Chris's Tattoos Motivate and Inspire

I met Chris earlier this month in Penn Station and he shared his 3/4-sleeve. He is the owner/operator of the <a href="http://www.musclemakergrill.com/locations_chelsea.php">Muscle Maker Grill</a> at 92 Eighth Avenue in Chelsea.<br /><br />His sleeve is a collage of designs that motivate and inspire him, with a skull design thrown in, to boot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg8LAvn3hca7R7QvfQ87Dg5T3eZ00FrY5bEOut6aNRmUN03eDM4tpShzVPyb0gBwquVNAY2_v5Ay3HcO8SoBiGNYVNK6Ks_5IblUw0KEu6d8nPMl8pzYYzAEDjuG76wPlfLDPpXkAWt4/s1600/Chris++Skull+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTg8LAvn3hca7R7QvfQ87Dg5T3eZ00FrY5bEOut6aNRmUN03eDM4tpShzVPyb0gBwquVNAY2_v5Ay3HcO8SoBiGNYVNK6Ks_5IblUw0KEu6d8nPMl8pzYYzAEDjuG76wPlfLDPpXkAWt4/s400/Chris++Skull+wm.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><br />He has the phrase "Live Now. Shoot for the Stars" inked on his biceps. This motto is a nod to his ambition as a business owner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72g3cfShjWs0s3mSXvhyphenhyphen8rOxpfOWWYJyF0xew0LOQqo6uTsy8H4hM24GhNNBRY-rZdiTu8k15rWPsHHTtZp3gEreBbCbxul9adHhpy_hFPmFiZ0kq7LyR8AOgad7V-6iQ_OsbCDo8vRM/s1600/Chris+Live+Now+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72g3cfShjWs0s3mSXvhyphenhyphen8rOxpfOWWYJyF0xew0LOQqo6uTsy8H4hM24GhNNBRY-rZdiTu8k15rWPsHHTtZp3gEreBbCbxul9adHhpy_hFPmFiZ0kq7LyR8AOgad7V-6iQ_OsbCDo8vRM/s400/Chris+Live+Now+wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The three pawprints tattooed below the elbow, on the left side of the photo, above, represent his three dogs (2 Cocker Spaniels and a mutt).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX-4Tmlq5kWLdHr3yE11Dxx2oXAuJn4SYYORZ3eVFRRK9p5JSF5WUSdCJ5lDN2DoX6Y2REvGpOpx-pXaEdStDTKRMZg8RXo98VGAhtz0lSdQztAhhVO_7fjgWhCkXia5HWIuBzUHaeQQ/s1600/Chris+Dog+Paws+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX-4Tmlq5kWLdHr3yE11Dxx2oXAuJn4SYYORZ3eVFRRK9p5JSF5WUSdCJ5lDN2DoX6Y2REvGpOpx-pXaEdStDTKRMZg8RXo98VGAhtz0lSdQztAhhVO_7fjgWhCkXia5HWIuBzUHaeQQ/s400/Chris+Dog+Paws+wm.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><br />The cross and the prayer, "Lord, Protect Me" are based on his Catholic faith.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiQ3YwbTh4dq5sNIOGtSfUH62B2T3b9vuVaZ3b0MTH68ujl544IfX3qzhOIaQcdt0gnQtxOeSGeKEboCF1FuzNp4ZEUif8CxlSz_H2skC27T5Fuw4rAXufn0VI8Oxzm0dL0D7a-MoCQE/s1600/Chris+Crucifix+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiQ3YwbTh4dq5sNIOGtSfUH62B2T3b9vuVaZ3b0MTH68ujl544IfX3qzhOIaQcdt0gnQtxOeSGeKEboCF1FuzNp4ZEUif8CxlSz_H2skC27T5Fuw4rAXufn0VI8Oxzm0dL0D7a-MoCQE/s640/Chris+Crucifix+wm.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />In all, Chris figures he's had about 10 hours of work done.<br /><br />He also gave me permission to share this photo from his Facebook page:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5yOTUMbNANQK-mCWpJ_qeTDs81XiOo7mBLLCk1OfXF0zujOflrIf0JEqrwwWwXZE8StJre7kN-LH3iUODhxqtOq8GlIpW9IljLnhG_gZ0vMFqZ4vH0C87UfTC0kNBA9D5yUiMC9rvBI/s1600/chris+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5yOTUMbNANQK-mCWpJ_qeTDs81XiOo7mBLLCk1OfXF0zujOflrIf0JEqrwwWwXZE8StJre7kN-LH3iUODhxqtOq8GlIpW9IljLnhG_gZ0vMFqZ4vH0C87UfTC0kNBA9D5yUiMC9rvBI/s400/chris+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Christopher Almazan</td></tr></tbody></table>I had hoped to show a better shot of the peacock that is on his back, with feathers that come up over his shoulder, but could not get a clear enough picture. The shot above gives a great idea, however, of his tattoos.<br /><br />All work is credited to Rick Schreck at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/HOUSE-OF-1000-TATTOOS/60057472825">House of 1000 Tattoos</a> in Middlesex, New Jersey. A piece from Rick appeared earlier this Fall on the site <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2010/10/melanies-phoenix-helps-her-rise-above.html"> here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks again to Chris for sharing his ink with us here on Tattoosday!<br /><br />Visit the Muscle Maker Grill website <a href="http://www.musclemakergrill.com/locations_chelsea.php">here</a>.

