The Milton Keynes 2011 Tattoo Convention Slideshow

The event was held at stadium:mk on Saturday and Sunday and attracted plenty of ink artists, from the local area and as far away as Scotland.




Sources
La Sumisa

Erie Tattoo Convention

You need a whole lotta love for Led Zeppelin to play their music and nothing else in a tribute band. You need a whole lotta chutzpah to do it if your band features all women.

Steph Paynes has both.

When she started Lez Zeppelin in 2004, she knew an all-female tribute would need to work hard to win over Zep fans.

"Everyone was skeptical," said Paynes, who plays the Jimmy Page parts and brings Lez Zeppelin to Friday's Erie Tattoo Convention at the Avalon Hotel, 16 W. 10th St.

"As much as we like to say it's 2011 and there's no sexism in the world, and everyone thinks we're equal, the truth is the majority of the audience -- if they haven't seen us -- don't really think we're going to pull off whatever Led Zeppelin was in terms of power and technique and all the rest. So, when we do that, they're still stunned.

"In a sense, you almost have to be better," Paynes added. "You really have to be better to make sure there is no doubt in their minds that what they're seeing is for real. And that's been our trail of believing. We're leaving huge, jaw-dropped audiences in our wake."

You don't earn raves in Spin and play such festivals as Bonnaroo and Columbus, Ohio's Rock on the Range if you don't have the goods. Lez Zeppelin has proved itself live and recently did the same in the studio, fastidiously re-creating Zep's still-staggering 1969 debut.

"We matched very closely the sounds, the feel and the layers of the first record to the point where many times you couldn't tell them apart without the vocals," Paynes said. "We used all the vintage equipment that Led Zeppelin used. We fought very hard for those textures and those sounds."

"Dazed and Confused" remains one of Paynes' favorites to play live (along with "The Rain Song").

"It's a beautiful piece for guitar. It's complete in the sense that it's got all of Jimmy's tricks."

It's hard for her to pin down her favorite Zep album. Picking the best Zep concert is easier; she saw the 2007 reunion.

"I had never seen Led Zeppelin, so I was a bit shellshocked, like everyone else," Paynes said. "I saw Dave Grohl hanging around at an after-party. We were talking about how stunned we were by what we had just seen. They completely rose to the occasion."

She also met Zep bassist John Paul Jones afterward.

"I was introduced as a member of Lez Zepplin, and he was all over it. He was like, 'I heard so much about your band and I'm dying to see you.' It was amazing to me that he knew so much about the group."

Zeppelin didn't follow up with a tour. Lez Zep aims to fill the vacuum.

"I felt I had the torch to run with," she said. "We really had this responsibility, almost, to deliver this music as intense and in as passionate a way as possible."

Lez Zepplin caps the tattoo convention's opening night; Sacred 13 (8 p.m.) and Icarus Witch (9 p.m.) also play. Saturday features Scarwork (8 p.m.), Night Haven (9 p.m.) and Hammersmith (10 p.m.). Metallica tribute Whiplash (8 p.m.) plays Sunday.

More than 40 tattoo artists -- including national names Marshall Bennett, Eva Huber, and Danny Fugate -- will participate.

"It's basically an opportunity for local people of Erie to get tattoos from some really phenomenally famous artists who would (otherwise) not be in this area," said Nick Hanna of Edinboro's Game Over Tattoo.

Cost is $40 for a weekend pass or $20 per day. Partial proceeds benefit Hair Peace Charities. You can schedule appointments online at www.erietattooconvention.com. For more on the convention, see Friday's Erie Times-News.


Sources
La Sumisa
Erie Tattoo Convention


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The 15th annual Atlanta Tattoo Festival

The latest trends in tattooing, as well as some ancient techniques, are the big draw at the 15th annual Atlanta Tattoo Festival, where dozens of the world’s most well-known tattoo artists will display and demonstrate their artwork.

In some cases, they may even tattoo you, if you dare.

Highlights from this year’s roster of talent include Pili Mo'o, who is known as the "Tufinga Tatau," or "traditional tatau master," who has traveled from the Canary Islands for live demonstrations of the traditional Marquesian and Polynesian tattoo style.

The three-day event features seminars, vendors and a poolside bikini contest.

