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| Lemalu Masina, upper body tattoos by Steve Ma Ching, Western Tattoo Studio, AucklandPhoto by Tricia Allen |
Exhibition/Project - FREE
NGV Studio
4 Aug - 2 Sep 2012
NGV Studio
4 Aug - 2 Sep 2012
Tatau takes us inside the world of Pacific nations tattooing.
We see tattoos everywhere these days, and many of the designs have their origins in the craft of tatau, which means 'tap' – a reference to the use of tapping sharp bones into the skin to implant the inks. Traditions and family honour are housed in these designs which will be demonstrated and explained by masters of their craft, Tricia Allen (Hawai'i), Pat Morrow (Brisbane) and Simon Wilson (Melbourne).
As part of this program, visitors are invited to participate in a 'live tattooing' event across the duration of the program. Please note that advance bookings are required. Click here for further information and to register for this special event.
We see tattoos everywhere these days, and many of the designs have their origins in the craft of tatau, which means 'tap' – a reference to the use of tapping sharp bones into the skin to implant the inks. Traditions and family honour are housed in these designs which will be demonstrated and explained by masters of their craft, Tricia Allen (Hawai'i), Pat Morrow (Brisbane) and Simon Wilson (Melbourne).
As part of this program, visitors are invited to participate in a 'live tattooing' event across the duration of the program. Please note that advance bookings are required. Click here for further information and to register for this special event.
Curated by Loketi Niua Latu as part of Craft Cubed ('Super Maker' project); Craft's annual festival. Supported by Melbourne City Council and National Gallery of Victoria.
VENUE NGV Studio, Flinder Street, Federation Square (map)
Public Programs
Floor Talk: Samoan Tatau12.30pm, Tue 14 Aug 2012
Join Brisbane based tattooist Pat Morrow, and hear insights into traditional and contemporary Samoan Tatau practices.
NGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
Exhibition Introduction: Tattoo Tour of Polynesia 6pm, Thu 23 Aug 2012
Join Polynesian tattoo specialist, Tricia Allen, in this illustrated talk exploring tattoo in ancient Polynesia. Reflecting on the integral role tattoo played in the cultural and socio-religious systems of the various Pacific Island groups, this artform was far more than mere body decoration.
NGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
Join Polynesian tattoo specialist, Tricia Allen, in this illustrated talk exploring tattoo in ancient Polynesia. Reflecting on the integral role tattoo played in the cultural and socio-religious systems of the various Pacific Island groups, this artform was far more than mere body decoration.
NGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
Lecture: The Tattoo Revival in Polynesia 2pm, Sun 26 Aug 2012
In the last quarter century, Polynesians have once again been taking pride in their cultural heritage, reviving traditional tattoo practices. Polynesian tattoo specialist, Tricia Allen, will present a pictorial overview of the revival, as well as identifying the specific circumstances under which this artform has evolved in each of the primary island groups.
NGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
In the last quarter century, Polynesians have once again been taking pride in their cultural heritage, reviving traditional tattoo practices. Polynesian tattoo specialist, Tricia Allen, will present a pictorial overview of the revival, as well as identifying the specific circumstances under which this artform has evolved in each of the primary island groups.
NGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
Closing event: 6pm, Thu 30 Aug 2012
Join us for the closing party of TatauNGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
Join us for the closing party of TatauNGV Studio, Flinders Street, Federation Square
FREE
About the tattooists
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Tricia Allen is a tattooist with an extensive background in Polynesian history. Her first book Tattoo Traditions of Hawai'i won the Reader's Choice award in the Hawai'i Book Publisher's Association in 2006 while her recent work Polynesian Tattoo Today won both the Reader's Choice award as well as first place in the Special Interest category.
Allen's approach to the art is unique in that she has tattooed over 7,500 members of the Polynesian community, yet has an academic background. She completed her Master's thesis at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa in 1992 on the early practice of tattooing in the Marquesas Islands. Having completed her Masters degree in Anthropology, Allen began her doctoral research in the islands, researching the revival of the arts in the Pacific. Her work has taken her to Samoa, Aotearoa, New Caledonia, the Society Islands, the Marquesas and Rapa Nui, as well as numerous museums and institutions abroad. She has lectured extensively for institutions including the University of Hawai'i, the Hawai'i State Library, the University of Wyoming, the UCLA School of Art, Santa Monica City College, the Hawaiian Anthropological Association, the Honolulu Academy of Art, the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, the Peabody Museum at Salem, onboard the cruise ship Aranui, and at numerous symposium and conferences.