Chris's Tattoos Motivate and Inspire

I met Chris earlier this month in Penn Station and he shared his 3/4-sleeve. He is the owner/operator of the Muscle Maker Grill at 92 Eig...

Read more »

They Call Him Mr. Spades

I met Matt in Penn Station last month and he was happy to share a couple of his eight tattoos. The coolest one was this heart on his left arm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_qSlnv1NHEoonpCTM2P9Y8ohF5b4alJn8z_8nsYtFPriQ1Dc3WH7IwLajdR9m6TOYCyHPkNCq8MPvNA5PVEPsAguvr_XwurB4cnx0oR6upqBgu32_5xTdjxsIM_3SJu1XmsGi9wlUMw/s1600/heart+skull+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_qSlnv1NHEoonpCTM2P9Y8ohF5b4alJn8z_8nsYtFPriQ1Dc3WH7IwLajdR9m6TOYCyHPkNCq8MPvNA5PVEPsAguvr_XwurB4cnx0oR6upqBgu32_5xTdjxsIM_3SJu1XmsGi9wlUMw/s640/heart+skull+wm.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />A closer look shows just how intricate this design is:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifahSjRHPHpYZogh8vp-N1THjJL2qCuXc7r4p-aB8Ir8BndIefTIHgKLs1L8x6FS1D8h4zdDj6C87ip7C3DGmHrBH6p8Lt-XkNR7V1H1EXwelj_H88SdsZW-oHfXnDF1pJ-OCzERZnV7E/s1600/heart+skull+detail+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifahSjRHPHpYZogh8vp-N1THjJL2qCuXc7r4p-aB8Ir8BndIefTIHgKLs1L8x6FS1D8h4zdDj6C87ip7C3DGmHrBH6p8Lt-XkNR7V1H1EXwelj_H88SdsZW-oHfXnDF1pJ-OCzERZnV7E/s400/heart+skull+detail+wm.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><br />Matt explained that the idea behind this tattoo is simply that there are two sides to everything. He collaborated on the design with the tattoo artist <a href="http://www.myspace.com/rosecitytattoo/photos/albums/sean-malone/1491774#mssrc=SitesPhotos_SP_AlbumTitle_ViewAlbum">Sean Malone</a>, who works out of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/rosecitytattoo">Rose City Tattoos</a> in Rahway, New Jersey.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEkh9j_LR3xhSciKIfvoHA4LGzYeltU8DN423ioSkRUTGLCvNiiL9rva91k7oQY4tjjwBo4ArHq82JoMN5CuoeJoEAbDoo_9KVzatCROQsmXy_zuZ4SZIbR2DYy2PCUrwYrBhgT9XsMg/s1600/rose+city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Readers may notice that, in the top photo, there is a distinct outline of another tattoo on Matt's arm in the shape of a playing card spade. What started out as a random tattoo of another spade ended up giving Matt the nickname "Mr. Spades" and it stuck. Here's a shot of the coolest Spades tattoo, straddling both of Matt's inner forearms:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy_MOpCe_og4bmdtXJjYGImVSl3rax_kEAG-U62w-zkamPzp4aw8GNLMO5xvEThWKsEfmWCyqRabfCe4f9vvUhnsrU-ZN9EVhUSaK9YoZbGqzUJIIJlmzB_qE0PjREKczEzoFrvtPFWc/s1600/Mr+Spades+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy_MOpCe_og4bmdtXJjYGImVSl3rax_kEAG-U62w-zkamPzp4aw8GNLMO5xvEThWKsEfmWCyqRabfCe4f9vvUhnsrU-ZN9EVhUSaK9YoZbGqzUJIIJlmzB_qE0PjREKczEzoFrvtPFWc/s400/Mr+Spades+wm.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><br />Thanks to Matt for sharing these great tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!

