Ink is a Religious Sacrament!

[Seraph]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs136.snc3/18371_106900479324952_100000150010640_182717_74318 99_n.jpg

Just something I'm working on right now.
All of my tattoos are symbolic/religious etc. and this is what I'm inking on myself tonight.

Any comments?
10 points if you know what it is!
50 if you don't google it.

(yes it looks shaky these are just the transfers I stuck on for spacing will post the actual tattoos when done!)

[Seraph]

First Three Done
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs156.snc3/18371_106913859323614_100000150010640_182998_60088 68_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs136.snc3/18371_106913849323615_100000150010640_182996_19856 65_n.jpg

[Konig-OV]

Isn't lamb slaughtering a religous sacrement as well?

[R W G R]

Oh, great, more pics from Seraph, showing us what a rebel he is.

What if we just create a thread called "WE THINK SERAPH IS A REBEL!" ...will that stop you from posting pics of yourself??

[TheManInBlack]

LOL look at me tattoo myself. I could have brought my 3 year old son over to help you get the lines straight


Dood go get some help

[GRUMPY]

think on the bright side all that crap is on his arm not your's.

[TheManInBlack]

Yes and is a cry out for help

[Seraph]

We often see things from a perspective of owning.

If it had been YOU posting this picture it would be a cry for help.

The lines are awesomely straight and I've already gotten a ton of compliments from a lot of people who's opinions matter more than yours.

It was an amazing experience, rebel would have been tattooing something like bullet holes or "bad" stuff on me. I'm peacefully sharing a spiritual experience of working my ink up my arm as though it were energy up my chakras (which are what the tattoos represent)
It was a meditative and life changing experience.

You filthy disgusting retards come up with the most immature bull crap.

[NewCasa]

I'll be honest - I have almost zero appreciation for tatoos as an art form. Mostly I find them offensive (though there are a few very rare exceptions) so it is very difficult to comment on whether one is nice or not. Reading the comments here I don't think I'm alone in that. I mean no offense to anyone (you included Seraph). Each to their own, but if you showed me those tatoos in person I'd likely make a face and say Ewwww or something. Nothing about the subject matter, just the medium. Not much for piercings either for that matter. Does that make me a philistine? No, I don't think so - not any more than liking your tats makes you one.

[Soundbear]

....You filthy disgusting retards come up with the most immature bull crap.

THIS is wise???

[dancingqueen]

I think it's some well done work. I am not completely familiar with the symbols (I may have seen them once or twice somewhere before) but I think that looks like some very skillfull work.
What do those symbols represent anyways?

[R W G R]

You filthy disgusting retards come up with the most immature bull crap.

And a Happy New Year to you, too! :)

[Seraph]

THIS is wise???

I once told you that I would never issue any insults. I also told you I would never be dishonest.

I only reflect what I have to work with so I just call it as it is. Fair is fair, idiocy be-gets my only most sincere restraint in commenting on the bare truth.

[R W G R]

I once told you that I would never issue any insults. I also told you I would never be dishonest.

I only reflect what I have to work with so I just call it as it is. Fair is fair, idiocy be-gets my only most sincere restraint in commenting on the bare truth.

And the bare truth is you want these pictures to reflect some rebel, someone to be feared...and all they are doing is inspiring us to feel sorry for you, and want to give you a hug.

You screams for attention here are legendary.

[Seraph]

I think it's some well done work. I am not completely familiar with the symbols (I may have seen them once or twice somewhere before) but I think that looks like some very skillfull work.
What do those symbols represent anyways?


Here is a picture that gives a basic explanation of what the symbols mean.
http://www.americanspiritheals.com/images/chakras.jpg
I have been practising chakra meditation half of my life or more and having the chance to meditate while putting them into my skin.

Thank you so much for your compliments.
I don't know how I did it, I was deep in meditation while putting the needle to my skin which goes to show that when accessing a deep spiritual part of the self, anything is possible.

Like I said, this is my SECOND time doing a colour tattoo!
The first was on my boyfriend last week.


NoCasa I don't know what kind of defective brain cell you have that stops you from appreciating art just because of the canvas. Art is art no matter what it is done on.
Maybe you would love my concept drawings, but just because I put them on my skin does not make them any less beautiful.
Maybe you just never had the guts to go out and get your own tattoo.
Kind of like my friend who hates guitar because she always wanted to play it and never did?

