tattooed art & culture - may/june 2014

May/June 2014 | 1

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

ARTIST ANTHONY STURMASPIN UP GIRLS:

One on one with Underground Artist

AARON G. GRUBB

DEANA RENE LAURA MAE

WATSON CAST IRON MACHINE

PG 12

BENCHMADE CUSTOM KNIFE BUILDER PG 11

NEW GEAR:

May/June 2014 Vol.1 Issue.3

2 | Tattooed Art & Culture

May/June 2014 | 3

May/June 2014 | 5

Publisher’s NotePeople are People … Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s I was a huge fan of punk music, skate boards, LSD, and yes a few oth-er things. I always thought tattoos were cool! The first time I watched ‘Another State of Mind’ with So-cial Distortion I knew right then what my first tattoo would be. However even as a child I never really un-derstood why the older generation of people was so quick to judge others back then with tattoos…? I saw this as art, and others seem to read this as prison, punk, druggy, or hippy. The 80’s like every generation had its share of closed minded people.

The song lyrics from Depeche Mode still resonate to the day for me; People are People

People are peopleSo why should it beYou and I should get along so awfully

So we’re different colorsAnd we’re different creedsAnd different people have different needsIt’s obvious you hate meThough I’ve done nothing wrongI’ve never even met you so what could I have done

I can’t understandWhat makes a manHate another manHelp me understand

Help me understand

Now you’re punchingAnd you’re kickingAnd you’re shouting at meI’m relying on your common decencySo far it hasn’t surfacedBut I’m sure it existsIt just takes a while to travelFrom your head to your fists

I think that today ‘tattoo acceptance’ has come a long way – heck for that mat-ter so has drugs. Marijuana in now legal in some states! I think a lot of us never thought that day would come!

I guess what I’m trying to say is that now that we can accept tattoos in light of time, and changes why can’t people accept others for race, religion, or sexual preference..? It’s not our business to be in another’s persons in my opinion. Do what you like and be yourself!!

Regards, John O.

Vol 1 Issue 3

Group PublisherJohn O.

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefCurt Blakeney

[email protected]

SalesEast Coast

Michael JordanAccount Executive

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West CoastFrances G

Account [email protected]

Sales DirectorLauren Bowen

[email protected] direct

Midwest / Central United States / Europe / UKJohn O.

[email protected]

Specialty ItemsTodd Johnston

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EditorialEditorial submission

[email protected]

AccountingSandy Schiager800-342-4091

Traffic & DesignMindi Bear

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Photographers: Kalyn Loe

Brad PattonLMDB StudiosStacy Michael

Keith Selle

Websitewww.tattooac.com

@tattooedac

Tattooed Art & Culture is published bimonthly by Sandborn Media.

All Rights Reserved.

May/June 2014 | 7

Table of Contents

22

20

1211

14 3215

26 16

PIN UP GIRL:LAURA MAE

ARTIST: ANTHONY STURMASGEAR & STUFF

FASHION

FWA XIONG

PIN UP GIRL: DEANA RENE

AUTO REVIEWFOOT TATTOOS

INTERVIEW WITH TATTOO ARTIST AARON GRUBB

May/June 2014 | 9

BARBEQUE 101Your mother taught you your table manners, but did anyone teach you BBQ etiquette? By Charles Hudson

Celebrity Chef Ted Reader has developed a list of tips for good backyard barbecue party etiquette that if followed will help you get invited back to the next party.

“When it comes to attending someone else’s barbecue party or hosting your own backyard bash, there are a few rules of etiquette that you should use as guide-lines,” said Reader. “Take it from me, I host a number of barbecue fests and I’ve learned a bit about the rights and wrongs.

Most of these tips are pretty straightforward, but there’s always that one guy who just doesn’t know. My advice is to follow these tips and not be that guy.”

When you’re a guest at a BBQ party:

• Don’t touch the grill: This is the domain of the host and/or hostess, and moving in on their BBQ turf is the biggest faux pas that you can make. As a guest, you can watch but never touch. Asking questions, though, is completely acceptable. • Bring something: A bottle of wine or some beer; or, if you feel up to it, even a side dish you’ve made. But make sure there is enough to go around. Even a jar of your favorite barbecue sauce is a great gift. I suggest Ted’s World Famous BBQ Sauces and Seasonings. • Be respectful: Your hosts have enough stress throwing a party; they don’t need any added aggravation. Never tell the person working the grill how to do it, or that what he or she is doing is wrong. Mind your manners and only offer suggestions when asked.