They Call Him Mr. Spades

I met Matt in Penn Station last month and he was happy to share a couple of his eight tattoos. The coolest one was this heart on his left ar...

Read more »

Matt's Golden Silence

<span id="goog_148539882"><span id="goog_141166478"></span><span id="goog_141166479"></span></span><span id="goog_148539883"></span>I met Matt one afternoon as he stood among the masses at the southwest corner of Madison Square Garden, waiting for a bus out of town.<br /><br />This is his tattoo which he shared with us, covering his upper right arm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB37YrNfVFS8gAva3YxbHQFjXazPajmxde_IcJR1_GPVb22dEjsaHJaR4eWBWZNNXXUYLM-dvT0xwTapsjBgfz_VeFX8CG-hd1X3OUIeoRj3AGphabVCrQQSE3FuRJDn_vTqs28HxP/s1600/Silence+is+Golden+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB37YrNfVFS8gAva3YxbHQFjXazPajmxde_IcJR1_GPVb22dEjsaHJaR4eWBWZNNXXUYLM-dvT0xwTapsjBgfz_VeFX8CG-hd1X3OUIeoRj3AGphabVCrQQSE3FuRJDn_vTqs28HxP/s640/Silence+is+Golden+wm.jpg" width="344" /></a></div><br />The message is simple: silence is golden. I love how the side skulls spill off of the front skull, and how the teeth of the primary jaw are fused together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZd_9wcjYaE5HlWBWhiJgWnyip-06N-5kRR-KvOkwEWSvvPG98A_dTRfbBiFSvCqM9oruhixSoqAenJUXIFqVZCAmi-Seq5beQ5ggcKUDa3B2ZLboYd5lAXTMcqg5Wcet7wfg_FBJ0/s1600/Silence+is+Golden+detail+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZd_9wcjYaE5HlWBWhiJgWnyip-06N-5kRR-KvOkwEWSvvPG98A_dTRfbBiFSvCqM9oruhixSoqAenJUXIFqVZCAmi-Seq5beQ5ggcKUDa3B2ZLboYd5lAXTMcqg5Wcet7wfg_FBJ0/s400/Silence+is+Golden+detail+wm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Matt attributes this piece to "deep life experiences" and how it serves as a reminder to keep his head on straight.<br /><br />He told me he's "been low and wants to stay higher" and that "keeping what I've done to myself has given me the ability to achieve what I have in life".<br /><br />This tattoo was inked by Loki M. LaChapelle when he was at <a href="http://kaleidoscopetattoo.net/home.html">Kaleidoscope Tattoo & Art Gallery</a> in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Loki now works out of <a href="http://www.mazelcustom.com/">Mazel Custom Tattoo & Piercing</a> in Everett, Massachusetts.<br /><br />Thanks to Matt for sharing his tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Matt's Golden Silence

I met Matt one afternoon as he stood among the masses at the southwest corner of Madison Square Garden, waiting for a bus out of town. This ...

Read more »

