Tattoos

Tattoos are a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. The word tattoo, (tattow 18th century), is a derived from the Polynesian word tatau, meaning “correct, workmanlike”.

Previously known as scarring, pricking, painting, or staining the word tattoo was brought to Europe by the explorer James Cook.

Tattoo enthusiasts may refer to tattoos as “ink”, “pieces”, “skin art”, “tattoo art”, “tats”, or “work”; to the creators as “tattoo artists”, “tattooers”, or “tattooists”; and to places where they work as “tattoo shops”, “tattoo studios”, or “tattoo parlors”.

Usage of the terms “skin art” and “tattoo art” is gaining greater support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of both conventional and custom tattoo designs.

The Krewe de Tat is a series of paintings about tattoos. Although these pieces are inspired by photos of tattoos of real people, these are paintings which seek to represent the ideas behind these body markings while simulating the graphic, inking style

Tattoos seem to show a sexier side of desire. These images picture more than just beauty and allure but go deeper with fantasies of temptation, sexy aggressiveness, passion, religion and even bondage. The tattoo world has become the ultimate in chic.

Tattoos reflect who we are, who we want to be and where we aspire to go. Tattoos may be conceived to shock, impress, titillate, or amuse and ultimately to communicate a message of self, style and sentiment.