her triangular-shaped constellation “healed in about three days” after going under the needle at a Dinny Hall piercing event. “I had two regular lobe piercings already and then added the third ‘point’ afterwards,” she says.  “I’m a fainter! I got it done because I was too much of a wimp to get piercings higher in my ear where it would hurt.” Dove styles hers with three tiny silver studs, or teams the top stud with matching hoops at the bottom.  Fashion PR Rachael Grayer is another champion of the trend. “I love delicate pieces of jewellery that still shout loud enough to be noticed,” she says. “The high lobe piercing was a way of adding something a little extra to one of my ears, but avoid the pain.” Her inspiration came via Tash — “her way of ‘designing an ear’ that looks elegant yet cool really appealed to me” — and dresses up her high lobe piercing with a single diamond stud. “I don’t have time to think about changing my jewellery daily and I think the finer diamond studs or hoops transcend from day to night so well.”  Tash’s 2mm invisibly set diamond stud is perfect for this, while cultured diamond specialist Lark & Berry boasts modernist labrets from tiny diamond clusters to starburst designs. Other ways to style a stacked piercing include layering a larger hoop in the high hole over a lower huggie hoop for an interlocking effect. Alternatively, for those who have a trio of piercings — two parallel below with one above — you could try threading a single hoop orbital earring through the top and second piercing at an angle.  You heard it ear first.


thesun--2019-05-01--Meet the man who has invented extreme body piercings including metal mohawks and genital implants

MEET the body modification artist dubbed the “Modfather” who has invented extreme body implants and - some even fit in your genitals.  Steve Haworth, based in Arizona in the US, has been hailed as one of the most controversial practitioners and has been known to completely transform a person’s look.  Mr Haworth has worked on performers and thrill-seekers who wanted to look like cats, reptiles and demons.  He is also known as a flesh engineer and has created a line of implants which are inserted under the skin.  He said: “When a person comes to me to get something done, they go through a rites of passage, whether this is a rite of passage into adulthood, or reclaiming their body from a past trauma or bad relationship.  “My greatest reward is the look of accomplishment and happiness on their face when they look in the mirror at the modification that I helped to achieve.”  His most famous creation is the Metal Mohawk where he has placed metal inserts into a person’s shaved head which then allows a person to screw surgical steel spikes into their head.  Mr Haworth also specialises in the bizarre act of tongue splitting.  He has also been given an award from the Guinness World Records for being the Most Advanced Body Modification Artist.  But he said he’s had to turn down certain requests.  He said: “We get requests all the time for things that are either not possible or not advisable.  “People have asked to be turned into dragons, Avatar Na'vi, even rabbit ears – you name it.”  He also invented a range of genital beading which is believed to increase sexual pleasure - the practice known as pearling is certainly not traditional.  The process involves piercing the skin before inserting a piece of jewellery inside and letting the cut heal with the piece still inside.  We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


sottnet--2019-03-17--A new generation of people in Arctic and Northwest Coast communities are reviving indigenous tattooi

A new generation of people in Arctic and Northwest Coast communities are reviving indigenous tattooing

To celebrate her graduation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Alaska Native Studies program in 2012, Marjorie Kunaq Tahbone got a tattoo. Tahbone is Inupiat, an Alaska Native people, and the design was a traditional Inupiat pattern: three solid lines that spread downward from underneath the middle of her lower lip to her chin.Tahbone was unsure, however, how the people in her home village would react. Nome is a town of about 3,800 people on Alaska's northwestern coast, only reachable by plane or, in the warmer months, boat. Although many people there are Alaska Natives, traditional tattoos were a rare sight at that time.Within days of receiving her tattoo, people started to notice. In a local store, a village elder reached out and touched her tattoo. In the weeks to follow, on two different occasions, babies, whom Tahbone was holding and playing with, fingered the pattern on Tahbone's face.The infants' actions had profound resonance. Among Inupiat communities, babies receive the names of the recently deceased. When the infants touched her tattoo, Tahbone felt they were tapped into the memories of the past lives of deceased Inupiat. "When I was acknowledged by babies, it was like an acknowledgment of my ancestors," she says.Traditionally, chin tattoos among Inupiat women like Tahbone represented a number of different milestones, such as marriage, overcoming trauma, having kids, or, as in Tahbone's case, a "coming of age." According to anthropologist Lars Krutak, a research associate at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico,"You could tell a lot about where that person was from, what clan they belonged to, maybe what family they belonged to," he says.Thanks to people like Tahbone, herself a scholar and tattoo artist, traditional tattoos are reappearing in Arctic and Northwest Coast Indigenous communities. As she and a handful of other researchers study and revitalize these lost arts, they are both reviving a cultural artform nearly wiped out by colonialism and getting a better understanding of the ways Indigenous communities in the north used tattoos. A tradition that once served as therapy for body and mind might now, in its restoration, treat deep cultural wounds. "When we see that ink on people, we know that we are healing from the historical trauma that occurred," Tahbone says.Tattooing in the north can vary widely, though there are a few common themes among the designs. Straight lines and dots around joints or banded around limbs are common, as are simple geometric shapes. Some tattoo designs are more ornate, with animal motifs similar to those seen on totem poles or other carvings on the Northwest Coast, representing whales, eagles, and other local species.No one knows precisely how old the tattooing traditions of the Arctic and Northwest Coast are. They predate written history and stretch back at least 3,600 years, the rough age of an ivory mask of a heavily tattooed woman found on Devon Island, Nunavut, in 1986.What's better understood is how these traditions were very nearly erased. From the early 1900s to the 1970s,But recently, anthropologists and a younger generation keen on reviving its cultural roots have been digging into archaeological and historical resources in an effort to learn more about the practice. Krutak has studied traditional tattoos around the world for more than two decades. In the mid-1990s, while working on his master's thesis among the Yupik on Alaska's St. Lawrence Island, he discovered about a dozen women in their 80s and 90s who still had traditional tattoos, inked in the 1920s.As a result, most people-with the exception of a few elders-were reluctant to talk about them. "It was very difficult to piece together enough information about how this worked," he says. (In Nome, Tahbone has encountered a similar reticence among her village elders.)The last of the women Krutak worked with died in 2004. He did more research over the years, looking through archives, old notes, photos, and even examining the tattoos carved into wood or ivory by northern people. He discovered, in his search, that the tattoos were much more than decorative body art.On St. Lawrence Island, Krutak learned, people tattooed the joints of pallbearers after funerals and of hunters after they made their first kill of a bowhead whale, walrus, seal, or polar bear. Such tattoos were in part intended to stop the disembodied spirits of the recently deceased from entering the bodies of the living. The St. Lawrence Yupik believe that joints are vulnerable points in which malevolent spirits can enter and cause injury or arthritis to different body parts.Krutak found that tattoos on St. Lawrence Island also had a therapeutic purpose -as do many other ancient tattoo traditions.Another case comes from a 2,500-year-old Siberian mummy with tattoos dotted on the lower back and spinal column-similar locations to some of the markings on the Iceman. Krutak observed similar tattoo placement on some of the women on St. Lawrence Island. "One woman told me straight up that they had a form of [tattoo] acupuncture they practiced," he says.Krutak believes these tattoo therapies likely developed independently through trial and error. "[People on St. Lawrence Island] just started tattooing joints because it worked," he says.The inks themselves may have also had therapeutic significance. Arctic people used pigments from plants with medicinal properties as well as soot taken from the bottom of lamps and charcoal. Activated charcoal is still used in modern medicine. Krutak says that these carbon-based materials could have helped with some joint injuries: "Soot has antimicrobial properties, and charcoal attracts bacterial particles to its surfaces and then they release out through the body." Other pigments included graphite, which was sometimes available to St. Lawrence Island peoples through trade with Siberia. Some Indigenous people believed graphite could repel evil spirits.Tahbone, meanwhile, has learned firsthand that the methods of tattooing can be therapeutic. Like Krutak, she analyzes photos, old documents, and other historical sources as part of her current master's research on understanding the traditional ceremonies and uses of tattooing.In 2016, Tahbone began studying the craft of making traditional tattoos with Elle Festin, a Filipino tattoo artist who wanted to revitalize traditional techniques. After receiving the blessing of a few village elders, she learned hand poking, which involves holding a tattoo needle dipped in ink and inserting it in the skin to create the patterns, and skin stitching, or pushing a needle with inked thread underneath the skin, going in at one point and emerging at another.In skin stitching, the ink rises up in the skin to create a solid dark line. Using historic literature and the residual knowledge among her people, Tahbone learned that in Inupiat beliefs, the needle opens a vulnerable point in the skin from which negative energy can exit."The work of the tattooist and the energy that's being put into the person counted as a therapeutic component of the tattoo," Tahbone says. "The healer, the person tattooing, is transferring positive energy and releasing the negative energy with this tattoo work that they're doing," she says.The Inupiat are not alone in their contemporary belief that receiving a tattoo can bring healing. On the Northwest Coast in British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, another Indigenous people, the Tlingit, have a similar association. Nahaan, a 36-year-old Tlingit-Inupiaq-Paiute tattoo artist who goes by the single name, says that part of the process puts people into an altered state of consciousness that contributes to long-term healing. "I sing a song for everybody before I start tattooing, and sometimes there'll be stories along the way," he says.Nahaan has tattooed people in search of all kinds of help, including those who have suffered from a variety of traumas. "It allows somebody a doorway to open up and address the issues," he says. Some clients even cry, he notes, not from pain related to the needles but because of the emotional issues they are working through. Traditional face tattoos, he says, can provide a deep sense of healing, since they help to restore pre-contact identity."I tattooed a lot of faces. Most of the time, they are these powerful Indigenous women, and they are stepping forward and saying, 'This is what I want the world to think of me,'" Nahaan says, adding that they also want to show their ancestors that they remember the tradition through the generations.Nahaan says that when he first started in 2009, no one else claimed to solely focus on Northwest Coast Indigenous styles and techniques. Now his Instagram is filled with tattoo artists from various Northwest Coast cultures, such as the Haida, Salish, Nisga'a, and Heiltsuk, among others."It took this younger generation, this younger internet generation, to pick up the mantle of tattooing and bring it back," Krutak says.The revival of tattoo artistry-though still, says Nahaan, in its early stages-offers its own form of healing. For both Nahaan and Tahbone, the work takes back elements of their culture being appropriated by tattoo artists all over the world. While there were only about a dozen Inupiat women with face tattoos when Tahbone got hers, now dozens more have this type of ink-and many more have other traditional tattoos, she says. "This is really an exciting time for our people because we are finally feeling like we can reclaim who we are again, and we can thrive as Indigenous people of the Arctic," Tahbone says.In communities where colonial schools and missionaries once attempted to eliminate Indigenous cultural practices, traditional tattoos suggest a powerful return of these practices, which may be as permanent as the ink itself. One woman to whom Nahaan gave a face tattoo told him afterward that she felt the piece had always been there.


