2008.12.16
The body as a canvas?
We've all done something we regret when we were young and dumb.
I shudder at the thought of walking around now as a 46-year-old woman with a middle-age spread---and a navel ring. The ring was many pounds ago, and thankfully, it was removed after only a few months because it wouldn't heal.
I think of my own experience when I see these Adonis-like athletes with beautifully sculpted, perfect human-specimen bodies marred with--tattoos!? (OK, I guess they call it "body art" these days.)
(In the interest of full disclosure: I don't like tattoos, said the woman who once foolishly had her gut pierced. Sorta has the ring of, "Don't do as I do; do as I say!")
Having a portrait that stretches up one's chiseled arm and down the other and across a ripped torso may turn on all the young hotties now. But what happens when nature, gravity or too many trips to the all-you-can-eat buffet start to show up on top of that muscle?
A correspondent and I have had this conversation. Sure, people have had tattoos forever. You'd see an occasional anchor, heart or snake on someone's upper arm easily hidden under a short-sleeve shirt.
But these days, some young folks look like walking canvases, with words in 120-point-type, scenes, faces or all three taking up real estate on huge chunks of their bodies.
What's up with that?
s
I'm a 30 year old man with many tattoos, including one on my forearm that is visible if I wear short sleeves and two on my calves that are visible when I wear shorts.
To begin with, I'm not especially "ripped," although I'm many pounds away from "middle age spread." I know that my body will change as I age and that's something I've considered before each of my tattoos. Ultimately I believe that change is always something that happens to our bodies with age, and I am willing to accept the outcome of age+tattoos.
My body is a canvas, and the tattoos I have are art-- in some cases literally, since my tattoos include a woodcut by artist Rockwell Kent. I also have a piece of poetry, and a half sleeve that is a tribute to my family and our history in the American South.
My tattoos are very important to me and represent things that I feel are integral to my life. My tattoos are a permanent, always-there way to remind myself of the things that are important to me. Incidently, one of my tattoos is an image of the Mill Mountain star.
I don't have multiple large tattoos because I haven't considered their permanence and the role they will play in my life; I have tattoos because they are permanent and because they remind me what I love, who I am, and who I want to be. I understand that not everyone will like my tattoos. I didn't get them for anyone but myself, and while other people are entitled to opinions about what my body looks like (tattooed or not, fat or not, short/ tall/ skinny/ pierced/ whatever or not), I assume that we live in a time where people are able to separate their feelings about what my body looks like from their feelings about me.
Very insightful.--s
Comment by seth — December 16, 2008 @ 9:08 pm
As I was created in the image of God, I don't believe any man can improve on God's great work. Therefore no tattoos, piercings or any body art for me.
Comment by Shaun — December 16, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
I used to be biased against people who had a lot of tattoos on their body. At some point, I had an awakening and learned that it is better for me (and all) if I base my opinions of others on their behavior and actions rather than the choices they make about their tattoos, dress, etc.
I wouldn't say I'm "perfect" at that. There are still times when I think a certain look is not appropriate for a situation. That's just the traditionalist in me. But after meeting, and in some cases befriending, some people with a few, many, small, and large tattoos, I've learned that people I once thought would be "bad news" are not much unlike myself.
Now not to say I don't snort at some people. Like the ones that get a tattoo just to "be different"...and select some stock tattoo from a book in the shop.
Funny story, partially relevant. I went out to a restaurant with my parents some years ago. As we were paying for our check, the cashier reached out for the money and revealed a "Gangsta Bitch" tattoo on her forearm. It didn't exactly scream High Class Lady to me. To me, there is a large step between Seth's tribute to his family and her gratuitous glorification of pointlessness.
Comment by Ed S. — December 16, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
So you don't get haircuts?
Every week.--s
Comment by seth — December 16, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
To each his own.I have friends and family members that have body rings and tattoos but none for me. I have a question and please dont take this in a wrong racial way.My question is,If people of color are so proud of their tattoos how come they dont get them done in white so that they would show up more? That goes for anybody with a tan. Just wondering.I have seen some works of art on people that would be better in white rather than blue or black. I guess I see things and color value a little different because I like to paint with oil paint on a canvas.