New this year is the addition of live music with Six Shot Revival, Kadense, and Killer and the Savage. Other highlights include a book talk and signing with Crazy Philadelphia Eddie, a noted tattoo artist who has chronicled his life in six volumes, beginning with his start at Coney Island, where tattoos cost 50 cents apiece in 1952.

“These are not your everyday tattoos and definitely nothing like the heart with ‘mom’ written on it,” festival director Jennifer Reyes said. “Some artists are so specialized, focusing for example on just underwater sea creatures or mechanical drawings. The tattoos will absolutely blow your mind.”

Event preview

15th annual Atlanta Tattoo Festival

3 p.m. to midnight June 3-4; noon to 7 p.m. June 5. Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta-Perimeter Northwest, 6345 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta. One-, two- and three-day passes for $20, $30 and $40. 18 and under admitted free. www.atlantatattooartsfestival.com.


Sources
La Sumisa
Access Atlanta


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Mexico Tattoo Expo 2011 Photos

Here are some of the photos taken at the 2011 Mexico Tattoo Expo celebrated in Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico, Saturday, April 30, 2011.

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Tribal Art Meets Flower Power in Nepal Festival of Body Paint

As Nilu Shah leans forward in her chair, her shoulder becomes an artists' canvas. The Nepalese tattooist Ujjwol Mathema is more than happy to needle in.

"I can only smile … it tickles," said Ms Shah, 24, of the bird's wing that is her first tattoo.

Organisers of the inaugural three-day Nepal International Tattoo Convention, which closed on Sunday, hope Ms Nilu's pleasure will be shared by others. They hope that one day so-called "tattoo travellers" will flock to the capital of the mountain state for body art, and that their visits will bring in badly needed tourist dollars.

Nepal's image in the West has historically been confined to Buddhism, Mt Everest backdrops and treks through the snow-capped Himalayas.

More recently, the nation has been the battleground of a divisive Maoist insurgency that forced some developed countries to issue travel advisories.

Since the decade-long civil war ended in 2006, it has struggled to develop its economy and its potentially vital tourist sector.

But in recent months, the country of 29 million people has launched several tourist initiatives - both private and state-sponsored - known collectively as Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

This year, the Canadian rock star Bryan Adams became the first Western act to play Nepal. Now, two months later, the nation has hailed the success of the Nepal International Tattoo Convention.

The tattoo shop owner and body art historian Mohan Gurung is credited as the creative force behind the convention. He said the aim was to launch an annual forum in which local and international body artists and tattoo enthusiasts "can interact and interpret tattoos as an art form and not just some abstract fad".

Mr Gurung said Nepal was the perfect place for such an event because of its tradition, location and links to unconventional, counter-cultural movements that stretch back to the Flower Power heyday of the 1960s.

On Friday, amid the sounds of punk and metal music, tattoo artists from Britain, Spain, Italy, Germany, Thailand, India and the United States, along with aficionados from around the world, converged on Kathmandu for the festival of bodypaint.

In 97 indoor stalls, tattooists displayed their artwork in booklets as enthusiasts browsed and some brave souls surrendered their skin.

Participants' motives were as diverse as the designs. Puskar Thapa, 20, a student, said having his name inked in on the underside of his left wrist was about being a part of pop culture.

"Guinness" Rishi, 70, from India, said his ambition was to "spread the message of world peace". Known as the "Human Flag Pole", Mr Rishi is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most national flags emblazoned on his flesh - 305 flag and 185 map tattoos.

He said he intended to add 30 more before the end of the convention.

For Yasramiya Chaudhary, from western Nepal, it's all about tradition. The 66-year-old was first tattooed at the age of 20 because it was mandatory in her tribe before marriage.

"Otherwise, my in-laws wouldn't eat anything I cooked," said Ms Chaudhary, whose hands, feet and chest are inscribed with tribal art.

Despite being an integral part of some of Nepal's ethnic cultures, tattoos have had a sketchy reputation in the nation's past.

They were once synonymous with the "free love" ideology made popular by the hippies who strolled Kathmandu's backpacker hub known as Freak Street during the late-1960s and 1970s.

