Tattoo Nation

I just watched a really interesting documentary film called Tattoo Nation. It is the true story of the ink revolution and stars Danny Trejo, Don Ed Hardy and Freddy Negrete; plus a whole lot of other really cool people. It was a fascinating film that explains how tattooing evolved in the USA, but especially in the Los Angeles area. The narration and interviews takes the viewer on a journey of how tattoos were once illegal and symbolized a person as either being a sailor, a rebel, or a convict coming out of prison. Well, true enough I guess, at least in the beginning of the American tattoo culture. But tattoos went from being illegal and shunned to being hugely popular to the extent of 40% of the American population now has a tattoo. But let's back up a bit to who actually changed the face of tattoos in L.A.  It was the Chicano gang culture that were responsible for this creative shift in tattooing. Although they perfected their art while in prison, the Chicanos became masters of using different shades of the dark ink. Because of this, they were able to create real masterpieces of art. The art form changed as well. Instead of doing  generic images, they were creating artwork that was full of self expression. Art work that told a story.

This film was an excellent source of information pertaining to the  American tattoo culture. A great overview of the people, the history of the tools, and the history of the local cultures.  I don’t want to spoil the movie...so go watch it on Netflix's or you can watch for free on some internet channels (just google it.

                                          TATTOO NATION TRAILER

#TattooNation    #tattoo   #movies

Introduction

It may seem cliche to say that "every picture has a story", but the reality is that every picture does have a story. If the image does not have a story per say, then the story revolves around the creation of that image.

Hello, my name is Patricia Travers. Since what seems to be forever, I have loved tattoos. When I look at a tattoo, I see many things. I see art, a story, and a piece of someones history. I see pop culture and ancient symbols. There is love. There is pain. There is devotion. And then I see the person who so beautifully displays them.

On more occasions than I care to admit, I have been that crazy woman who goes up to strangers and asks them the significance of their skin art. Mostly, and thank goodness, people respond well and like to share their stories or give a modest body tour.

As for me, up until now, I have never gotten a tattoo. The reason for this was because as a single parent/student/writer, I just didn't have the money to do it, or couldn't justify spending money on myself. But a funny thing happens once you turn 50. You begin to look at life a little differently. Time seems to be a little less generous. There is a call to adventure and rediscovering your authentic self.

I hope you will join me as I journey down the road of Tattoo Culture, sharing my personal stories and the stories and art of others. 

Thank you!