Saturday, July 5, 2008

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Monday, June 2, 2008

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Friday, May 23, 2008

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Monday, May 12, 2008

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Monday, May 5, 2008

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Friday, April 25, 2008

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Had a customer coming in the other day, wanting to get something with hearts and wings and with his wife's and daughters' name with it. So I set up an appointment with him and... these are the results.

Enjoy !!

This is what we get at the end of 3rd hour... Peace out !!

Just some random tattoo done...

My long time customer who is in progress of completing her blackwork sleeve, came in today to do another potion. I was given the green light to do what I feel like and that is every tattoo artist's dream come true.

Most times, its the customers who want to have certain kind of design on them, but on rare occasions, the tattoo artist gets to choose and do something they feel which is right for that individual.

I decided to mix 2 flavours into one - Polynesian and a Mandala to signify "wholeness" and used for ritual purposes.

Even though their beginnings may be linked to specific religious purposes, mandalas are popular with tattoo connoiseurs of all faiths.

I modified the Dharma Wheel: the eight hubs are a symbol of the Eightfold Path*, leading to perfection -

1. Right Belief

2. Right Resolution

3. Right Speech

4. Right Action

5. Right Living

6. Right Effort

7. Right Thinking

8. Peace of Mind through Meditation

Mandalas are particularly popular in henna tattoos. By definition, a mandala is any one of a variety of geometric designs that symobilize the universe. These designs are ritualistically used by Hindi and Buddist during to aid in meditation.

I had my good friend come in today to get herself a tattoo. Its none other than Ms Roshni (Ms World Singapore 2007). Its been ages since we caught up, so what better thing is there to do, other than to have some nice tattooing session.

Sweetness...

What better way is there to spend in Van Diemen's Land other than gettin wasted? Haha !! Well you get more wasted than ever with Cameron Grant - Bassist of Death Metal Band - PSYCROPTIC !!

Ladies and Gentlemen, and to the many who don't know who or what Psycroptic is, well you don't know what you are missing.

Psycroptic was formed in 1999 and immediately set out to create their own style of darkened death metal. Consisting of originally of Cameron Grant (bass), Joe Haley (guitars), Matthew Chalk (vocals) and David Haley (drums), the four came together after the bands they had played in disbanded.

However in 2005 , ongoing disharmony and tensions resulted in the rest of the band asking Matthew to leave in March 2005. In April 2005, Jason Peppiatt (Vocals) was asked to join Psycroptic.

Close to 8 yrs now, Psycroptic has performed and toured with Deeds of Flesh, Dismember, Cannibal Corpse, Kataklysm, Nile and Deicide.

Look how wasted I am. I can't even throw the horns properly. Haha !!

I wish Psycroptic a bright future and will have full support of Immortal Tattoos, Singapore. You rock !!

Boys and girls who are into death metal bands - Your collection is not over until you get Psycroptic !! They are the Metal from the Isle !! Go get their CDs or merchandize now !!

By the way Cam, I know you are reading this. When I come back, I am gonna ink you either way, even if you don't know what you want to get.

MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON YOU !! haha !! ROCK ON !!

For more details : http://www.psycroptic.com

Here are the rest of the works done in Van Diemen's Land. There are more tattoos done other than the pictures here but sadly, they didn't turn up well in the taken pictures. Sorry Boys !! But I will be back again, so hang in there !!

Representing the Howard Family !! RESPECT !!

Simply love it when I was in Van Diemen's Land, hanging out with the boys and getting some Ink on, watching burnouts right at the door step, sipping on Cascade Draughts. Wooo Hooo !! Miss ya all !! So, are you boys ready for another round ?!!

Another tattoo done in Van Diemen's Land. It was a modification to the original design....

The very first tattoo done in Van Diemen's Land, is none other than a tattoo of Ned Kelly. I know many people don't know who Ned Kelly is. Even I had no clue who he was, until I was told that he was the Australian Bushranger - The Australian Iron Outlaw. In other words, boys and girls ; He was the real Australian Gangster !!

Edward "Ned" Kelly (January 1855 – November 1880) is Australia's most infamous bushranger and, to many, a folk hero his defiance of the colonial authorities. Ned Kelly was born near Cragieburn, now in north suburban Melbourne to an Irish convict father, and as a young man he clashed with the police. Following an incident at his home, police parties went in search of him. After killing three policemen, he and his gang were proclaimed outlaws. A final violent confrontation with police at Glenrowan, with Kelly dressed in home-made plate metal armour and helmet, led to his capture and trial. He was executed by hanging at Melbourne Gaol in 1880. His daring and notoriety made him an iconic figure in Australian history, folk lore, literature, art and film.