Another reason for disparagement was cultural. For centuries, members of Nepal's lower castes would decorate their bodies with stars and moons in the belief that once their soul left their body they would be recognised in heaven.

Mr Gurung said that the perception of tattoos has changed in recent years and that they are now "becoming an acceptable art form".

Established 12 years ago, Mr Gurung's shop is one of the oldest tattoo parlours in Kathmandu. He said his clients range from tourists to college students and even to white-collar professionals. His waiting list is eight months' long, he said.

The beauty of Nepali art, with its colourful depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses, has helped Nepal become a popular destination for tattoos, said Mr Gurung.

"The underground scene has now transformed into a mainstream business," Mr Gurung said at his studio, Mohan's Tattoo Inn, in the tourist district of Thamel. There are roughly 30 tattoo parlours between the Thamel area and Freak Street, and more may be on the way.

Local tattoo artists, like Mr Mathema said there is room for improvement. "There's money moving in but they're not focusing on hygiene, quality or environment," said Mr Mathema, who opened his tattoo parlour, Ujo Tattoo, on Freak Street in February.

Mr Mathema said he wants to set a standard. His tattoo education began in Australia, and he has professional experience in Thailand, India and Dubai.

At the convention, Mr Mathema was one of the few artists who covered his mouth with a mask.

Health concerns, pain and indecision are common reasons to avoid tattoos, said Mr Mathema. But for diehard tattooists like these two, "tattoos aren't just tattoos".

"I have a relationship with my tattoos," Mr Gurung said of his 25 pieces of body art. "It's a collection of memories," he said, adding that the images are dedicated to his wife, children, friends and travelling experiences.

Sitting for her first tattoo, Ms Shah said she wanted her new image to be "special and different" from anyone else's design.

"For me, it's about the art and the feelings associated with it," she said. "I'll always have my first tattoo associated with this event [the first Nepal Tattoo Convention] and in some way I hope to be a part of an interesting history."

Sources
La Sumisa
Bibek Bhandari from The National



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Indian Tattoos - The Indian Ink Tattoo Expo 2011

Girish Giridhara’s arms are tattooed with Hindu gods, goddesses and sacred mantras. The spiritual designs are intricate but also hardly surprising for a man who once trained to be a priest.

Shaven-headed, with gold earrings and a red tilak on his forehead, the 36-year-old tattoo artist looks relaxed in a sleeveless t-shirt, knee-length shorts and flip-flops at the Indian Ink tattoo convention.

The exhibition in Mumbai this weekend is billed as India’s first, with organisers hoping to tap into a growing interest in permanent body art among young Indians.

But Girish, an exhibitor at the event, knows that body art in India is not a new trend set by cricketers or movie stars.

Tattooing has been an integral part of Indian tribal culture for centuries and no Hindu wedding is complete without the mehndi ceremony, where the bride’s hands and feet are elaborately decorated in non-permanent henna.

“It (tattooing) is documented in the Vedas (scriptures) from the time of (the Hindu epic) “It’s been around for a long time, then it disappeared for some reason. Now it’s come back,” Girish, who runs the Bramha Tattoo Studio in Bangalore. told AFP.

Reality television shows like “LA Ink” – about tattoo artists and their clients in Los Angeles – have helped changed the modern mindset towards tattoos in India, he said.

“About five years back people didn’t want to go for tattoos. They used think it was only for junkies. People are more open-minded now. It’s now being seen in a very good light.”

That change has also influenced designs, with previously popular Western and Japanese art making way for styles reflecting India’s rich and varied artistic, religious and cultural heritage and as a form of identity and self-expression.

Girish’s route into tattooing was unconventional. He comes from a family of Hindu priests and studied in temples between the age of eight and 15 to become one himself. He first became interested in body art aged eight, around the time of his threading ceremony – an initiation rite among upper-caste Hindu males to signify adult religious responsibilities – and developed his skills.

“There was a lot of opposition in my family (to him becoming a tattoo artist),” he said.

“But we asked the scholars and they said tattooing can be taken as an occupation by a priest if it involves spiritual guidance and medicinal use. So, I started tattooing.” Even though he may not be a practising priest in saffron robes, Girish still sees a divine element to his work.

