Getting a tattoo is a deeply personal and intimate experience that comes with a commitment to live differently and affects how you interact with the world and society. It's a decision that should not be taken lightly but only made by you. It has opened up a whole new world where everything is possible.
The case for Tattoos is a collection of essays exploring the world of tattoos from a social, historical, economical, and personal level.
Hello, Welcome to my blog, "Kitchen and Letters."
Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting a Mexican tattoo expert who founded an experimental tattoo school in Mexico City, Edgardo Gamboa. I was thrilled to hear about his journey, inspiring me to continue my research in the tattoo world. Edgardo began his career as a tattoo artist in the early 90s, but his passion for tattoos led him to pursue a degree in art and eventually a Ph.D. in the art of tattoos. I admire how he defies the negative stigma surrounding tattoo artists by becoming an academic and expert in his field. Despite the misconception that tattooed individuals cannot be respected as artists, he proudly represents his craft. His story was truly fascinating and motivating. Edgardo has a strong passion for tattooing and believes it is a form of expression. He is constantly experimenting with new techniques to transform the art form. Edgardo's work has opened up recent trends and inspired many others. The world of tattooing is genuinely fascinating and can be taken with us wherever we go.
Meeting Edgardo Gamboa
As he spoke, I couldn't help but feel rude for interrupting him with all my questions. Our conversation intrigued me, and I could have talked to him for hours. I'm even planning to visit the school in Mexico City where he teaches. It was essential for me to find a connection that would keep me motivated, and it's exactly what I needed to stay motivated in my personal journey with tattoos. I'm eager to get more Ink and learn more about the art form. I'm especially interested in the ins and outs of Chicano tattoos; while he's passionate about Mexican tattoos, this is a starting point. I might discover Mexican tattoos first and then move to Chicano culture. I might have to travel to L.A. someday to explore more Chicano culture that fascinates me.
Before I proceed with my research, I want to share my experience with tattoos while it is still fresh. This experience is crucial to the essence of my research. However, I will strive to maintain an impartial perspective for the remainder of my study. I aim to present my findings organically, with my personal experience being discussed toward the end.
How to find a tattoo parlor?
Over the years, tattoo parlors have undergone significant changes. They are no longer shady, located at the end of alleys, and have limited tattoo options. This has been my experience with the tattoo parlors I patronize. While there may still be some old-school tattoo parlors out there, I am glad to see more women's tattoo artists, which makes me feel safer and more comfortable. The studios are clean and very nicely decorated. Since 2012, tattoo parlors in Mexico have been subject to regulations that dictate the requirements for opening one. Currently, Ink is the governing body, and tattoo machines are imported or homemade.
The individuals operating the tattoo machines are artists in their own right.
It's essential to find a tattoo artist that you connect with personally. You should be able to communicate your vision to them, and they should be able to determine if it's a good fit for you. As Edgardo mentioned yesterday, everyone's skin is different. Many tattoo artists have adopted a more professional approach when working with their clients.
Although I regularly get tattoos throughout the year, I recently got another one. This was not my first, and it certainly won't be my last, as I already have an appointment for August. My best friend is visiting, and we plan on getting tattoos together. I have a lot of tattoos, and my ultimate goal is to cover my entire back. This particular tattoo marks the sixth one I have gotten from the same artist. I was drawn to Mariana Alarcon because of her belief that tattooing is a ritual, which is reflected in the atmosphere of her tattoo studio - a serene and sacred space rather than a typical parlor. Mariana specializes in fine-line tattooing, a delicate and feminine style she developed after studying art at the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende. Her designs are unique and serve as daily rituals that can be meditated upon. I discovered Mariana while listening to a podcast about tattooing and the energy that is unlocked by tapping into the body's meridians, which are mapped out by acupuncture.
My tattoo project has had many phases; it has been a work in progress for over 20 years.
A passion that continues to evolve.
When I was 19, I eagerly got my first tattoo designed by my friend David Galvan, who has since become a well-known graphic designer in L.A. At the time, we were both studying at a high school that attracted a lot of misbehaving teens, and we were neighbors. I shared with David my desire to get a tattoo. He came up with a sunflower design, and I ultimately decided to get my first tattoo done at "La Clinica," a well-respected tattoo parlor in Queretaro City. However, I was still nervous since I needed clarification on what I was looking for. I remember my first experience; it was impersonal, the way it typically goes or used to go in the 90s. Customer service and connection with the customer are not a thing for tattoo parlors, or maybe the tattoo artists knew that I was the typical posh girl doing the rebellious something of getting a tattoo for the sake of it. I have good artwork, and some could be better. Would I cover them? Later, when I know more about the story I want to tell.
For me, every tattoo has a place and space where my life story is taking me. I take it with me. When Edgardo looked at me, he said you do not look like someone that will have a tattoo, when he asked me: how many do you have? My answer surprised him more. I have more than 20 tattoos that are not small surprises to everyone. My piece still needs to be finished. At the moment, he might have been right. I did not even know that 20-something years later, the subject would give me goosebumps. That I was going to be fascinated by it. My story does not end there. I am still determining where it will end. Getting a tattoo has allowed me to express my uniqueness and pride. It represents a duality where I can be intelligent and feminine while having tattoos.
Tattoos are a visual representation of who we are.
As a customer, I have observed the evolution of the tattoo industry over the past two decades. I am grateful for the new trends emerging artists bring to the table, even though some may be fleeting, as is typical in any art form.
When I first delved into the subject of tattoos and asked people about their reasons for getting inked, I found that the answers varied greatly. Some people get tattoos as a tribute to a loved one, as an act of rebellion, for self-expression, to experience pain, or to celebrate joy. The reasons behind getting a tattoo are personal and unique, which is why there isn't a single answer to this ancient art form. Tattoos reflect society's dual nature, just like the yin and yang.
From my perspective, the most significant advancement in tattoos has been the increased focus on women. Tattoos have become more feminine and now reflect the essence of who I am. I prefer nature, animals, flowers, and various colors to tell my story. My tattoos are a visual representation of my identity, and they allow me to express myself uniquely.
In conclusion, according to Edgardo, tattooing is more than just an art - it's a lifestyle. Despite initially not knowing where it would lead him, his journey as a tattoo artist continues evolving and exploring new self-expression forms. As for me, I started as a customer and will remain one as my fascination with tattoos grows, and I look for ways to introduce them to others. We understand that not everyone will be receptive to our message, but we will make the information available to those who are interested.
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Thank you for reading me.
With love,
Iliana
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