[R W G R]

LOL!!!!

[NewCasa]

NoCasa I don't know what kind of defective brain cell you have that stops you from appreciating art just because of the canvas. Art is art no matter what it is done on.
Maybe you would love my concept drawings, but just because I put them on my skin does not make them any less beautiful.
Maybe you just never had the guts to go out and get your own tattoo.
Kind of like my friend who hates guitar because she always wanted to play it and never did?

You know Seraph, I take exception to some of this. Firstly, I don't believe I have any defective brain cells and secondly, I have no issue with 'guts'. Maybe I would like your concept drawings, the designs are quite nice - kind of like what I used to get from my Spirograph when I was a kid.

[R W G R]

the designs are quite nice - kind of like what I used to get from my Spirograph when I was a kid.

:) :) :)

[Seraph]

And the bare truth is you want these pictures to reflect some rebel, someone to be feared...and all they are doing is inspiring us to feel sorry for you, and want to give you a hug.

You screams for attention here are legendary.

AWWWWW *HUGS*

You still have me all wrong but I love hugs!

I'm not a rebel, I'm a peacemaker. Don't be afraid of me I'm 5'4 and 100 lbs of cute with pink hair to boot!

You'd be one hell of a ***** to be afraid of cute little me!

Don't feel sorry. I'm not sorry for you for being stupid enough to jump to conclusions.

[Seraph]

You know Seraph, I take exception to some of this. Firstly, I don't believe I have any defective brain cells and secondly, I have no issue with 'guts'. Maybe I would like your concept drawings, the designs are quite nice - kind of like what I used to get from my Spirograph when I was a kid.

In my pursuit of absolute perfection, opinionated ideas of irrational fears or dislikes without a logical backing or standpoint are a defect and attributed to barbaric human nature.

Sorry to get all borg on you but I don't like/dislike anything without a logical reason and a fully drawn up observation of the circumstances.

If you could dig up your spirograph for me man would I be happy I was praying for one all week while working on my designs.

It's all sacred geometry, but I guess you're not familiar with e transference of energy along linear paths defined by line and motion so what the heck do you people know :thumbs_up:

[NewCasa]

In my pursuit of absolute perfection, opinionated ideas of irrational fears or dislikes without a logical backing or standpoint are a defect and attributed to barbaric human nature.

Sorry to get all borg on you but I don't like/dislike anything without a logical reason and a fully drawn up observation of the circumstances.

Ok since you asked, tatoos offend my sensibilities. I find them singularly un-artistic. Most of the designs I have seen are either extremely basic or they are juvenile, so I've rarely been impressed by the 'art' behind them. I also have a problem with them because they create a permanent disfigurement on the human body and, to me, the human body looks its best with no adornment at all. Finally, much like piercings, I find that when people tatoo themselves it is an indication of too much vanity in a person. As I said, there are exceptions, but they are rare. Does that satisfy your borg side?

If you could dig up your spirograph for me man would I be happy I was praying for one all week while working on my designs.

No, sorry. Went in a garage sale long, long ago with the rest of my toys.

It's all sacred geometry, but I guess you're not familiar with e transference of energy along linear paths defined by line and motion so what the heck do you people know :thumbs_up:

I am perfectly aware of chakras, the theory behind and so forth. And no, I did not have to google to find out about them. They are a key component in Ayurvedic technics and teaching.

[dancingqueen]

Here is a picture that gives a basic explanation of what the symbols mean.
http://www.americanspiritheals.com/images/chakras.jpg
I have been practising chakra meditation half of my life or more and having the chance to meditate while putting them into my skin.

Thank you so much for your compliments.
I don't know how I did it, I was deep in meditation while putting the needle to my skin which goes to show that when accessing a deep spiritual part of the self, anything is possible.

Like I said, this is my SECOND time doing a colour tattoo!
The first was on my boyfriend last week.


NoCasa I don't know what kind of defective brain cell you have that stops you from appreciating art just because of the canvas. Art is art no matter what it is done on.
Maybe you would love my concept drawings, but just because I put them on my skin does not make them any less beautiful.
Maybe you just never had the guts to go out and get your own tattoo.
Kind of like my friend who hates guitar because she always wanted to play it and never did?

