They told me not to get tattooed..
It's in the bible they said...
I've found that most people don't read the bible for information... As much as they read it for proof-texts. (remember when people use to use it to justify slavery?).
I've found.. they like to tie it all up for you neatly.. And then throw it up on your back...
But I've also noticed (as Jesus said once- Matt.23:4) they seldom lift a finger to help you carry the load.
That said.. I'm not overly concerned about whether my "outside" matches much with anyone'a approval. And so my latest thing has been tattoos.
In fact... early in life.. After music... Ink would have been my next stage of evolution. That's not a punk thing... or a thug thing. It's an artist thing.
But sadly.. my people didn't believe in evolution.. so I always remained exactly as I was.
Getting inked is like joining a club.. though there's definitely a hierarchy of commitment...
Forearms send you higher up the ladder.
Hands.. Neck... All higher up the ladder..
Thoughts are a dangerous thing... especially on the run. Truth is I should be on my last inches of un-inked skin right now.. But instead.. I'm 41 and trying to prove this isn't just a mid life crisis...
(it is mid life... and a crisis.. but I should be doing it with a body full of ink!!!).
(*See above tab "Ink" for pics of Tattoos).
Most of my life I thought I would never get a tat. It wasn't from some religious fervor, but mostly because I was too scared to get something permanent put on my body. Plus I am terrified of needles. So I always just admired other's tattoos.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in my early 30's I decided that I had found the ink that I wanted. Two small male symbols, interconnected, on right hand on the web of skin between my thumb and index finger. A typical place for gang members to get inked, and that seemed appropriate since I am giving a shout out to my gang (the homo gang).
It was the ultimate gesture of coming out. I was inspired in part by the tattoos that Jews were forced to get in the concentration camps--permanently marking them so they could never deny their Jewishness. Some people have questioned the decision to put it on my hand where it is difficult to hide? "Why not put it on your shoulder, or your back?" Because that defeats the purpose of the tattoo. It is SUPPOSED to be out there where everyone can see. When I shake hands, or take my change at the checkout stand.
My tattoo is about truth. It's about being honest with everyone I meet. It's about telling people "I am the guy next door, and I am gay too." I hope that if some young boy or girl who are struggling with their sexuality may see it and feel like they are not as alone. Perhaps that's not needed as much in this internet world as it was when I was a young man and felt so alone...like I was the only normal gay man out there.
Ink with a purpose.
:)
I admire and appreciate tattoo art, though, I've never wanted one. Mostly, I've just never had the desire. Some of it is the fear that, because of my genetics, the really sexy naked lady tattoo today will look like Momma Cass after the ham sandwich when I'm 75.
ReplyDeleteFunny how things change. Tattoos used to be counterculture. In 2011, sans-ink is edgy. Who would have thought I'd be alternative.
BTW - Jamie, the tattoo you've got is truly a work of art. You have reason to be proud of it.
Love you, bro.
Thanks for the input guys. tatoos aren't for everyone. It's true though.. I would have done this years ago... probably right out of highschool... but.. well you've read the blog. Erin.. like the tattoo concept. Super meaningful. never considered the jewish thing which makes that very powerful. do you have any pics?
ReplyDeleteMy 1/2 sleeve (3/4ths.. technically I think).. is all about my kids. Lisa is 1/2 japanese so the kids are 1/4th... went with the asian theme to begin with.. kids are represented by their Japanese Calender symbols. the dragon is clutching an anatomical heart. The Kanji reads "faithful".
I was told that if I tat my hands or forearms that I would have to cover them up in some way... (work). Already planning clothes/gloves etc.. True that its tough deciding what you want permanently on your body.. Im kind of in freeze mode right now with round two.. trying to develop the next concept. One thing I found out researching the stuff was that the tattoo market is similar to any other art category. there are some artists you can't get because their price range is too high for the average person.... and they choose their sitters based on the art they wanna do. mainly.. you offer your idea of what you want on your body and they decide to do it if they get into it.
There's a guy in Germany that you apply to sit for.. and you have zero input into the process (exception.. maybe skin placement).. and then he creates his next art piece on you. And from then on it's like you get the honor of carrying around this dudes art... Very serious deal in terms of "art" when you get to a certain level.
I feel pretty lucky to have access to a guy like Mel. Thanks for the input guys.