The website (popfreeradio.com) that I wrote this story for is no longer up as of today, but it was one I enjoyed taking pictures of and attending, so I wanted to share it.
Saturday September 13t, 2009
Kansas City held its second tattoo convention at the Uptown Theater.
Well I’m not much of a writer and more of a photographer, but I will try my best. Before I got there expected it to be room full of your usual tattoo stereotypes with bikers and bad ass wanna bes. However, in reality there were a variety of people from rednecks, grandmas and grandpas, punks, hard-core rockers, and some even made it a family affair and brought the kids along. Over all everyone was pretty cool and laid back and just did their thing. There was even a special guest appearance, Darren Brass from Miami Ink.
The main attraction was just all the different tattoo artists giving tattoos at the different booths. Then off to the side they did have a mini art museum of tattoo history, and a few pieces of art that were for sale. But anyways that was about it. I would recommend anyone to go to this event when it comes around next year. Even if you don’t have tattoos or don’t really care for them, it’s a different way to look at art that’s more exciting than your classic museum.
This guy was there when I got there getting his back worked on, and was still there 4 hours later when I left. Pretty crazy, but I give him and the artist props.
In my opinion this guy was one of the best artists there. He was working just about the whole time and had people in and out of his chair. Now he is what you would call strictly business.
I know this is a horrible taken picture, but I just wanted to hurry up and snap it. This guy walked around with his shirt on for the majority of the time I was there, and he appeared to be ink-less. However once the shirt came off, he was clearly a fan of tattooing.
This was my favorite tattoo there, but probably just because I am a big batman fan. Although I guess this dude was an even bigger fan for getting him on his leg. Oh and all that red stuff you see…. yeah thats all blood. I never realized how much a person bleeds when they get tats.
The end result…. pretty bad ass I know.
None other than the Miami ink artist himself Darren Bass. Oh! You wouldn’t believe how many people walked by him and was like hey isn’t that the guy from Miami ink. Then in one case one of the guys friend told him he was a dumb ass, because the dude didn’t even look like him. Well it WAS him, no joke.
Some wonder how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop, I am just wondering how many hours it took to get all this done.
The same girl as above just a close up of her tat.
Just as I was leaving I seen someones grandma getting her tattoo picked out, and I just couldn’t resist a picture. Given it wasn’t as funny as the old country club man getting a solid black circle on is upper arm, but I guess it shows that tattoos are not only for your sleezy aunt sally anymore.