Ahhh, this is why they are familiar, My friend was very much into Chakara meditation. I believe Buddhist, more specifically. Not sure if he still is or not, haven't seen him in a looooooong time. Yes, it is coming back to me though a bit... I was not really interested at the time (I was Atheist)
On the comment about not having the guts to get a tattoo though Seraph. That is hardly the case, I don't think it really requires much testicular fortitude as it requires a lot of thought. I have had ideas of getting tattoos for a long time, and I am glad that I put the years of forethought into it on more than one occasion.

[Bluesky]

Is this a religious topic?

[R W G R]

Is this a religious topic?

Yes.

Didn't you know ink is a sacrament?

[dancingqueen]

Is this a religious topic?

yes.

[NewCasa]

Is this a religious topic?

Chakras would be considered spiritual. Since we don't have a 'spiritual' forum I guess Religion is as close as there is. Unfortunately though - it looks even more like the topic is about tatoos and has nothing to do with chakras.

[R W G R]

There used to be a Soonet member called Chakra.

[Seraph]

Its about the spiritual experience of placing the colours of the chakras on my body during meditation.

No Casa I agree with you only because there are a LOT of really ugly tattoos.

For the record I was not referring to DQ when I was talking about having the guts to get a tattoo.

I have two friends who have been having me design tattoos they never get for a while now. They have both put intense thought and research into the ink they want on their bodies and it took a lot of time and tears for my friend to come to the needle. Now she wants all of her designs done on her body.
She asked us to hold her hands so she could not jerk and she screamed like she was giving birth. "I hate you ***** just keep doing my tattoo!!!!"
The funny thing was I tattooed the Kanji for Strength on her. *sigh* because she beat cancer twice. She had an intense spiritual experience.
" I beat cancer, I am strong, I can do this"
Getting tattooed is an intensely spiritual experience. It is painful and often the tattoos I've done are memorials, milestones and dedications. The person being tattooed often talks about what lead them to get inked while being put to the needle and as each drip of ink seeps into their skin the energy around their body (or the aura) is punctured and energy rushes to the site as blood rushes to the site.
If the person's mind is on the meaningful tattoo they are getting it does not even matter what it ends up looking like or if it's a "disfigurement" of the body. It is a personal journey. The thoughts that the people I have tattooed go through while experiencing a session with me is often centred around remembering a loved one, something that has changed their lives or something extraordinarily inspiring. The way we talk during the session helps them to put the experience in context with the purpose for the tattoo and it has a lot of significant spiritual meaning. Whether it is religiously related or not.
Some of us enjoy the pain, what is inked on us is of no concern. The feeling of the nerves firing and the skin burning is an amazing sensation. The stimulation is different in every single location. It's beautiful to experience.

My next plan is suspension. I want to do it in sensory deprivation for as long as my vital signs hold on.

Added to that, I have experienced sensations in sanitary controlled environments that cannot be matched.

I've had many personal piercings that were really deep and pleasurable experiences that a mind wrapped in the delusion of social stigma will never be able to appreciate!

[A*lil*Loopy]

Wow! This is the first time seeing this post, only because I don't enter this area usually but was asked to have a look.

Comments were requested, please remember that. So I'm giving mine.
The Chakra is in the wrong place, period. Ink is not necessarily a spiritual reflection or a journey, it all depends on the undertaking. This pictures that I have seen here disturb me greatly, not because someone has a tattoo but because of the nature in which it was done.

If you are to undertake something that is of such (as implied) great significance, why would you attempt it as someone who really shows no knowledge of the art form. Why you would not seek out someone who has knowledge of the procedures confuses me. These pictures to me seem as though you are seeking attention for your attempt and are angry because praise was not given. I cannot praise what I see to be a slap in the face to the art form of tattooing. There is no respect to such a long history when someone decides to hack at themselves and others just for kicks.

That is my opinion. I am not insulting any person, I am just amazed at how artistically retarded the work is.
I certainly hope that if you are to hack away more, that you would at least educate yourself prior to the undertaking. What I see here is someone bought a kit off of ebay and decided to play.............they aren't crayons! There are serious implications that I don't think you fully understand.

[Seraph]

Miss High And Mighty.