A tattoo, he says, is carried with the soul after death and is a connection to the body’s past in the journey of reincarnation. He has also set himself a target of tattooing 10,000 people with the sacred Hindu syllable “om”, which he pays for himself.

“Many people can’t afford professional tattoos,” he explained. “That’s why I’m doing it… I’ve already completed about 1,000.” The sideline also allows him to educate the public about the dangers of getting cheap tattoos with unclean materials from untrained artists.

“It’s very dangerous,” said Girish. “They can spread hepatitis, HIV and skin diseases. It (tattooing) needs to be safe and knowledge is very important.” The sentiments chime with those of the convention organisers, who want to raise public awareness about how to get tattoos safely as well as the profile of the country’s most talented artists.

Co-organiser Shibhanii Shah, a 25-year-old photographer and artist, said there were some 100,000 tattoo artists in India, demonstrating the potential for development.

But she added: “We don’t have any rules on hygiene and that’s quite disappointing. India needs to get that level where we can show our talent and be as good and as safe a place as anywhere in the world to get a tattoo.”

The Indian Ink Tattoo Expo 2011 - Mumbai

The city got ready to host a first ever tattoo convention which started this weekend. Tattoo art moved from its punky, rebellious image to respectability.

Some think it is a rebellious act, while others think it's cool and consider it as a fashion statement. For many, it is a way to express themselves. Tattoos are poised to become mainstream in urban India. In ancient times, tattoos were popular in India and generally carried religious or spiritual meanings.

In modern times, India's rapid economic prosperity has brought changes in lifestyle of urban youth, who are largely going for western tattoo culture. An increasing number of tattoo studios in Mumbai is an indication of its popularity.

In fact, the latest move to popularise this art form is being undertaken in a more organised manner. This weekend, the city will play host to India's first tattoo convention.

The Indian Ink Tattoo Expo 2011, which will be held at the World Trade Centre in Cuffe Parade, will see tattoo artists from all over the country, showcasing their work. "We have 40-45 tattoo artists participating in the convention.

We have put up 35 stalls out of which 25 stalls are for the tattoo artists where they can showcase their work and anybody can walk in to get a tattoo done," says Shibanii Shah, Proprietor, Eventos Promotions and More.

The convention will also have an adequate representation from Mumbai. Apart from that, the event will have performances by various rock bands and dance troupes. Pay Rs 200 and get a pass for the two-day event.

Ask Shah if the entry fee is steep and she replies, "The whole event is targeted towards a niche audience. So people who are really interested in tattooing, won't mind paying this much."

The cost of organising the convention is around Rs 25 lakh, says Manoj Thakur, co-organiser. Renowned tattoo artists, like, Nepal's Mohan Gurung and Johnny from Singapore will be part of the event. The convention will also have a seminar on black and grey techniques by well-known tattoo artist, Nick Sharma.

Artists
While many participants are full time tattooists, others juggle between work and hobby. Prakash Baing (32), an art director at a gaming company, works as a tattoo artist in his free time. Baing, who used to paint in his studio, Packo Baing at Khargar (Navi Mumbai) to take a break from gaming, soon got hooked to tattooing. He says, "Human body is God's best creation and we decorate the body."

Baing says that his interest in tattooing developed after he visited Thailand nearly two years ago. "I went to Thailand on a holiday. I noticed that tattooing is big there. Since I was already into painting, I took a one-month course in tattooing and since then I have been hooked to it. I was already creative, the course helped me to learn the technical aspects of the art," says Baing.

After returning to Mumbai, Baing set up a studio. He now employs a full time tattoo artist in his studio. "I come to attend clients on weekends and after my work hours, usually in the evening," says Baing, who makes it clear that he does it outside his office hours.

Another part-time tattooist,Roshan Paul (23), started tattooing when he was just 17. Paul, who will be part of the convention, doesn't have a studio, and works as a visiting tattooist. Paul, who also works for an advertising firm, says, "A person is born with a tattoo. My job is just to get it on the skin."

Meaning
Many believe that tattoo is much more than just a fashion statement. "A lot of youngsters tell me that they want to get a tattoo done, but I usually don't entertain them. My clients should have an idea about what they want to get tattooed.

The idea has to be there and then it can be worked upon," says Paul. Baing agrees, "Why get something that you will regret for the rest of your life? When college kids approach me, I ask them think why they want to get something tattooed on their body.

