Ink Artist
Tattoos have been an art form since ancient times, practiced by many cultures across the globe. Ink has even been found on a 5,000-year-old mummy in the Alps. Over the last few decades, tattoos have evolved from crude dedications to “Mom” to being featured on the walls of renowned art museums.
Tighter health regulations, better technology and pigments also have allowed ink artists to create more intricate and striking designs, showing off their skills as fine artists. Many tattoo artists hold fine arts degrees or have spent years studying illustration and drawing. These skills allow artists to create stunning custom artwork that also tells a story, including lifelike portraits and vibrant whole-body tattoos. Back-alley tattoo parlors have been replaced with tattoo studios occupying high-end retail areas, catering to celebrities and others who can afford the best work money can
buy. Tattoo artistry also has receivedmainstream recognition, appearing as museum exhibits and with major national conventions dedicated to the craft. “Skin,” a documentary released late last year, explores tattoos as fine art.
Since 2001, a project called the Art Fusion Experiment has featured internationally renowned tattoo artists creating collaborative works of art on paper and canvas. The work is auctioned off and proceeds benefit local charities that support the arts.