Tats.

 

“It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it

We let the world know we were here, with everything we did

We laid a lotta memories down, like tattoo's on this town.”

Over the past couple of decades, what was once primarily on the arms of sailors and other military is now part of the American culture. I am not a participant in this culture, but I know many who are—-the closest I ever got to having a tattoo was from a piece of “Bazooka” bubblegum. The big difference, their tattoos were temporary. 

Two of my children have tattoos, one is considering it, and the others have no interest whatsoever. The two who have them let me know, “it’s my body,”—-which it is—-and I did my best to be tough and let them know, "If you plan on going to college, or having me pay, I wouldn’t advise it.” That empty threat was pushed aside quickly as they showed me their little tattoos when they were freshman. That was a while back; now they have more and even larger “art” on their arms, back and other areas. (At least I think they have them in other areas, I have never asked.)

I remember when NBA players started to showcase “ink” on their bodies. It started with a few, and then expanded to probably 70% of the league. Although he is no longer playing, Chris Andersen (AKA “Birdman”) had some of the most predominant tattoos of the day. 

You could not help but notice his “ink”—-the bright colors on the entire upper part of his body—stood out even more than his mohawk. I saw him play in Milwaukee, and he was a lot of fun to photograph. He was emotional and he knew people came to see him. Oh yeah, LeBron was on the team too, maybe they came to see him too??

One of the most popular tattoos of all time would be in honor of “Mom;” another, and this should be of little surprise, is “Harley-Davidson.”  Why do they love them? “General love of freedom and dislike for conformity” according to the company. They don’t come with the bike, but riders don’t seem to care.

The photo above was taken in Tonopah, NV. I was there with my editor and we went into a bar to look around—it was during the day—and there was a woman who I knew I had to photograph. You might think it was her letting us know she is a “hopeless romantic”…but the truth is, it was the jar of “Miracle Whip” on her leg! 

Thanks for stopping by.