Only after they are sure, I work on them." Unlike Baing and Paul, Al Alva is a full time tattoo artist and runs a tattoo parlour in Bandra (W). So how does he react when somebody approaches him for a tattoo? "Rather than asking why you would want a tattoo, I ask them why would you not want to have one? It is perfectly fine to have tattoos on your body," says Alva.

Business
Established artists can earn anything between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh a month, when business is good. Also, artists say gleefully that they are flooded with demands. Some appear so busy they decline new clients.

"I'm booked for the next seven months," says Paul. Dipesh Shah(28), owner of InkTribe, manufacturers and suppliers of tattoo equipment claims that he even exports tattoo machines abroad. Tattoo artists can charge anything between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for a tattoo, which is 6-12 inches long.

Acceptance
In fact tattoos, which were until recently sneered at, are gradually being accepted by society. "It is the same old thing that our forefathers had, so why would you be ashamed of it?" asks Alva. And yet tattoo artists say a large section of the Indian society is reluctant to accept this art form.

Dipesh, who got his first tattoo on his arm says, "I did not show it to my family for two years until one day my mother accidentally discovered it. Initially, my family members were upset. Now they are fine with it. I even got a picture of my parents' tattooed on my arm," says Dipesh, a biomedical engineer by profession.

A tattoo enthusiast, Dipesh has 14 tattoos on his body. Niyoti Upadhye (29), who has three tattoos on her body which includes a dragon fly on her index finger says that, says. initially her parents were not happy when they got to know that she had got a tattoo. "But after they saw it, they were fine with it," she says.

Influence
Tattoos can also have a deep impact on one's life style. For example, Vinay Narkar, an art director who will be modelling his tattoos at the convention for Paul's stall, turned vegetarian after getting his tattoo.

"I went for deep sea diving and was so touched by the beauty of the fishes that I decided to get a Blue Marlin tattooed on my arm. Earlier I used to have fish, but soon I turned vegetarian and completely stopped eating fish," says Narkar.

Many believe that the tattoo on your body becomes part of your personality and an integral part of your life. "I have seen people who have skulls or demons tattooed on their body, getting angry very fast. Similarly, tattoos like those of Ganesha have a calming effect," explains Paul. Rahul Bhatt, who starred in Bigg Boss season 4, has recently got a tattoo of a tiger done on his back.

Bhatt believes that as far as tattoo artists are concerned there is no dearth of talent but there needs to be some kind of regulation on tattoo parlours. "If a rookie decides to open a tattoo parlour and he is not well versed with the technique or doesn't maintain hygiene in the parlour, then chances of infection are there," says Bhatt.

Not only infection, tattoo artists claim that most of the time, they end up doing cover-ups. "Many of my clients ask me to work on tattoos which are already on their body. Either they have been done badly or the client is not happy. So we work on the tattoo and make it look better," explains Paul.

Regulation
The convention will be an opportunity for tattoo artists to take stock of where they stand and how they can popularise the art. In the West, tattoo parlours are required to obtain proper licenses from the authorities.

In India, it is unregulated and any fly-by-night operator can set up a tattoo parlour. If proper sterilisation method is not followed,then customers are susceptible to infection.

Says Ben Irani, an Indian American, who is going to launch his tattoo magazine, D-bloc, during the convention, "This convention will help us create a database of tattoo artists and the kind of work they are doing. It will also help us see and discuss protocol that is to be followed during tattooing."

Cosmetic Tattoos

With the expanding tattoo market, a new form of tattooing is fast emerging. Cosmetic tattooing is a technique where tattooing is done in a way to resemble make-up. For example, eyelining and permanent colours to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids are applied.

"Usually women prefer pink colour on their lips; darker shade of brown as lip liner; greyish black colour as eye liner; the colour of eyebrows depend on their hair colour," says Dr G Rana, a general practitioner who also runs a tattoo parlour in Wadala.

"We charge anything between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 depending on their requirements," explains Rana. Dr Ishwari Bhirude, a dentist by profession and one of Rana's customers, got a permanent darker shade of red on her lips, recently at Rana's parlour.