breitbart--2019-11-04--VIDEO: Woman Covered in Tattoos Says She Went Blind After Having Eyes Inked Blue

An Australian woman with 200 tattoos said she went blind for three weeks after having her eyeballs inked.  Amber Luke, 24, who refers to herself as Blue Eyes White Dragon, said the procedure was extremely painful.  “I can’t even begin to describe to you what the feeling was like. The best thing I can give you is once the eyeball was penetrated with the ink, it felt like [the tattoo artist] grabbed ten shards of glass and rubbed it in my eye,” she recalled.  Luke said the artist shoved the needle too deep into her sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball, causing her to go blind.  “That was pretty brutal,” she said.  However, the young woman has no regrets about her decision to have her eyes colored or any of the other tattoos that cover her body.  Luke began to modify herself when she was 16 and has since spent more than $37,000 on procedures that include breast augmentation, lip fillers, and having her earlobes stretched and her tongue split. She also got ear implants to make them look pointed and had silver fang grills made for her teeth.  Although she hopes to have her entire body tattooed by March 2020, Luke said, “I don’t plan on getting any more body modifications that are extreme in that manner. So no more tongue splitting, no more eyeball tattooing.”  However, her mother, Vikki, said she became emotional when her daughter told her she had inked her eyes blue.  “Why would you do that to yourself, knowing that there is a danger to it? As we know as the parents, some kids will just do what they want to do, regardless of what we say. But I brought her into the world with the best skills that I could give, the best that I could give her; it’s just for me to be there and go along the journey with her. And prop her up, and love her. She never saw herself as being beautiful. She didn’t see herself through my eyes. But I’ve supported her because I could actually see the transition, the growth and how it’s made her come to who she is today.”  Doctors diagnosed Luke with severe clinical depression when she was 15. She called the experience of getting her first tattoo a “negative energy release.”  “Everyone has their own opinion. Everyone knows what beauty is in their own eyes,” she said, adding that she hopes for “a bit more open-mindedness when it comes to body modification … in the community and within the workplace.”


eveningstandard--2019-12-10--Scarlett Johansson's tattoos: The meaning behind the Marriage Story actress' ink

Scarlett Johansson is a fan of tattoos - the Marriage Story actress reportedly has nine inkings, including a large rose which runs across her back and a 'bracelet' on her wrist.  The meanings behind the tattoos range from professional to personal. Robert Downey Jr. previously revealed to Entertainment Weekly that "five of the original six Avengers got a tattoo. And the sixth was the tattoo artist, who gave it to five of us, the one who opted out being Mark Ruffalo."  Johansson first revealed a peek of her back tattoo at the 2018 Met Gala before showing it off in full with a cut-out crystal dress at the LA premiere of her film Avengers: Endgame in April 2019.  Though Johansson has never shared the meaning behind the black and white tattoo, she has a daughter named Rose Dorothy Dauriac. East Side Ink owner and tattoo artist Josh Lord is behind the design. In an Instagram post he revealed he has been giving Johansson tattoos for more than a decade while the actress has even returned the favor by tattooing Lord.  Accompanying her elaborate rose is a lamb design that lies under her right shoulder blade.  Johansson hasn’t shown this design off in its entirety, but over the years she’s worn a few looks on red carpets and television shows that have given a glimpse of a winged design (the clearest of which came during Comic-Con 2019).  In May 2018, the cast of Avengers (minus Mark Ruffalo) decided to commemorate their roles with tattoos. The idea reportedly came from Johansson herself, and she and her other co-stars - Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner - paid a visit to Josh Lord.  Speaking with Revolver Magazine, Lord shared that he personalized each stars’ logo. “There's a symbol for everybody in the movie hidden in there,” he said, adding “Their initials are also all hidden in there.”  In the spring of 2012, Johansson was photographed with a tiny charm bracelet on her wrist. More permanent than your average accessory, the actress’s inked-on bracelet features just a single charm that says ‘I ❤ NY,’ which also happens to be where Johansson is from.  This is the only colored tattoo that we’ve seen Johansson sport. And while she’s not shared any specific meaning behind it, the circular design depicts an orange and yellow sun rising over blue water.  Johansson’s other tiny tattoo popped up before her Avengers ink, but it’s much more mysterious. We don’t know the meaning behind it, but it appears to be an infinity circle with the letter ‘A’ placed inside.  Next to the unidentifiable bird sits a horseshoe tattoo that Johansson revealed in 2012. The ink, which features the words ‘Lucky You’ and is surrounded by tiny stars, was reportedly done by French tattoo artist Fuzi Uvtpk.  On the opposite side of her ribs, the 35-year-old appears to have a single rose in black and white. Could this be another reference to her daughter with ex husband Romain Dauriac?


thedailyrecord--2019-01-05--Tattoo exhibition in Ayr tells story of Britains first female tattooist who took no nonsense

Tattoo exhibition in Ayr tells story of Britain's first female tattooist who took no nonsense

