Bakotopia

All > Rants & Raves > Interests
Tattoo Tales
Topics: Tattoos, Bakersfield, Bakotopia, Ink, art, Expression, local, Stories, tattoo, blog
Posted by Bakontributor Wed Sep 19, 2007 14:35:38 PDT
Viewed 37009 times
0 responses 1 comment

Tattoo Tales
Expressing yourself with ink in Bako is more popular than ever.


WoofWoof: “This is my family tattoo. My mom passed away Sept. 11, 2001 and I wanted something special with her and my sons. Manakin Tattoo’s Josh Hibbard did the work.
“It’s a Libra sign that represents me. The water sign is my mother, and my sons are on the scales. I also have my element of fire on there which also represents my sons and the air pushing the fire up. It took two sittings of five hours each and one touch up. Yes, I get weird looks but that’s OK. I didn’t do it for others. I did it for me. My sons were both with me and it just made it that more meaningful to me. People shouldn’t judge you for your tattoos - BUT they do.”


AltPinUp: “I have stars tattooed on my lower back and each one is for each special friend or family member who has passed in the last few years. I always have guys telling me, ‘Oh baby, you got me seeing stars,’ and things of that nature. I guess you could say I dress to show off my tattoo. I’m not big with latest trends, but I shop at many the local shops and thrift stores in town.”


Tatdude:“My Bettie Page nurse tattoo on my arm represents the fight against breast cancer, which is inspired by the Healing Art Foundation. The tattoo includes an awareness ribbon for Tats for a Cure. Since tattoos are a great way of healing the heart, mind and soul, I wear my heart and art on my sleeve.”


DeadSexyTattoo: “I had the pleasure of collecting a portrait from one of my inspirations of the industry, tattoo artist Nate Beavers. I knew he’d be the artist who could immortalize my loving pet - ‘Chickie.’ She had to be left behind in Michigan, but is forever in my heart and is now on my skin. I chose the left side of my neck so I could share my body art with the world!”

TATTOO TALES II
(CLICK TAT BELOW TO READ)

What’s the story behind your tattoo? Post them on www.bakotopia.com, to be used for an ongoing series in Bakotopia Magazine!

*Originally Printed in Bakotopia Magazine, Issue 11, 9 - 21 - 07

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: octopussy

I've been getting tattoos for over ten years. My mom always hated tattoos and told me that having them would change how some people perceive and treat me. I hate to say it, but Mom was right! As a model I've been turned down for jobs because I don't look "all-American" or "girl-next-door-" enough for some jobs due to the large amount of artwork I have. As a citizen I've had cops and business-owners treat me with suspicion and then change their tune when they find out I'm a real live tax-paying government employee myself! I think my biggest pet peeve is with the people (and I don't mean children) who take it upon themselves to grab at or touch my tattoos. There seems to be an assumption that if I did this to my body then it must be open season to walk up and put their hands on me. The rude comments and general ignorance about the art itself never ceases to amaze me, but I don't regret a single drop of ink.I think that if you're going to get a tattoo it should mean something to you, don't just pick some crap off of the wall. You'll be less likely to regret it later. A lot of the "tattoo scene" people complain that tattoos are becoming too trendy because of shows like Miami Ink. That might be true, but I'll still be happy with my decision to celebrate my skin by tattooing the hell out of it when it's all said and done. And in the meantime, my mom's come to terms with the fact that not all tattooed people are criminals or cruds and has even admitted that she likes a couple of mine.