Tattoo Parlor Editorials

The W Korea May 2012 Photo shoot Stars an Inked Milou van Groesen by photographer Gianluca Fontana 

 

Who ever said that fashion and tattooing don't mix.  In the W Korea May 2012 editorial the two art forms are in synergy with each other, as yin and yang.  A perfect example of cross inspiration in different design areas. 

 

 

 Reference:

 

2012, Tattoo Parlor Editorials, http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/w-korea-may-2012#!/photos/150665/4. ,28 April 2012

Tattoos of the day

A few questions with Camilla Rose

1.       What is your current occupation?

I'm a stylist and fashion designer. I recently started a Vintage and second hand clothing label.

2.       What is the reason for you deciding to get a tattoo or tattoos?

 I have ALWAYS loved tattoos- I feel like they are an expression of your inner self on your outer body so I have always wanted one.

3.       Tell me about your tattoo/s and the symbolic or personal meaning behind them?

I got my first one on my wrist that says "Mary". Mary is my grandmother who was EXTREMELY important to me and really made me who I am today. She was more like my mother than my gran. She passed away in 2007 so I got this tattoo to remind me of her and all this wisdom she passed onto me. My Second tattoo, my rib piece, I thought about getting  for over a year and researched it and different artists. My name is Camilla Rose so I decided fairly soon on that I wanted a rose but I just wasn't sure in what style or form.  Overtime if I saw someone with a flower tattoo of any kind that I liked I asked them who the artist was and all the best ones seem to come from the same person -Tyler Murphy from Sins of style. I went to see him with the components that I wanted in my tattoo -like I wanted four roses to represent each on of my siblings and I wanted it to be very delicate and girly. Tyler being the amazing artist he is listened and came up with the design that I have on my ribs.  It  is unfinished as It still needs colour. :)

4.       Do you think in 40 years time you would still love your ink?

 I chose something that is important to me ( family). I really don't see how this can't be important to me in 40 years time too? Its beautiful and I love it. I  don't think I will ever  be able to dislike such a beautiful piece of art.

5.       Do you think tattoos have become more of a trend than it being something with meaning or a way of expression?

 Yes. Oh so many times I have heard "because it looks cool" as a response from people when asked about the meaning of their tattoo. My tattoo is under my clothing it is for me and it is personal unless I choose to show you, one would never know about it. And that's the way I like it.

Meanings of globally common tattoos

The Swallow

Historically, of British origin, the swallow tattoo was used by sailors to communicate the number of miles they had experienced at sea. These tattoos were usually located on the chest, neck, or hands and the more swallows a sailor had, the more experienced they were and also the more admired for their endurance during what was a very difficult and dangerous journey. Legend had it that if a sailor had drowned, it would carry their soul to heaven. The swallow also symbolises the love, care and affection a sailor had towards their loved ones, and how their loyalty relied on them returning to them, safe and sound.

The Rose

The rose has held the same meaning throughout history – love. Originally, the ancient Greeks had believed that a rose was white, and only did it turn red when the goddess of love, Aphrodite, pricked herself on the thorns and bled all over the petals.

Like the swallow tattoo, the rose tattoo was a popular marking on sailors, especially during the 1940s, as a way of remembering their wife or girlfriend that they had left behind. The most common meaning behind a rose is its representation of beauty and love.

The rose tattoo can also be connected to different emotions and therefore when it is shown in different colours it can symbolise various meanings, for example, red is for love, pink is for grace and elegance, yellow for jealousy, white for purity and black for death and darkness.

Tribal Tattoos 

Initially tribal tattoos were used to distinguish different tribes from one another and to communicate the status of particular members within the tribe. Many of these tribes also believed that these markings would ward off evil spirits with its magical properties. As time went on, the meanings of tribal tattoos changed and today they are simply used for their beautiful aesthetic appearance.

Dragon

As a mythical creature, the dragon is portrayed as a magical creature that possesses great power. On a woman, a dragon tattoo is said to symbolise the “woman as the creator”. On a man, it typically symbolises “raw power”- the guardians of all things sacred. The dragon can communicate a form of power of its wearer but it can also act as a warning to protect against any threat. In Eastern cultures, the dragon was seen and a noble and honourable creature, whereas in Western cultures they were seen more as evil and dark creatures.

Celtic Cross

Originating in Ireland, the Celtic cross takes many different forms and holds various decorative Celtic arts. Essentially, it came before religion but today, this cross is associated with Christianity.

Tattooed Illustrations

Tattooed women by illustrator liz Clements

References:

2012, Tattooed vixen visuals, http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liz-clements#!/photos/149028/1 , 4 March 2012

Tattoos of the day

A few questions with Arnold Van der Walt

1. What is your current occupation?

I am currently a student at the University of Stellenbosch studying journalism.

2. What is the reason for you deciding to get a tattoo or tattoos?

I have wanted tattoos for a couple of years now (since school) and it
was simply a matter of time before I got the right choice.

3. Tell me about your tattoo/s and the symbolic or personal meaning behind them?

The words "Kan jy jou idee van normaal by jou gat op druk?", loosely
translates to "can you shove your idea of normal up your ass?". It's
also lyrics from a song and the meaning I attach to it, is the whole
idea of normal. For example, who decides what is 'normal' and why
should we always adhere to it?

4. Do you think in 40 years time you would still love your ink?

Yes, definitely. A tattoo captures what you felt at a certain time of
your life and what was most important to you. One day I'll be able to
look back and relive the memories.

5. Do you think tattoos have become more of a trend than it being
something with meaning or a way of expression?

That certainly seems to be the norm, nowadays. I believe tattoos
should have deep meaning that lies close to your heart or as a means
to express ones individuality. :)