When you’re hosting the BBQ party:

• Make sure your grill is clean. A clean grill is a healthy grill, and it makes you look professional. • If you’re using propane as your fuel source, make sure you have a full tank and a backup just in case. There is nothing worse than running out of fuel while you’re in the middle of cooking. The same goes for charcoal. Make sure that you have enough. • Invest in proper utensils. This simple tip makes you look like a pro. Rusted or dirty gear, however, does the exact opposite. • Prepare recipes that you are comfortable and familiar with. Test recipes on your family (they will forgive you), not your guests. • Create a theme for your BBQ party: a birthday, Father’s Day, Fourth of July or any other celebration. A theme will make it easier to plan a menu and get yourself orga-nized. • Have a vegetarian option. Meat is the mainstay of the barbecue, but not all of your guests may eat it, so provide a secondary option. Grilled Portobello mushroom caps topped with assorted grilled vegetables and some cheese is a great vegetarian choice. • Don’t feel obligated to invite your neighbors. Not all parties require their presence. • Provide taxi rides for those who have a little too much fun.

Above all, Reader advises you to not forget to have fun. Barbecue parties are a great way to get together with friends and celebrate the end of the cold weather. For more information about Ted Reader, visit www.tedreader.com.


Black Buddha CACTUS GREEN Tattoo Ink 1/2 oz. BottleIf you are looking for the best colors on the market, Black Buddha Colors are the perfect inks for you. Made with the highest concentration pigments possible, you will find that this ink goes in easily and covers in one pass. You will also find that the Black Buddha Colors’ formula is created to stay true to its colors and resist fading. Black Buddha Colors are MADE IN THE USA and were created with the artist in mind. In addition to using only the very best color pigments, all Black Buddha Color ink is crafted in an FDA approved laboratory, maintaining a consistently safe, pro-fessional ink.

ALL BLACK BUDDHA COLORS INK Comes with a fraud resistant hologram authenticity label showing the trademark Buddha design as well as a UNIQUE one of a kind serial number to ensure that you are getting the REAL DEAL!

Benchmade Custom Knife Builder Your knife should feel like an extension of you — after all, you carry it with you everywhere you can — and it’s in that spirit that the guys at Benchmade bring you the Custom Knife Builder. Choose from four folding knife styles to start with; determine what type of steel you want your blade to be made from, and then customize the blade type, choosing from various serrated and straight edges. From there, you can add personalized text, add in your own images, and select from a number of printed patterns for the blade.

Finally, decide your handle color, component color, and clip style.

BCX Slingshot Bring out your inner menace every time you pick up the BCX Slingshot. Each limited run piece is handcrafted and shaped by slingshot expert Nathan Masters, and it shows, from the beautiful hickory wood scales and axe-in-spired shaping, to the spectraply laminate core and the three-quarter-inch theraband band. They’re made to be strong and durable, so you can be confident you’ll get years of use out of yours. Each one comes with an ad-ditional band, a pouch for carrying, and hand-screened target so you can practice your aim — all you need to do is supply the steel ammo and a steady arm.

MacGyver Tool Kit Most tool kits include things like screwdrivers, knives, sockets, wrenches, and other things to help you put stuff together and/or tear it apart. The MacGyver Tool Kit is different. Like its name suggests, it’s filled with common items that can be used to fix a wide range of problems, from stopping a leak to building a homemade rocket. Okay, so we’re not so sure

about that one, but we are sure you can find something to do with the bobby pin, match, rubber band, bubble gum, birthday candle, paper clip, and other “tools” you’ll inside.

The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook If all hell breaks loose, having qualified military personnel by your side is a good idea — but short of that, at least you can glean a little warrior-like knowledge from The U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook: Learn the Survival Techniques and Strategies of America’s Elite Warriors ($10). Written by decorated SEAL Team Six member Don Mann, it provides potentially life-saving info on weapons and tools, shel-ter-making, signaling, finding water, hunting for food, and more, all illustrated with 150 full-color photographs.