"I used to lick my lipstick off inadvertently and consume a lot of wax indirectly. My husband was really concerned. Hence I wanted permanent solution," says Bhirude. Bhirude, who is not a tattoo aficionado, went for cosmetic option.

"Now I just have to apply gloss," she says. Bhirude, now wants to go for a permanent eyeliner as she wants to stay, "beautiful 24X7."

InkFest Live Tattoo Expo Hits Chicago May 13th-15th at Rosemont Convention.

Including Top Notch Tattoo Artists Like LA Ink's Ruthless
InkFest Live, the Nations only urban influenced tattoo, graffiti and music expo invades Chicago, IL at Rosemont Convention May 13th-15th for their second stop in 2011! InkFest Live contributes their huge success to their one of a kind tattoo event matched by no other and Chicago will be no different.

InkFest Live, the Nations only urban influenced tattoo, graffiti and music expo invades Chicago, IL at Rosemont Convention May 13th-15th for their second stop in 2011. InkFest Live contributes their huge success to their one of a kind tattoo event matched by no other and Chicago will be no different. The IFL landscape will defiantly burn a lasting image in everyone's mind.

IFL is the only tattoo expo with an urban landscape that brings leading tattoo artists from around the world including LA Ink's Ruthless. Combined with graffiti demos on a huge 40ft wall, live musical performances by Chicago Native Na Palm on Friday May 13th along with Cutti Boy aka Mr. Nascar and Dead Sea Scrilla. InkFest Live doesn't stop there, as they will host DJ battles, B-Boy Battles by Poppin' Paul, Custom Cars & Bikes by Chii Racing Culture and of course what will an event be without GoGo Dancers.

Developed by industry veterans who felt it was time for a big change in the way professional tattoo artists and manufacturers of body art products display their goods. At InkFest Live attendees will mingle with top industry manufacturers, tattoo artists, vendors and celebrities. InkFest live captures the lifestyle side of the body art industry and will not fall short of anyones expectations. "I was tired of the same cookie cutter, boring tattoo events with no flavor, thus InkFest Live was born," says Jose A. Martinez Creator of InkFest Live, "I created an event for the collector to be able to choose from the best tattoo artist in world with top notch entertainment second to none." Jessica Renfro Operations Manager of InkFest Live commented "InkFest Live is the most professional tattoo expo company with a vast knowledge in the tattoo industry. InkFest Lives' professional image can be seen as soon as you go on our website and it doesn't stop there. Our top notch creative department is the best in the world along with our marketing and street team you can rest assured you will experience an event like no other." InkFest Live showcases the latest and future trends from the concrete jungle.

Tickets Available at www.inkfestlive.com or at the door
Friday $15 || Saturday $20 || Sunday $15 || Weekend Pass $35
Free Raffle Tickets to win Free Tattoos and Body Piercings with paid admission.
For more information about InkFest Live please visit their website for pictures and videos
www.InkFestLive.com
Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/inkfestlivetour
InkFest Live info(at)inkfestlive(dot)com - Toll Free 888.249.0364

InkFest Live Chicago May 13th-15th will be held at:

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center at Rosemont Convention
5555 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.rosemont.com

Jose Martinez
InkFest Live
888-249-0364

Source

PR Web

Ink Life Tour Tattoo And Music Festival

The Ink Life Tour Tattoo And Music Festival's 2011 Second Stop Brings 150 Of The Worlds Best Tattoo Artists To Oklahoma City.

This three-day mega-event features world-renowned and local tattoo artists competing for the Best of Show award and an exclusive feature in Tattoo magazine. Besides over 150 of the worlds best tattoo artists, the event in Oklahoma City also includes a Battle of the Bands competition with a $2,000.00 cash prize, as well as Pole Dancing competition, tattoo contests as well as live performances by Sivas Addiction and the best local bands Oklahoma City has to offer.

Oklahoma City, OK (PRWEB) March 2, 2011

⁠After Ink Life Tour's successful 2011 kickoff show held February 18 - 20, 2011 in Amarillo, TX. Ink Life Tour is ready to bring this amazing one of a kind event to Oklahoma City. This will be taking place at the Cox Convention Center on April 15th through the 17th.