I don't need your approval to take your clients. Or re-do the work that comes out of your shop.

But lucky for you I don't take paying clients or touch anyone else's work, because I've been asked to.

I don't need praise either, I've shown my work to quite a few people who's opinions aren't jealous ones. People who have been tattooing for years, some no doubt longer than you have.
People like the professional I apprentice under.

I've done quite a few awesome tattoos, my work is better than some people who have been working for years. I've been tattooing for two months.
How did your tattoos look when you only worked for two months?

That was my second time tattooing, and I did that on myself.

Stop being so jealous, I have an apprenticeship out of town coming up in a few months you'll be rid of me soon.

[R W G R]

I'm glad you feel ink is a religious sacrament.

But as Dr. Theodore Dalrymple has shown, tattooing is simply a way for a segment of society to show they are lowering the bar on civility, because, well, it's just easier that way.

http://www.city-journal.org/html/5_4_oh_to_be.html

[Bluesky]

Ha ha! I read most of that long article. Typical droll British humour., Great writing!

Perhaps the pain of it reassures them they are alive: it hurts, therefore I am.

[A*lil*Loopy]

I see I've struck a nerve. I expected an angry response, no big deal. I would like to point out a few things however since you have taken the time to so diligently write a thoughtful response to my post.

Please feel free to clarify...............not that it matters but it could be fun.

Things that didn't seem to match up quite right.........

I don't need your approval to take your clients. Or re-do the work that comes out of your shop.
vs

But lucky for you I don't take paying clients or touch anyone else's work

or how about

People like the professional I apprentice under.
vs

I have an apprenticeship out of town coming up in a few months

Contradiction or confrontation? A mix possibly?

You have already formed bad habits and that makes you undesirable for apprenticeships to any respectable shop. I really wanted to mention seeing your work when someone asked for it to be fixed, but that would just be mean.
There are many people who have been playing with tattoo machines longer than myself and many are also stuck in the bottom of a bottle or have other hold backs to becoming any good. There certainly is no shortage of party tattooers, if these are the professionals that are teaching you currently, then I believe you.

You don't need my approval, nor do you need anyone elses. And as for me being jealous, get a grip, that would imply that your artistic adventures cause me to fear for my career. And sunshine, you are no cause for any of my concerns. You are very entertaining. Thanks! You put it out there and it just didn't go your way, suck it up.

If you think of any other exciting things to say please don't feel rejected if I don't reply, I usually have more important things to do.
I don't like social or emotional vampires.

Oh, and it's just High and Mighty, no need for titles.

[Soundbear]

I'm beginning to think, "pathological liar".

I know others.

[Bluesky]

I'm beginning to think, "pathological liar".

I know others.

Agreed.

[R W G R]

I'm beginning to think, "pathological liar".

I know others.

Look no further than your mirror :)

[Bluesky]

Look no further than your mirror :)

Pathological scrapper :)

[R W G R]

Pathological scrapper :)

Guilty.
As.
Charged.

:P

[TheManInBlack]

Wow! This is the first time seeing this post, only because I don't enter this area usually but was asked to have a look.

Comments were requested, please remember that. So I'm giving mine.
The Chakra is in the wrong place, period. Ink is not necessarily a spiritual reflection or a journey, it all depends on the undertaking. This pictures that I have seen here disturb me greatly, not because someone has a tattoo but because of the nature in which it was done.

If you are to undertake something that is of such (as implied) great significance, why would you attempt it as someone who really shows no knowledge of the art form. Why you would not seek out someone who has knowledge of the procedures confuses me. These pictures to me seem as though you are seeking attention for your attempt and are angry because praise was not given. I cannot praise what I see to be a slap in the face to the art form of tattooing. There is no respect to such a long history when someone decides to hack at themselves and others just for kicks.

That is my opinion. I am not insulting any person, I am just amazed at how artistically retarded the work is.
I certainly hope that if you are to hack away more, that you would at least educate yourself prior to the undertaking. What I see here is someone bought a kit off of ebay and decided to play.............they aren't crayons! There are serious implications that I don't think you fully understand.

Excellent comment with MANY years of experience to back it up

[Bluesky]

Guys, the religion forum is kind of a strange place to have two tattooists arguing about whose work is best, doncha think?

[Soundbear]

Pathological scrapper :)

I agree.

