Greetings, Speakeasy LA subscribers! Sunny here once again. If you've read my few previous blog posts and heard a little bit about me, you'll understand how my personal interests led me to Tattooing. All of the self-exploration last week raised the question of where it all began.
I would like to share with you all some brief thoughts on the history that has shaped the current landscape of the art in general. Body art has a long and storied history, with evidence of people involved in self-decorating activities dating back 30,000-plus years ago. Often ritualistic, some of these acts would include scarification, body painting, and tattooing. These ancient practices can be considered some of the first stages of bodily self-expression, but the ubiquity of the tattoo is the one that has remained the most relevant. There is no recorded specific origin point for the first tattoo ever performed. However, permanent markings on the body have been discovered throughout ancient history in varying locations and cultures. That being said, the Polynesian tattoo, or "Tatau" as it were, is one of the most significant and well-documented body art rituals recorded.
The historical origins of Polynesian tattoos date back to 1769, recorded in European ship logs of British explorer Captain Cook, whose writings brought many of the region's practices to light in the Western world. According to recorded history, these Polynesian cultures were responsible for the most intricate and skillful tattooing of the ancient world. It had evolved over thousands of years throughout the islands of the Pacific and, in its most highly developed forms, was characterized by elaborate geometrical designs. These patterns are often added to, renewed, and embellished throughout the individual's life until they covered their entire body.
The tattooing process was performed with an instrument that consisted of flat, chisel shaped pieces of bone or sea turtle shell measuring two to four centimeters in length and filed until sharp at one end to form a comb-like series of pointed teeth. This sharpened piece was then attached to the end of a long wooden handle and dipped in black pigment made of soot and water, then applied into the skin by striking the instrument with a small mallet repeatedly. Since both of the artist's hands were occupied in the process, they had one or two additional people to hold the skin to ensure accuracy. These assistants were called "stretchers" and integral to the process. Their responsibilities also included being there to help soothe the person getting tattooed. Being a stretcher was typically the beginning of the learning process for many early tattoo artists. Being a tattooist was held as a highly regarded position with responsibilities akin to ritual priests. They customarily tattooed young men in groups of six to eight during a ceremony attended by friends and relatives, who participated in origin specific prayers and rituals. Many of the decorations consist of v-shaped interlocking geometrical patterns and stylized motifs resembling sea creatures of the region.
These tribal tattoos had profound social and cultural significance to the people of the Pacific Islands and continue to be an integral part of the Polynesian heritage. It played an essential role in religious rituals, warfare and acted as a symbol of status. The longevity of these ancient body art practices reflects how tattooing is still so culturally important to people in the modern age. It is to express oneself and can represent a personal journey through artwork attached to the body as unique decorations. Tattoos have a transcendent quality as an art form throughout cultural lines, which is evident in these cultures and others abroad.
Xx Sunny
Good evening, Speakeasy family,
I want to discuss the parallels between punk rock music and tattoos.
Thinking back to my formative years, I now realize my early interest in punk music is what introduced me to body modifications, like tattoos and piercings. As a child, I remember seeing the Crimson ghost crudely blasted over my uncle's forearm, not realizing until years later it was the same ghoul on The Misfits Legacy of Brutality album that I begged my mom for when I was 14, haha.
This Album introduced me to many more bands that similarly celebrated nonconformities like colored hair, piercings, and tattoos, which were all new discoveries to me at the time; I was fascinated!
Punk music and tattoo culture have had a long and intertwined history, influencing each other significantly. This can be traced back to the late 1970s when punk rock surfaced as a revolutionary force in music. It was not just a genre of music but a lifestyle, a cultural movement that rejected the mainstream and celebrated individualism, rebellion, and DIY ethics. Bands like The Germs, The Clash, Iggy Pop, and The Stooges became iconic symbols of this new wave of music and attitude.
