Creating a lasting piece of art on skin is a journey, and for Mike, that journey involved transforming his lower arm into a canvas depicting one of the most iconic scenes in history: the Last Supper. Having tattooed Mike in the early 2000s, establishing a relationship built on creative exploration and mutual respect, revisiting his arm years later for such an ambitious project was an exciting challenge. Mike, who previously favored easily concealable tattoos, decided to extend his collection further down his arms, bringing with him the concept of the Last Supper. This piece demanded meticulous planning and execution, pushing both artist and client in the best possible way. The result is a testament to dedication and the enduring power of transformative tattoo art, even if capturing its full essence in a photograph remains a delightful challenge.
The first session laid the groundwork, focusing on capturing the intricate details essential to the Last Supper scene.
The second session built upon this foundation, adding depth and dimension to the figures and elements within the Last Supper composition.
Integrating this new piece with Mike’s existing tattoos, created by Desmond Mooney, required a thoughtful approach to ensure visual harmony and flow across his arm. The artistry of Desmond Mooney, known for his distinctive style, served as a backdrop to which the Last Supper Tattoo needed to connect seamlessly.
During the process, a creative deviation from the reference painting emerged. Initially, only the central window in the Last Supper depiction was open. However, after the tattoo began to heal and Mike had time to reflect, the decision was made to open the third window as well. This subtle yet impactful change enhanced the composition and demonstrated the collaborative nature of the tattoo process, allowing for personalization and client input to refine the artwork.
The fourth session addressed the challenges of tattooing the ditch area of the arm, which, due to constant movement, can be more difficult to heal. This session involved touch-ups to ensure the integrity and longevity of the tattoo, alongside further detailing.
The curvature of the arm presented a photographic challenge, particularly in capturing the extensive detail of the tablecloth and other elements without losing focus on the figures’ faces. The intricate details, especially on elements like the tablecloth, are a testament to the dedication to capturing the essence of the Last Supper in tattoo form.
With the core Last Supper scene complete, the focus shifted to integrating it further with the surrounding tattoos, creating a cohesive and narrative sleeve. This involved tie-in work that bridged the Last Supper with the existing artwork, creating a unified and visually compelling piece.
Among the whimsical additions to Mike’s sleeve is a playful scene featuring Yukon Cornelius and the Bumble from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, showcasing the diverse and personal nature of his tattoo collection.
Fully healed and integrated, the Last Supper tattoo stands as a remarkable centerpiece within Mike’s forearm sleeve, a blend of religious iconography and personal expression. It’s a piece that deserves to be seen and appreciated, a sentiment echoed by Mike himself.
While capturing the perfect photograph remains elusive, the desire to share this artwork stems from a place of pride and appreciation for the collaborative process and the stunning result. This Last Supper tattoo is more than just ink; it’s a symbol of trust, friendship, and the powerful storytelling potential of tattoos. Thank you, Mike, for your continued trust and for bringing such meaningful and challenging ideas to life.