[TheManInBlack]

Guys, the religion forum is kind of a strange place to have two tattooists arguing about whose work is best, doncha think?

I would say one professional and one hack

[ArcticBlue]

Guys, the religion forum is kind of a strange place to have two tattooists arguing about whose work is best, doncha think?

Apparently not when the original poster claims that Tattoos are a form of religious sacrament. Not saying I fall prey to the views of some members though.

[dancingqueen]

It started out as a religious topic, it has changed into something else...
at this point it could be safely moved to the soapbox... but I don't think it's a huge deal :/

[NewCasa]

Yet another candidate for deletion.

[Seraph]

I see I've struck a nerve. I expected an angry response, no big deal. I would like to point out a few things however since you have taken the time to so diligently write a thoughtful response to my post.

Please feel free to clarify...............not that it matters but it could be fun.

Things that didn't seem to match up quite right.........

vs


or how about

vs


Contradiction or confrontation? A mix possibly?

You have already formed bad habits and that makes you undesirable for apprenticeships to any respectable shop. I really wanted to mention seeing your work when someone asked for it to be fixed, but that would just be mean.
There are many people who have been playing with tattoo machines longer than myself and many are also stuck in the bottom of a bottle or have other hold backs to becoming any good. There certainly is no shortage of party tattooers, if these are the professionals that are teaching you currently, then I believe you.

You don't need my approval, nor do you need anyone elses. And as for me being jealous, get a grip, that would imply that your artistic adventures cause me to fear for my career. And sunshine, you are no cause for any of my concerns. You are very entertaining. Thanks! You put it out there and it just didn't go your way, suck it up.

If you think of any other exciting things to say please don't feel rejected if I don't reply, I usually have more important things to do.
I don't like social or emotional vampires.

Oh, and it's just High and Mighty, no need for titles.

I haven't tattooed enough people for them to ask you to fix them up. And everyone I have tattooed is either in my close circle of friends (when I first started) Or I've done REALLY good work on them.

I don't see why people twist my words into contradictions.
I could eat your toes, but I won't. Makes sense? I don't need your approval to dance like a monkey, but I'm not into that.

I've heard that when you started off it was a bunch of really shoty old skool stuff and that before you started tattooing you could not even draw to save your life.

But we're talking what now 12, 13 years ago? When your husband ran the business to close and you re-opened it to do much better?

My teacher is not a party artist, he's one of the best I've ever seen and he's a great teacher. I am getting another apprenticeship down south when I move. I've talked to a few places where I know the staff really well and have worked with them before, even gone to events with them. Good people and always looking to support and encourage new talent.

The work that has been posted on this site has been work I have "Worked On" I did not do all of those tattoos by myself, and they are the first ones I have been allowed to work on.

As for the religious content of the thread. Christianity can be concidered "Spiritual" as well. The chakras are present in several RELIGIONS. Most of which I have studied and am fond of.

Yes Loopy they're not like any you've ever seen. I took elements from designs of all sorts of chakra pictures and designed my own that were personal to me. It has been a personal religious process.

Now as for these bad habits you say will stop me from ever being a good tattoo artist, I'd like to know how you know my habits. How you know where and how I am making mistakes.
I don't think this looks like butcher work, I think this looks like someone's good honest best attempt at a first time tattooing their own arm in colour. Considering that my arm was done my THIRD time even being allowed to Touch a tattoo machine, we're doing pretty good. I mean you've seen BAD tattoos, This is a 3rd timer.

For my Third time using a machine and only having access to five round liners I think that was pretty awesome. I was told to ride the tube with a 5 for the first while so I could get used to understanding depth. I've made mistakes, and I've had to go over a few spots over and over, I've gone too deep, I've had to go along wrist and bone to do what I wanted to and I did the other work freehand to see what it would be like.

They're not the best tattoos in the world but look at me honestly and tell me the third time you picked up a machine, what did the result look like?

When you had been tattooing for two months, where were you, what were you doing?

A few shops did tell me they liked my work a lot but that they did not have the time or need for even the best apprentices with no offence to me because I show a great deal of promise as an artist.
I have been doing tattoo designs and artwork for a couple years. What I have is pretty decent, and I've been told that I'm a great artist.

Why else would you come and trash me?

