Thursday, September 30, 2010

A Slice of...Nantes, France!

for my new blog feature

This week, I am happy to feature the sweet Jennifer! Jennifer is an Australian by paper and a New Zealander by birth, and is currently living in Nantes, France. Be sure to check out her lovely blog at: http://indictivedaisy.blogspot.com/. All of her art and photos and words are just perfect! Thank you Jennifer for sharing a little slice of your city with all of us.

...and a quick note from me- I'll be back in the morning with a little "life update," and now that we're settled I'll be regularly blogging as usual. :)

But for now...a Slice of Nantes, by Jennifer!


Nantes (pronounced 'nont') is a neat little city two hours south west of Paris. Nantes is a perfect example of a humble French city and much less crowed than Paris. It comes complete with Castle, Cathedral, cobblestone streets, big and small rivers, tram system, lots of water fountains, those yummy French bakeries, lots of crazy people and being France it wouldn't be complete without the French dog poo.

This city is my home away from home for many reasons and I'm glad I can share a slice of it with you.


The Jazz & Belle Plaisance Festival from the 26 - 29 August. The river side is animated for the weekend with everything from Jazz, Blues and folk music with Creperie and oyster stands and as much free fun as you want to have. Its a great way to experience the true Nantes.


Rue du Marechal Joffre, one of my favourite places in the city. Just about every type of shop you can imagine is on this street. Two bakeries, three hair salons, six kebabs shops, music shop, beautician, six bars and four really good cafes.



On this fabulous street is Le Cyclope Theatre. Its an independent theatre that's in connection with one of the bars down the street. It features some truely unique pieces of original french theatre.

La Meche Rebelle. Best Hair dressing Salon on the street. Gibus Dingriville is the owner and master of hair. He speaks French/English and is very friendly. The hair salon is named after a popular graphic novel.

Frip in Shop. Also on Marechal Joffre. Great place to get cheap vintage finds, friendly service and a coffee or two.


So there you go, a Slice of Nantes! I hope you enjoyed it.

Orçamento, tattoo no pé

"Boa tarde, meu nome é Bianca tenho 22 anos e estava pesquisando na Internet alguns desenhos e valores de tattoo no pé, pois tenho interesse em fazer uma, vi num site uma tatoo e gostaria de saber em média quanto custaria uma tatuagem nesse estilo."

Bianca: brpaula21@yahoo.com.br

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Matt's Golden Silence

I met Matt one afternoon as he stood among the masses at the southwest corner of Madison Square Garden, waiting for a bus out of town.

This is his tattoo which he shared with us, covering his upper right arm:


The message is simple: silence is golden. I love how the side skulls spill off of the front skull, and how the teeth of the primary jaw are fused together.



Matt attributes this piece to "deep life experiences" and how it serves as a reminder to keep his head on straight.

He told me he's "been low and wants to stay higher" and that "keeping what I've done to myself has given me the ability to achieve what I have in life".

This tattoo was inked by Loki M. LaChapelle when he was at Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Loki now works out of Mazel Custom Tattoo & Piercing in Everett, Massachusetts.

Thanks to Matt for sharing his tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Orçamento, tattoo de coração no genital

"Estou querendo fazer uma destas três tatuagens, gostaria de saber se vocês fazem e por quanto fariam. Cerca de dois anos atrás, eu iria fazer, mas desanimei quando aumentaram o preço exponencialmente quando falei que queria e ainda quero no genital.

Gostaria de saber se vocês fazem e por quanto fica essa tatuagem no genital. Obrigado, aguardo retorno imediato, antes que eu perca a coragem de fazer novamente."

Denson: deco_power@ig.com.br

 
 

Orçamento da tattoo Fênix

"Bom dia Srs.

Estou muito interessada em fazer uma tatoo, é uma fênix que eu vi no site.
Eu gostaria que ela tivesse no máximo 12 cm isso é possível?
Em média qual o valor?"

Monica: Monica.Silva@mtel.com.br

Orçamento, dragão nas costas

"Gostaria do orçamento desta tattoo, formas de pagamento etc. No lugar das libélulas seriam sakuras e o dragão olhando para frente

Local: perna
Dimenção: 30 cm altura x 15 lcm argura
Obs: Tattoo colorida"

Erick: erickeumemo@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tattoo Tuesday V.37

This week I am featuring cutie pie Erica! Be sure to pop over to her blog and say hello. I think you'll love her great photos and posts. Thank you so much Erica for being a part of this feature!


Name and blog name: Erica Schrag / I am a fun girl

Age: 26

Occupation: Social Media Relations Manager

Age of first tattoo: 18

Favorite tattoo: Panther on my right thigh that I like to call Blackie, haha

Featured tattoos/locations:

* Panther, right thigh (Bert Krak, Top Shelf Tattoo, New York, NY)
* Dear John Letter, right arm (Bob Roberts, Spotlight Tattoo, Los Angeles, CA)

1) Tell us about the tattoo(s) you are sharing with us - is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?