With clinical precision, sensible glasses and businesslike manner, Jessie Knight could have been a doctor or a nurse. She laid down the law. No swearing. No turning up drunk for your appointment.  Jessie was not a stern medical professional. She was a tattoo artist in England in the 40s and 50s, inking sailors and civilians, rocking a large family crest on her own back and holding her own in a male-dominated world.  Her original designs are one of the highlights of an exhibition in Ayr this month. Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed, being held at Rozelle House, is a celebration of the once underground activity of permanently marking the skin.  The show is a crash course in skin art from the Crusades to the present day. Highlights include a hand-painted banner from Jessie’s shop and 100 silicone arms, all decorated in different styles by tattoo artists from around the UK.  A tattoo parlour from Prestwick, Petal Faced Gypsy, will set up shop in a specially built see-through unit within the gallery so visitors can watch them at work.  The show treats tattooing as a legitimate art form that has every right to be in an art gallery, with a complex history that deserves to be in a museum.  Curator Derryth Ridge said: “It’s not just something for sailors and back streets. It’s a really beautiful art form. There are amazing, competent artists out there doing really beautiful work.  It’s a history that has, until the 21st century, been hidden under the nation’s clothes. One of the points Derryth and her colleagues make is that all kinds of people had tattoos before Amy Winehouse and David Beckham. They just kept them covered up.  The curator added: “The hashtag for the exhibition is “not just for sailors”. Every five years or so, there’s a moral outrage about tattooing but it’s always been part of our subcultures.  “Yes, there are lots of young people now with visible tattoos but there are plenty of old people, too. You just don’t see it because they don’t roll their shirt sleeves up.”  Some of them might have once been skinheads, bikers or belonged to another youth subculture that favoured tattoos. But Derryth says that’s not always the case.  She added: “There are lots of 50 and 60-year-old women with Winnie the Pooh tattoos on their shoulders that you just don’t see because they’re not showing them off.  “Now we’re seeing people with more noticeable tattoos on their hands or necks. They’re showing them off and having full sleeves. But those little tattoos, little star signs – people have been having them for years.”  The exhibition only covers the UK and starts in 1600, which is when written records begin.  Derryth believes tattooing is much older than that.  She said: “People here have been tattooed from the moment people could sharpen a stick, poke it in a fire and make a mark on their skin.” But not all scholars agree.  One popular theory says that tattooing arrived in the UK via the sailors who went to Polynesia with Captain Cook in the 1760s.  The word tattoo is derived from the Tahitian word tatau, meaning to mark. Omai, a heavily inked Tahitian man Cook brought back to the UK in 1774, became an 18th century celebrity.  But there is plenty of evidence from earlier texts that both sailors and landlubbers tattooed their bodies.  There were different styles and fashions of body art even then, with sailors coming back from the tropics with distinctive Tahitian or Marquesan designs. These had little in common with the crosses, madonnas or names that were inked on in Europe.  Derryth said: “We are dispelling the Cook myth, that tattooing was brought back by Cook sailors to England. That’s rubbish. Some sailors would have been tattooed while they were out there but others would have been tattooed in England.”  Today, there is a generation gap in how tattoos are perceived. Millennials have embraced body decoration to the extent that one in three young adults has an infinity sign or inspirational quote somewhere about their person.  Their parents, from the generation with sneaky Chinese characters or celtic armbands hidden underneath their cardigans, may not be wild about their daughters getting full sleeves. But they have got used to the idea.  In the 50s, however, it was different.  Derryth said: “Tattoos took a dip after World War II. They were seen as really working class and only for a certain type of person. That still stands with the older generations now.  “When this exhibition first opened in Cornwall, a lot of people told us that tattooing’s not for museums and that we should not be telling these sorts of stories.”  In 1969, the Tattooing of Minors Act made it illegal to tattoo anyone younger than 18. In the 80s, there were maybe 40 tattoo parlours in the UK. Now, there are probably 40 in Glasgow.  It’s an industry that can be prickly and defensive. Part of the antagonism comes from the Channel 4 show Tattoo Fixers, which is loathed in tattoo parlours.  Derryth said: “People go in with very small, not great tattoos and come out with massive, not great tattoos. It gives a really weird picture of what tattooing is.”  When Derryth and her colleagues started to assemble the exhibition, the industry feared that they were planning something similar.  She said: “The tattoo community were really wary of us. They thought we were going to make something really sensationalist that didn’t look at true history and take it seriously.  “We had to convince a lot of people that we were going to do a good job.” Enter Lal Hardy, a London tattooist who began inking the arms of London’s punks, mods and skinheads in 1979.  When he agreed to help, the rest of what Derryth calls “tattoo royalty” were not far behind.  Artists including Alex Binnie and the Bristol Tattoo Collective, with their extensive archive, loaned, equipment, photographs and tattoo designs.  Derryth drove to Wales to meet Jessie’s great grandnephew, who has all her old designs and papers.  She said: “There were more than 500 items – artwork, letters and signs she’d written telling people not to swear and not to be drunk when they came for their tattoo.”  South Ayrshire Council, who have brought the show to Rozelle House, hope it will attract a youthful, curious audience to the gallery.  Derryth said: “Lots of artists have come to see it at its other venues. People embraced and enjoyed it. They loved seeing their art form being taken seriously and given the platform it deserves.”  Even better are the doubters who arrive at the door with serious reservations and leave with a new appreciation of tattooing.  Derryth added: “Everywhere we take the exhibition, more people are converted. They are never going to have a tattoo themselves but they appreciate it as an art form.”


theguardianuk--2019-02-04--A silent act of resistance the hidden tattoo studios of Tehran

