I’ve been obsessing for a while now about a blog I read on another artists website. It centered around him taking a trip to meet with a group of professional artists to address ‘exceptionalism’ (or the apparent lack thereof) within his industry.
From what I gather he, being a tattoo artist, was being consulted by a panel of his peers about what to do about the rampant emergence of poor work and improper or nonexistent instruction that was plaguing and denigrating his chosen and art form. And while I am not privy to the actual discussions that occurred - or any resolutions that could have possibly come from a summit such as this; it really did cause an internal debate within me.
I’m not about to name names as I don’t feel that to be entirely pertinent. Allow me just to say that he is an extremely capable professional with a portfolio that displays both fascinating tattoo ability and artistic merit.
So… The debate continues as follows:
- Yes. He has paid dues. Respected his peers and ancestors early on - and gained recognition through integrity and achievement. Though an innate artistic predilection is a given, it has been fostered through painstaking study, hard work, endless practice and commitment. His work stands out because of this and his results soar far above par as a result. He has every right to look down upon and discourage every hack, scratcher and copycat that has bypassed respect for the art form and proper instruction for the sake of making a quick buck while tattoos are trending. It frankly threatens the legitimacy of the art form and slanders those who are trying to do it properly. It should be discouraged or dismissed on sight - never encouraged.
And.
- What a dick! A summit? Does that mean it was a group of dicks stroking each other - and to what end??? (sorry - couldn't help it...) A panel discussing who deserves to be recognized as ‘Tattoo Kings’ and who is to be pissed upon from the high and almighty throne of arrogance they are perched atop? Everyone’s circumstances are different and people will inevitably fall into a broad spectrum of abilities within any pursuit. In most, if not all, cases the cream will rise to the top. And maybe, just maybe, these ‘kings' could start taking on more apprentices, teaching, lifting the secret veil and actually expose proper techniques to those who want to learn!!!
The people expecting the Mona Lisa for $50 will be disappointed - plain and simple. It will just be a bit more permanent of a reminder that they should have done a little more research before getting that “Perfect Angle” tramp stamp after doing those body shots at a party.
… So…
No formal conclusion as of yet (though I do welcome input!) I just keep remembering the conversations I had with Mike (Learn) where I would often go off on a tangent of opinions and bold statements. And when the convoluted fog of my sermon had lifted, I would see him sitting back with his arms folded; nodding and smiling with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. It was a subtle wake up call that came with the impact of a 2 x 4; the realization that I still have A LOT to learn, I don’t know everything - and that I look like a royal idiot when I act like I do.
So, thanks again for the perspective, Mike. I think I will continue on my quest to be ‘exceptional’ and passionate in my pursuits… But, for me, it is a personal journey and I don’t really see any greater benefit to imposing unsolicited opinions on anyone else while they are on theirs. And if ever asked to speak to a panel, I think I will say exactly that.
Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,
Rod
From what I gather he, being a tattoo artist, was being consulted by a panel of his peers about what to do about the rampant emergence of poor work and improper or nonexistent instruction that was plaguing and denigrating his chosen and art form. And while I am not privy to the actual discussions that occurred - or any resolutions that could have possibly come from a summit such as this; it really did cause an internal debate within me.
I’m not about to name names as I don’t feel that to be entirely pertinent. Allow me just to say that he is an extremely capable professional with a portfolio that displays both fascinating tattoo ability and artistic merit.
So… The debate continues as follows:
- Yes. He has paid dues. Respected his peers and ancestors early on - and gained recognition through integrity and achievement. Though an innate artistic predilection is a given, it has been fostered through painstaking study, hard work, endless practice and commitment. His work stands out because of this and his results soar far above par as a result. He has every right to look down upon and discourage every hack, scratcher and copycat that has bypassed respect for the art form and proper instruction for the sake of making a quick buck while tattoos are trending. It frankly threatens the legitimacy of the art form and slanders those who are trying to do it properly. It should be discouraged or dismissed on sight - never encouraged.
And.
- What a dick! A summit? Does that mean it was a group of dicks stroking each other - and to what end??? (sorry - couldn't help it...) A panel discussing who deserves to be recognized as ‘Tattoo Kings’ and who is to be pissed upon from the high and almighty throne of arrogance they are perched atop? Everyone’s circumstances are different and people will inevitably fall into a broad spectrum of abilities within any pursuit. In most, if not all, cases the cream will rise to the top. And maybe, just maybe, these ‘kings' could start taking on more apprentices, teaching, lifting the secret veil and actually expose proper techniques to those who want to learn!!!
The people expecting the Mona Lisa for $50 will be disappointed - plain and simple. It will just be a bit more permanent of a reminder that they should have done a little more research before getting that “Perfect Angle” tramp stamp after doing those body shots at a party.
… So…
No formal conclusion as of yet (though I do welcome input!) I just keep remembering the conversations I had with Mike (Learn) where I would often go off on a tangent of opinions and bold statements. And when the convoluted fog of my sermon had lifted, I would see him sitting back with his arms folded; nodding and smiling with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. It was a subtle wake up call that came with the impact of a 2 x 4; the realization that I still have A LOT to learn, I don’t know everything - and that I look like a royal idiot when I act like I do.
So, thanks again for the perspective, Mike. I think I will continue on my quest to be ‘exceptional’ and passionate in my pursuits… But, for me, it is a personal journey and I don’t really see any greater benefit to imposing unsolicited opinions on anyone else while they are on theirs. And if ever asked to speak to a panel, I think I will say exactly that.
Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,
Rod
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