Tattoo Artists Color A Convention In Rosemont
Tattoos Galore At Weekend Gathering
POSTED: 6:41 p.m. CDT August 2, 2002
UPDATED: 9:29 p.m. CDT August 3, 2002
CHICAGO -- 
NBC5's Tammie Souza offered her perspective that tattoos may finally be getting some respect, an opinion that's hard to argue at one of the more colorful conventions Chicago has seen.
Tattooing is more than just a trend, Souza said. For many, it's an art form.
At the "Tattoo The Earth" convention going in Rosemont this weekend, interested visitors can see a huge variety of tattoo art.
Tattoo Show Slide Show
Considering some body art? If so, Souza said, head to the international "Tattoo The Earth" convention taking place this weekend at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Some of the best body artists in the world are available, she reported, and they're ready to tattoo you from head to wherever.
"What this is about is more about the process," said tattoo artist Paul Booth.
About the tattoo he displays prominently on shaved head, he said it "represents my right brain, my creative side."
As Souza walked the floor of the convention site, one man raised his arm high above his head to reveal a tattoo in his armpit.
"Smells like a rose," he promised.
There's something for everyone, according to Souza.
"I'm committed to furthering this art form, and what it represents to me," said Booth. "What it is for everyone else is whatever it is for them. It's in the eyes of the beholder. Some people it scares, some think it's cool. Either way, I'm happy".
There are traditional hand artists from Borneo who specialize in life symbols created from a single color, as well as the abstract work of Hyperspace Studios.
"It's sort of three dimensional, swirling, body hugging, dimensional strange stuff," artist Guy Aitchison of Hyperspace Studios said of his work.
And show organizers say "Don't rush," to those interested in getting a tattoo. Do your homework when choosing a tattoo artist, they say.
"I think coming to a show like this, where compliance and health regulations are the No. 1 concern, gives them a visual of what a shop should look like, what is proper compliance." said Scott Alderman, the show organizer.
Souza found that tatooing can be very contagious. In fact, Booth decided that she needed a little body art and tattooed her arm. The secret to her approach, however, was that it was a temporary tattoo, and for anyone else who isn't sure of what they want, "Tattoo The Earth" offers a variety of less permanent tattoos.
The convention continues throughout the weekend, at the Allstate Arena. For ticket information, call (847) 635-6601 or (312) 559-1212.
NBC5's Tammie Souza offered her perspective that tattoos may finally be getting some respect, an opinion that's hard to argue at one of the more colorful conventions Chicago has seen.
Tattooing is more than just a trend, Souza said. For many, it's an art form.
At the "Tattoo The Earth" convention going in Rosemont this weekend, interested visitors can see a huge variety of tattoo art.
Tattoo Show Slide Show
Considering some body art? If so, Souza said, head to the international "Tattoo The Earth" convention taking place this weekend at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Some of the best body artists in the world are available, she reported, and they're ready to tattoo you from head to wherever.
"What this is about is more about the process," said tattoo artist Paul Booth.
About the tattoo he displays prominently on shaved head, he said it "represents my right brain, my creative side."
As Souza walked the floor of the convention site, one man raised his arm high above his head to reveal a tattoo in his armpit.
"Smells like a rose," he promised.
There's something for everyone, according to Souza.
"I'm committed to furthering this art form, and what it represents to me," said Booth. "What it is for everyone else is whatever it is for them. It's in the eyes of the beholder. Some people it scares, some think it's cool. Either way, I'm happy".
There are traditional hand artists from Borneo who specialize in life symbols created from a single color, as well as the abstract work of Hyperspace Studios.
"It's sort of three dimensional, swirling, body hugging, dimensional strange stuff," artist Guy Aitchison of Hyperspace Studios said of his work.
And show organizers say "Don't rush," to those interested in getting a tattoo. Do your homework when choosing a tattoo artist, they say.
"I think coming to a show like this, where compliance and health regulations are the No. 1 concern, gives them a visual of what a shop should look like, what is proper compliance." said Scott Alderman, the show organizer.
Souza found that tatooing can be very contagious. In fact, Booth decided that she needed a little body art and tattooed her arm. The secret to her approach, however, was that it was a temporary tattoo, and for anyone else who isn't sure of what they want, "Tattoo The Earth" offers a variety of less permanent tattoos.
The convention continues throughout the weekend, at the Allstate Arena. For ticket information, call (847) 635-6601 or (312) 559-1212.
Copyright 2002 by NBC5.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sponsored Links |
