PART ONE: THE ARTIST

the most fundamental piece of any great tattoo is the artist.

The artist.

Sam Avita, a tattoo artist of 12 years is based out of Scottsdale Arizona. Sam began tattooing at a young age, honing his craft working out of a shipping container. He hadn't originally planned on becoming a tattoo artist but after some heckling and encouragement from his friends he decided to give it a shot.

Time and effort.

In time, Sam was offered an apprenticeship at a Tattoo parlor, where he went from doing street work to learning the fundamentals and traditions of his artwork. While Sam says he will do almost any kind of style, he described the majority of his work as illustrative yet traditional.

Later.

Sam went on to have his own local shop, and several guest spots at other shops. He is currently at Dame of the West Tattoo in Scottsdale Arizona, where he was a frequent guest artist.

Reach out.

If you're local to the Valley here in AZ, check out Sam's individual and fantastic work at Dame of the West Tattoo in Scottsdale. Sams Instagram is linked here.

Sam's Work

PART Two: MY ExperiencE

There really is No way to describe it.

the Experience.

I have been getting tattoos since I was 18 years old, and I can’t really describe the feeling to someone who has never been tattooed because it is different every time. I could give you some long winded scholarly explanation that people could try to find some deeper meaning in, but the truth is it’s different for everyone.

The Shop.

Once again I went back out to Dame of the West to have Sam the artist from part one work on a leg piece for me. Tattoo parlors have one of the most relaxed environments you’ll ever visit. Everyone really truly loves what they’re doing and just wants to have a good time making awesome pieces of art.

time Spent.

Depending on what piece you’re getting done you can sit for anywhere from five minutes to multiple hours. Luckily my session only took about two hours, so I didn’t have to spend a bunch of time awkwardly laying on the table while half my limbs fell asleep. At the end of the day Sam did a killer job. I would like to thank Sam again for letting me work with him for the first two parts of this project. Once again if you’d like to check out his work click the button down below!

Sam’s Work

PART THREE: THE CANVAS

THE HUMAN medium.

Connections.

All mediums of art start with some sort of artist inspiration. Many people, including myself have a deeper connection and meaning behind their tattoos. Tattoos are a permanent form of one's self expression and personality. It's this personal connection that makes them more meaningful and revelatory. This gives way for the self and sociatial acceptance to be able to alter one's permanent outward physical appearance.

PRIDE.

Christian the subject featured in this segment like many others shares a connection with his pieces. It began with a symbol of pride for his country, an American flag and eagle displayed across his chest. He continued on, to his arm focusing on his sleeve, adding several pieces to aid in the continuity of the design as well as some pieces with personal meaning. The largest and most prominent piece being a lion. Symbolizing that time on earth is limited and he endeavors to attack everything presented to him, in that time with a fierce spirit, like that of a lion.

FASHION.

In addition to the emotional connections associated with tattooing, for some tattoos have become as essential of an accessory as fine jewelry. Over one billion dollars was spent last year on tattooing alone, and thousands upon thousands of hours were spent on these works of art for reasons such as a memorial to a loved one, their heritage, or just getting something because they walked into a tattoo shop on a whim. Whatever the reason, each person is in fact expressing something, in their own way, in a permanent form, on a human canvas.

PART Four: The Medium for Expression

the changing of times.

Rebellion.

Tattoos and the very tattoo culture itself have always been a way for people to express themselves. However this sense of expression has not always been considered the "norm" among the general public. The tattoo culture has long been intermingled and synonymous with groups who are considered rebellious by their very nature. From the hardened Navy sailors of the 40's, to the Rock and Punk eras of the 80's and 90's, tattoos have been a significant form of expression and non conformity spanning decades.

Music.

For many the link between music and the artistry of tattoos is significant. The growing acceptance of body art, coupled with the self expression of music has allowed artists and individuals to become uninhibited in their self expression through tattooing. Tattoo culture has continued to grow and thrive in every music genre from hip hop to heavy metal to this very day.

Changing times.

As time continues on and generations fold one into another, tattoos are becoming accepted more and more in society. The once shameful taboo of having a tattoo is diminishing and being replaced with looks of interest, rather than looks of disapproval. With this evolving positive perception and the stigma of tattoos lifting, people are more comfortable expressing themselves and allowing their tattoos to be revealed. This evolution in generational bias would not have been possible without all of the past rebels who lead the revolution for the right to self expression.