Orphans: A Native-American Sleeve on Seventh Avenue

A few weeks ago, I was walking up Seventh Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, when I spotted this peeking out of a guy's shirt sleeve: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQji2A6CWXoMtWYJhpODMw6dE5yW97Mtv03u3yvILHJ8ztpFEqZ1k_5FtQkxf19Rm1nkGpM3e9Dyp7cW3AErsaLf1f61Yqrq5nbDiiR4roMm_EjrWwXlcHI4TfDWUfbuSwx5PEncAZ/s1600/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+bottom+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQji2A6CWXoMtWYJhpODMw6dE5yW97Mtv03u3yvILHJ8ztpFEqZ1k_5FtQkxf19Rm1nkGpM3e9Dyp7cW3AErsaLf1f61Yqrq5nbDiiR4roMm_EjrWwXlcHI4TfDWUfbuSwx5PEncAZ/s640/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+bottom+wm.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br />I stopped to ask him about the tattoo. Or rather, asked him if I could take a picture, when he revealed that it was much larger than it appeared poking out of the sleeve on his left arm:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROcmYILoMMTeNyjfgtZ8rovlV7hbaxwMxFMcJu63g4HIv5lsPZWtcoDM1IhucaJalrhptmQX6jE-L1YMcFPZ-Qm1eFNURyZbtOGIatR-HKdK1Gadp5q0zTME1SB1VyMnz-rJQ-kWe/s1600/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROcmYILoMMTeNyjfgtZ8rovlV7hbaxwMxFMcJu63g4HIv5lsPZWtcoDM1IhucaJalrhptmQX6jE-L1YMcFPZ-Qm1eFNURyZbtOGIatR-HKdK1Gadp5q0zTME1SB1VyMnz-rJQ-kWe/s640/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+wm.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />Sadly, I gave him the Tattoosday flier and asked him to e-mail me so we could discuss it further and he a) lost the flier or b) decided to forgo contacting me. So, I have no idea who he is, nor can I credit the artist, whose work is pretty darn impressive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRHZg9f3ujcqbVGamNtnRe2K91IKdD9Yk6mgzk2ew5FurK0n_HZvOFRyY-uNuD_CAgBUYo_v9enPJ3x_uvEsU5CgxNygD_1Eng-471Kt1-QrRQMzKdt_Rl3jB0UEmEvdv0Pq6hbAx/s1600/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+top+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRHZg9f3ujcqbVGamNtnRe2K91IKdD9Yk6mgzk2ew5FurK0n_HZvOFRyY-uNuD_CAgBUYo_v9enPJ3x_uvEsU5CgxNygD_1Eng-471Kt1-QrRQMzKdt_Rl3jB0UEmEvdv0Pq6hbAx/s400/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+top+wm.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br />When this happens, I dub it an "orphan" post, but obviously, despite the lack of details, it's still worth sharing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDYs7aEepiU2zCChE7VKJyoDv7ZAzIobpdqj1ta-LJ4fagK6-uMy9oLn0RhdluH_eQw3u9NVJGiZ48NLfqI-W8xd8yzSKaN9qlcuTNe3YDZNAmGU-aCNVmPtZlI95UNZ1qkoPWFxm/s1600/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+bottom+detail+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDYs7aEepiU2zCChE7VKJyoDv7ZAzIobpdqj1ta-LJ4fagK6-uMy9oLn0RhdluH_eQw3u9NVJGiZ48NLfqI-W8xd8yzSKaN9qlcuTNe3YDZNAmGU-aCNVmPtZlI95UNZ1qkoPWFxm/s320/Orphan+Native+Amer+1+bottom+detail+wm.jpg" /></a></div><br />Thanks to the anonymous contributor who allowed me to take photos of this great tattoo and share it with us here on Tattoosday!

Orphans: A Native-American Sleeve on Seventh Avenue

A few weeks ago, I was walking up Seventh Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, when I spotted this peeking out of a guy's shirt sleeve:...

Read more »

Nick Remembers Billy, I Remember Siki

<a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-first-tattoo.html">My first tattoo</a> was modified from a piece of flash at <a href="http://www.bodyartstudios.com/">Body Art Studios</a> by an artist who goes by the moniker "Siki". Shortly thereafter, Siki left the shop and went on his way.<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/06/peter-carusos-ink-old-school-brooklyn.html">Pete</a> knows who he is but, until recently, I hadn't met anyone with ink from Siki, other than myself.<br /><br />Then, I met Nick on the R train one day after work and, while discussing his many tattoos (he "lost count after 45," they've all connected) , I heard him talking about Siki.<br /><br />So today's tattoo is by Siki and was, like my lynx, modified from an old piece of flash. Although he adapted it a lot more fully and developed a more unique tattoo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY8RvEgfWLwkj_NNFlKIGDGkYr9xZAQjRQYo4PSzUyV-irtvZvGAU0l_b1Lt45kCohaY9WcDF7X5fSWNOG4hqwGKJHoA3mjdcstaubrZq6iSo6iFUhVaqSXL3JyUTpsKwXMPHVc1u/s1600/sii+tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY8RvEgfWLwkj_NNFlKIGDGkYr9xZAQjRQYo4PSzUyV-irtvZvGAU0l_b1Lt45kCohaY9WcDF7X5fSWNOG4hqwGKJHoA3mjdcstaubrZq6iSo6iFUhVaqSXL3JyUTpsKwXMPHVc1u/s640/sii+tattoo.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />Siki and Nick had a mutual friend named Billy, who Nick would often go with to get tattooed. When he passed away, they added Billy's name to the bottom of the tattoo as a tribute to their departed friend.<br /><br />Thanks to Nick for sharing his tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Nick Remembers Billy, I Remember Siki

My first tattoo was modified from a piece of flash at Body Art Studios by an artist who goes by the moniker "Siki". Shortly ther...