'A silent act of resistance': the hidden tattoo studios of Tehran

Mohammed’s tattoo studio is hidden in a back room behind a clothes shop in the poorer, southern part of Tehran. Photos of Al Pacino, Che Guevara and the Eiffel Tower adorn the walls. His customers often ask for classic tattoo motifs – a rose, for example, or a predatory animal – but Maori-style tribal patterns are also popular. “Tattooing is my passion,” he says. “I take the risk simply because it’s so beautiful.”  He certainly does take a risk. Tattoo artists are regularly arrested in Iran and sentenced to fines, lashes or even imprisonment. While there is no specific law against tattoos and they are not strictly forbidden in Shia Islam, the authorities strongly reject them as a western phenomenon harmful to Iranian values.  In some public places, like swimming pools, there are signs warning that tattooed people are not welcome. When criminals are arrested, newspapers invariably publish photos of their body art to convey the message that tattoos and crime go hand in hand. Football players with tattooed arms have been forced to wear long sleeves.  Yet body art is immensely popular among young people in Tehran. Among the clientele of the trendy cafes in the city centre are many people with visible tattoos. And everywhere in town you’ll find underground studios like Mohammed’s. Some are located in back rooms behind shops or in beauty parlours where women go for permanent makeup such as eyeliner – the only form of tattooing the authorities allow. Others receive their clients at home. They often have difficulty finding good equipment.  Mohammed, who is 27, started 10 years ago with the machine his mother used for permanent makeup. He saw tattoos becoming a craze among young, urban Iranians about seven years ago. “The internet was an important factor. People saw it on social media and decided they wanted it, too,” he says.  “My clients say that tattoos make them feel more themselves. They feel more beautiful and stronger. A man feels more powerful when he’s got a dragon tattooed on his back.”  Reza Arjmand, a sociologist at the University of Lund in Sweden, has done extensive research into the new tattoo culture in Iran and collected more than 5,000 photos. His book The Subversive Skin: Tattoo in Post-Revolutionary Iran will be published this year.  “Tattoos are not new in Iran,” he says. “But it used to be something for the lower classes – men who had been to prison and women in prostitution. The new trend is for hip, young people. It’s cool to have one. It’s a fashion thing and a status symbol. Between the photos I collected are images of women who have exactly the same tattoo as Beyoncé or some other celebrity on exactly the same spot.”  But it is certainly not simply a fashion choice for everybody, he adds. “For some Iranians it’s a way to show that their body belongs to them, apart from the theocratic state and institutionalised religion. It’s a silent act of resistance. You can censor books, you can ban films, but you cannot erase a tattoo very easily.”  According to Arjmand, the new trend shows that the dynamic of Iranian society is changing. “For these young people the points of reference are no longer the mosque and the mullahs, but Hollywood and social media. Rihanna sets the trend.”  Tattoos are popular among young women and there are many female tattoo artists in Tehran, such as Atefeh, 36-year-old visual artist. She became interested when she saw a Chinese tattoo of a flower online. “I thought it was gorgeous. I had never seen anything like it,” she says. “As a kind of test I tattooed it on my leg. It wasn’t perfect, but I knew I wanted to continue.”  She is aware of the risk of being a tattooist, but the current economic problems in Iran make it very difficult for her to sell her paintings. “With tattooing, I can earn more money. And the money I earn, I invest in my art projects.”  She receives her clients, mainly young women, in her living room. “Some want a tattoo because they think it’s sexy, or because their husband thinks it’s sexy,” she says. “They want me to tattoo his name, for example. Lines of poetry or philosophical sayings are also very popular. And Persian calligraphy. But not everybody does it because they think it’s sexy or cool. I also have clients who want Qur’anic verses on their bodies.”  Mahsa, 24, sits in a cafe in the city centre. She has piercings in her nose and ears and several tattoos on her arms, some of which she has done herself. Most conspicuous is the image of a big eye on her neck. “It was always my dream to have tattoos, from when I was nine,” she says. “I don’t like jewellery. This is forever and I think that’s beautiful.”  It’s not easy to look like her in Iran. This year’s Berlin film festival will show an Iranian short about a young woman who goes to renew her driving licence but is sent to a police station for her body art.  “I get many negative reactions,” Mahsa says. “I hide my tattoos when I walk through the city, because it can be dangerous. People can associate the one on my neck with the evil eye and see it as a satanic thing. But it has nothing to do with that. I just think it’s beautiful.”  Asked why she is prepared to run such risks, she says: “This is just who I am and it’s nobody’s business but mine.”  Tattoo artist Soheil Aflaki, 28, sees tattoos as a way to stand out in a society that allows people little space for self-expression. His living room in a suburb of Tehran also serves as his tattoo studio. “I consider tattooing as a medical treatment for my generation,” he says. “It’s a way to heal the psychological wounds you sustain while living in a culture in crisis.”  Aflaki started out as a self-taught painter. His interest in tattooing was sparked when a friend gave him a tattoo machine for his 19th birthday. “I learned to do it by trial and error,” he says, and laughs. “I was lucky to have friends who let me practise on their bodies.”  He is now one of the best-known tattoo artists in Tehran, with more than 55,000 followers on Instagram. Among his clients are famous Iranian musicians and actors. They don’t come for roses or tribal patterns, but for Aflaki’s unique designs, which are often inspired by the character of his clients.  “It’s my art that’s important to me and nothing else,” he says. “There are many other things that are not allowed in Iran, like graffiti, rock music and hip-hop. But in spite of that, many Iranians dedicate their lives to them. We all knew the situation when we started and we have come to terms with it. I don’t complain about it.”  He adds: “A tattoo functions as an ‘identity maker’. It’s a way to create a unique personality. I think that’s important for young people in a country like Iran.”  Follow Guardian Cities on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to join the discussion, and explore our archive here


theguardianuk--2019-03-21--Britains oldest tattooist Ive covered around 28 acres of skin

Britain’s oldest tattooist: ‘I’ve covered around  28 acres of skin’