Punk's ethos of nonconformity and self-expression naturally extended to fashion and body art. For many individuals tattoos became a powerful form of personal and political expression. They often chose provocative and anti-establishment designs, reflecting punk's raw and rebellious spirit. Back then, tattooing was not as mainstream as it is now. It was often associated with sailors and outlaws. But as punk rock gained momentum, it brought tattoo culture into the spotlight. Punks began to get tattoos that featured edgy, rebellious imagery like skulls, anarchist symbols, and slogans that challenged societal norms.
As punk music and culture spread, so did its influence on tattooing. In the 1980s and 1990s, tattoos became more accepted and popular among mainstream audiences, but the punk influence remained strong. The tattoos of that era often reflected a sense of rebellion and a desire to stand out from the crowd, much like the music itself.
Today, punk music and tattoo culture continue to intersect. Many tattoo artists and enthusiasts still draw inspiration from the early days of the punk movement and the rebellious, DIY spirit that can be seen in countless subcultures that dabble in body art. The two cultures remain linked by a shared commitment to self-expression and breaking away from the norm. For that reason, this genre of music will always hold a special place in my heart.
Talk to you later!
Sunny
Good afternoon to all you lovely people on the internet. As I close in on my first month at Speakeasy Tattoo LA, I find myself pondering the orb, asking it, and myself, why don't I see anyone using coil tattoo machines anymore?? This question sent me down a rabbit hole of information, much of it involving old-school versus new-school philosophy and an interesting account of the history of tattoo machinery. So, let me start from the beginning.
The art of tattooing has evolved significantly from the manual methods used in ancient times. Before the creation of the first tattoo machine, different cultures used unique methods to apply pigment in to the skin. They used tools such as sharpened bone or ivory carved needles too physically puncture the skin and drive the ink in. These methods remained unchanged until the late 19th century when the Electric pen, patented by Thomas Edison in 1876, was created. Initially designed for duplicating documents, this device used a vibrating needle to perforate paper, creating a stencil for copying text. About fifteen years later, Samuel O'Reilly adapted the electric pen for tattooing. While Edison's invention laid the groundwork for the tattoo machine, Samuel O'Reilly is credited with the actual invention and patent of the first modern tattoo machine.
O'Reilly's machine was powered by electromagnetic coils. With a power supply, an electric current passed through the coils, creating an electromagnetic field that caused the needle to move in a fast up-and-down motion. This movement allowed for the efficient and consistent application of tattoo ink, which was more accurate and less labor-intensive than the previous methods. This became the Industry standard for many years. Eventually, tattoo artists and enthusiasts continued to improve the tattoo machine. For example, the rotary machine became a popular alternative. Unlike the coil machines, the rotary machines were powered by a rotating motor to move the needle. Although not as popular as the coil machines at the time, the rotary machines have seen significant advancements throughout the years, incorporating high-efficiency motors and precision engineering. They have become favored for their quiet operation and consistent needle movement. Rotary machines come in various designs, including "Direct drive rotary," which uses a direct connection between the motor and the needle, and "Pneumatic Rotary," driven by compressed air, offering an innovative approach to needle motion. As time goes on, we get new features added, such as wireless battery packs and digital interfaces.
From what I gather, the tattoo industry is rapidly evolving due to the ever-present technological advances. It makes sense why the rotary machine is favored in the modern day. The lightweight feel, predetermined settings, and easy sanitization have significantly streamlined the tattooing process, enabling artists to make substantial advancements in their craft. Although there are a few downsides to the rotary machine, such as when it dies, there's no fixing it, unlike a coil machine that you can tinker with and personalize. Although coil machines may seem like a thing of the past, you have to admit the old-school coil is hardy, reliable, and far more personal to the individual artist. I don't believe it is something that can ever be phased out; as it continues to influence modern tattooing. Many artists still use them for their historical significance and are highly romanticized mementos to the subculture. The history of the tattoo machine is just as fascinating as the art of tattooing to me.
Thats all for now!
Xx Sunny