Why else would you make fun of my work? Unless you're upset that someone else is posting tattoos on here.

Why do you have to go and put down people who are learning a new craft a new artform?

If you were half the person the artist is, you'd be giving me some real constructive criticism and pointing out why my work isn't great, and you would understand that I've only been working at this since the new year.

Any of you should understand that.

How many of you can draw well? How many of you can draw well with a giant vibrating pen on a cord, on human flesh. Then we start with how many of you can actually draw a straight line with a tattoo machine?
It's not as easy as it looks, there is a lot more involved than just holding a funny machine on someone's skin.

You have to learn about the settings, tuning the machine, which needles to use for what kind of work, how to anchor your hand, how to stretch the skin, how to use transfers and how to keep the tattoo clean while working. How to use antibacterial creams, which ones to use, how to do aftercare, how to use a sanitizer to sterilize the non disposable parts of the machine. What kind of gloves to use and what types of inks can cause reactions. I found out starbrite yellows have the worst reaction with my skin because of the types of dyes and the reaction it has to sensitive skin. I learned how to order enough equipment to keep a shop stocked and the different types of tubes, grips, covers, did all the math on disposable versus reusable items (tubes, grips etc) I even learned that I can build and rebuild my own machines to my specs with the few machines I have here. I've learned how to adjust the contact pin differently depending on the kind of work I have to do, I've learned how to wrap my own coils and soon I might try learning how to make my own needles.
I'm right into this. I don't just draw pictures on people that last forever. I'm invested in a craft.

[Blue Lotus Rising]

Good thing he hit enter right before he got banned. Would have been a shame to type such a manifesto with no audience.

[Bluesky]

What'd he do this time? :)

[A*lil*Loopy]

OK, I'm going to admit that I didn't have the patience to read all of the dribble so I'm just going to say this. After I got past the mention of me and something about 12 or 13 years I realized that you don't know who I am...............it's pretty obvious that you think I'm someone else. Or you just don't have your facts.
Common response from many experienced tattoo artists to a scratcher who thinks they know it all is "Hey, good work". Really, what else are we going to say to someone who thinks they already have the game beat.


So hey, great work! Have a killer day.

[A*lil*Loopy]

So I did a bit of reading for no reason? Oh well, it was too much humour for me today anyway.

[dancingqueen]

What'd he do this time? :)

Other people where ganging up on him, and he was forced to defend himself.... clearly, a banable offence...
of course, the person starting it all got a less-than-a-day ban...

[R W G R]

I agree.

That's what is so entertaining about Soundbear: he lies so much, you can't tell when he is telling the truth anymore! :)

That's why I love The Guy Who Claims I'm on Ignore but Really Doesn't Have Me on Ignore.

[NewCasa]

That's why I love The Guy Who Claims I'm on Ignore but Really Doesn't Have Me on Ignore.

Funny AW - I didn't have you pegged for a 'man's man'...

[R W G R]

Funny AW - I didn't have you pegged for a 'man's man'...

Well, it's not like you're not used to being wrong in here :)

[NewCasa]

Well, it's not like you're not used to being wrong in here :)

Heh....interesting admission AW.....

[R W G R]

Heh....interesting admission AW.....

errr..okay...

...ummm...what did I admit to?

[NewCasa]

errr..okay...

...ummm...what did I admit to?

Read up my friend. Hoisted by your own petard. Have a good evening ;)

[R W G R]

Read up my friend. Hoisted by your own petard. Have a good evening ;)

You've been beat again, and are lashing out in anger.

I understand.

Have a restful sleep. See you in the morn :)

[NewCasa]

You've been beat again, and are lashing out in anger.

I understand.

Have a restful sleep. See you in the morn :)

LOL

You say so. Beat? At what game?

Gosh you're such a funny one ;)

You sleep well too - obviously you need it!

[Soundbear]

Funny AW - I didn't have you pegged for a 'man's man'...

Not to you NC.

Poor AW, craving attention. Well, I'll break down and give you a tidbit. Ya see, oh wise and thoughtful one, when someone else quotes your inanities, anyone can see it. Too bad really, such a waste of bandwidth.

I need to change my sig.

[R W G R]

I need to change my sig.

Translation: "Once again, even I am surprised at my level of hypocrisy in here"