Posted: 17 May 2014 12:00 AM PDT

Madison Wade, NBC Los Angeles – Watch Video

May 17, 2014

The work done at Onizuka Tattoo is painstaking

As one may expect from any form of tattoo procedure, the feeling is painful but the people who endure this say it is worth it for every colorful, square inch

"Taka has a real gentle touch," says client Paul Norlein as he lays on the table and gets ready for the new addition to his tattoo

The work done at Onizuka is traditional Japanese tattoo art

One craftsman, a man named L.A. Horitaka carefully inserts green ink beneath Paul Norlein's skin. In this Little Tokyo basement Horitaka visually changes Norlein's entire body one prick at a time

Horitaka uses a technique called Tebori as he works by hand with a long needle instead of using a machine

Artists say Tebori is better for subtle gradations of color and detail

When the work is all over Paul Norlein will have a body suit that will go all the way down to his ankles

For thousands of years, Japanese practitioners have done it this way, turning human bodies into living, breathing canvases. Takahiro Kitamura is the curator to a special exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum called "Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World" just blocks away from Onizuka Tattoo

Kitamura showed us how the artists tell elaborate stories, with an attention to detail as unique as the body shapes they encounter

The themes range from classical Japanese mythology to religious symbols to the beauty of nature. The practitioners often spend years working under masters

Then, they must develop special relationships with their clients like Horitaka did with Paul Norlein. Kitamura says, "these types of tattoos aren't done overnight. They take, oftentimes, months or years to complete"

They also cost thousands of dollars

The commitment to this art form is life-long, like much in the culture from which it sprang

CEO of the Japanese American National Museum Greg Kimura says, "Art is long; life is brief but this particular form of art turns that on its head. It only exists as long as its wearer is alive, and there is something very deeply Japanese about that sensibility"

Interestingly, the country that produced this stunning visual artistry, and many of the artists themselves, does not embrace it the same way people do in the west

Ironically, tattoos are heavily stigmatized in Japan as people often associate tattoos with organized crime

People can even be fined for showing such designs in some public places but it is that shadowy aspect that sometimes attracts its aficionados

Jiro, the owner of Onizuka Tattoo says, "I have been tattooing for twenty years, so I don't know, it is like my life already"

There is still an underground feeling as Horitaka says, "In Japan, sometimes, I feel like I am doing illegal things, but here, people call us artists"

To highlight the artistry, Kitamura hung kites near the museum ceiling and at a distance elaborate graphic designs appear to be printed on them. But by looking closer one is able to realize that they are photos of tattoos on skin not on a canvas

The photographer and designer of the exhibit, Kip Fulbeck says, "These tattooers are not trying to fill every inch with ink. There is a kind of quietness to the work. It is never overdone"

After thousands of years, Japanese tattoos are finally getting the recognition they deserve at least in cultures outside of Japan

And if you have the time, the endurance for pain and the money, you can be part of this world too

Paul Norlein says this art is special

"I could have bought paintings or sculptures or something, but this is art that stays with me… and goes where I go," Norlein said.

On The Other Side Of The Eye: Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo ...

Posted: 03 Jun 2014 11:27 AM PDT

Two exhibits at the Japanese American National Museum are worth visiting if you get a chance. The first is the must-see Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World.

As the curators point out: "Perseverance features the work of seven internationally acclaimed tattoo artists, Horitaka, Horitomo, Chris Horishiki Brand, Miyazo, Shige, Junii, and Yokohama Horiken, along with tattoo works by selected others. Through the display of a variety of photographs, including life-sized pictures of full body tattoos, these artists will cover a broad spectrum of the current world of Japanese tattooing."

The impetus for the exhibition is: "Often copied by practitioners and aficionados in the West without regard to its rich history, symbolism, or tradition, the art form is commonly reduced to a visual or exotic caricature. Conversely, mainstream Japanese culture still dismisses the subject itself as underground, associating it more with some of its clientele than with the artists practicing it. Both of these mindsets ignore the vast artistry and rich history of the practice."

And this in particular captures my attention, and what the parallel counterpart issues would be within the Lao community. As our arts step into the modern world, there are many of us who are working to revive the traditional arts and pass them on to the next generation. If Lao art became deeply popular and imitated, what would such a world look like, but what will we lose as we see non-Lao artists merely copying, rather than contributing to the deeper intentions of the art forms.

I might compare it to concerns regarding traditional Lao weaving, where much of mainstream Lao culture is beginning to dismiss the art and craft of the sinh and other traditional Lao textiles in pursuit of modernity they associate with affluence.

Looking at Perseverance, I also wonder which of our arts we might connect with the underground, the forms we're ignoring because of the "clients" who are its patrons, rather than examining what our artists are doing.

The other key exhibit I would call visitors attention to is Colors of Confinement, which is presenting 18 rare Kodachrome photographs taken by Bill Manbo during his incarceration at the Heart Mountain concentration camp in Wyoming in 1943 and 1944.

