Things&Ink

August 3, 2012

Alex Binnie – woodcuts book

I have blogged about the infamous Alex Binnie on numerous occasions – including his love story – and he also starred in the first film in the London Tattoo Convention series I produced with Papercut Pictures.

Now he has ventured into publishing too and I have to tell you about his beautiful new book, The Woodcut Portraits.

A.Binnie-Book.full_size — The Woodcut Portraits

It is three of years woodcut work in one beautiful book. 32 portraits of Alex’s friends and colleagues in the tattoo world, plus three torsos and a skull.

An introduction by Alex links the great traditions of tattooing and printmaking, an amazing foreword by Henk Schiffmacher (who I recently had a lunch date with) and a short biog of the people pictured completes the project. The 32 include – Tomas Tomas, Duncan X, Freddy Corbin, Filip Leu, Tim Lehi, George Bone, Thomas Hooper and Jondix.

Woodcut portraits — Recognise any of these famous faces from the tattoo world? Can spot you spot Binnie himself?

Photos: ink-d.co.uk

July 25, 2012

Kelli’s e.e. cummings tattoo.

Name: Kelli. Age: 23.
Location: Essex. Occupation: writer.

What got you into tattoos? I’ve always been really fascinated by them, as I grew up all my friends were older than me, and I remember them all rushing out to get them. Mostly regretting them after. But since I was about 16, there’s been a folder of tattoo inspiration and a growing list of artists I love on my computer. Now it’s Pinterest! I guess I really enjoy how permanent they are. I don’t believe they have to be something that means the world to you – they usually just remind me of a good time.

Where did your inspiration come from for this tattoo? I always say that this tattoo is a way of saying “haters to the left”, without actually saying it. E.E. Cummings is a beautiful poet, and I am all about words. It just seemed like he said what I needed him to, but more eloquently. I am very much in love with this tattoo – the font blows my mind and it came out better than I’d ever have expected.

Who did it and where? It was done by Victor at Self Sacrifice, London. Sadly, the shop closed down mysteriously last year. It really is a shame, they were really chilled and I felt totally comfortable with them.

How would you describe your style? I definitely like a bit of everything. I don’t think I’d want words on me again – I think there’s such a thing as too much font. A picture says a thousand words, you know. I do aim towards the more traditional style, but recently I am finding myself reaching for the more fluid styles of artists like Amanda Wachob.

Are you planning more? Definitely. Aren’t we always? I’m aiming to start my inner bicep soon I think, but I realise this’ll probably spread to cover the top of my arm. I’m okay with that, although my parents will probably have something to say.

Is there any artists you would like to get tattooed by? I’d love one of Annie Frenzel’s women one day – it would mean a trip to Berlin, too, which would be lovely. I just find her style beautiful. I also love Rachel Jamie Baldwin’s work and Guen Douglas – another nice little European trip to Amsterdam there, too (Guen is moving from Brighton to Amsterdam in September). As always, Valerie Vargas is on the list as well as the aforementioned Amanda Wachob. I guess I really like female artists.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
e.e. cummings

July 16, 2012July 16, 2012

Birthday girl – Dutch friends, faraway sisters and domestic bliss.

So yesterday was my birthday. I celebrated with some old and very good friends in Holland (I blogged about them and their forget me not tattoos around a year ago). There was one special person missing and that was my sister, Olivia, who is currently in Australia. But today I received a lovely package through the post…

The hand-drawn card is beautiful and it has the little envelope design from our matching tattoos! I think she also kinda has my fringe.

Sister tattoos - rose and envelope — Matching sister tattoos – rose and envelope

I also got some lovely earrings from my sister’s Gypsy East jewellery range that she runs with her friends Emily (I think Emily is the very talented artist who drew the card, she also has ace pink hair) and Sylvie. They make pretty jewels with the treasures they find on their travels…here is picture of all the gypsy girls together…

Oh and here’s a picture of me in my new Dutch birthday apron from my Dutch friends. I like to call myself a tattooed domestic goddess, although I am somewhat lacking the domestic bit.

Thanks to all my friends and family for the birthday love, I am a very lucky girl (and don’t ask me how old I am…)

xxx

July 15, 2012July 15, 2012

Thomas Hooper’s tattooed twins – Jordan and Caleb

I love matching tattoos – and I adore these identical twins (Jordan and Caleb Kilby) who have been tattooed by Thomas Hooper.

Tattoos: Thomas Hooper
Photos: Richard Ballard, Damon Allen Davison

I discovered these tattooed twins because of an article by Dr Matt Lodder Tattoo you and me? Body art can be good to share.

July 14, 2012July 14, 2012

Friday 13th tattoos – did you get yours?

Are you superstitious?

So tattoo shops have a tradition of celebrating Friday 13th by offering lucky (or maybe unlucky) tattoos from a sheet of flash for £13 – you can also give an optional £7 tip if you like. (I think some shops might charge £30 now – times are tough!)

Unfortunately, I am on holiday with some family friends, so didn’t manage to get myself a Friday 13th tattoo, but here is a selection of yours…

My Twitter friend, Daniel Vane aka Grandmaster Tash, was a little greedy and got himself the dagger (by Julia) and the candle (by Naresh) from Flamin’ Eight, in Kentish Town, London.

I love this little dagger – it’s on Bethany, who runs one of my favourite blogs ever, Arched Eyebrow. She got it done at The Circle, London. And picked from the sheet of flash below by El Bernardes…

Lucky rabbit foot, by William Corvidae Sparling, who works at Exile Tattoo, Benfleet.

This little cat is on Lou LaLa, she got it done at This Old Skin, Wymondham, Norfolk.

Noose by Scott Move, Haunted Tattoo, London.

These cherries are on the lovely ReeRee Rockette, who runs Rockalily Cuts. Tattoo by Stewart O’Callaghan, tattoo apprentice at Prick Tattoo, London.