There is no meaning to this tattoo at all. I got it because it's something I always thought would look incredibly sexy. I flew to NY to get it done with my good friends who all get tattoos from Bert. The lines are so thick and heavy handed. It's straight up traditional. Bert's work really stands apart. It's so simple and clean. Aesthetically it's a really pleasing tattoo.


I was married for a year to a Swedish man. There's an amazing LA musician named Obi Best (http://www.myspace.com/obibest) who sings a song called, "Swedish Boy." It sums up everything accurately.

I got this tattoo shortly after my husband left me. We were supposed to be moving overseas together. He went back home to set things up for us and a week later he sent me a letter saying he didn't love me anymore and it was over.

Not to get all Lifetime, but it was very therapeutic for me. Bob assured me that the marriage ending wasn't the end of the world. He also offered to give me a shave that made me look 10 years younger. He had me laughing, smiling and feeling beautiful again despite things feeling really dark at the time.

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

My right arm is covered in pieces I've collected as I've learned (about tattooing) along the way.




Snake and dagger: Rockabilly Ray, Tinta Rebelde, Hollywood, CA

Praying hands out of a coffin: Rockabilly Ray, Tinta Rebelde, Hollywood, CA

Anchor with a banner that says Dad: Kaz, New York Adorned, NY, NY

Flapper girl with pinup spider legs: Nick Rodin, True Tattoo, Hollywood, CA

Rose on my shoulder cap: Tyler Denesy, Seven Seas Tattoo - San Diego, CA

Sparrows on my chest: some biker shop in North Port, FL that I'm sure is closed down. I had to have them fixed by Kaz at NY Adorned - NY, NY

I have scripture on my back in Greek from the book of Acts in the New Testament.
It reads, "In Him we live and move and have our being/breathe."
No name shop in New Port Richey, FL

Love Free: Rockabilly Ray, Tinta Rebelde, Hollywood, CA

3) Do you plan on getting more?

I plan on being completely covered, but I'm completely on a budget. I'd love to get more work done by Bert Krak as well as explore all the great tattoo artists here in Atlanta - I've got my eye on Jason Kelly's work at Memorial Tattoo, and Danielle at Only You Tattoo.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?

Things are a lot differently now than they were almost 10 years ago. When I got my first tattoo I was actually kicked out of Bible College. The long and short - there was a strict no tattoo policy at the school. I knew this an opted to get one on spring break anyway. An older girl in the dorms saw it and ratted me out to the dean of students. It was a weird and very political situation. They had me write a 10 page disciplinary paper on why I chose to break the rule. I was a good kid! I just liked tattoos! I guess the paper wasn't convincing enough because they gave me the boot.

All the jobs I've ever had have been more than accepting of my tattoos, but I've also worked all jobs within entertainment / creative. Like I said, 10 years ago things were a little different. I think tattoos are pretty main stream now.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Good tattoos are similar to investing in pieces of art. They cost money and it takes time to build a collection. Research tattoo artists as if you were buying a piece of fine art. Get to know their background and style. Travel to get tattooed if need be. Plan -- invest! Some of the best tattoos are old tattoos - from people who have spent years traveling the world and collecting!

Orçamento, Breathe Tattoo

"Olá,
eu quero fazer uma tatuagem como esta da foto, no pulso esquerdo, só que eu quero um pouco menor.
Tem como me informarem o preço?
Aguardo uma resposta.

Atenciosamente."

Bárbara: barbiie_rodrigues@yahoo.com.br

Tattoo from a Francophile

Earlier this summer, I posted a couple of tattoos from Joe, seen here.

Needless to say, Joe became a fan, and updated me with a new tattoo, below:


Joe explains:


"The picture is fresh from the artist finishing it. It is "C077X" and is a nod to James Franco and General Hospital. He is my fav actor and I have been watching General Hospital for at least 21 years. It is the the tag that "Franco" sprayed on everything when he recently guest starred on GH as an artist/serial killer. His character's name is Franco, reflecting that art imitates life. A motto the actor and character believe, and so do I. That is why I got the tattoo. To prove art imitates life!"
Photo Credit: ABC via http://sn.soapnet.go.com
The tattoo was inked by Rob at Brooklyn Ink. Rob originally appeared here as a contributor here. And is one of several artists that has represented Brooklyn Ink over the years on Tattoosday. This label links all of the work from the shop previously seen on Tattoosday.