Gear & Stuff

May/June 2014 | 11

Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Bizarre doesn’t even begin to cover the strange subculture you’ll discover in the pages of the Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia ($22). Written by former prisoner and prison attendant Danzig Baldaev, it examines the underground language of tattooing used by the criminal class of Russia using hand-drawn notes, written explanations, and photos by Sergei Vasiliev.

Steadfast Men’s Black Bi-Fold Wallet Tattooed and DeployedSteadfast Brand is a well known manufacturer of quality Art-Driven Tattoo Apparel based out of Orlando, Florida. Their secret to making the brand “POP” is bringing the best printing tech-niques to their products leaving a lasting impression to the last detail.

This black bi-fold wallet is designed with patriotism. The front-side states “Tattooed and De-ployed” while the back has an image of the American Flag representing “Tattoo Nation” with a Tattoo Machine replacing the stars of the traditional star spangled banner. All in support of

our tattooed troops! Interior includes card slots and a billfold. 3 1/2” x 4 1/4”

Tony Urbanek Handmade Berndog ONE OFF LinerHANDMADE BERNDOG LINER TATTOO MACHINE CUSTOM #06 - ONE OFF UNIQUE DESIGNFrom Tony Urbanek, the berndog liner is an lightweight liner. Features an Iron Frame, Handmade in the USA. Each machine is unique with a Numbered Serial, 8 wrap coils, Long stroke and an Excellent Liner.

Armour Rest Arm RestGuaranteed to perform better than any mass produced tattoo armrest on the market. Base models include standard base with Armour Rests logo, heavy duty single stage pow-der coat (Customers choice of color), locking height adjustment, heavy duty vinyl pad 8 x 12 x 2 (3 inch available) (Black only), locking/adjustable top pad swivel, and easy to use handles on all adjustment points.

Watson Cast Iron Machine

This sturdy, old school cast iron machine is a perfect machine for any true professional tattooist. From the heavy, balanced frame, to the solid brass hardware, every Watson Ma-chine is one-of-a-kind. Each machine features authentic, vintage cigar coil wraps (each set chosen at random, making it truly one-of-a-kind), 8-wrap insulated, hand-wound copper coils, foreign coin thumb screw, and counter-sunk and slotted base plates for comfort and easier customization.

Each machine will be hand-built, and professionally tuned by old school tattooist Jim Watson, with over 40 years experience in the industry. In ad-dition, each machine is hand -numbered and comes with a matching Cer-tificate of Authenticity.

As an added bonus, each machine ships setup as a shader, with an addi-tional armature bar and spring assembly set to liner specifications, along with an Allen wrench. You will be able to quickly re-configure the Watson Machine from a liner to a shader, eliminating the need for an additional machine!

A great tattoo machine, at a great price, covered by our 90 Day Warranty.


Anthony Sturmas an artist based in Los Angeles (Lith-uanian and Argentian). He received his formal train-ing at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena CA after receiving a scholarship for Illustration (In-structor: Marc Stricland). Once finished, he decided to pursue his true passion, Graffiti/Illustration. At a time when Graffiti first hit Los Angeles in the early 80’s. Sturmas, draws upon the “raw gut feeling”. Mostly paints from events that have had happened in his life. After loosing his father at an early age, his de-sire and passion for graffiti flourished. The craving for Graffiti grew stronger when “Subway Art”, “Breakin and Enterin” (Ice T first appeared) were published. At a time when this type of art was unheard of, “It was radical, rebel like, no rules, you paint from with-in.” He received his BFS in Multi Media from The Art In-stitute of Los Angeles Ca 2006. Studied with Marjan and Suzuki in the informal studio class of life draw-ing. There, he absorbed the acute attention to form associated with the foundation of anatomy and the important fundamentals of the human form. Subse-quently he had refined his own visual and conceptual work once learning from this masters. His display of work has been in the Long Beach Gallery, Rose Gal-lery, SPARC, Dark Secrets in PA. Editorial in the Dai-ly Breeze, Junk in Our Trunk, Latino Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Street Art and Street Beat aka Marty Beat just to name a few. Today, he has committed his energy to observing his style and the historical aspects of graffiti culture. He has branched into creating animated films, sto-ryboarding, Directing, and book covers. His story-boards and style have been impacted by Bill Reci-nos (Storyboard Artist for Ghost Busters 1980’s) and Douglas Kirk (DreamWorks). Both men gave him that niche to look out for the proper way of doing story-boards. “In the end if I can make you stop and think, reflect upon my painting, wonder what it means let alone say, than I did my job as an artist.” God Bless!