This three-day mega-event features world-renowned and local tattoo artists competing for the Best of Show award and an exclusive feature in Tattoo magazine. Besides over 150 of the worlds best tattoo artists, the event in Oklahoma City also includes a Battle of the Bands competition with a $2,000.00 cash prize, as well as Pole Dancing competition, tattoo contests as well as live performances by Sivas Addiction and the best local bands Oklahoma City has to offer.

Ink Life is not the typical tattoo convention seen in the past. Ink Life is the only tattoo and music festival designed to attract today's mainstream audience of tattoo enthusiasts, unveiling the latest tattoo trends from local and nationally acclaimed talent. As an added bonus, attendees may present their ticket stubs to any participating tattoo artist to guarantee a $20 discount for tattoos inked on location.

"Twenty years ago, we couldn't pull this kind of an event off," says Ink Life creator, Ragen St. Peter. "A negative stigma surrounded tattoos and body art in the 20th century. But, in the last ten years, the tattoo industry has become one of the six fastest-growing retail businesses in the United States. Ink Life strives to accommodate this new thriving market with an entrepreneurial spirit."

The Ink Life web site, located at http://www.inklifetour.com, includes a unique Guest Spot Locator that connects participating tattoo artists to local tattoo shops, so they may schedule guest appearances while they are on the tour. Traveling tattoo artists and local tattoo shops who network through the Guest Spot Locator benefit from this added exposure.

The event is hosted by two nationally recognized tattoo shops: George Galindo's world-famous House of Pain, based in El Paso, TX; and Chico's Marked 4 Life of Miami, FL.

Galindo, a 15-year veteran to the industry, typically appears at one or two tattoo conventions every month.

"I'm hosting the Ink Life Tour because I like the fresh approach Ragen is taking," says Galindo. "We're creating a new concept that totally fits today's tattoo scene."

In Oklahoma City, Ink Life continues its search for undiscovered talent with a Battle of the Bands competition. The winning band receives a $2000 cash prize, a tattoo gift certificate, and a chance to battle for a spot on the 2012 Ink Life Tour. Enter for your chance to rock the house at Ink Life Amarillo by filling out the form at inklifetour.com.

The event also features a Pole Dancing Competition to be held on Saturday the 19th both professional and amateur dancers will amaze the crowd with a $500 cash prize at stake. Ladies can enter on site and online at inklifetour.com.

The Ink Life Tour includes 2011 tour dates in the following cities:

    February 18 - 20 - Amarillo, TX at the Amarillo Civic Center

    April 15 - 17 – Oklahoma City at the Cox Convention Center

    May 27 - 29 - Myrtle Beach, SC at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center

    July 1 – 3 El Paso TX. (Texas Tattoo Showdown)

    July 22 - 24 – Denver, Co at the Airport Crown Plaza

Tickets for the Ink Life Tour can be purchased online at inklifetour.com or purchased at the gate.

Tattoo artists and other event sponsors may reserve a booth at inklifetour.com, or call Ink Life at (866) 935-1822 or email vendors (at) inklifetour (dot) com for more information.

The Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo

THE LARGEST TATTOO FESTIVAL IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE HEADING TO SYDNEY

The Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo is back for its third year and promises to be the biggest and best yet! Over 320 Australian and international artists will come together to showcase their skills and tattoo, pierce and modify the brave.

Joining the Expo is LA Ink tattooist, Ruthless, who will tattoo some very lucky attendees and sign autographs for fans. Along with international model, Didier Cohen, who will also sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Budding ink slingers should head to the Tattoo Seminars where tricks of the trade will be shared by industry experts including Mike DeVries from MD Tattoos, California, Mick Squires from Korpus Tattoo, Brunswick, and Byron Drechsler from Frontyard Tattoo, Mt Barker.

Attendees with awe-inspiring body art are invited to enter the daily Tattoo Contests where even those just completed can win in the 'Best Tattoo of the Day' category. Expo tickets and appointments with preferred artists should be confirmed early to avoid disappointment.

Tattoo artists will even do their bit for charity by custom painting over 100 blank skateboard decks that will be displayed at the Expo and sold through a silent auction. All proceeds will be donated to Cure Our Kids at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

The gorgeous Pin-Up Pageant finalists, who embody 1940s and 50s style, will perform cheeky acts in an effort to win the coveted 2011 crown. Judges include international pin up queen and burlesque dancer, Sabina Kelley and 2010 pageant winner, Bettie Butcher.