Thanks to Joe for sharing his new tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Moving!

snapshot of moving

Well, this weekend was a wonderful, busy one...and quite the important one, since we spent both days moving into our new home! So yes, we are officially here and officially home owners. What a happy, exciting time. I'm so thankful it all worked out, and just overjoyed with everything. It's still surreal. I had no time to blog all weekend, and besides we had no internet but I have to say how much I enjoyed just focusing on my family and our huge task at hand, rather than being online for any amount of time. Even though I am a obviously a huge of the whole internet world, I also really like taking breaks from it and I think its necessary in order to keep enjoying it. Besides, the "real world" is so much more fun! But anyway, my parents and sister came up for the weekend and helped us pack and move into our new place, get our old place cleaned and in order, and just overall were the biggest help in the entire world. I'm so thankful for them.

moving

moving

I am currently typing this from new family room and like I mentioned above it's truly surreal to be here, getting settled into our HOME! We've been busier than ever these past few days getting everything done, from our appliances getting delivered, furniture, utilities, you name it. Hank and my Dad also spent some time starting to put together some of Henry's baby furniture. It's crazy to go into his bedroom and just think about the fact that he is going to be here so soon, in that room, in that crib, using that changing table, having clothes in that closet. Madeline is also loving having all of this space and she runs from bedroom to bedroom exploring and re-exploring. It makes me happy to see her so happy!

I will be back tomorrow with Tattoo Tuesday, but I wanted to make a quick update before I head to sleep. Goodnight!

1000000763 edit

Rachel's Bird Helped Her Let Go

The same night I met Brian, I met Rachel, who has eight tattoos.

She shared this one with me:


This piece on her left biceps is based on the work of artist Kurt Halsey. This little bird appears in multiple works by the artist, but Rachel imagined it for her own personal situation. She got it after a break-up a couple of years ago, and the tattoo gave her the strength to "let the bird go". In this case, the bird represents the ended relationship and the tattoo is a transitional piece that helped her recover from the difficulty of moving past it.

From Memphis, Tennessee, Rachel had this inked at Underground Art Tattoos and Body Piercing by Chris Fitzgerald. Chris had been a piercer at the shop and then moved into tattooing. He has since left tattooing and moved to photography. His new business is Cult Noir Photography, and his work can be seen here.

Thanks to Rachel for sharing her tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Orçamento, tattoo alfabeto

"Olá,
estou querendo fazer uma nova tattoo, segue o desenho. Gostaria de saber mais ou menos o valor?
Sobre o tamanho, gostaria que fosse mais ou menos 20 cm.
Aguardo retorno."

Sabrina: sgotelip@hotmail.com

Brian's Ink Speaks About Art

I met Brian in Barnes & Noble, Union Square, back in August and he shared two tattoos with us. Put your thinking caps on, folks, because Brian, who is a video artist (website here), has very cerebral ink.

First up is this tattoo, on Brian's left biceps:


This tattoo is based on an illustration entitled "Every Night We Are Haunted by a Dream" by the artist Alfred Kubin (1877-1959).

Jede Nacht besucht uns ein Traum (Every Night We are Haunted by a Dream), ca. 1902-03
Pen and ink, brush, wash, and spray on paper
39.1 x 31.8 cm (15 3/8 x 12 1/2 in.)
Albertina, Vienna
Brian explained that this work corresponded very closely to the publication of Sigmund Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams, and that Kubin's illustration represents "art between the cusp of pre-surrealism/expressionism and surrealism". It speaks to Brian's understanding of the perception of dreams and art.

Brian also had these words inscribed on his inner right forearm:


The words "Créer Dangereusement" are the French title of a 1957 essay by Albert Camus entitled "Create Dangerously". This "essay on realism and artistic creation" likewise spoke to Brian who acknowledged that "all art is a political act". It makes perfect sense, if you think about it, in that no great work of art was ever created by the artist playing it safe. It is those who created dangerously that are remembered as trailblazers and icons in their respective fields.

Brian had both of these tattoos done in Austin, Texas.

Thanks to Brian for sharing his artistic ink with us here on Tattoosday!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Danny's Koi Struggles Upstream

I met Danny in Penn Station early in August just as he was about to board a train.

Before he headed to his platform, however, he allowed me to take this photo of his tattoo-in-progress on his upper right arm:


He explained that the koi swimming upward on his bicep represented that he was still moving upstream, that is, he was "still overcoming struggles, trials and tribulations". He added that he would get another koi on his left arm, facing downstream, when he had completed his struggle in life.

Before we could talk further, however, he had to run for his train. Fortunately for me (and for you, dear Readers), he e-mailed me shortly thereafter with some more details:

"The leaves are Japanese maples...Everyone gets the traditional lotus flowers, etc. But I chose a leaf that represents no religion or significant meaning to it. I would have gone with the Korean national flower [Hibiscus syriacus] but that, too, had meaning behind it. Many flowers that are traditionally on bodies are either Buddhist or Catholic, etc. Coming from a Christian background, I chose one without any meaning. How can I live with a Buddhist lotus on my arm?

