Roughly three years ago, when I turned fifty-five years of age, I became enamored with a facet of Americana that most people associate with those in their teens and twenties…tattoos!! This new fascination began with the plethora of tattoo-artist inspired TV shows (ex. LA Ink, Inked, Miami Ink) found on cable channels such as TLC and A&E. Having long been widely-regarded amongst their peers, practitioners such as Ami James. Chris Garver, Kat Von D, and Corey Miller have now become household names.
(I know, you’re already thinking I’ve lost my marbles…just wait.)
My newfound interest in the art is shared by many others…if you’ve viewed any of these TV shows, you know that tattoo conventions showcasing many well-known tattoo artists are attended by thousands, and their popularity continues to grow. If you want to get a tattoo by some of the major artists, you had better be prepared to book an appointment, through the artist’s website, at least one year in advance!
What really hooked me was when I saw the cubist artwork by one of the world’s foremost tattooists, a gentleman simply known as “Bugs.” Before we delve into his work, let me provide you a bit of background: Cubism is an art movement that was started in the early 1900’s and is perhaps best-known through the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. The style is one where various objects are broken up and reassembled in some abstract manner, thereby allowing the artist to present multiple viewpoints of the painting’s subject matter, offering you the viewer greater context in however you choose to interpret the piece. Woman with a Guitar by Braque, shown here, is one of the better known examples of cubist art.
OK, back to Bugs. A native Frenchman, who has been practicing his art for some twenty-five years, Bugs is regarded as a “master” in the tattoo world, and has carved an equally creative niche on canvas as well as skin. He actually began as an art student before turning tattoo artist, and gained fame through his illustrative cubist-style tattoos while practicing in London. While continuing to travel the world, he is currently based in the Los Angeles area at The Tattoo Lounge. His work, in my opinion, is absolutely breathtaking both in scope and design. Here’s a link to his personal website so you can independently judge his art.
By now you’re probably asking why I haven’t followed-through with my desire to get a tattoo. Surprisingly it has nothing to do with the preconceived notion held by many that tattoos are only for the criminal element, athletes and flaky Hollywood celebrities…nothing could be further from the truth. No, my two obstacles are based upon two of society’s bedrocks: religion and marriage.
I’m Jewish and my faith has long held that because the body is a gift from the Lord, and therefore sacred, making any markings is a distinct sign of disrespect. Now while I’m not very religious, I do try to adhere to some of my religion’s basic tenets. I have to admit, however, that my new-found level of respect for the art of tattooing is gradually allowing me to “deal” with this problematic doctrine.
It’s the second obstacle that poses the greater long-term difficulty; namely that I dearly love my wife and wish to remain married! I have been told in no uncertain terms “get a tattoo and you’re out the door!” One tattoo would immediately turn me into Rodney Dangerfield…hey, I tell ya’ I get no respect! Sheesh, what’s a guy have to do? In my case, the answer is to temporarily shelve the idea of getting a tattoo so I can still gain entrance to my own household. Best not to disturb the Gods and my wife (not necessarily in that order), lest I find myself (you got it)…done and done.
-Neal