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Pat Morrow is a New Zealand born Samoan who grew up in West Auckland. He has been tattooing for nine years and specialises in Polynesian style designs.
"I got into tattooing while I was studying towards a degree in design. A friend asked me to design her tattoo and curiosity led me to see it replicated on skin. It was then I realised that this type of artistic expression was for me and I've never looked back.
"I have been lucky in my career because I've had the unique opportunity to gain experience from two of the best Samoan tattooists today. I was a stretcher (toso) for Su'a Peter Suluape, a Tufuga (master tattooist) in the art of traditional Samoan hand-tap tatau. I also apprenticed under Steve Ma Ching a master tattooist in his own right, who specialises in Pacific Island styles. I've had the best of both worlds. The experience and knowledge I have gained from my mentors has definitely influenced my own work.
"My tattoo designs are mostly derived from Samoan tatau patterns. Over the years I have incorporated other Pacific Island patterns into my tattooing such as Maori, Tongan, Fijian and Tahitian. Since moving to Australia and opening my own shop, True Markings Tattoo Studio, I have branched out to include indigenous patterns from Torres Strait Island and Papua New Guinea. This is mainly due to client demand but I am always interested in learning about the diversity of patterns from the Pacific and expressing these through tatau."
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 | Simon Wilson has been tattooing for approximately 15 years. He has always been interested in all styles of tattooing. Over the years Simon started getting more and more requests for the Islander Style of work, with clients bringing in their traditional family patterns. This sparked an interest to do more research on the meanings of the patterns to get a better understanding of the culture and he began to create his own Islander Style designs. Since then he has developed his own unique style, which takes up a large percentage of the work he does now, with Simon working closely with the client to incorporate their own story into the design.
Based in St Kilda, the studio has many international visitors and through his website. Through the precision and detail he puts into his work, Simon has gained worldwide reputation for his unique style, with people from New Zealand, Samoa and as far away as France, Germany and Canada flying in to be tattooed by Simon.
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Supported by
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McCann Utu, South Pacific Fine Arts Co. Photo by Tricia Allen
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| Pat Morrow, Simon Wilson & Tricia Allen |
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| Pat Morrow & Loketi Niua Latu |
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| Loketi Niua Latu, Tricia Allen & Joe Pascoe |
NGV Studio --media release
Tatau 4 Aug–2 Sep 2012
Tattoos have become a significant and conspicuous part of contemporary culture. The art of permanent skin marking using indelible inks or pigments has, however, been practiced for centuries by many cultures throughout the world and it is from Polynesia that much contemporary Western tattooing is influenced. The term tattoo is, in fact, derived from the Polynesian word tatau meaning to tap, and is a reference to the tapping of sharpened bones into the skin to implant the inks. This exhibition examines the history, craft, tools and techniques used in markings of the skin. Tatau is curated by Loketi Niua Latu as part of Craft Cubed (‘Super Maker’ project), Craft Victoria’s annual festival.
Tattoos have become a significant and conspicuous part of contemporary culture. The art of permanent skin marking using indelible inks or pigments has, however, been practiced for centuries by many cultures throughout the world and it is from Polynesia that much contemporary Western tattooing is influenced. The term tattoo is, in fact, derived from the Polynesian word tatau meaning to tap, and is a reference to the tapping of sharpened bones into the skin to implant the inks. This exhibition examines the history, craft, tools and techniques used in markings of the skin. Tatau is curated by Loketi Niua Latu as part of Craft Cubed (‘Super Maker’ project), Craft Victoria’s annual festival.
14 Aug 2012
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12.30pm
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Free entry
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23 Aug 2012
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06.00pm
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Free entry
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26 Aug 2012
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02.00pm
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Free entry
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Links To Register for Tattoo & Media Releases:
| Tricia Allen's book: The Polynesian Tattoo Today Book Launch @ Craft VICTORIA 2 August 2012 |
TATAU #1: MELISSA REIDY
Tatau #1: Melissa Reidy
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
MELISSA REIDY
Bird and the Barber Chair
Artist: Melissa Reidy
Tattooist: Krystal-Lee, East Brunswick Tattoos
2012
WHO: Melissa Reidy – recently unemployed to become a world traveller.