For those who have never been on a motorcycle, a Harley-Davidson Jumpstart will offer an authentic riding experience. The mounted bike allows the rider to feel the rumble of a real Harley-Davidson motorcycle, change gears and adjust throttle whilst all in a stable and safe environment.

A huge range of stalls will showcase the latest fashion, body jewellery, tattoo supplies, books and magazines as well as temporary tattoos for the less adventurous. The latest airbrushing techniques will be taught on a range of cars, motorbikes and well…some very attractive ladies.

Another big attraction will be the meanest custom motorcycles, cars, hot rods and Lowrider push bikes on display. Harley-Davidson Australia will exclusively launch two brand new models at the Expo including the Blackline and the 1200 Custom.

Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo ticket buyers will also receive entry into the VaVoom Fest, a celebration of rockabilly and kustom kulture. Visitors to either event will have the chance to win a 2011 Street Bob® Dyna® motorcycle with custom paint job of their choice and total prize package of $30,000. See website for more information.

DATES: Friday 11th to Sunday 13th March, 2011 VENUE: Sydney Showgrounds - Halls 3 and 4 (Sydney Olympic Park)

TICKETS: Can be purchased online at www.tattooexpo.com.au/site/info/tickets....

MORE INFO: www.tattooexpo.com.au

Southern Ink Exposure tattoo convention.

The third annual international tattoo convention that runs from today until Sunday will also ring in a change for founder organizers Manuela and Allan Gray as it moves to the V&A Waterfront Pavilion Conference Centre for the very first time.

Over the three days of the tattoo convention itself, the Pavilion will play host to some of the biggest names in skin ink from all over the world. "Regulars" Joe Johns and Nick Chaboya from the US, Canadian Glen Paradis, Jay Jay from Sweden, Gordon Claus from Germany and Tom Tattoo from Italy will be rubbing shoulders with local skin kings and queens such as Garth Stauton, Reverend Simon White, Tyler Murphy and Gray herself.

The Southern Ink Exposure tattoo convention takes place at the CTICC this weekend.



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The New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival

So many people turned up for the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival at New Plymouth's TSB Stadium this weekend it will be coming back every two years.
Thousands of tattoo enthusiasts and people watchers poured through the stadium where 140 tattoo artists, performers and rock bands had taken over. Organiser Brent Taylor of Oni Events said the turnout exceeded expectations. "It's been unreal. We have had through far more people than we ever expected. All of the artists have been working steadily through the weekend. They have all made money and made some good contacts in the industry," Mr Taylor said. The festival showcased the best New Zealand and international tattoo artists with 100 booths featuring live tattooing, piercing, art exhibitions and live entertainment.
Wellington's Sarah Crossly arrived at the festival with plans to track down a design for her first tattoo. "I have always wanted one but I have never known what to get so I'm looking for something different," she said. Ben Scoot, of New Plymouth, said he had been looking forward to the festival for months. "I haven't got much skin left," a heavily tattooed Mr Scoot said, "I'm sure I can find a place for something new." As well as getting ink, people were also treated to four live bands and dangerous stunts. "People really enjoyed the juggling chainsaws and all the feedback I have had has been good," said Mr Taylor. He said the charity skateboard auction also hit the mark, raising about $6000 for the Taranaki children's ward at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Photos of last Weekend's "The St. Louis Old School Tattoo Convention"

The St. Louis Old School Tattoo Convention returned over the weekend. The event featured three days of tattooing and presentations from some of the best tattoo artists from around the world. There was even a special guest appearance by Jason Voorhees II. All proceeds from the events will go to the Lyle Tuttle Tattoo Art Museum's Building Fund.

Saint Louis Old School Tattoo Expo

Tattoo artist Johannes from Black Star Tattoo in Massachusetts works to complete a piece on the leg of Josh Hymer from St. Charles Sunday afternoon on the last day of the Saint Louis Old School Tattoo Expo, held at the Holiday Inn Select in downtown St. Louis. The expo lasted for three days and featured local and national tattoo artists as well as seminars and retail items.