Tattoos boast a rich history spanning over millennia, with origins tracing back to Neolithic hunters and mummies. Embraced by diverse cultures, this art form evolved with unique techniques and styles. While tattoos faced societal stigma at the dawn of the 21st century, they’ve progressively gained acceptance, becoming a widespread form of self-expression and body art globally. Today, individuals choose to get inked for myriad reasons, ranging from aesthetics and fashion trends to deeply personal motivations, tributes, and declarations of honor.
The allure of tattoos has surged, leading some to immerse themselves completely in this art. For these dedicated enthusiasts, tattoos transcend mere static images; they become dynamic, living artworks. Let’s delve into the captivating story of Gregory Paul McLaren, famously known as Lucky Diamond Rich, who holds the distinguished title of the “Most Tattooed Person” in the world.
The Journey to 200% Tattoo Coverage
Born in 1971 in New Zealand, Lucky Diamond Rich is not just a canvas but also a creator within the tattoo realm. His expertise and distinctive appearance have led to appearances in films and television, as well as invitations to festivals and conventions worldwide.
Guinness World Records officially recognizes Lucky Diamond Rich as the “most tattooed person,” astonishingly claiming he has 200% of his body tattooed. This seemingly impossible figure arises from the layers of ink upon ink. Initially, his body was completely covered in blackwork tattoos. Not content with a single layer, he then chose to have these black designs re-tattooed with vibrant colors, effectively layering new art over existing art.
Achieving this extraordinary level of coverage was a collaborative effort. Around 136 tattoo artists from various corners of the globe dedicated approximately 1000 hours of studio time to transform Lucky into a walking masterpiece. His commitment to body art extends to areas rarely tattooed, including his eyelids, mouth, ears, the soles of his feet, and even his gums and foreskin, demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to full body coverage.
From Circus Performer to Tattoo Icon
Lucky Diamond Rich’s journey began in the circus at the age of 16. There, he honed unusual talents like sword swallowing and chainsaw juggling. It was during a circus tour in Australia that he got his first tattoo—a juggling club discreetly placed on his hip, a location chosen to conceal it from his mother. By the age of 28, Lucky had already achieved a full-body tattoo transformation, a secret he humorously managed to keep from his mother, at least for a while.
Lucky Diamond Rich’s story is a testament to the evolving perception of tattoos and the dedication of individuals who see their bodies as a canvas for continuous artistic expression. His record is not just about the quantity of tattoos, but about the layers of personal narrative and artistic collaboration etched onto his skin, solidifying his place as the world’s most tattooed person.