At the time I got the tattoo I was confused with life... Direction, purpose, goals, meaning.. I had obstacles and self goals I had to achieve and was in a standstill (not drug-related or any of that sort). I looked to the pain tattooing offers and how it puts your mind in a zoned-out state, which I now thrive for when I'm stressed. It's therapy to me. I'll update you when I find an artist to finish this tattoo. The windbars were left open to expand."

The tattoo was done by Lee at Infinity Tattoo in Manhattan.

Thanks again yo Danny for sharing his koi with us here at Tattoosday!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

A good reminder as we begin a weekend full of possibility!


I hope you have a beautiful, magical weekend! xoxo

*image via weheartit

A Slice of...San Francisco!

for my new blog feature


This week I'm excited to feature my friend Mari, who is telling us all about her wonderful city of San Francisco! I've known Mari forever and ever, all the way back to our old livejournal days, and I've always adored her. Mari is a wonderful person in and out, and I had a great time reading through her submission, and I know you will all enjoy it too! And if you get a moment, pop over and say hi to her via Twitter!


{a lovey little map of the San Francisco 'hoods by Wendy MacNaughton; view from Baker Beach at dusk}

Everyone has this one single moment in San Francisco - your eyes meet something or someone and it becomes your city. My heart was stolen the moment I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge and I know I'll never get it back. This place is simply intoxicating and my words, photos and descriptions will never do it justice, as it means so much to so many people. I could write about the little things in every neighborhood for days on end. How around every corner lies a new treasure. This city packs so much in it's tiny 7X7 space and it's such an honor to be able to write about my San Francisco.


I'm Mari, a 29 year old living every day to it's fullest. I'm a mommy, a yogi, a cupcake enthusiast, and a lover of all things beautiful. Here are my top 5 places/things in the lovely San Francisco. (note: I started with a top 37)

{Palace of Fine Arts}

Beautiful right? I figured this would be the best place to start. The moment I laid eyes on this magnificent structure I went through so many emotions. I cried, I laughed, I stood in awe. It's right in the middle of a neighborhood, and on any given weekend you can find families picnicing on the lawn, couples exchanging wedding vows, an ice cream man, children chasing ducks. It's where I went when my father died, it's where I go to collect my thoughts, it's where I go to remind myself how grand life really is.

{Flora Grubb}

Paradise. Flora Grubb is the mecca of fancy garden space. Who knew it was possible to make gardening to hip? This place is absolutely spectacular. Get a cup of ritual coffee, browse through latest issue of dwell, and be amazed at the the vertical gardens.

{Zazie}

Breakfast is my weakness and Zazie is my go-to spot. Yes, the wait is so long you feel like you're waiting with the entire Cole Valley neighborhood, but it's well worth it. My favorite? French Toast Tahiti with caramelized bananas and walnuts. It's heaven on a plate - trust me.

{Ferry Building Farmers Market}

Fruits, vegetables, flowers, breads, meats, eggs, herbs! This is by far my favorite farmers market in the bay area. It's open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and each season brings something new and fresh. It gets crowded, so I tend to be an early bird to avoid the masses. Added bonus - Miette. It's the most perfect little pastry shop inside the Ferry Building. Macaroon anyone?

{Dolores Park}

Dolores Park has the most breathtaking views of the city. On warm summer nights it hosts movies in the park and on scorching summer days it's so packed you can rarely find a piece of grass to sit on, let alone a place to park. It's a lovely place to people watch, to picnic, to lay on a blanket and just simply be.

Oh, San Francisco. You have my heart. You inspire me in ways I never knew possible.

Honorable Mention: Shopping on Valencia, Bi-Rite creamery, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Mission Taquerias. I could go on forever.

"San Francisco itself is art, above all literary art. Every block is a short story, every hill a novel. Every home a poem, every dweller within immortal. That is the whole truth."

- William Saroyan

Steve's Sleeve of Leaves Ushers in the Fall Season

Earlier this month, I met Steve on the D train, as we headed home to Brooklyn.

He had a veritable panorama of fall foliage on his left arm and he happily shared his autumnal tattoos with us here at Tattoosday.

It only seemed fitting that, as summer has ended, we celebrate the new season with some fall colors.

Behold, Steve's sleeve o' leaves:



The eleven maple leaves on Steve's arm were all inked free hand by Mark Harada at Manhattan's East Side Ink over four sittings.


Steve acknowledges that the leaves changing colors represent a change, and these colorful symbols remind him that change is good.


Happy Autumn to all! And thanks to Steve for sharing his fallen maple leaves with us here on Tattoosday!