Part 2 of a Series on the process of having my back piece completed.
The first day of tattooing created a new sensation. I was going threw a difficult section of my life and I discovered that the process of having my body art completed allowed me to feel more centered and at ease with myself. The process allowed me to meditate on my situation, aided by the rhythms of the tattoo gun as we applied the outline the first day.
The buzz of the gun the gentle irritation of the needles applying colour, caused me to drift into a space I had never before experienced. It was a place that allowed me to make decision and comprehend the intricacies of life. Now this may not be a typical reaction but I have found that I leave the studio after every tattoo feeling a sense of inner piece.
The overall process of having a tattoo completed after the initial design is established is rather simple. The artistry that is required to make the piece look good after that initial design work is in my opinion a monumental task.
The soft gentle buzz of the gun is a welcome friend, every two weeks for two hours. Each sitting brings the final piece one step closer to fruition. The gargoyle slowly evolves becoming a natural stone looking creature that adorns the center of my back.
This is followed by the addition of the shading work for the gossipmonger, which took place over a couple weeks. Each visit adds new vitality and an original element to the piece. The process was seemingly smooth and uneventful.
What I didn’t realize however that getting the black of a tribal tattoo consistent is a work in futility. Booth tribal pieces had to have the black done a minimum of three times. Each time that the ink had to be applied, my black became a little tenderer. With each application the black looked bolder and more even and I began to appreciate the work that went into the process.
The final shading was probably the most difficult portion of the tattoo. With each session I was closer to the end of the process. I loved the progress and was passionate about the finalization of the piece. But I knew that I was going to miss the regularity of the work and the serene mental state that I felt after leaving the session.
In the end I continue to get tattoos and I will likely never stop. I have since started the process of having a chest piece completed and have plans for partial sleeves on both arms. Through this process I fell in love with the beauty and simplicity of tattoo artistry.
