Guest Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 My right leg was tattooed by Erik Desmond at Horifudo Studio in Smithtown, NY over several months in 2008. I had wanted a tattoo in the Japanese theme since the early 90’s but lack of funds, a fear of needles – and no clear vision as to what I wanted in the final piece prevented me from getting it done. In late 2005/early 2006 I had a life changing experience – one that almost killed me. I had several operations – the first of which saved me from death. As a guy in his 30’s with a 2 year old and a pregnant wife I decided then to refocus on health and living life to the fullest. Last year due in part to scar tissue and weakened abdominal muscles from the prior surgeries I ended up developing a triple hernia. When I found out I would need additional surgery I set up a diet/workout regimen and a chart of goals/rewards. One reward threshold – which I was not sure could be attained was to reach my pre-wedding weight, the reward being I would tattoo my leg. This gave me several months to plan – if I did hit my goals – whichever they were I planned to follow through on the rewards. My wife and I went to Vegas when I hit one goal – spent a weekend in the Poconos when I hit another … and if/when I hit this goal I wanted to be ready to roll. My fear of needles had long past after multiple surgeries and after saving cash for 8 months I had enough to finance the project. Now to meet Erik. http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v581/20/14/1252870150/n1252870150_1695844_1719.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 Erik Desmond has been tattooing for 20 years and had done a ton of work on my friend Jay. Erik specializes in the Japanese style that I wanted – and as far as I could tell no one on Long Island does it better. I wanted to go to a clean shop, that was private rather then a walk-up storefront – and Erik’s studio was exactly what I was looking for. I went out and met with Erik and discussed my concept – and several weeks later I was back for the first of three sessions. As far as rates go – if this style interests you and you are local to Long Island contact Erik – he does appointments only and will make time to meet with you and show you his vast portfolio. All his clientele are word of mouth, friends of former and current clients, and people that find his website or have one of his books/seen his work. Check it out (www.horifudo.com) The first session was three hours of outlining. The second session was two hours of black/grey shading. And the final session which was four and a half hours was all the coloring. I honestly think my tolerance threshold is three hours – the last hour and a half with Erik all I was thinking about was “please get done” … as far as pain goes the outlining on my shin was the worst part of the first session. The shading down by the ankle was terrible on the second session. And on the third the coloring by the ankle and the flower shading behind the knee (the last thing Erik did) were both very uncomfortable. http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs244.snc1/9135_1064110283653_1252870150_1695845_513742_n.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 What is the story behind these images? Koi are a popular image in Japanese art - According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. More generally, the Japanese associate koi with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. When I was in boy scouts back in the 80’s – my troop sponsored a Japanese troop coming to the United States to go to summer camp with us – Troop 3 from Kamakura, Japan. The boys that stayed with my family presented myself and my brothers with folded handkerchiefs – that if you folded them the right way it was a koi – a blue/white koi that represents “boy”. The told us about the yearly Childrens Day festival in Japan and I still have mine in my “personal history box”. The two koi on my leg represent myself and my wife. The Black Koi is symbolic of the father – Erik enhanced the image with gold which I think really makes it jump out. The Orange/Red is symbolic of mother. I asked Erik to make mine larger as I am much larger then my wife and I think the koi came out excellent. The Koi Fish is symbolic in the Buddhist Religion, representing courage. Humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water. I had Erik design the Koi swimming up my leg – “going upstream” as it will as we together face adversity in our lives together. They are swimming past rocks as waves crash. Also included are falling maple leaves. My wife and I are both born in the fall – and the imagery behind maple blossoms in Japanese culture is considered the plant of lovers. Maple blossoms didn’t do it for me but the leaves worked really well to convey the change of season – and I wanted to have this represent a change of “season” in my life. http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v581/20/14/1252870150/n1252870150_1695846_3463.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 Other then the Koi – the rest of my leg – all of it was done freehand. Basically Erik drew everything on my legs with a thin marker and then he traced the outline with the gun. I can’t draw at all so this to me was amazing. We talked about Chrysanthemums which are somewhat intricate and the next thing I knew I had them on my leg. Erik has a super clean shop, works fast and accurately, and has interesting stories so no session was boring. Jay came along each time which was really awesome of him to give up his time (9+ hours) just to help me be comfortable and keep conversation flowing. Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China for nearly 3000 years, the blossom is portrayed as a symbol of perfection in many cultures. As a herb, it is believed to have the power of life. “If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums," says one ancient Chinese philosopher. In China the chrysanthemum is a symbol of Taoist simplicity and perfection. Autumn is the season of this flower, a time of tranquility, completeness, and abundance following the harvest. Since it blooms right into winter, it may also symbolize the ability to mediate between life and death, between Heaven and Earth. The Japanese regard the chrysanthemum as their ‘solar flower’; the Japanese Imperial Family adopting it as their emblem and the Seal of the Emperor himself. Indeed, the Emperor’s position is referred to as The Chrysanthemum Throne. The flower is depicted with 16 petals radiating like flames from the sun, the center of which symbolizes the Emperor’s status in the scheme of things. Longevity and joy, these are the attributes of both flower and worthy ruler. In Japan, the Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum is the highest Order of Chivalry. Japan also has a National Chrysanthemum Day, which is called the Festival of Happiness. I now have a piece of art with me until the day I die – well worth the 9+ uncomfortable hours under the needle. Feel free to comment. http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v581/20/14/1252870150/n1252870150_1695847_3682.