Doc Price is 86, but he still remembers the first tattoo he ever saw. It was a blue butterfly on the back of a sailor’s hand. “I thought, how magic is that? That you can make something that is put on somebody else’s skin for ever.”  He also remembers the first one he had done. Darrell Price, as he was then, was walking down Bute Street in Cardiff, aged about 13, when he saw a sign for tattooing in the window of a cafe. Inspired by the butterfly, he went in. The tattooist was called Billy Knight (whose daughter Jessie would go on to become a leading tattoo artist – and many years later tattooed an eagle on Doc Price’s arm). That first tattoo – a common first inking that cunningly incorporates an antidote to parental disapproval – was the word Mother. Doc Price remembers his mum’s reaction: “You haven’t been ta … oh yes, that’s lovely!”  Seventy-three years on, you can just about make it out. He rolls up his right sleeve and there it is, on his forearm, more of a smudge than a word. But then he licks a finger and rubs it so you can read it. He does the same on on his other arm, spitting a bunch of roses back to life. That is where Jessie Knight’s eagle once was, now covered up with the roses. The roses were done by Doc’s son Bill, who is on the other side of the room, inking a boxer on to the calf of a young man named Ben.  I am spending the morning at Doc Price & Bill Price Tattooing, their studio on Union Street in Plymouth, where father and son work together. Doc has worked on Union Street for almost 50 years. During this time, tattooing in the UK has gone from subculture to mainstream. It is estimated that one in five Brits have them – including David Dimbleby, Felicity Kendal, Helen Mirren and Jacob Rees-Mogg … OK, so the last might not be true, but he has been the subject of one.  Doc’s studio is in one of the most deprived areas in Plymouth; the shop has yellow ironwork over the windows to protect the glass – and the Prices – from flying beer bottles. Across the road, the Palace Theatre, once magnificent but now disused, begs forlornly for love and attention, and, mostly, money.  Inside the studio, though, there is colour everywhere. Along with masks and a didgeridoo, the walls are covered in pictures, designs, ideas and motifs: theirs, others’, old school, new school, simple, intricate, monochrome, Japanese, religious, pagan, comedy, memorial, crucifixes, swallows, panthers, butterflies.  “Try one,” Doc says, flashing a wicked smile full of gold teeth. “Have something on your throat, like a big bat. Your colleagues would be so impressed.”  I have come open-minded, not planning to have a tattoo done, not ruling it out, but almost certainly not diving in with a big throat bat. Not being tattooed has always been a regret. Fifty-three is not too late to start, says Doc, but Bill says my fair, freckled skin could only take something simple.  Doc looks younger than his years. He has practised judo, aikido and kendo most of his life, is interested in all aspects of Japanese culture, wears a tenugui (a Japanese cotton cloth) around his neck. He is not sure if he is the oldest tattooist in the world. There was a tattoo artist in New York, Thom DeVita, but he died last year, aged 85. And there are rumours of a woman in the Burmese mountains who is said to be 101. Doc is definitely the oldest in Europe, he says. And he reckons he has covered around 28 acres of skin.  He wasn’t much of a learner at school: he is dyslexic, he says, although they didn’t know about dyslexia then. But he liked drawing and was good at it. “I thought I could use my skill at drawing to become a tattooer. I say ‘tattooer’, not ‘tattoo artist’. Artists are people capable of making art – a tattooer is just a man who makes tattoos.”  Before coming to Plymouth, I spoke to Matt Lodder, senior lecturer in art history at the University of Essex, who put together the British Tattoo Art Revealed exhibition now on in Bristol. Lodder says if art history is about understanding people and culture from the art they made and the responses to it, it is even more true of tattooing than painting and sculpture, because they are “the images that really matter to people. They tell things about their most fundamental sensibility, whether it’s their love and lusts, or hate, or patriotism, or the art they really engage with, or the music they love, or whatever.”  Lodder cautions against, and is frustrated by, the misconception that tattooing used to be for sailors and that it has only recently become something the upper classes or women do. He gives me a potted history of tattooing in Britain, starting with pilgrims returning with religious tats from the Holy Land in the early 17th century. “There’s an idea that somehow Captain Cook discovered tattooing in the Pacific in the late 18th century, but that’s absolutely not true; there was plenty of tattooing in Britain before that.”  In the 1870s and 80s, says Lodder, Japan became a popular destination for wealthy travellers, who would return with tattoos, and the fashion spread so that, by the early 1880s, tattoo shops were opening in London for the upper middle classes, mainly men, some women. Samantha Cameron was nowhere close to being the first posh woman to get inked.  “People who aren’t tattooed always find tattooing slightly strange, and that will always be the case,” says Lodder. But in this country, at least, he says, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that a heavy stigma developed.  In Union Street, Doc Price – who Lodder calls a “legend” – is giving me the history of his working life. Self-taught, he began by tattooing workmates at the building sites where he was employed. “I’m a qualified bricklayer,” he says. “Kind of qualified,” he adds, flashing gold again.  His first shop was in Barry Island in South Wales. What kind of things was he tattooing? “I always stayed mainstream: Mother and Father, love, motifs really, all the sort of stuff you see,” he says indicating his designs on the wall. “Roses, eagles, skulls, tigers heads, horses, medieval symbols, panthers, swallows.”  He married and they had Bill. Then the family moved to South Africa, but the ship with all their stuff aboard hit a reef coming into Cape Town and sank. Because of the biscuit tins of pigment in Doc Price’s luggage, the sea turned red and green, he says – he saw it on a newsreel. Then it was off to Sydney, where Price had a shop called Bucket of Blood.  Around 1970, the family came back to Britain and settled in Plymouth because, although it was a big naval town, there weren’t any other tattooists working there. Well, there had been someone, but he wasn’t any good. “He used to do a swallow that looked more like a coat hanger,” shouts Bill, now 57, from across the room.  Then Bill got into tattooing. Of course, he had a choice says his father: “The back of a dustcart, working hard, outdoors in the winter, or he could come and sit in the warm with me.” At the age of about six, Bill did his first tattoo, on his dad. Here it is, not far from Mother, licked and rubbed back to life, a swallow as it happens, not bad, but not entirely un-coat-hanger-like. The boxer on Ben’s calf is coming along nicely – a delicate, intricate drawing in a retro style, more of a 1920s gentleman pugilist than a boxer.  Doc Price did get a lot of sailors coming in, and “pavement princesses” (around the corner, there was a brothel, now a hostel for the homeless). The strangest thing he has done is to tattoo a man’s will on his back. Then there was the well-spoken man who said he was from the secret service and wanted a scar tattooed above his eye because he was going to Northern Ireland. Price saw he had a handgun in his case and called the police; it turned out the man had been in the army, but had gone off the rails.  Any mistakes? Too many “m”s in “commando” once (or was it too few?) on a marine. It had to be covered with a garland of laurel leaves. These days, a lot of Doc Price’s time is spent covering up bad work, or names of people no longer loved. There was a woman in this morning who had just got divorced and wanted her ex’s name removed from her body. Doc Price recommended roses – you can get a lot of colour and different shapes into roses and they are much cheaper than laser treatment.  They have more women than men coming in now. Price reckons the ratio is about 60: 40. “Now, if a girl hasn’t got a tattoo, she’s not important to herself,” he says. “It’s very powerful now, with all the social media, the telephones and the tweeting and all the rest, influences of partners and friends and peers. Tattooing right now is probably at the zenith – in this town there’s nearly 30 shops.”  It’s about self-identification he says. “It’s a bit difficult to describe, but the reality is there is no person here, only the one that you think exists, and this establishes identity. A tattoo identifies the person I think I am.” He recommends I look up the work of a man named Tony Parsons – not the journalist and writer, who may have had the name Julie covered over a with a rose at some point – but another Tony Parsons who teaches something called the Open Secret, about nondualism.  Lodder isn’t much fussed about why people get tattoos. “There are as many answers to that as there are individual people,” he says. “Some people get tattooed to pass the time, some because they’re drunk, some get tattooed as therapy, as memorial, and there’s obviously been tattooing in places where uniforms are present, whether that’s prison or the army or premiership football. Some people get tattooed because they just love the aesthetic and the culture of it, and all the kind of mythological romance that goes with that, which is where I guess I’m from. Most heavily tattooed people are like that. They just fall in love with the magic of this picture you can’t rub off.”  Lodder gets a little tired of the permanence question: what are you going to do when you’re older? “It’s paradoxical, because it often comes with sort of: ‘You’ll regret it when you’re older, change your mind, how dare you be so in thrall to fashion.’ But then the implication is also: ‘How dare you be so not in thrall to fashion that you’re doing something that’s going to go out of fashion and still be with you.’ You’re sort of being accused of contradictory things.”  Lodder is more concerned by what people are having tattooed, how those images relate to the times and broader visual culture, such as the rise in patriotic tattoos – bulldogs and flags – around the time of the Falklands war, for example. (He hasn’t researched how Brexit has affected the nation’s skin.) We have been through a few years of very black, scratchy-looking stuff that came from some books that tattooists brought out in the early 2000s. “Now, the super-cool kids are getting 90s tattoos again, spiky, tribal stuff. Like 90s music is coming back and 90s haircuts are coming back.”  I’m not a super-cool kid, so Lodder recommends a nice old design, postwar, working-class, classic Doc Price – daggers, panthers, ladies’ heads, that kind of thing. No mention of throat bats.  Price won’t tattoo someone’s face, he says, unless he’s known the person for years, and they have had a lot of work done. “If they’re just coming in to impress someone, obviously we wouldn’t.”  Why does he think someone would want to tattoo their face? “I don’t know. I think again, it’s lack of self identification: this is my tattoo, this must be me and ‘me’ must be real. There is no real me in anybody, but there is a sense of being real.”  Nor will he tattoo anyone who is drunk, but that might have more to do with self-preservation than morality. “If you start, you regret it instantly because they’re sick over you. We haven’t had a drunk in four years, have we Bill?”  So, Doc Price, asks: “What’s it to be, Sam?” He shows me his enormous collection of tattoo machines, some of which he made himself. I’m torn. I was thinking of an anchor, because I like ships and the sea, and this is Plymouth. But now I’m also thinking about a panther, given that it is his speciality, and he says he could knock one out quick. Could I carry off a panther? Could my pale, old, sun-damaged skin take it, or would it end up as a smudge? Or what about a beautiful magical blue butterfly that came with me everywhere? I’ve waited this long, there’s no rush. I need to think about it a little more.


theindependent--2019-01-09--Inside a secretive Japanese tattoo masteraposs studio

