Works on Paper
Universally recognized iconic imagery forms the foundation of traditional tattoo art. No one needs to explain what a heart or a star means- these symbols have been drawn the world over, and speak deeply to humans throughout civilization. They are what Carl Jung described as “archetypes” the universal symbols recognized by all. Kansas City tattoo artist, Whispering Danny, best sums up the use of this archetypical tattoo imagery:
“Skulls, roses, panthers, daggers, ladies both dressed and undressed, hearts birds, butterflies. Those are literally the building blocks of tattooing. There are certain images within the tattoo iconography that come way, way before you. And by repeating those images you have an inherent hope that this will somehow live on in the future.”
Image as talisman has a long history in Native American cultures where drawings and artworks were made as “medicine” to heal a troubled individual- both physically and mentally. Traditional American tattoos are ultimately connected to sailor culture and acted as talisman within that culture. Clipper ships ensured a safe homeward journey. A Hula girl was for your time in Hawaii and sparrows were put on your chest when you had completed so many miles at sea. The power of the tattoo rested in their symbolic function more than their fashion or aesthetic.
Tattoo can protect us while we are alive but they can also remind us of our mortality. The tattoo as memento mori has strong roots in traditional tattoo imagery. A skull (death) intertwined with a snake (life regenerating) is a great reminder of our two states of existence; one that is earthbound and mortal and one that is also spiritual and everlasting in nature. A tattoo can also act as memorial. To put a loved ones name or likeness in your skin is to literally carry that person’s memory with you always.
Tattoos are an essential expression of our humanity, reminding us of our unique and universal feelings of love, fear, sadness, defiance, desire, and joy that we all experience in our lives. Tattoos are as ancient as the caveman, yet as relevant as ever in our technology-driven modern world.
“Skulls, roses, panthers, daggers, ladies both dressed and undressed, hearts birds, butterflies. Those are literally the building blocks of tattooing. There are certain images within the tattoo iconography that come way, way before you. And by repeating those images you have an inherent hope that this will somehow live on in the future.”
Image as talisman has a long history in Native American cultures where drawings and artworks were made as “medicine” to heal a troubled individual- both physically and mentally. Traditional American tattoos are ultimately connected to sailor culture and acted as talisman within that culture. Clipper ships ensured a safe homeward journey. A Hula girl was for your time in Hawaii and sparrows were put on your chest when you had completed so many miles at sea. The power of the tattoo rested in their symbolic function more than their fashion or aesthetic.
Tattoo can protect us while we are alive but they can also remind us of our mortality. The tattoo as memento mori has strong roots in traditional tattoo imagery. A skull (death) intertwined with a snake (life regenerating) is a great reminder of our two states of existence; one that is earthbound and mortal and one that is also spiritual and everlasting in nature. A tattoo can also act as memorial. To put a loved ones name or likeness in your skin is to literally carry that person’s memory with you always.
Tattoos are an essential expression of our humanity, reminding us of our unique and universal feelings of love, fear, sadness, defiance, desire, and joy that we all experience in our lives. Tattoos are as ancient as the caveman, yet as relevant as ever in our technology-driven modern world.
