The cat is now out of the bag, so to speak. Since the first of the year, I've been working on a "sleeve" of tattoos. Before we go any further...yes, I know it's extreme. And, yes, I am well aware of the fact that my parents would have most whole-heartedly disliked this. But, my parents are gone, and I'm me--and I like tattoos. So, no negative nancy comments, please.
The sleeve is done is the American Traditional tattooing style. There are eight elements: dragon, sugar skull, quill and ink pot, blue birds, rose, sun, moon, and book. It has taken approximately 30 hours to complete the initial line work and the shading. I have color only on the quill and ink pot so far. When it is complete, there will be color on all the designs (except the dragon which was completed before I began the sleeve).
The sleeve draws a lot of attention, which is to be expected--and fine with me. Some of the comments I've received crack me up. According to one guy, the tattoos are "tight." Another said that they are "vicious." I still don't know if that's good or bad! Also, I've certainly earned a lot of street cred with my students.
Absolutely the most painful parts have been the upper, inner arm--and I have one picture where you can see bruises created when the excess ink is wiped off--and the crook of the elbow.
As I progress more, I'll keep you posted!
