In the ever-evolving world of body art, certain styles stand as enduring monuments, solid and unwavering against the tides of trends. At tattooat.com, we delve into the heart of these foundational styles, what we like to call “The Rock Tattoos.” This week, my focus has been deeply entrenched in the rich traditions of Japanese tattooing, or Irezumi, a practice that perfectly embodies the enduring spirit of this art form. I’ve had the privilege of beginning a classic Japanese 7/10 sleeve, and just today, outlining a half sleeve complemented by a traditional Japanese chest panel.
My journey as a tattoo artist has been a balancing act between my admiration for both American Traditional and Japanese tattoo styles. It’s a devotion so profound that choosing one over the other felt impossible. However, recently, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn into the depths of Irezumi, also known as Horimono – “the carved thing.” This deepening fascination stems from a shift in my understanding, a new level of appreciation for the intricate layers within this remarkable art.
Just today, a client remarked that I had mastered the Japanese style. My response was an immediate and emphatic denial. Mastery, in such a profound art form, feels like an unattainable horizon. The more you learn, the more you realize the vastness of what remains unknown. It’s a journey of continuous discovery, delving deeper into the mysteries, subtleties, and captivating intrigue that define your chosen path. You become increasingly consumed, driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding.
The Enduring Allure of Horimono’s Foundation
It is the background of Horimono that truly captivates me. While the iconic dragons, valiant warriors, and unique flora of Irezumi are undeniably compelling, it’s the background – the swirling clouds, powerful crashing waves, and spiraling winds – that breathes life into the work, evoking its true essence. The subtle gradations of black ink, fading seamlessly into grey, the authentic tone of Japanese ink as it settles beneath the skin, both fresh and healed – these are the elements that hold my gaze.
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Alt text: Intricate background detail in a Japanese tattoo showcasing waves and clouds, embodying the Horimono style.
The magic truly unfolds in how this background weaves together disparate parts of the body into a unified tapestry of tattoos. Each time I extend a half sleeve into a full sleeve, connect sleeves to a back piece, or bridge rib tattoos to chest tattoos with this expansive background, I am utterly engrossed in the act of connection. At this stage, I feel more like a tailor than a mere tattooist; I am crafting a suit. It must fit impeccably. It must be sharp, clean, and resolute.
It is paramount that this suit enhances and celebrates the body it adorns. And it must flow seamlessly, like a river – the river of time, the river of ink, the river of tattooed skin that flows through generations.
Music Legends and the Timelessness of Traditional Tattoos
This notion of generations brings forth an intriguing thought: we are living in a pivotal moment in history. Consider this – the Rolling Stones are still performing. Paul McCartney continues to create music. Willie Nelson remains an active voice. Bob Dylan is still writing and singing. We are remarkably close to the genesis of genres like country, folk, and rock music. Many of the pioneers of these forms are still with us.
The same holds true in the world of tattooing. Legends like Bob Roberts and Yoshihito Nakano, born in 1946, are still here, guiding us, showing us the boundless potential of tattooing as an art form. Kazuo Oguri, the first Japanese Hiroshi, or tattoo master, to share designs with the West, is another such figure. And who did he share with? None other than the iconic American tattooist, Sailor Jerry Collins. Jerry, in turn, introduced Oguri to Don Ed Hardy, a whirlwind force in tattooing. Hardy is still with us! These masters, these pillars of tradition, walk among us, breathe the same air. Long live these masters! This is what I mean when I say we are living in the midst of history – a history being shaped by these enduring figures.
Alt text: Portrait of Don Ed Hardy, a prominent figure and living legend in the world of traditional tattooing.
The Evolution of Tattooing in America and the Enduring Power of Tradition
While we have mourned the loss of many remarkable individuals, the point remains: the connection to the very origins of tattoo history is remarkably short. The American electric tattoo machine was invented in 1891. The Edo period of Japan, a crucial era for Irezumi, began just a couple of centuries prior. Our tattoo ancestors are within reach, almost tangible. We are their grandchildren, their great-great-grandchildren. Cap Coleman, a legendary figure, passed away in 1973. I was born in ’73! Paul Rogers was active through the ’80s. More recently, the tattoo community mourned the loss of Rick Walters, who taught me the traditional navy tattoo of the “pig and rooster.” We are closer to these giants than we often realize. We must cherish this proximity and honor them while they are here, and in our memories when they are gone.
There’s often talk about the novelty of the present – Instagram, the internet, new machine technologies, the rapid ascent of young artists, iPads as drawing tools. People boast or complain about these innovations, myself included at times. But that’s not the core, not at all. These fleeting trends are like the Ariana Grande of tattooing. Give me the Hank Williams, the Billie Holiday of the art form. Give me the real deal. And it’s here, in the enduring traditions! The true marvel is not the cutting edge of the new, but the edge honed relentlessly by these living legends, those recently passed, and the ghosts of founding fathers who still guide us. Walk in a quiet place at night, and you will feel their presence. Their spirit still reigns over the sacred art of tattooing. Superficial trends cannot diminish it. It cannot be augmented or subtracted from. It is established. It is the rock of ages. Traditional Tattooing. These are “the rock tattoos” – the unshakeable foundation upon which the art form is built.
Where Tradition Meets Skin – Schedule Your Tattoo Appointment
Don’t miss the opportunity to become part of this enduring narrative, to inscribe your story within this ancient tradition. Schedule your appointment with Carl Hallowell in Dallas, Texas, and allow your skin to become a canvas for timeless artistry. Book online or call us today.
