Tattoos By Ian B. - Blog

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (7 Dec 1598 - 28 Nov 1680)
Sculptor, Painter, Architect
Rome, Italy


Regarded as the greatest sculptor of the 17th century, Bernini leaves a repertoire of classic pieces that showcases his unparalleled talent from his early days as just an understudy of his father Pietro Bernini to his death at age 81, by then renowned as one of Europe's greatest sculptors and greatest men. 

He studied Greek and Roman statuary of the Vatican as well as the works of Michelangelo, and was commissioned early in his career by members of reigning papal families, serving under eight popes in his lifetime.  With his famous baldachin of St. Peter's basilica, and with the help of his contemporaries Francesco Borromini and Pietro Cortona, he ushered in the Baroque style of sculpture. 

Though Bernini's reputation was damaged a few times during his career (during the reign of Innocent X, the removal of his bell towers over St. Peter's facade in 1646, and the neoclassical criticism of the Baroque style) the effects were not irreparable.  His reputation survived and recognition of his achievements restored his place as one of the greats in the history of art.

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http://www.mikecoletattoo.com/

Nikko:
www.ignitiontattoo.com
http://www.myspace.com/nikkotattsu
http://www.myspace.com/black_anchor_collective

ANTWUAN DIXON

SUPRA | MySpace Video

(via ConvictedArtist.com)

California tattoo legend Edward "Chuco" Caballero died on November 2008 following a battle with an aggressive form of cancer; just as he had become one of the nations most familiar faces in the tattoo and lowrider scene. Thousands of family and friends mourned his loss as the “walking canvas” was laid to rest at the All Soul's Cemetery, in Long Beach, California on Friday, November 7, 2008.

He was known to many as El Chuco and simply Chuy to others. Many considered the southern California native the true grand daddy pachuco with a natural zoot suit persona. He was remembered for his Calo dialect as he told stories about his life growing up as a pachuco in the in the 1960's. He remained true to the style all the way to his recent death.

As a pioneer of the tattoo community, Edward "Chuco" Caballero spent many years touring tattoo conventions worldwide. Just like tattoo legend Ed Hardey, Chuco too has become an legacy in the world of tattoos.  He earned a good reputation in the tattoo & lowrider scene, and was sponsored by major tattoo, lowrider, and zoot suit clothing companies who splashed images of him all over magazine & television advertisements.

Just like tattoo femme fatale Kat Von D, Edward "Chuco" Caballero became an immediate celebrity and gained the respect of tattoo aficionados around the world.  Fans mourning his recent death have gone as far as tattoo portraits of Chuco on their bodies, as well as sport T-shirts with his image. His body’s monotone black and gray tattoos reflected cultural, religious and prison themes. Chuco was a true fan of Hollywood gangster Robert De Niro and confirmed his admiration for the celebrity by tattooing a portrait of De Niro's face on himself. Chuco was also known for his tattoos of American actresses Susan Hayward, Marilyn Manroe and the Statue of Liberty.

"I grew up in the 60's," quoted Chuco, at the Body Art Expo in 2005 prior to his death, "when you could own a tattoo only if you were a gang member, a drug addict, or in prison. Now, celebrities and movie stars have made tattooing mainstream."

Louis Molloy is the resident tattoo artist at Middleton Tattoo Studio in London, and star of London Ink, spin-off of Miami Ink. He opened the shop in August 1981 when he was 18 and has been there for the past 24 years, also having done guest spots in Europe and here in the US.  While his clientele includes celebrities including David Beckham and boxer Ricky Hatton, he constantly stresses that "all clients are equal at the Middleton Tattoo Studio."

Check him out at www.tattoos.co.uk.  Images from the Middleton Tattoo Studio Gallery.

"Hate, animosity, and jealousy: the three-headed beast that seems to live within the core of beings populating and mingling in today’s world. Stories of positivity, determination, and truth present themselves infrequently, instead stories travel slowly amongst the masses of three-headed haters who are unwilling to lend an ear. Once a story commences, the importance lies not within how far the story travels, but how many will truly listen and understand."
(via Lowriderarte.com)

As a part of their Thai Elephant Conservation campaign, ExoticWorldGifts.com is working with researchers, trainers, and selected high officials from Thailand to raise money to "[save] Asian elephants from extinction.... Purchasing these authentic elephant paintings is one part of the solution and tremendously helps pay for food, medical and environmental programs." (via ExoticWorldGifts.com)