Read more »

Tattoosday Goes to Hawai'i - Hail to the Chief

It's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleet_Week#New_York_City_Fleet_Week">Fleet Week</a> in New York City this weekend, so it only seemed fitting, with just a few Hawai'i posts remaining, that we share the following offering from Jack, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Petty_Officer#United_States">Chief Petty Officer</a> (E7) in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy">U.S. Navy</a>.<br /><br />Jack's was the final tattoo I spotted at <a href="http://www.pearlridgeonline.com/">Pearlridge</a>, on what turned out to be a record-breaking detour for me (five tattoos from five different people in just under two hours).<br /><br />Jack's tattoo was fresh, as he had just completed a sitting less than a couple of hours before I ran into him, so the tattoo had that film of ointment that added a little glare to the picture:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qFZvckAXgA7Oi47hGgGfW0nMn4pH73L1M8iQWwB6o7v_XxOHz03SMmbivn-nf_lAq5ai9NlsOzK-Ke_zBp6XJx5fXDI1ctTsnTX2zVyMLJ6OqZrwB4DO-ZR8Xi8U0jkiC0LjLpiL/s1600/Chief+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qFZvckAXgA7Oi47hGgGfW0nMn4pH73L1M8iQWwB6o7v_XxOHz03SMmbivn-nf_lAq5ai9NlsOzK-Ke_zBp6XJx5fXDI1ctTsnTX2zVyMLJ6OqZrwB4DO-ZR8Xi8U0jkiC0LjLpiL/s400/Chief+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The skull at the center of the tattoo is wearing a hat similar to those warn by Navy chiefs.<br /><br />The artist for this piece is known as "Buddha" out of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#%21/pages/Aiea-HI/Liquid-Metal-Tattoo-and-Piercings/316943629500?v=wall&ajaxpipe=1&__a=31">Liquid Metal Tattoo</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiea,_Hawaii">Aiea</a>, Hawai'i.<br /><br />Thanks to Jack for sharing this, his newest of over ten tattoos, with us here on Tattoosday.<br /><br />We here at the site salute not only all the men and women in uniform visiting New York during Fleet Week, but to everyone in all branches of the Armed Forces as we enter into Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to all for their service to our country!

Tattoosday Goes to Hawai'i - Hail to the Chief

It's Fleet Week in New York City this weekend, so it only seemed fitting, with just a few Hawai'i posts remaining, that we share th...

Read more »