WHAT: A delicate image in black, white and grey, of a small bird carrying an old-fashioned barbers chair by three fine strings – drawn by Melissa three years ago.
WHY: Bird and the Barber Chair was a response to the aftermath of one of the most difficult times in Melissa’s life: “It’s such a metaphor for being able to pull through anything and having strength hidden away that you can draw on when you need it. It is to remind me that the lessons that I learnt when I was sick will always translate to whatever tough situation I’m in and, like that little birdie, I can be super strong even when the situation looks completely impossible.”
WHEN: Completed in 2012, in preparation for a lengthy trip overseas.
WHERE: Melissa’s tattoo was done at East Brunswick Tattoos by Krystal-Lee.
TATAU #2: MATT BRAY
Tatau #2: Fạ’i Matt Bray
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
MATT BRAY
Fạ’i Rotuam (Rotuman inspired armband)
Artist: Matt Bray
Tattooist: Shane Gallagher, Chapel Tattoo
2010
WHO: Matt Bray – medical student and cultural advocate.
WHAT: A personally designed armband tattoo (fa’i), inspired by traditional Rotuman motifs and aesthetics.
WHY: As a reflection and acknowledgement of Matt’s culture and heritage, to affirm his identity and values, and most importantly symbolising the most important facets in his life: family, the family’s culture, and their faith.
WHEN: Completed in 2010, when Matt’s youngest brother was old enough for the brothers to get tattooed together.
WHERE: The tattoo was done by Shane Gallagher from Chapel Tattoo, chosen because of his fine skill, vision, and understanding of Rotuman tattoos.
TATAU #3: FLEUR DOW
Tatau #3: Fleur Dow
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
FLEUR DOW
Untitled
Artist: Clint Baxter, Taboo Tattoo Blackburn
Tattooist: Clint Baxter, Taboo Tattoo Blackburn
2009
WHO: Fleur Dow – mother, wife, and maker of things.
WHAT: Three large pink chrysanthemums, and a partial bloom, covering her shoulder
WHY: Fleur’s tattoo pays homage to the strong, bright and beautiful women in her life, and the tradition of giving chrysanthemums on Mother’s Day. “The tattoo was always going to be a celebration of femininity, strength and the joy women bring to my life, however, [after the passing of my Mother and Nan] there is an unfortunate sadness attached to it.”
WHEN: Early 2009 after the passing of her mother, and added to in late 2009 after the passing of her Nan.
WHERE: The tattoo was designed especially for Fleur and completed by Clint Baxter of Taboo Tattoo Blackburn.
TATAU #4: JAMIE CORDON
Tatau #4: Jamie Cordon
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
Jamie Cordon
Untitled
Artist: various
Tattooist: a variety of international and local tattooists
2002 – 2012
WHO: Jamie Cordon – self confessed nerd and collector of tattoos.
WHAT: Several tattoos in a neo-traditional style, including a hairbrush, seahorse, roses, tiara, scarab beetle, all-seeing eye, a key, Molotov cocktail, angel wings, and a heart with a dagger through it which says “AMOR”.
WHY: As part of a “collection”: “I couldn’t pinpoint one particular reason why I get tattoos as each tattoo offers its own experience. For me, tattoos offer spiritualism, catharsis, individuality, inspiration, curiosity, fun and friendship”.
WHEN: Jamie’s first tattoo was done at age 18 – ten years later she has lost count of her tattoos.
WHERE: Jamie’s tattoos come from all over the world. She picks the artist and asks them to design her idea. Some of her ink comes from Arianna Settembrino in Italy, Yuki Nakabe in Japan, and Dan Sinnes in Luxembourg, as well as from artists across Melbourne.
Tatau #5: Vanessa Bryden
Tatau #6: Emma Greenwood
TATAU #5: VANESSA BRYDEN
Tatau #5: Vanessa Bryden
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
VANESSA BRYDEN
Know by Heart
Artist: Catherine Campbell
Tattooist: Andrew Ackroyd, Fox Body Art
2012
WHO: Vanessa Bryden / Nessie Star Dust
WHAT: A Catherine Campbell artwork of a whimsical girl with flowing hair and tattoos, looking over her shoulder in a scene filled with watery stars, a boat, and the night sky.
