Art with a point
Unconventional artwork takes center stage at annual Tattoo Arts event

by Danny Adler
Philly EDGE Correspondent

Most events with web sites that advertise “NO COLORS, NO WEAPONS, NO ATTITUDE”may seem a bit back-alleyish, if not downright frightening to any outsider of the scene. On www. tattooedkingpin.com/philly2006/index.html, it’s simply a reminder of what the 2006 Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention is all about—the art.
The stinging of a rapid-fire needle, the tense muscles of trying to sit as still as humanly possible, the badge of colored ink that stands as an everlasting testament of outward expression—these are just a few of the reasons that keep enthusiasts coming back to the chair for yet another “tat.” With the Tattoo Arts Convention, about six-thousand area ink bodies will converge at the Wyndham Hotel to celebrate the art and culture of the tattoo world.
Troy Timpel’s locally-based Tattooed Kingpin, a clothing and accessories line, presents this year’s convention, promising to make the Philly event the best one the world has seen. Since 2003, he’s done so by rounding up the perfect mix of nationally and internationally known artists, clothing vendors, live music, sideshow freaks, tattoo fans and curious observers. This environment creates an interesting and pleasant glimpse into the world of ink-and-needle, where, above all, art, individuality, fashion and awe, take center stage.

Visitors can expect a typical convention setup—aisles made up of hundreds of vendors and businesses, folding tables, sales pitches and take-home pamphlets. However, this convention is far from typical. Here, you’re encouraged to lift up your sleeve and get some work done. Walking through the aisles, you’ll see everything from teary-eyed first timers to tattoo fanatics getting a routine touch-up job.
Timpel, in his thirties, who also tattoos at 621 Philadelphia Eddie’s where he is co-owner, knows that Philadelphia is a tattoo town and attributes that to the overwhelming success of the convention. As tattoos become less and less taboo and the fact that young people turn 18 (the legal age to get a tattoo) everyday, people are more interested than ever.
“This event is fun for everybody and it offers things that people may have never seen before,” says Timpel.
From across the U.S., Asia and South America, Timpel assembles an All-Star cast of artists. “The tattoo artists that come are the best in the world, handpicked by invitation only,” says Timpel. Old City Tattoo, Electric Rembrandt, Slingin’ Ink, Wizards World, Studio One, Chalice Body Art Tattoos, Mercury Tattoo and Classic Electric are a few of the local parlors that made that list this year and provide a strong representation of Philly’s rich tattoo heritage while opening opportunities for other artists to gravitate towards Philly and its suburbs.
“Vendors will be there selling everything from clothing and accessories to jewelry and touch-up products. There are also seminars for tattoo artists and apprentices and live art fusion,” says Timpel. Remember, tattooers are artists just like any others and they come to showcase their abilities. Aside from tattooing, artists will indulge in collaborative projects such as mural arts, so you can see the process of creating something from nothing.

But for those a bit nervous to get a tattoo, or those have no room left for another, there’s plenty to do. An abundance of sideshow acts contribute to the uniqueness of tattoo culture, all in the name of fun. Red Stuart, who is the individual record-holding sword swallower for taking in 25 swords, along with the Disgraceland Family Freak Show and a burlesque show featuring Miss Bunny and Serenna Starr will give performances well worth the price of admission… even if you couldn’t care less about tattoos. Also, several bands are on the bill to liven up the atmosphere including the New York hardcore act Murphy’s Law, Dead Meat, Leiana, Union Dead, Full Blown Cherry and the Prisoners.

Miss Rebecca, shop manager of The Ink Well, on Street Rd. in Southampton, says that tattoos are becoming more artistic and more expressive and yes, more common—every day, more people of all ages are walking into shops and getting ink. So who knows? Maybe you’ll run into your third grade teacher, Mom and Dad, or that sweet girl that sat next to you in 12th grade English. Either way, this is one convention that will definitely leave a mark on you.

February 3rd-5th, 2006 at the Wyndham Hotel in Franklin Plaza, 17th and Race sts.
For ticket information, visit www.tattooedkingpin.com

[SIDEBAR]

The biggest trends in tattoos

The girlfriend’s name on the neck:
Troy Timpel says that this is today’s most frightening tattoo trend. “I just won’t do it,” says Timpel. Instead, he tries to help his customers come up with a different idea. Why? Because he’s an artist who takes pride in his work and he doesn’t want the customer coming back in six months to have it covered up by a big, ugly tattoo in the event of an oh-so-devastating break up. Ande Spade, of Electric Rembrandt, agrees with Timpel, saying that a lot of customers come in wanting names, but are quickly dissuaded from doing so.

The lower back and front hip tattoos:
Commonplace? Yes.
Cliche? Maybe.
Sexy? Absolutely!

Miss Rebecca says that while Japanese lettering and tribal-band tattoos are on their way out (thank God!), girls are spicing up their lower backs and front hips with more color for visibility and originality. But what are they getting? “For some reason, stars are really big these days,” Rebecca says. But no matter how ubiquitous they become, I think I speak for most guys when I say, “That’s all right by me.”

Customizing is key:
Mercury Tattoo, a custom shop in Glenside, says that flash art is dying down and custom tattoos are the newest big trend. People are either drawing up their own tattoos or talking with the artists to create something fresh and one of a kind. This isn’t all that hard to believe. After all, how embarrassing is it when you meet someone who has the same unicorn tattoo on their ass too?