Part 1 of a Series on the process of having my back piece completed.
I was told recently that my life is full of contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction. I was at first surprised to hear this, but when I gave the comment some consideration I realized that there was some truth to the statement. I believe that we need to live life as fully as possible.
So it should not have surprised me that roughly six years ago I marched into a Tattoo parlour in Prince Edward Island, Ontario and selected the first in what would be a long process of adding Tattoo body art to my skin.
I spent an hour wandering around selecting the design. Once my design was picked I selected the artist that I felt most comfortable with and began the four-hour process of having the design artistically applied.
Now I realize that this is not the most scientific method of getting a tattoo and looking back on the experience I am happy that it worked out as well as it did. I was quite happy with both the artist and the design and gladly sported it solely for the next few months.
However the second I walked out the door of that Tattoo studio I was hooked. My first thought was, what am I going to get next? I was in love with the whole tattoo process. The selection of the art, the buzz of the tattoo gun, and the look of the finalized piece of art emblazoned on your flesh for eternity.
It should also now be no surprise that when I arrived back in Ontario that I began the systematic process of selecting a long-term tattoo artist. When I select an artist I look for not only skill, but rather a skilled practitioner that can translate my vision into reality. I found that person in Jim Jones of Jonzie’s Tattoos in Trenton, Ontario.
As I sat and discussed my vision of the ultimate piece, he would add subtle nuances and changes that would improve the piece. I rarely turned one of his alterations down, and he was always supportive of my own vision of the final piece. After extensive discussions and revision the final shape of the piece was established. A gargoyle would be at the center of the piece. Two tribal pieces would flow down my left and right side accenting the shape of my back. Finally a gossipmonger would frame my lower back.
So with anticipation I awaited the first session of the fourteen-month journey to completing my Tattoo. (Part 2)