WHY: Vanessa spent ages searching for the perfect artwork that could be a companion for her life journey.
WHEN: After seeking permission from Catherine Campbell, Vanessa was tattooed in February of 2012.
WHERE: Andrew Ackroyd from Fox Body Art was trusted with the re-creation of the much-loved image.
TATAU #6: EMMA GREENWOOD
Tatau #6: Emma Greenwood
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
EMMA GREENWOOD
Untitled
Artist: Geordie Cole, Tattoo Magic
Tattooist: Geordie Cole, Tattoo Magic
2000
WHO: Emma Greenwood – shoemaker and creative extraordinaire
WHAT: A depiction of swirling blue waves breaking into foam, inspired by traditional Japanese woodblock artists, and similar to Hokusai’s Great Wave of Kanagawa image.
WHY: Emma’s tattoo was a tangible expression of her love for the colour blue and her passion for the traditional style of the Japanese woodblock artwork. It is“the one” image she is prepared to wear for life.
WHEN: Emma got her tattoo in 2000 when she was inspired and surrounded by tattoo culture. The artwork covers an old tattoo done in her teenage years, and was recently retouched.
WHERE: The long-searched for artist trusted with doing the piece was Geordie Cole of Tattoo Magic.
Tatau #7: Jeremy Wortsman
Tatau #8: STEFAN DELATOVIC & EILEEN BRAYBROOK
Tatau #9: SINA BROWN-DAVIS
TATAU #7: JEREMY WORTSMAN
Tatau #7: Jeremy Wortsman
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattooees. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
JEREMY WORTSMAN
Untitled
Artist: various
Tattooist: various
1995 – 2012
WHO: Jeremy Wortsman – director of The Jacky Winter Group
WHAT: A broad variety of “bits and pieces” all over the left-hand side of his body (but gradually spreading), including very traditional, American inspired work, large custom Japanese and graphic pieces, and reproductions including an Adrian Tomine artwork.
WHY: To look cool.
WHEN: It only took Jeremy to get his first tattoo at fifteen, and second at seventeen, to catch the tattoo bug. Since then, he has had a new tattoo nearly every year, and regular sessions every few weeks to work on the bigger pieces.
WHERE: Jeremy’s tattoos have been collected from all over the world, many from the States, and many here, with the artist chosen according to the style of the artwork.
TATAU #8: STEFAN DELATOVIC & EILEEN BRAYBROOK
Tatau #8: STEFAN DELATOVIC & EILEEN BRAYBROOK
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattoos. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
STEFAN DELATOVIC & EILEEN BRAYBROOK
Untitled
Artist: various, including Jane Laver, Chapel Tattoo and Georgia Perry
Tattooist: various, including Jane Laver, Chapel Tattoo
2008 – 2010
WHO: Stefan and Eileen – lovers, cat lovers and self-confessed geeks.
WHAT: Together, Stef and Eileen have a little collection of intriguing tattoos: both have a Legend of Zelda triforce, while Stef has an image of a lucky cat fighting a 1950′s robot, and Eileen has a Phoenix, a diamond behind her ear, and a cat floating away on a balloon.
WHY: Stef and Eileen got their Zelda tattoos together as a romantic/geeky gesture: “Its’ a symbol of us being together being awesome”. Both cat tattoos are a reflection of the couple’s love for cats and Eileen’s Phoenix marks some positive changes that happened in her life.
WHEN: Stef and Eileen got their triforce tattoos in the late 2000s, and their cat pieces done in 2010.
WHERE: Both have relied on Jane Laver at Chapel Tattoo for their best pieces.
TATAU #9: SINA BROWN-DAVIS
Tatau #9: SINA BROWN-DAVIS
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattoos. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
SINA BROWN-DAVIS
Various, including Malu, Taulima, Ta Moko Mahuika and Moko Kauae
Artist: Sua Sulu’ape Paulo II and Turumakina Duley
Tattooist: Sua Sulu’ape Paulo II and Turumakina Duley
1990 – 2012
WHO: Sina Brown-Davis – a mother, wife and indigenous activist, of Maori, Samoan & Tongan descent.