artist of the month:anthony sturmas


Fashion

Shelfie Bike Mount

Women’s Nature Anchor Lace Top

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Tzukuri Eyewear You don’t need a screen in front of your eye to make your glasses smart. Tzukuri Eyewear does it by embedding a beacon inside each pair that links to your iPhone, letting you know if you’re about to forget your glasses.

The Last Laugh Automatic Mechanical Tattoo Edition Watch

Pamela Mann Tights These tights are kind of like the Hitchcock movie about killer birds. Except these ones are made of stretchy ma-terial and won’t kill you.

Heavy Metal Slayer Logo Skateboard Deck - 8” x 32”

Aether x Spidi Eclipse Motorcycle Jacket

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May/June 2014 | 15

Attention Shop Owners! Get Your Shop Listed in the

2014 Tattoo Shop Directory

Email for more info: [email protected]

Increase your Visibility! Local and Global Coverage!

Four Things You Should Know About Foot Tattoo DesignsBy T Sharma

Tattoo designs are something almost all of consider getting at one point or another. A common tattoo that many of us think about is the foot tattoo. Before you decide on getting a foot tattoo design, there are several important things you must take into consideration and that may sway your opinion on whether it is right for you. Here we will cover some foot tattoo design ideas, places to put your de-signs on your foot, how much tattoos in these areas hurt and some important foot-specific aftercare and healing information that you need to be aware of. All of these topics will help you determine whether getting a foot tattoo design is the best decision for you.

Design Ideas for Foot Tattoos

While the foot provides a smaller area compared to other parts of your body, there are still many options for great designs. A common foot tattoo design is one that includes an ankle tattoo of an anklet that flows around the ankle and includes a large pendant that covers the foot. Common pendant symbols include the cross or even feathers. Others opt to get flow-ers, such as the cherry blossom foot tattoo design, that run diagonally across the foot. Still others choose to get creative tattoo lettering designs along with other smaller symbols that they find meaningful. For those interested in getting a tattoo on their feet but who want a larger design, a design that starts at the foot and runs up the leg is often selected. There are many designs of various sizes that look great on the feet, and there are also many places to put your foot tattoo designs.

Places to Put Tattoo Designs on Your Feet

There are many more places on the foot where a foot tattoo design can call home than most people originally realize. When people think about putting a tattoo on their foot, they think about ankle tattoos or placing a tattoo on the top area of the foot. These are both great locations. However, they can also be placed on both the inner and outer sides of the foot. They can be placed around the toes like toe rings. And, probably one of the least considered locations, foot tattoo designs can be placed on the sole of the foot. There are many more places to put your design and even more ways to make your foot tattoo design unique.

Continued on page 25


TAC Where were you born? Grubb. I was born in East Chicago, Indiana. Super ghetto LOL TAC. Tell us what were you like as a child?

Grubb. I was very introverted for the most part at home but very outgoing in school. I played soccer and was a total skater kid. I drew constantly and started working when I was 14. TAC. When did you discover that you had a talent as an artist? Grubb. My parents discovered this at a very early age for me. I didn’t like to be around others so I would sit and color. By the time I was in kindergarten, my parents could see that I could draw anything around me, but mostly, I drew a lot of birds. At one point we had 19 of them in the house. TAC. How long have you been drawing now? Grubb. Since I was 2 and I’ll be forty this year. TAC. Who was your tattoo apprentice? Grubb. I have never really had an apprentice until now and he is more of a partner than anything. His name is Shaun

May/June 2014 | 17

Darden and we are planning on opening a shop. I have had one person say they learned from me but that really isn’t the case. A couple of weeks isn’t really an apprenticeship. TAC. What’s the most valuable lesson that you took from them?Grubb. I took a lot of lessons from the people I have tried to train. The biggest is that people really need to dedicate themselves to the industry to actually become a functioning artist. Hence why I no longer have a regular job.