Comment by charlie — December 17, 2008 @ 9:36 am
First, I'd like to let everyone know that the new Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke includes in its' initial exhibits an entire room devoted to tattoo art, and it is very interesting. I highly recommend a visit.
On a wall in the exhibit is a photo of a tattoo shop owner from Norfolk in the 1930's. This reminds us that the quintessential tattoo consumer used to be rowdy sailors, and they were otherwise usually seen on social fringe groups like circus performers and outlaw bikers. They also were used for identifying prisoners, and their image as a result was associated with nonconformity and social alienation. Lost on those ignorant of history is the irony that today's very trendy, often conformist act of getting tattooed has evolved 180 degrees from the earlier status of tattoos as a marker of true non-conformity. So, many younger tattoo wearers are oblivious to the fact that to those who know the past, tattoos, while they may be claimed to be purely individual decoration, and regardless of their art, often are also seen as tangible proof of conformist surrender.
The fact that tattoos may be less desireable as one ages also stems from more than merely shifting body shapes, it has to do with shifting psyches. As one's psychic needs change thoughout life, the identity we once had may change enough that being permanently labeled with an obsolete tattoo can be frustrating. I have a close relative who's a Mayo clinic trained surgeon, and discussions with this person have allowed me to understand the extent to which younger folks have been oversold on the ease of tattoo removal. A small tattoo may be fairly easy to remove with dermabrasion or laser blanching, but larger and more prominent tattoos can leave discoloration that will not yield to further repair. Most of all, the effects of dermal ink injections on long range health, such as melanoma genesis, has not been adequately documented. There are certainly examples of melanomas that were hidden by tattoo ink with tragic results.
I also have been blessed to know two survivors of the Nazi concentration camps, whose tattooed camp ID's remain as a reminder of things infinitely more profound than discretionary body art for comfortable people. For those who wish to have a visible marker of decoration that escapes the suspicion of conformity, try cheloids. That is to say, Scars. Then you will be recognized for your individual choice in body modification, and your commitment to its' permanence.
Comment by PJ — December 17, 2008 @ 11:57 am
"We've all done something we regret when we were young and dumb" "bodies marred with--tattoos" Shanna darling, I generally love you and usually delight in your columns. However, this one smacks of a judgmental attitude that I deplore.
When I was 45 I chose to get a tattoo that truly means a great deal to me and I love it.
I also appreciate good tattoo work (it really can be a beautiful work of art and creativity) and admire anyone who is willing to risk condemnation and abhorrence such as you demonstrate (as do many others) for the devotion to their choice. Is it for everyone? No. If you consider it a mistake of youth, or that it disfigures the body then of course you should not do it, but that is a leap away from writing about it in such a manner and regretting it for other people.
Five years on and I am still loving mine and I know and respect people with some very interesting (and more importantly) meaningful and skillfully done tattoos.
'ppreciate the love, Sandi. I wrote the post not to be judgmental but to truly understand the thinking behind expansive tattoos. Seth, in the first response, articulated that very well. My sister sports a small tat--a sunburst on her back. As I said, body art isn't my thing, but neither are deviled eggs. I realize lots of people enjoy those things, and it doesn't make them bad. I think Ed S. best summed up my feelings---I'm more of a "traditionalist."--s
Comment by Sandi Saunders — December 17, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
this sounds more like confessions of body art than tattoos. My first tattoo was more like follow the leader or tradition in the Navy. While going from tattoo parlor to tattoo parlor in Hong Kong, the shops were swelled with sailors violating military regs: No Tattoos in Hong Kong due to the high rate of hepatitis. Somehow drinking Captain Q and getting a Tattoo made more sense than Naval Regulation.
So as I took my turn sitting on the trash can in the darken alley of Hong Kong, Van Noc went to work drilling and tracing my body of work on my chest a heart with an arrow and the words "If you love me prove it". 1986 was a long time ago and I don't regret it.
But some of the Tattoos of today are just bizarre. tattoos in the face and neck, it's more to the point a bull in a glass shop and vulgarity of epic proportions. It seems people have no ideal of the work environment and the future for gainful employment with the stuff inked on them.
Just this past summer I saw a little blond girl about 8 maybe 9 yrs old and mother both wearing tank top style shirts and both sporting the exact same Belly Button ornamentation.