Inside a secretive Japanese tattoo master's studio

As I lie on my back in a small Tokyo apartment, a 70-something Japanese man, half his right thumb missing, is rhythmically piercing my skin with minute ink-tipped needles on the end of an aluminium stick. This is tebori, the traditional Japanese method of tattooing. And I’m getting myself a very permanent souvenir.  Getting inked is particularly appealing for visitors to Japan. The country has a history of tattooing that’s longer, deeper and more controversial than any other (more on that later). So, if you’re a traveller looking to get a tattoo, what should you go for?  “Keep it traditional,” says Horikei, a 43-year-old Englishman and the only foreign tattoo apprentice in Japan. (Horikei, as you might have guessed, is not his real name.) “Don’t come all this way just to get something that any decent tattoo artist back home can do.  “Then decide where you want to go. In Japan, there are basically two options: a tattoo shop or a private studio. A tattoo shop is easier to find – Three Tides in Shibuya, Tokyo, for example – and they’ll have a number of artists, so you’ll easily be able to get what you want.  “However, if you want the full experience try to find an artist who works from a private studio. It’s difficult. They don’t do social media and rarely advertise, and you’ll usually need an introduction. Even a small tebori tattoo will takes several hours, so you might not have, or be able to book, the time for a big piece; and clients really should meet their artist for a consultation first. Japanese artists charge by the hour – usually around 10,000 yen (£72) – so it could be expensive. But it’s very much worth it.”  Horikei, a friend from school, introduced me to the half-thumbed man currently stabbing me. His name is Horitoku and he’s possibly the most revered artist in Japan – and also completely private.  When I arrived, I told Horitoku what I wanted – a sakura, the Japanese cherry blossom, on my forearm – and that I wanted one that took about an hour. That was my final input. Horitoku took both my hands and began gently rotating my arms, like a slow-motion replay of a table football match, making facial gestures that implied some deep consideration.  A minute or two later, he reached for a small paint brush and began to create an outline. There was nothing I could do from there on other than have faith in his experience or run out screaming. It’s a bit like trusting your parachute instructor.  “A shop will be much the same as at home,” says Horikei. “The client will have a lot of say in what they want. A private artist will give you less choice, so you’ll have to go with what they suggest most of the time. This is actually quite helpful when the artist doesn’t speak much English.  “Gamman (perseverance) is also very important in Japan. If you get tattooed traditionally it’s bad form to move or grimace and you will only be given a five-minute break every hour, so good luck!”  I give good gamman. I think I have a masochistic streak. I lie back and think of ramen, giving in to the rhythm of Horitoku’s needles and tissues. Stab, stab, dab. Stab, stab, dab. I also watch him work. It’s incredibly skilful, especially when you consider the half-thumb. And this is where the controversy comes in.  For centuries, tattoos have been associated with crime and criminals in Japan, particularly the organised gangs known as yakuza. Their ritual punishment is yubitsume, the self-mutilation of the little finger. Horitoku claims to have lost his thumb in an “accident”.  But it’s thanks to the yakuza that the Japanese tattoo scene is so respected. Tattoos were used to mark prisoners with the crimes they’d committed. To “own” this branding and cover up their fleshy rap sheet – as well as demonstrate strength and masculinity – yakuza adopted elaborately artistic designs, most notably thick sleeve tattoos. Horitoku says that for decades he only ever tattooed yakuza, but all that has changed.  From this grew what can best be described as an underground art scene, with people proudly wearing their collections on their bodies.  “Each artist has a different, recognisable style,” says Horikei. “For example, the mikiri (black bars that make up the background to a ‘sleeve’) can be thick and black or thin and lighter – or a combination. Do some research.”  Even today it’s still illegal for anyone without a medical licence to pierce skin, though a blind eye is turned. And you definitely won’t get collared for that blurred Celtic band you had done in 2002 – even if it’s a crime against good taste. But there’s still enough stigma and fear here to make it prudent to cover up much of the time, and for Horikei not to use his real name online. He has a day job.  After two-and-a-half hours, my tattoo is finished. Yes, I’d asked for an hour, but Horitoku decided otherwise. He only charges me for an hour, though, which means I’m now decorated with a beautiful, glowing sakura, by one of the world’s great tattoo artists – and it cost me £70. I’m buzzing. Not from the price, not just from how it looks, but from the experience: I tasted a bit of history, I let go of control, and showed off my gamman. Horikei agrees.  “Japan has some of the best artists in the world,” he says. “If you’re serious and find a good artist, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Lie still, don’t make a fuss and enjoy.”


theindependent--2019-01-11--How to choose the right tattoo for you according to tattoo artists

How to choose the right tattoo for you, according to tattoo artists

Deciding what tattoo to get is a life-changing decision - after all, without expensive and painful removal surgery, they're going to last forever.  And while getting an important name or date etched on your skin will likely remain poignant for years to come, if you're going to get creative there are a number of factors to consider.  For those that already have something in mind - perhaps stolen from Pinterest - it is typically a good idea to have an artist give a second opinion, and then put a unique twist on the design.  After all, like the once-unique infinity sign or Harry Potter symbol, tattoos are bound to become repetitive.  For those who want a tattoo but have no idea what to get, we spoke to tattoo artists for some advice.  Dina Dicenso, the owner of Gristle Tattoo in Brooklyn, New York, told The Independent that you should start by finding an artist whose work you like.  “For people who don’t know what design to get, they should start by finding an artist whose style they love and ask to see their books of work for ideas,” she told us. “Artists usually have sketchbooks with lots of designs they’ve drawn up that they would love to tattoo on prospective clients.”  However, Dicenso does admit it is ideal to at least have a rough concept of what you want tattooed on your body.  “Ideally, it’s best to have at least a general idea of a theme or elements to include in the piece and then work with the artist to customise it into a piece the individual will be happy with in the long-term,” she said.  Luki from Good Times Tattoo in London also advises doing some research beforehand before committing to a tattoo.  “We could suggest thousands and thousands of designs, but ultimately, it needs to be something they will be happy with forever, so it’s not something to be rushed into,” she told us.  Once you have decided on the type of tattoo you want, choosing an artist is the next step - which requires careful consideration.  While most artists are adept at tattooing the basics - flowers, birds, important names - some artists are more skilled than others, especially when it comes to certain techniques such as portraits or geometric work.  Instagram is an excellent outlet to find a specialist artist whose work you like, and most tattoo artists suggest you look at their past work before deciding.  If you are aiming for a tattoo that isn’t easily seen, the ribs, behind the ear or neck, and ankle are all well-hidden spots.  The rise in fine-line tattooing also means tattoos can be especially dainty - with the artists from West 4 Tattoo telling us that fine-line tattoos are "something the everyday person can take on."  If you prefer for your tattoo to be seen, your fingers, arms, legs, chest or back are all places to consider - as they offer a large canvas for bigger tattoos or more tattoos, such as a sleeve.  For those who aren't sure, a small tattoo is a good place to start - as you can always get more or add to it in the future - for example to build up a sleeve tattoo.  If you want a tattoo but are worried about the pain, the good news is some locations are less painful than others.  For those with a low-pain tolerance, artists from New Wave Tattoo suggest avoiding the ribs, elbow and top of the foot - as well as the inner arm area, such as the inner elbow.  And the sternum and kneecaps are also likely out - as artist Kerri said they are easily the most painful locations.  If your biggest concern is uniqueness, do your research beforehand to avoid any of the common tattoo trends - which means opting out of a lower-back tattoo.  Additionally, think twice before committing to Harry Potter movie references, tourist landmarks, roses or finger tattoos - as they are all unfortunately overdone.  For those equally concerned about the type of ink being placed permanently into their bodies as they are about the design, vegan ink is worth looking into.  Although widely available, it is important to double-check with your artist beforehand that the ink they use is vegan.  According to Peta, non-vegan tattoo inks get their colour from ingredients such as bone char to insect parts.  If a vegan tattoo experience is essential to you, make sure to also confirm that the supplies such as the ointment, stencil paper, soap and razors used by the tattoo shop are vegan as well.  Fading is also something to consider before deciding on a tattoo location, so it is worthwhile to ask your artist for advice if you don't want to get your tattoo retouched.  Finger tattoos and mouth tattoos are the most prone to fading, but over time most tattoos will fade at least a little, especially if they are subjected to sweat, sun, or friction.  If you are worried about a tattoo fading in the future, use sunscreen and try to keep your skin moisturised.


thesun--2019-03-30--Dan Osborne gets new tattoo of his daughter Mias FACE on his thigh as he attempts to move on from c

Dan Osborne gets new tattoo of his daughter Mia’s FACE on his thigh as he attempts to move on from cheating scandal

DAN Osborne spent seven hours in a tattoo parlour as he got a portrait of youngest daughter Mia placed on his thigh.  The former Towie star shared a picture of the intricate inking and the original inspiration.  Dan captioned the snap: "No words needed... No filter needed... @DavidCorden you are incredibly talented!  "Thank you so much for tattooing my beautiful baby girl on my leg alongside her big sister and brother. I'm so happy with it!"  Visiting a tattoo specialist in Edinburgh, 27-year-old Dan broadcast to fans via Instagram while waiting to board his flight back to the family home.  He explained: "I've had my tattoo done and I feel drained... It took a good seven hours on the back of my leg. It looks amazing!  Fans flocked to comment on Dan's post as they praised the intricate tattoo.  mented: "OMG. I love this. Family goals! You and Jac are amazing parents, much love to you all."  It comes after reports that Dan and wife Jacqueline Jossa are sleeping in separate beds following a cheating scandal.  Sources close to the couple say they are keen to put on a united front in public after a humiliating few weeks - but behind closed doors things have soured.  “Dan and Jacqueline wanted to fix their relationship, but it’s been really tough,” says the friend.  “It's not looking good right now, they're arguing constantly and they’re sleeping in separate bedrooms - he’s moaning about it, saying if it wasn’t for the kids he wouldn’t be there at all.”  Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.  We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


trueactivist--2019-01-15--Autistic Man Finally Gets Tattoo Of His Dreams After Numerous Artists Denied His Wish