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nephilim Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 Amazing work, pauldengel! The colours are nice and bright. Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WOG Posted November 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 That work is great pauldengel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeviAJones Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 semi-related: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nephilim Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 semi-related: WTF would possess somebody to do that? I wouldn't even consider that.... but that is one strong effin' forehead... not to mention neck muscles... and skin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeviAJones Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 yeah, strong neck is key. it seems like it would be all legs, but if you can't get your back and neck to support the pull, you're not going anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 Pauledge: Very nice tat with awesome colors1 LeviAJones: Thats pretty damn impressive stuff there. Your ears tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Nice work Paul! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Thanks for the comments - I have my other leg done as well but I haven't got around to taking "good" pictures as of yet ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 Not mine, but I thought I'd post something a bit easier on the eye. All that man flesh posted previously was getting a bit much http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Lower_Back_Tattoos.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 not a tattoo... but still a mark on my body: http://www.bmezine.com/scar/A60407/high/bmepb253564.jpg http://exp.bmezine.com/search/srch2004.exe...Jones%3C%2Fa%3E I would wager a bazillion pounds that you've not read Messages From Water by Masaru Emoto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 that shit looks so painful too. i couldnt see myself doing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 So my project is done! I don't know how to get these to show directly, so I'll just post the links to the pictures. First pic is after 3 hours (first sitting) http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Mi...pg?t=1262805378 Second pic is after the third sitting (9 hours total) http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Mi...pg?t=1262805588 And the third is after the sixth sitting (18 hours total) http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Mi...pg?t=1262805655 Feel free to bash me for it, but know that I'm happy with it PS any admin that can show the pics straight on the forum, feel free to do so! /Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 Nice cover up man...I've got a tat over my shoulder that I want to get covered...glad to see it can be done without a trace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverGiveUp Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 I like tattoos personally, and I have two of em and will pry get a few more in my lifetime. As of right now, I have one on my upper back that says No Regret and then one on the inside of my left bicep that says Never Give Up I like tattoos that have meaning to them, and both of these give me reminders of how to live my life. I will put up pics of mine when I have some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WOG Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 So my project is done! I don't know how to get these to show directly, so I'll just post the links to the pictures. First pic is after 3 hours (first sitting) http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Mi...pg?t=1262805378 Second pic is after the third sitting (9 hours total) http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Mi...pg?t=1262805588 And the third is after the sixth sitting (18 hours total) http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w122/Mi...pg?t=1262805655 Feel free to bash me for it, but know that I'm happy with it PS any admin that can show the pics straight on the forum, feel free to do so! /Robert AMAZING!!!! Great work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 8, 2010 Report Share Posted January 8, 2010 AMAZING!!!! Great work Thank you very much! I must tell you it wasn't the most pleasant thing I've done in my lifetime though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rollins Posted January 15, 2010 Report Share Posted January 15, 2010 VERY nice indeed. EDIT: That must have been a pain in the ass to keep moist and medicated covering so much space that in a pinch (not having someone to help you every few hours etc) would be pretty hard to reach. Not to mention having a greasy shirt on for a week or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 17, 2010 Report Share Posted January 17, 2010 VERY nice indeed. EDIT: That must have been a pain in the ass to keep moist and medicated covering so much space that in a pinch (not having someone to help you every few hours etc) would be pretty hard to reach. Not to mention having a greasy shirt on for a week or two. I only got "small" parts finnished every sitting. I had one sitting every month/two months depending on my financial situation. And the greasy shirt part.. I use a moisturizing/anti bacterial creme that kept the greasing down to three days. So no worries there. The hardest part is reaching but I have someone to help me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2010 Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...13a25b3ad41.jpg http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/8/l_ff1f7fd91dd4b329c0ebe2ffab25fcb3.jpg just some of the few i have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 23, 2010 Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9723/sleeve.jpg Half sleeve on my right arm. I am a 3rd generation sailor, so my motive for this should be pretty clear. The original pin-up in the center was done about 5 years ago in Okinawa. The flaming cards on my chest (which goes all the way across and is a lot more filled in now with another pinup in the center) was done in Greece about 3 years ago. Ishmael Scruibbers, an amazing Dutch / Venezuelan / Curacao artist put it all together for me over about 5 sittings. If I remember correctly this was taken midway through the 4th sitting. I am incredibly happy with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 24, 2010 Report Share Posted January 24, 2010 http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9723/sleeve.jpg Half sleeve on my right arm. I am a 3rd generation sailor, so my motive for this should be pretty clear. The original pin-up in the center was done about 5 years ago in Okinawa. The flaming cards on my chest (which goes all the way across and is a lot more filled in now with another pinup in the center) was done in Greece about 3 years ago. Ishmael Scruibbers, an amazing Dutch / Venezuelan / Curacao artist put it all together for me over about 5 sittings. If I remember correctly this was taken midway through the 4th sitting. I am incredibly happy with it. You should be happy with that, for sure! Do you have a picture of the completed tattoo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.