[Book Review] Black & Grey Tattoo - Traditional Black and Grey: Volume One

Author:   Marisa Kakoulas and Edgar Hoill Publisher: Edition Reuss Date Published: September 2010 Volume One includes many religious pieces, depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary, sacred hearts and praying hands. The Aztec/Mayan and Chicano inspired tattoos are some of my favourite. The tattoo artist's ability to use a tattoo machine and ink to transform their client's skin to look like carved stone is simply incredible; it truly has to be seen to be believed. Not only are there over 300 pages of tattoos, but it's the interviews with one of the godfather's of black and grey tattooing, Jack Rudy and Jesus "Chuey" Quintanar which details their love for black and grey tattooing. Unlike the art you see in a museum, with most tattoo art we now have the ability (through magazines and books like this) to ask the artist about their inspiration, technique and the meaning behind their work. Many of the tattoo artists featured come from Christian/Catholic upbringings, or are of Native American or Hispanic descent. "The goal of this book is to honestly and artfully present black and grey tattooing from the perspective of the communities from which they are derived and with respect" says author Marisa Kakoulas. These tattoos are paying homage to their faith, heritage, mythology and the cultural and spiritual act of body art. "I don't have to travel far for tattoos, though. Los Angeles is the heartland of black and grey fine line" says photographer, Edgar Hoill with many of the artists in this book residing in the state of California.  For the reader's benefit, each artist's shop name and contact information is included. If you love black and grey tattoos, a trip to the US may be on the cards for you. The artwork photographed for this book is of such different subject matter than what we see in Australia. If you can get your hands on this book and the other two volumes, I guarantee that it will blow your minds. The book is translated in to English, German and Spanish. Where to purchase: Book Depository - Cheapest by far and free shipping worldwide. via Stacie Michelle http://stacie-michelle.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-black-grey-tattoo.html

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