So are both of you actually pierced, I asked? the mother said, yes I was in more pain than she was. Those words will resonate in my head for years to come.
The body of artwork also shows us another side of people,
Their mental state and values.
Comment by Static Lines — December 17, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
Nothing looks worse than a 60 yr ole broad with a 6in Tweedy bird on her ankle!!
Comment by Bobby — December 18, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
opinions are great and we all have them,
think what yu may of people with tattoo's. i have 7 and spent my hard earned money on each of them, look at me as you want but i am very proud of my art work...
1) it teaches my boys, they can be themselves and be succesful.
2) they are respectful and not distasteful, unless you are just agianst tattoo's as you are.
3) they represent my life.... one is my boys names so they are always with me..
and they are are butterlys either alone or with tribal work... you want to know why? change.. the butterfly starts out as a catepliar not something most people care for, then are some life events it turns into this beautiful creature that most everyone admires. showing that the inner beauty was always there it just wasnt looked for till the outside caught up with it.
4) no matter what my age or physic, im the only person that has to be happy with how i look.
i have been turned down for jobs because of my tattoo's and thats fine with me because that means it was not the place for me.
my ink was done at local shops ( alex's new tattoo and ancient art) and proffecionaly done, no jail house home made looking stuff, and i wouldnt change a single one.
our world runs of diversity, so why do we keep discriminating based on something like this?
and im shocked that such a biased opion was even allowed to be put out by an employee of the paper... thought you guys were not supposed to really give your opinion and be open minded??
I am an opinion writer.--s
Comment by opal — December 19, 2008 @ 9:59 am
i have ink and i have a succesful career and family. i am by nomeans ashamed or regretful of my art work.
i agree some people go over board or get things most would not want to be subjected to, including their ink, piercings, hair and clothing choices.
i also dont agree with allowing young children to have body piercings done or tattoo's, those are adult decisions.
however, i think that some of the opinions are very conservative based and very closed minded. the 60 yr old "broad" ( which using that word alone shows you have no respect for woman anyway) mat have that because it has a meaning to her.. maybe her nickname from her kids or husband, or maybe from her parents who since have passed away. Good art work of any kind should be appreicated, rather on skin, or canvas.
how many have stopped and asked people why they have them and do they mean anything to that person?
and do these tattoo's really harm you in any way? do they affect your life or how you live it?
how many peopel pay for portraits of ther family, loved one or beloved pets? then get it and hang it on a wall to collect dust and few peopel ever see it...
well my art work that i paid equally good funds for gets to be seen any time i want to show it, and it never collects dust or gets ignored, my work is always with me and i am always willing to share about it for those that ask, cause im not affended by questions about it and gladly share why i have them and what they mean. and like wise if i need them to be covered i just wear a pants suit or something similar.
and i enjoy the diversity the tattoo's give, like the ne
nope they just ( as stated before) allow you to discriminate agianst some one you dont know anything about.
and just think about the history you could learn by asking one of the nazi camp survivors about theirs.. and can yo uimagine what those numbers mean to them...and how it has changed and shaped thier lives.
if you like tattoo's thats great and if you dont thats great to, but keep in mind, you probably do something thats others find offensive , like smoke , drink, drugs, cuss... so why are you judging some one else? and for all those that are god fearing people.. i'm pretty sure it says that only god has the right to judge each of us!!!!
Comment by walking art — December 19, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I see the attitudes toward tattoos and piercings as more of a diversity issue than anything else. We should all learn to accept each other's differences. If you have prejudicial thoughts of someone's race, nationality, religion, sexual preference, job status, tattoos or piercings, clothing choices, and even hair style, keep your thoughts to yourself, try to look past it and you might discover there is a good person in there after all.
Comment by Paul — December 19, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
Tattoos are certainly a matter of personal choice, but when I see a college-age kid with something that looks like a dodo bird all over his or her back (and other places) I wonder what that person or his offspring might think of something like that in ten or twenty years. I have to believe in cases such as that, there are self-esteem issues at work. I've also read of cases where the tattoo-ee developed a reaction to the dye later in life, when the ink has become firmly embedded in one's system.
Comment by Mike — December 21, 2008 @ 3:56 am