TAC. If you could pick the one style that you feel you tattoo the best what would this style be?Grubb. I would say that I do a ton of different styles but excel at freehand, flowers, and the darker arts. I really like black and grey with a splash of color. TAC. What is your favorite tattoo machine these days?Grubb. That’s a tough one. I favor coil machines so I would say it is my painful irons color packer but I use a tatsoul valor rotary and a mob iron liner everyday as well…it really just depends on the piece I am doing. But I really like my painful irons.

TAC. People say that you have a feather light touch...why do you think this?Grubb. I would say it is because I’m a pussy when it comes to getting tattooed myself LOL. Just kidding…I would say it is because I am trying to put art on your skin not just push in some ink and get you out of my chair. I take pride in my work and my healing times…over the last year my healing times have averaged from about 6 to 8 days. The less skin trauma I cause the better the tattoo turns out and stands the test of time.

TAC. What the best advice you can give someone looking for a 1st time tattoo?Grubb. Do research and most importantly don’t price shop!

Getting the cheapest tattoo is usually not a great idea. Just saying… Make sure you see their art on the skin and not just in a portfolio. Ask your friends where they got their tattoos and how their experience was. There are a ton of shops and a bunch of phenomenal artists out there but don’t jump into a tattoo unless you forever like it. Tattoo regret is most com-mon immediately after getting the tattoo not 30 years from now.

TAC. How long have you been tattooing?Grubb. Since 2001 but only in a shop for a year. I am mostly self taught.

TAC. Who’s been your biggest influence?Grubb. My father

TAC. What’s your favorite style of art?Grubb. Surrealism

TAC. If you could be anywhere in the world tattooing where would you pick?Grubb. Greece because I believe they have some of the best tattoo artists in the worldFavorite tattoo? Right now it is my ghost rider but it changes all the time…

TAC. What’s your most memorable moment? Grubb. Tattooing my mother for the first time with her sister after they returned from Ireland…my mom was getting her fist tattoo at 64 years old - my aunt was getting her third…

TAC. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would that person be? Grubb. The Dali…easy answer

TAC. What do your clients tell you that your best quality is? Grubb. That I don’t tell people I have best qualities LOL…all my business is word of mouth…I don’t advertise…


TAC. How many tattoos do you person-ally have? Grubb. 23 but you really can’t see any of them normally.

TAC. Tell us something that no one knows about you? Grubb. I am always afraid of screwing up…

TAC. If you could be a super hero or comic character which one would you choose? Grubb. The Hulk cause he smashes shit LOL!!

TAC. What is your most valued possession? Grubb. …beside my children…my coastal swinger ma-chine…was my best friends

TAC. If you could be President of the United States what is one thing that you feel you could change? Grubb. I would abolish the current voting system

TAC. How often do you freestyle draw new de-signs and concepts? Grubb. Everyday…I mostly freehand my tattoos

TAC. Tell us your plans for the future?Grubb. Lots of traveling and eventually want to end up in Hawaii for good…

TAC. We enjoyed the time we spent with Mr. Grubb so much and the work that he was doing on various sleeves that we have asked him to come back yet again and write an article for us called, ‘Building a Sleeve with Aaron!!’

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May/June 2014 | 21

Name: Laura MaeLocation: Las Vegas, NV

Favorite tattoo artist: Sirris slay Favorite tattoo: My Yamaha symbol or my Marine Corps logo

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May/June 2014 | 23

May/June 2014 | 25

Are Foot Tattoos Painful?

No matter what tattoo you choose to get and where you choose to place it on your body, you will experience some level of pain. However, some parts of the body are more painful for tattoos than others. The foot tattoo design is one that is not suited for those with lower pain tolerance levels. Because the foot is all skin and bone with almost no muscle, like the ankle and wrist tattoo designs, getting a tattoo on this area can be very painful. This includes even the sole of the foot which can also be very painful. Some people find this area extremely painful, while others do not notice any difference as compared to getting other areas of the body tattooed. Before getting your design, it is important to take into account your own personal pain tolerance.