The Japanese American National Museum makes the argument that "It shatters preconceptions about this episode of injustice by showing it to us in vivid and beautiful color," which to me continues our standing conversation: How do we appreciate art addressing tragedy, the aesthetics of the documentary. Much like exhibitions of art and images connected to the Killing Fields of Cambodia, how can we dare to have a conversation like "Is it beautiful?" or "Is it well composed?"

I think back to our work with the Legacies of War exhibition at Intermedia Arts in 2010, and the memories it brought back for those who lived it. The way it reconnected their children to the parents. The conversations it obliged us to have after nearly 40 years. We have to place a value on these moments, but when do we become ready, and how do we display this question?

Colors of Confinement gives us one perspective of how and why we must approach the topic.

You can learn more about these exhibitions and the others by visiting: http://www.janm.org/exhibits/

Geisha Tattoos And Meanings-Geisha Tattoo Designs And Ideas ...

Posted: 07 Jun 2014 04:21 AM PDT

GEISHA TATTOOS One unique tattoo that you may find interest in is the Geisha tattoo. Although the Geisha tattoo is not a main stream tattoo, it does have a popularity, especially within the Japanese culture. The Geisha tattoo can be worn by both men and women. The Geisha tattoo does hold symbolic importance to those who wear this tattoo. The Geisha tattoo can also be designed with a variety of different symbol from the Japanese culture. Since Geisha tattoos are very detailed, they are commonly tattooed as a larger sized tattoo. In this article, we will discuss Geisha tattoos and Geisha tattoo designs. You will also have a chance to read about Geisha tattoo meanings. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to view a variety of different Geisha tattoo designs. In the end, we hope that you are able to find ideas and inspiration for your own tattoos.

GEISHA HISTORY AND TATTOO DESIGNS

When it comes to creative colorful body art in the human form, very few can compare to the Geisha. The Geisha is a symbol of beauty and mystery. The Geisha is slender in build and she wears a white mask with a black wig. She is wrapped in a vibrant colorful kimono. The Geisha is of Japanese origins and represents "person of arts". Originally, the Geisha is a highly trained professional woman who has only one job to perform, to entertain men. Some people confuse the Geisha with prostitution, but this was very rarely the case if at all. You have to remember, these woman were professionally trained and professional they were. They would sing, dance, or play music for their men. They had a wealth of knowledge about Japanese history.

Their vast historical wisdom was very significant as a conversation piece. The ability to create a relaxed environment and provide constant entertainment for men was their specialty. These skills played a special role at tea ceremonies and other cultural events. The Geisha represents the power, intrigue, and mystery of the woman. She is well known for her divine beauty and entertaining skills. In terms of the culture, it is believed that she is hidden from society, she is untouchable. She is so highly represented, she is unattainable from everyone. It is said that the Geisha represents dreams, aspirations, ambitions, and desire. She is also referred to as a "figment of the imagination".

The Geisha is associated to the color of red. The color red is believed to be a representation of fertility. Her kimono usually has bright vibrant colors that are appealing to anyone that sees her. In paintings, art, and tattoos, she is commonly associated with cherry blossoms, which are distinct of Japan. They usually are portrayed on her kimono, in the background as part of the tree, or they may be falling on the ground. As a tattoo, the Geisha is worn by men and women. It really isn't considered a top tattoo design, but the Geisha is very symbolic. In modern day Japan, the Geisha is considered to be a traditional symbol of the culture. In Western cultures, the Geisha is portrayed to be a symbol of exotic grace and divine beauty.

As a tattoo design, the Geisha is usually very colorful and very well designed. To capture the true beauty of the Geisha, you really need a talented tattoo artist. Make sure you research your tattoo artist when considering this design. Ask to see his prior work and current work if available. You can really create an eye catching tattoo design with the Geisha tattoo. The Geisha design gives you the opportunity to have a colorful tattoo depending on what is added in the design. In fact, there are a variety of different things that are associated to the Geisha and can be portrayed in your tattoo design. The Geisha can be portrayed with the Japanese samurai. This tattoo depicts the samurai protecting the Geisha. Therefore, this tattoo design symbolizes protection and guardian. Cherries and cherry blossoms are also portrayed with the Geisha tattoo design.

As you read earlier, there could be a cherry tree in the back of the design or they can be portrayed on her kimono. Fans and umbrellas are also portrayed with the Geisha tattoo design, as well as in paintings and art. This is a symbol of nobility. Peaches are also symbolic to Japan and the Geisha. Some Geisha tattoo designs can also include creatures from the Chinese myths, such as the dragon and tiger. You need to make sure you look at a number of Geisha tattoo designs so you will have an idea of what can be portrayed with Geisha tattoos. This will help you get an idea of what to look for.

Eilac

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Tattoo Art Embodies Proud Japanese Tradition - Kip Fulbeck | Japanese Tattoos

<b>Tattoo</b> Art Embodies Proud <b>Japanese</b> Tradition - Kip Fulbeck | Japanese Tattoos

Followers

Blog Archive

Popular Posts

Categories