This is a story of someone who never stopped chasing after their dreams. Buzz is a 23-year old that is diagnosed with autism, and all he has ever wanted was to get a tattoo. “As a child, he loved the fake ones and would freak out when they washed off,” Buzz’s mom, Sandi Green told KTVU.Time and time again, Buzz reiterated that he wanted a real tattoo, and they had agreed to wait until he was older to finally do it.  On his 23rd birthday, his parents decided to turn his dream into reality. Green started looking for a tattoo shop that would ink up Buzz, yet all the shops they had visited either turned them down or quoted exorbitant prices. For someone who stands 6’3” tall and weighs 200 pounds, Green said their response was reasonable as they didn’t know how he would react to the needle once they began tattooing him.  For months, they never gave up and continued the search until they encountered Pat Masga from Northwest Inkorporated. “When Buzz arrived he had a huge smile. From the moment I met him and that’s when I told myself that this tattoo is getting done – no matter what adjustments I have to make,” Masga said. “Whether it took me five hours or five sessions, I was willing to do it. He sat like a champ, didn’t complain or quit, and we did it!”  Five years ago, Buzz had already decided on getting Tommy Pickles from Nickelodeon show “The Rugrats,” tattooed; he couldn’t have been happier when Masga finally completed the tattoo. A week after getting inked, he was already back at the shop to get a half-sleeve done. Moral of the story? Don’t let anybody tell you things are not possible, because everything is possible, once you set your mind to it!


birminghammail--2019-11-15--Lord Alan Sugar in Twitter row with Apprentice star Lewis Ellis over his tattoos

The Apprentice is a heated show on TV, I think we can all agree - however it appears, what's said in the boardroom doesn't actually stay in the boardroom.  The candidates were tasked this week with rebranding Finland and Lewis Ellis whipped his top off for the advert revealing his tattoos - much to the dislike of Lord Alan Sugar.  As the episode was airing, the businessman was tweeting along and he slammed the digital marketer's body art.  Lord Sugar tweeted: "Lewis tattoos are horrific. Tell me where I am missing the point. What does he look like."  A few minutes later Lewis replied: "Wowwww LAS how could you do me like this."  However this led to the 29-year-old being on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse and trolling.  Later he posted an image of his tattoos writing: "Back to rule #1 f**k what people think about you! Thank you everyone that took the time to show some support for my "horrific" tattoos and pointing out no one has the right to judge you or your body. #theapprentice #tattoos #inked #inkedlife."  However that wasn't the end of the argument as the host of the BBC show hit back hours later, tweeting: "Lewis your tattoos tell your story.What are you a Kindle. You have the right to do what you want to your body. I have the right of an opinion. I say they are horrible. When you're 50 on the beach you'll wear a T shirt. You will be an embarrassment to your kids."  The phrase has gone viral over the last few weeks and is used to dismiss or mock attitudes stereotypically attributed to the baby boomer generation.  Lewis has tattoos on his chest and one of his arms, usually hidden for business purposes under a suit and tie and a MailOnline source revealed that he was actually encouraged to go shirtless, despite not particularly wanting to.  The source said: "One of the female candidates wasn't happy to get into a bikini for the scenes so Lewis felt forced to do it. Which isn't fair. If she wasn't body confident it doesn't automatically mean everyone else is.  "Lewis had hidden his tattoos up until that point but this task meant he had to show them. And because of Lord Sugar's old-fashioned views, he has commented on Twitter and opened the floor to all the trolls to attack Lewis. It's not right!"  Lewis has said inkings are "an expression of himself" and "are a personal reminder, when I take a shower and g to the gym, to just keep going".  The tattoos on his chest - of a man walking between two paths, a ferris wheel on one side, cogs on the other - represent "never conforming, not being the same as everyone else, and never being part of a machine".  His arm inkings represent "hope and faith" and that "things don't always happen straight away, but you’ll get there eventually".  Lewis has admitted that "they're cheesy, but I love them".  The Apprentice continues on BBC One on Wednesdays at 9pm.


drudgereport--2019-03-17--Sins and spirits Thais flock to tattoo fest

Sins and spirits: Thais flock to tattoo fest...

Devotees at a sacred tattoo festival in Thailand work themselves into possessed trances to resemble wild animals (AFP Photo/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)  With inky designs covering his chest and arms, one man crawls on the ground like a tiger while another twists his fingers to resemble claws and growls.  The possessed devotees appear to be on the verge of attack but are quickly restrained and coaxed back to normal.  It's all part of a sacred tattoo festival at the Wat Bang Phra temple in Nakhon Pathom province 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Bangkok.  Thailand is a deeply superstitious country where animism, folk beliefs and Hinduism seep into the majority faith Buddhism.  Every year, thousands of devotees gather at Wat Bang Phra for the annual festival, which celebrates the traditional Sak Yant tattoos.  Wearers believe the intricate ink brings them good luck and protection from harm.  They flock to the festival so monks can bless and "recharge" their tattoos, while some receive new ones via long metal needles with countless small jabs.  "Whatever sins we committed this past year, we can wash it away when we pay respects to the elder monks who bless our tattoos," said Chalachai Pichuea 44, a motorcycle taxi driver from Bangkok.  Family business owner Wichai Kripjumwan said he comes every year for the renewal process and to thank the monks "who give us these powers".  The symbols favoured by devotees vary from astrological signs, wild animals or inscriptions in Pali and Sanskrit.  Participants work themselves into possessed trances to resemble wild animals and charge towards a stage with a Buddha statue.  Throngs of volunteers block them, then pinch their ears in an act meant to release the spirit.


eveningstandard--2019-01-16--17 of the best London tattoo artists to follow on Instagram

More of us are deciding to go under the needle than ever before.  What once was a symbol of subculture is now well and truly part of the mainstream. It is now estimated that a fifth of Brits have tattoos, and among the under-30s, that figure rises to one in three.  Although some may choose to get a new tat on a whim, more often than not a lot of thought goes into getting a new piece of body art, from carefully selecting the design, to the best tattoo artists.  Thinking of getting a tat this year and need some inspiration? You don't need to look far as London is home to a plethora of world-class tattoo artists.  Whether you're a die-hard tattoo addict looking for a large scale piece or a newly-converted fan of the art form after something on the dainty side, these are the London tattoo artists and studios you should follow on Instagram before you get your next inking.  Who: James Armstrong at Seventy Two Street  Who: Mowgli Bundonis at Through My Third Eye  Who: Connor Thomas at One x One Tattoo  Who: Matt Pettis at Though My Third Eye


eveningstandard--2019-02-12--Rita Ora keeps fans updated as she adds apospowerapos tattoo to her collection

Rita Ora keeps fans updated as she adds 'power' tattoo to her collection

Rita Ora kept her fans updated with her latest inkings as she shared videos and snaps of herself getting a new tattoo.  The Anywhere singer, who is currently in New York, posted a series of Instagram stories as she added the word 'POWER' to her hand.  Ora uploaded a snap of herself sitting opposite artist Mr K with her hand outstretched and asked fans to guess which tattoo she was getting done.  Mr K revealed the artwork on his own Instagram story.  Ora, 28, is known for her extensive tattoo collection and surprised fans last year when she added a small R, by the same artist, behind her ear.  The star also has two small lovebirds in a cage on her arm as well as a collection of roses and symbols on her hand and another inking on her ribs.  Last week, Ora was nominated for Music Artist of the Year at the British LGBT Awards, which recognise those who support LGBT communities .  Ora is listed alongside Demi Lovato, Troye Sivan, Halsey and Jaden Smith in the hotly contested category.  Other categories include Celebrity Ally of the Year with Susanna Reid, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jodie Comer and Dua Lipa among the names to receive a nod.