Tattoosday Goes To Hawai'i: Mark's Sleeve Pays Tribute to East and West

I spent a good chunk of time at <a href="http://www.alamoanacenter.com/">Ala Moana Center</a> one of the days I was in Hawai'i. Even in paradise, malls are great places for inkspotting.<br /><br />It was there that I met Mark, who had a full sleeve to offer up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5bFoYG-1mGWnkCNB039_wCj_Cl_ky7Uv6-7kGuESgMFnyYwL9H4WKnNL-zODX39xYR1IdjAgsux59iGDeC6BGU3fiMZDihZoF7QA8wMXLCn8CLQN7X3GD8Hg4nKMZLm2hN4PxOwQ/s1600/Mark+sleeve+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5bFoYG-1mGWnkCNB039_wCj_Cl_ky7Uv6-7kGuESgMFnyYwL9H4WKnNL-zODX39xYR1IdjAgsux59iGDeC6BGU3fiMZDihZoF7QA8wMXLCn8CLQN7X3GD8Hg4nKMZLm2hN4PxOwQ/s640/Mark+sleeve+1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />Now, before we begin, let me just say that I generally shy away from featuring full sleeves here on Tattoosday, out of respect to the host, the artist and, most of all, the tattoo. A work of art laid across flesh is often difficult to express in two-dimensional photos on a computer screen.<br /><br />But Mark's sleeve was exceptional and I loved the color detail in the work. So let's check it out....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1c6UFnSXPph2obhk8IfUFwRMYKfks1qDANn-hUNLDbzGnnU92pan1FLhpkYUkjexxeH6TvGY4aUQVwfVhGsiEmEL4SpdDPsbOmtP0K1AmYPcpBDgXj9Z-Jh5Ba9qTkTfr6_QBZ9M/s1600/Mark+Lower+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1c6UFnSXPph2obhk8IfUFwRMYKfks1qDANn-hUNLDbzGnnU92pan1FLhpkYUkjexxeH6TvGY4aUQVwfVhGsiEmEL4SpdDPsbOmtP0K1AmYPcpBDgXj9Z-Jh5Ba9qTkTfr6_QBZ9M/s400/Mark+Lower+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />Items to note in this work:<br /><br />Mark was born in the year of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_%28zodiac%29">Snake</a>, which explains the serpent.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qwWkk6dwBsg5vqhj9WZwGnB6ONTiMVnHVW322HwWQiQ3EgSqGxn8CNbBFlR7AN8arfy7T5duFMJckTTU5ppcBglgRzbauRe6GqzwmCJx5XeEcwRsse4UqA1BLRffWLsCHXx4H2ZA/s1600/Mark+snake+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qwWkk6dwBsg5vqhj9WZwGnB6ONTiMVnHVW322HwWQiQ3EgSqGxn8CNbBFlR7AN8arfy7T5duFMJckTTU5ppcBglgRzbauRe6GqzwmCJx5XeEcwRsse4UqA1BLRffWLsCHXx4H2ZA/s640/Mark+snake+detail.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br />He was also born during Autumn, which is why the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_maple">Japanese Maple</a> leaves are sporting fall colors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYloOMqwkw0b7ws4thh_v3xiMLjnfSDRECV60aSaBDMQGosXb-52Rtu4hhChZGTOjxSX3g_r1VZuNpyyHSFnpzBtykTgCiiBbq387K8j0jUgtLo3NK7O1h2FHVPZhcnaECyngrijEK/s1600/Mark+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYloOMqwkw0b7ws4thh_v3xiMLjnfSDRECV60aSaBDMQGosXb-52Rtu4hhChZGTOjxSX3g_r1VZuNpyyHSFnpzBtykTgCiiBbq387K8j0jUgtLo3NK7O1h2FHVPZhcnaECyngrijEK/s320/Mark+rose.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's also generally non-traditional to see a bright red rose in a sleeve that is predominantly Japanese. He incorporated because he is, as he described it, "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapa_haole">hapa</a>," a shortened form of "hapa <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haole">haole</a>," or a person of mixed heritage, part of which is Caucasian. To make a long story short, the red rose is a nod to the "Western" aspect of his lineage, as it is more a traditional element in tattoos in the west. The rose is complimented by the chrysanthemum, which is a more traditional Japanese flower design.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7lsyz8TPr-FgeylwIOk6K0co62eNpRnsVaZI4svoBNUDdq59l2-xJ2mCCp5Dw5OxpywJvOZq8Jsn0USCwiZSYgPLnqFmSShxtt1ljSbjC3VuHSKQqKkg6kcnxI7oMadcci1EXecY/s1600/Mark+Upper+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7lsyz8TPr-FgeylwIOk6K0co62eNpRnsVaZI4svoBNUDdq59l2-xJ2mCCp5Dw5OxpywJvOZq8Jsn0USCwiZSYgPLnqFmSShxtt1ljSbjC3VuHSKQqKkg6kcnxI7oMadcci1EXecY/s320/Mark+Upper+Sleeve+Collage.jpg" /></a></div><br />Similarly, the skull element at the top of the arm is more of a Western flavor, juxtaposed nicely with another chrysanthemum. <br /><br />I also love the multicolored pebbles in the design. They really pop out, especially among the milder tones of the autumn leaves and snake scales.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3fc4tr-kyXFJKzhC9x-IxKkDK6wgX552_F0Z3mLwD8vEz5CaJMyyerlU12Y2EJBmubQIBWmiQkNdXOp1ojt4iQfPEXzeU5CAU1fkZ7nFU5RWgQedl7EcJA4bhxgVWHuJgTbXckUz/s1600/Mark+color+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3fc4tr-kyXFJKzhC9x-IxKkDK6wgX552_F0Z3mLwD8vEz5CaJMyyerlU12Y2EJBmubQIBWmiQkNdXOp1ojt4iQfPEXzeU5CAU1fkZ7nFU5RWgQedl7EcJA4bhxgVWHuJgTbXckUz/s320/Mark+color+detail.jpg" /></a></div><br />Mark informed me that the whole sleeve was completed in five or six sittings by <a href="http://soulsignaturetattoo.com/?page_id=95">Lucky Olelo</a> at <a href="http://soulsignaturetattoo.com/">Soul Signature Tattoo</a> in Honolulu.<br /><br />Thanks to Mark for sharing his amazing work with us here on Tattoosday!

Tattoosday Goes To Hawai'i: Mark's Sleeve Pays Tribute to East and West

I spent a good chunk of time at Ala Moana Center one of the days I was in Hawai'i. Even in paradise, malls are great places for inkspot...

Read more »