Roots

I recently saw a film called "Horismoku" which came out over a year ago but my lazy ass didn't get around to seeing it until now...

anyways, it's a documentary primarily about Sailor Jerry.  I learned a lot about the history of American tattooing from the film. 

One thing I learned was that Sailor Jerry was pretty closed off to the world. 

I've heard often that old school tattooers kept tattooing a very closely guarded secret, and they most definitely didn't share information with just anyone...  As someone pretty new to the tattoo industry, and as someone who owns a Sailor Jerry machine (from Lucky mfg. not an original) it really made me feel like shit honestly.  

I realized that if Sailor Jerry knew I was working with a machine he had designed, he'd probably roll over in his grave. 

so anyways not to get off on a rant, i've just been thinking it's time i learn more about my history, and also work harder at appreciating where all this treasure trove of information that's so readily available to me really came from.

Hopefully I can continue to learn and grow as an artist and remember those important people who helped shape tattooing into what it is today.

and if you haven't seen Horismoku, I highly recommend it.  It's an amazing film. check out the trailer   

also another great film to check out is Stoney Knows How here's a clip from it.

also here's a great story from Philadelphia Eddie, and is an outtake from the Horismoku film.

I'd kill to meet Eddie, that guy's amazing!

also here's a pic of some Owen Jensen stencils I decided to repaint into my first sheet of flash about a year ago.  

so it's time to get my study on and continue learning as much as I can about the history of my chosen profession