eveningstandard--2019-07-24--Shawn Mendes got a bicep butterfly tattoo after a fanaposs Photoshop suggestion

Shawn Mendes got a bicep butterfly tattoo after a fan's Photoshop suggestion

Shawn Mendes got a butterfly tattoo after a fan Photoshopped one onto his arm.  The 'In My Blood' singer debuted a new tattoo on Instagram on his extremely toned left bicep. The tat in question is a monarch butterfly made up of both wings and flowers. But it’s not only an exciting debut because it gave him another chance to show off his bod - the tattoo has an origin story worthy of its own Shawn Mendes song.  The tattoo placement was originally thought up by a Mendes fan who posted a picture of him with a butterfly tattoo on his arm and shared the creation on Twitter.  Now, people are asking her to make other Mendes dreams come true, including getting him to grow a beard (if she Photoshops it, perhaps it will happen).  Mendes confirmed that the butterfly originally came from fan art when he slid into said fan’s DMs to ask for a scan of the artwork, which was created by Mac Dreaper, a tattoo artist in Chile.  Dreaper wasn’t the one to ink him, but if you find yourself in Chile you can add a whole flurry of Mendes-approved butterflies to your own arms.  The tattoo artist took to Instagram to congratulate Mendes on his new fan-inspired ink.  The pop star received his tattoo in Toronto from Livia Tsang who thoroughly documented the results.  Tsang confirmed that the tat was based on a fan edit.  Now, there’s nothing holding Mendes back from embracing other Twitter requests. Perhaps a fan will suggest a #Shawmila tattoo next.


eveningstandard--2019-09-05--People with tattoos aposmore recklessapos than those without new study claims

People with tattoos 'more reckless' than those without, new study claims

People with tattoos are more reckless than those without, a new study has claimed.  Economist Bradley Ruffle, of McMaster University in Canada, found people with visible tattoos were more likely to act hastily and not consider the consequences of their actions, according to a study.  The study surveyed more than 1,000 people: 781 people without tattoos, and 255 with tattoos, including 68 people whose ink is visible while they're fully clothed.  This was to measure how "future-oriented" or short-sighted participants were.  Professor Ruffle wanted to carry out the research because, although studies have found employers discriminate against people with tattoos, they has risen in popularity in recent years.  The research, published in the Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation, was to find out why many people "affix a visible stigma" to their identity.  Professor Ruffle told The Times: "I'm an economist. From an economic perspective this decision to have a tattoo is puzzling.  "Tattoos are about making some kind of statement. But why not just dye your hair or get a personalised T-shirt you can remove?"  During the research, participants took part in an economic game in which they were given two options, the Daily Mail reports.  They could either receive a dollar (60p) in 18 hours or a larger sum which steadily increased from $1.05 (65p) to $2.50 (£1.50) over three weeks.  Researchers found the second option became more attractive to people without tattoos.  But people with visible tattoos required $2 (£1.20) to reach the same decision.  They also behaved more irrationally afterwards, such as switching back to the first option at higher amounts.  Professor Ruffle hoped the study might give "pause" to people considering getting a tattoo.  But he said impulsiveness is not necessarily a negative character trait, adding: "Sometimes it's good to make decisions fast.  "If you're a professional basketball player and you need to decide whether to shoot or pass, you don't want someone who stands there and deliberates."


eveningstandard--2019-10-09--Laura Craik on the brilliance of nerdy tattoos

As someone who gets bored quickly, the idea of indelibly inking a swallow, arrow or infinity symbol et al on to my body is a no-no.  Permanency scares me. I’m too fickle. I don’t mean in a relationshippy way — I’m married — but in a shoe way. Never could I commit to looking at the same tattoo until the sands of time render it faded, stretched and indecipherable on my sagging flesh. As with everything in life, when it comes to tattoos it pays to think ahead. Get the tattoo for the person you want to be, not the drunk student you are. This is why girls with tiny stars on their wrists grow up to be accountants. Recently, though, this wisdom has been turned on its head, thanks to a slew of men for whom a Celtic symbol/their mother’s name in Sanskrit just isn’t cutting it. They don’t want clichés. They don’t want art. They just want s*** tattoos.  Take Ed Sheeran, whose tattoo artist has cheerily admitted that some of Ed’s 60-strong tat collection are dreadful. ‘It does look s***, but it’s what they wanted, and it means something to them,’ he said of Ed and Harry Styles’ decision to get matching Pingu tattoos, as you do. Other tats on Ed’s body include a lion, a gingerbread man and a Heinz Ketchup label. Over in LA, Aaron Carter has just surfaced with a tattoo of Rihanna on the side of his face, based on a 2013 GQ cover shot by Damien Hirst. Marc Jacobs, meanwhile, has a tattoo of the M&M man, while Gucci Mane, star of the new Gucci Cruise campaign, has an ice-cream cone etched on his cheek.  According to Pinterest, searches for ‘nerdy tattoos’ have increased by 62 per cent in the past year. What does it all mean? Maybe it’s a comfort thing: ‘wearing’ your favourite food or cartoon character brings solace in this politically uncertain age. Whatever: the s*** tattoo is a whole lot cooler than a torso angrily inked with black tigers, roses, Surrealist art and clocks bearing Roman numerals. These s***ty times need s***ty tats.  When I was a kid, the naming process was simple: everyone was either called Tracy or Mark. In 2019, your name isn’t just your name, it’s your brand. It’s how come Beyoncé ’n’ Jay-Z are currently fighting Blue Ivy (The Wedding Planner) for the right to trademark Blue Ivy (The Child), arguing that their seven-year-old should win because ‘she is a cultural icon’.  Alas, this logic doesn’t apply to Banksy, who has been forced to open Gross Domestic Product, a pop-up shop in Croydon, solely to allow him to protect his name against a greeting card company who’s trying to seize custody of it (UK law states that if the trademark holder isn’t using the mark, it can be transferred to someone who will). Those frustrated that the shop is just a showcase can keep checking grossdomesticproduct.com, where the products will eventually be sold.  According to Matchesfashion.com, there has been a 98 per cent surge in demand for men’s leather jackets compared to the same time last year. Which probably explains why I keep seeing so many blokes dressed as Latvian bouncers, even though they work as baristas in Victoria Park. To avoid channelling a mafia don, the desired look, should you care to attempt it, is ‘Brad Pitt circa 1997: The Gwyneth Years’ — think tailored, slouchy leather jacket, black buttoned-up shirt and a baseball cap.


eveningstandard--2019-10-16--Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson just got tattoos together

Miley Cyrus and new boyfriend Cody Simpson have cemented their relationship by getting brand new tattoos together and showing them off on Instagram.  While the tattoos might not technically match, they do both have similar pirate themes. The Can’t Be Tamed singer’s new tattoo is a heart with a bloody dagger through it adorned with a banner saying “Rock ‘N’ Roll Heart.” Simpson’s latest ink is a not-so intricate skull and crossbones with a scythe behind it.  The pair posted videos and flirty photos to their Instagram accounts to show off the tattoos they got together.  Cyrus and Simpson started dating in early October following her split with girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter, who she was seeing for about two months.  Getting a tattoo to signify a new relationship isn’t something new for the Slide Away songstress, who commemorated her Italy vacation with Kaitlynn Carter following her public split with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.  After her romantic trip abroad with Carter, Cyrus got a tattoo of a snake statue that the two saw during their Italian adventure.  At the end of September, Cyrus and Carter parted ways. A source told People that “they’ve been friends forever and were there for each other when they were both getting separated, but they’re just not in a romantic relationship anymore.”  During the first week of October, Cyrus was admitted to the hospital for tonsillitis. Simpson visited her and serenaded her with a new song he was working on.  She shared a clip of his new tune on her Instagram story and wrote, “It's too special to be only heard in full by my ears so I am currently pressuring him to DROP IT next week... & it's working.”  Her new beau is equally outspoken on Instagram. On Tuesday, Simpson announced the release of a new song called Golden Thing by posting a close up shot of Cyrus on his Instagram feed.