Aftercare and Healing for Best Foot Tattoo Designs

To ensure that your foot tattoo design looks its best and does not cause any issues, it is important to understand the after-care efforts required for this tattoo. If you are interested in getting a tattoo, consider whether you have any specific shoe requirements for school or work. If you get a tattoo on your foot, you must leave it uncovered (that means no socks and no shoes) until it has fully healed, which takes about 3 weeks. If you must wear socks or close-toed shoes, this may not be the right option for you as wearing socks and shoes will make you much more prone to getting an infected tattoo.

The foot on its own accord is hard to keep clean since it is exposed to so much dirt on a daily basis. Add in the socks and shoes, however, and it will be extremely difficult to prevent tattoo infection. Furthermore, wearing foot wear will make it very easy to smudge your foot tattoo design and increase the chances you will need to get touch ups done.

If you are dead set on getting a tattoo in this area, there are likely some workarounds that you can use. Some people tape plastic wrapping over their design and then put on socks or shoes. However, it is suggested that you talk to your tattoo artist about your aftercare options before getting your tattoo to prevent any chance of tattoo infection and ensure safety.

The foot tattoo design is one that needs to be thought through completely before moving forward. There are many things to consider when deciding on getting a tattoo in this location including the variety of designs available, where on your foot you would like to place your tattoo, the level of pain tolerance needed for these tattoos and tattoo aftercare, healing and infection prevention requirements. After considering each of these points, you will be well on your way of deciding whether getting a tattoo on your foot is right for you at this point and time.

Continued from page 15


Tattoo Artist

Fwa Xiong

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Milwaukee Blacksmith is a family run company in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, WI. Please take your time and peruse all the areas of our website and always feel free to contact us with any questions.

www.milwaukeeblacksmith.com

KENT KNAPP414-241-4911


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May/June 2014 | 31


Not Your Father’s Diesel2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux was a pleas-ant surprise, shedding all doubts about driving a diesel-powered SUVBy Charles Hudson

When I was first handed the keys to the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI LUX, I was a bit skeptical. This was a diesel vehicle ... and my senses were prepared for smoky exhaust and obnoxious engine noise. But this wasn’t the case. The Touareg is refined and luxurious, and after a few spins around the block, I was thoroughly impressed with VW’s lux-ury diesel SUV.

The Touareg is in its second generation, but received mi-nor updates for 2014. From my perspective, the Touareg hits all the marks: clean lines, a quiet and powerful diesel engine, an abundance of standard features, a comfortable and roomy interior, and excellent ride quality. At $55,885, though, the Touareg is probably out of most people’s bud-get.

Under the hood:The V6 TD diesel engine, paired to an eight-speed automat-ic transmission, provides excellent acceleration and power on command. It’s rated at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, with a combined score of 23, which are decent numbers considering the Touareg is a sizable four-wheel drive SUV. You’ll pay more at the pump for diesel fuel, however, which offsets the Touareg’s modest fuel economy.

All-wheel drive is standard, and it provides excellent control in wet, snowy and muddy conditions, making it an excellent vehicle for those who live in areas with foul weather and difficult road conditions. Yet it still handles well during dry conditions.

On the inside:The Touareg TDI is a five-seater loaded with luxury ame-nities. A touch-screen navigation and infotainment system is intuitive and smart. A panoramic sunroof brightens front and back seats with sunlight. Plenty of controls are strategi-cally placed on leather steering wheel, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity, cruise control, audio system and con-trols for the Touareg’s on-board computer, which diagnoses problems like low tire pressure, and gives a readout of the vehicle’s current fuel efficiency.

The back seats are richly appointed with comfortable leath-er, A/C vents and a 12V plug to recharge gadgets. For ver-satility, the back seats fold down flat and split into a 40-20-40 configuration, providing ample room to haul both people and things.

And speaking of cargo, the rear tailgate opens with a simple pass of your foot underneath the vehicle’s rear bumper, so there’s no more fidgeting for key fobs while your arms are double-loaded with grocery bags and toddlers.

Vital StatsMSRP: $55,885 (as tested)Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 TDI Clean DieselOutput: 240 hp and 406 lb-ft. of torqueMPG: 20 city/29 hwy

Auto Review

May/June 2014 | 33

tattooed art & culture - may/june 2014

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