What defines art?  A lot of people believe that true art is paint upon canvas, watercolor upon paper or the likes.  A sculpted piece of marble.  A sketched portrait.

There is another type of art which has been gaining a lot of acceptance among the general public as of late.  It is a much more permanent form of art.

Tattooing.  Art upon skin.  How much more personal can it get.

That is not to imply that tattooing is a new concept.  The first recorded indications of tattoo are from 2000 BC thanks to the Egyptians.  Many cultures have tattooed themselves for centuries as a sign of maturity or to wear their family crest.  It is a long honored sign of power to some.

For a long time however, especially in Northern America, tattooing was seen as something which thugs did.  In recent years, this image has begun to change and it is now much more socially accepted.  Thanks to mainstream programs like Miami Ink and Inked, many people are seeing the process on their televisions and they are getting to understand some of what drives people to get such a permanent piece of art.

Miami Ink

Inked

Of the two, Miami Ink actually has more tattooing.  Inked has some very talented people, however much of the show revolves around the drama that occurs in the shop.  Miami Ink has some of this as well, though far less.  Most of the attention is in the work.

Furthermore, Miami Ink has two of my favorite tattoo artists; Chris Garver and Kat Von D (who guest stars occasionally).  Presented here are various tattoos from Miami Ink.

This feature was not intended to be an in-depth article/essay on the art of tattooing.  Frankly, it has been my experience that most people who appreciate tattoos prefer to look at them than to read about them.

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