WHAT: Sina wears a number of traditional tattoos, including Samoan malu (leg tattoo), a taulima on her right wrist, a ta moko on her left hand, a moko kauae(female chin and lip tattoo), and a Balinese tattoo on her left ankle.
WHY: For cultural, spiritual and political reasons and as a way of reclaiming her ancestral rights.
WHEN: Sina’s first tattoo was done in 1990, and the most recent completed in 2012
WHERE: Sua Sulu’ape Paulo II completed Sina’s malu and her taulima, whileTurumakina Duley inked her moko kauae.
TATAU #10: CAROL FRY & HER FATHER MARIO
Tatau #10: CAROL FRY & her father MARIO
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the upcoming Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft has been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson. From August you will also be able to read the full editorial pieces on our tattoos. Stay tuned to The Craft Blog, for more tattoo profiles over the next couple of weeks.
CAROL FRY & her father MARIO
Untitled
Artist: Matt, Royal Ink Tattooing
Tattooist: Matt, Royal Ink Tattooing
1975 2012
WHO: Carol Fry, and her father Mario
WHAT: Both Carol and Mario have tattoos of a swallow – Mario’s is an old-school traditional style image with a scroll where as Carol’s is more feminine and contemporary.
WHY: Mario’s tattoo was done after arriving in Australia from Malta. Carol had hers done as a tribute to her father – swallow tattoos traditionally mean ‘safe return home’, or ‘safe harbour’, and for Carol, her father is her safe place.
WHEN: Mario’s tattoo was done in 1975 when he was 21, while Carol’s was completed in 2012.
WHERE: Carol saw Matt from Royal Ink Tattooing for her swallow, and Mario got his done somewhere in Melbourne.
Tatau #11: HARLEY LEWIS
Tatau #12: ALPINE
TATAU #11: HARLEY LEWIS
Tatau #11: HARLEY LEWIS
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft was intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson.
HARLEY LEWIS
untitled
Artist: Steve Cross, Korpus Tattoo Brunswick, and Jane Laver, Chapel Tattoo
Tattooist: Steve Cross, Korpus Tattoo Brunswick, and Jane Laver, Chapel Tattoo
1998 – 2012
WHO: Harley Lewis – tattoo lover/wearer/collector, and hairstylist by trade.
WHAT: A wide range of tattoos all over his upper body, some that are inspired by street art, some that are life-like and many that are inspired by life events.
WHY: All of Harley’s tattoos have a different meaning, particularly those that are directly or indirectly a reflection of events in his past.
WHEN: Harley’s first tattoo was at 16, his second at 18, and he hasn’t stopped since.
WHERE: 95% of Harley’s tattoos have been done by Steve Cross at Korpus Tattoo Brunswick, while his sleeve was trusted to Jane Laver at Chapel Tattoo
TATAU #12: ALPINE
Tatau #12: ALPINE
words: Hahna Busch, photo: Beth Nellie
Inspired by the Tatau exhibition for Craft Cubed 2012, Craft was been intrigued to discover more about the diversity in tattooing across Melbourne. So we got out and about to meet some locals with unique tattoos and unique stories to tell. Here is a snapshot of one of the inked individuals we profiled…
From 4 August, all 12 of our profiled guests will have their photograph exhibited in From Tatau to Tattoo at NGV Studio, Federation Square. More information about the exhibition and project can be found on the Craft website here, including registrations for a tattoo by guest artists Tricia Allen, Pat Morrow and Simon Wilson.
PHIL, PHOEBE, RYAN & TIM from ALPINE
Pick-up Truck, Tattoo, Right arm/Left arm, and The Hot Sauce
Artist: various
Tattooist: various, including a studio in Texas, USA
2012
WHO: Phil, Phoebe, Ryan and Tim, who are all part of the Melbourne-based band, Alpine.
WHAT: Between them, the group have a variety of ink, but most notable is a series of tattoos that were done while on tour in Austin, Texas, including a pick-up truck, an anchor, the words ‘Hi, How are You’ from the title of a Daniel Johnston record, and a hot-sauce bottle.
WHY: Alpine got the tattoos together while they were in Texas to play at theSouth By Southwest festival. As a spur of the moment decision, it was to celebrate the end of the trip together.
WHEN: The group were all tattooed on the same time in March, 2012.
WHERE: Because of the spur of the moment decision, Alpine chose/stumbled upon a little tattoo studio in Austin.
