Self-expression is a cornerstone of art, but what happens when you don’t feel seen or understood? For Cory Harris, a talented tattoo artist at Loyalty Tattoos, the journey to authentic creation was intertwined with his personal journey of coming out as gay. His story, marked by early artistic exploration, grappling with societal expectations, and ultimately finding his voice, resonates deeply within the world of tattoo art, particularly for those interested in Gay Tattoos and self-affirming ink. Harris’s path highlights how personal identity can fuel artistic innovation and how tattoos can become powerful statements of self-acceptance and belonging.
From Military Roots to Graffiti Rebellion: Discovering Artistic Outlets
Harris’s fascination with tattoos began in childhood, influenced by his father and grandfather’s military service. He recalls, “Up until the ‘90s, you either had military tattoos or prison tattoos,” noting the limited scope of tattoo artistry in the mainstream at that time. His grandfather’s traditional tattoos – “an eagle on his forearm and a dagger through a heart” – sparked a sense of awe and wonder. For young Harris, tattoos represented “playing God and decorating your body with artwork,” igniting a lifelong obsession.
Tattoo artist Cory Harris sits at his desk, showcasing his workspace and artistic environment.
Feeling like an outsider, Harris was drawn to graffiti, another art form existing outside societal norms. He describes a pivotal moment: “When I was 13 or 14, I saw that somebody had tagged ‘Love’ on a building with a peace sign for the ‘O.’ I was like, ‘Who got up on this building that was three stories tall, without anyone seeing, just to relay this message?’ and I was hooked.” Graffiti offered anonymity and freedom of expression, a space where judgment was based solely on the art itself, not the artist’s identity.
Navigating Identity in the Tattoo Community: Embracing Authenticity
As Harris transitioned into tattooing, he encountered a different kind of challenge. “Being gay in the masculine tattoo world was very difficult in the beginning,” he admits. In the early 2000s, he felt pressure to conform, fearing he would be perceived as “weak or less than.” This internal conflict highlighted the importance of authenticity, not just in art, but in the artist themselves. For Harris, true artistic expression demanded self-acceptance. He realized, “authenticity is important in art and in tattooing,” and began to navigate how to bring his full self into his professional world.
Finding Community and Inspiration: The Bear Community and “Gay Tattoos”
Despite facing legal repercussions for his graffiti, Harris persevered, finding strength in various communities. “I think the community of subcultures is important,” he reflects, acknowledging the support he received from tattooing, graffiti, and the LGBTQ+ community. Loyalty Tattoos, his workplace, provided further support, reinforcing the importance of community in his journey.
Tattoo artist Cory Harris focused on his art, designing a custom tattoo for a client.
A significant turning point came when Harris discovered the bear community within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. He explains, “It was like having a second coming out when I found the bear community.” Initially, explaining his attraction to “big, burly, hairy dudes” was challenging, but the bear community became his authentic space. This newfound self-acceptance profoundly influenced his art, particularly his approach to gay tattoos.
Inspired by his love for American traditional tattooing – “the pin-up girls, the anchors and the eagles” – Harris sought to create a unique style reflecting his identity. He questioned, “Why couldn’t we do this with men?” This led to his signature “bear” pin-up style, celebrating masculine curves and hair in a way rarely seen in traditional tattoo imagery. His gay tattoos became a celebration of the body types he found attractive and representative of his community.
Beyond Stereotypes: The Expanding World of Inclusive Tattoo Art
While known for his distinctive “bear” aesthetic and gay tattoos, Harris is a versatile artist capable of creating diverse tattoo styles for all clients. His Instagram, @poisonedwizard, showcases his broad range and talent. However, for those seeking gay tattoos that specifically celebrate the bear community and masculine forms, Cory Harris offers a unique and personal artistic vision.
Cory Harris’s journey underscores the power of self-expression and the evolving landscape of tattoo art. From grappling with identity to finding community and artistic voice, his story is a testament to the importance of authenticity. His unique approach to gay tattoos, particularly his “bear” pin-up style, contributes to a more inclusive and representative tattoo culture, inviting everyone to find ways to express their true selves through ink.