Ned Kelly survived to stand trial, and was sentenced to death by the Irish-born judge Sir Redmon Barry. This is case was extraordinary in that there were exchanges between the prisoner Kelly and the judge, and the case has been the subject of attention by historians and lawyers (see Philips). When the judge uttered the customary words "May God have mercy on your soul", Ned is reported to have replied "I will go a little further than that, and say I will see you there when I go". He was hanged on 11 November at the Melbourne Gaol by Elijah Upjohn. Although two newspapers (The Age and The Herald) reported Kelly's last words as "Such is life" and two other newspapers as "Ah well, I suppose it has come to this. Such is life", another source, Ned Kelly's gaol warden, writes in his diary that when Kelly was prompted to say his last words, he (Kelly) opened his mouth and mumbled something that he couldn't hear—and since the warden's office is closer to the scene of the hanging than the witnesses' allotted space, Ned Kelly's last words actually remain uncertain. Sir Redmond Barry died of the effects of a carbuncle on his neck on 23 November 1880, twelve days after Kelly.

Read More at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ned_Kelly

Bron and Me - Lookin Lovely ain't you bron? Haha !!

Me with 2 of the world best mates I have. Forever !!

I was close to tears when I said good bye to both of you at the airport. I know I sound emotional, but its true. Now everyone is gonna make fun of me when they read this..haha !! I miss the whole bunch. But fret not, I will be making a comeback !! Van Diemen's Land, will never be the same again !!

A old friend of mine came in one day with a design which she wanted, taken from a newpaper cutting. After days of preparation, we finally made it happen.

Putting in the Line Work...

After close to 2hrs, we were done !!

Back shot with a lowerback tattoo ( Which was also done by me ). Signing off from 2007 !! See you all in 2008 with a bang !!

Another Polynesian Styled piece....

Another polynesian tattoo to add up to the list. But this time, its not the traditional black but full red. This is the very first time I ever did something so red !

I have related a topic on Polynesian/Maori tattoos in my previous post ( Sunday, August 26, 2007 )

As there is no writing in the Polynesian culture, the Polynesians used this art full of distinctive signs to express their identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchy society: sexual maturity, genealogy and one's rank within society. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed.

Go check out : http://www.tahititatou.com/history.html

According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.

More generally, the Japanese associate koi (also known as carp) with perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

Others say it means good fortune or luck.

The Koi Fish is symbolic in the Buddhist Religion, representing courage. Humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.

It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols – a beauty which belives its symbolic meaning. Although Chinese in origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, particularly for its manly qualities.

In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties

There are fourteen classifications that koi fish can be broken down into, separated by color and markings. One of which is the : Bekko. Bekko can be red, white, or yellow, but will have black markings, like the one I did.

As a tattoo design, the peony symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. According to Japanese tattooing tradition, peonies also symbolize daring, risk taking and the gambler's or Samurai's devil-may-care approach to life. A gambler's next bet may be his last, a true Samurai according to the Code of Bushido, or The Way of the Warrior, lives each day as if it may be his last.

The peony is a potent symbol of beauty, of the fragility and fleeting nature of existence and the knowledge that acquiring great rewards comes only by taking great risks.

Many Native Americans choose to get wolf tattoos because wolves are extremely important in their mythology. Wolves are seen as teachers or pathfinders, and can also symbolize ancestors or other spiritual guides. Different types of wolves were indicative of different clans and Native American tribes, as well as commonly being used as totems.

Here are some different meanings assigned to the image of a wolf (which some believe are transferred to the wearer of a wolf tattoo):

-Devoted
-Loyal
-Fearless
-Intelligent
-Family (pack) oriented
-Attuned to the natural environment

In astronomy and astrology, the wolf is represented in the stars by the constellation known as the Dog, or Sirius, in the Pleaides. This was also thought to be the origin of the "Ancients" by several of the Native American tribes.

Some Celtic mythology depicts the sun being devoured by a wolf (the cause of night). In Norse mythology, the wolf is a sacred image to the god Odin, who was the father of all the other gods. Romans also revered the wolf, because this creature was sacred to the god Apollo, as well as being featured in the myth of Romulus and Remus.

Credits to : http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Wolf_Tattoos

Lion tattoos have two primary meanings - one is a simple appreciation of a beautiful animal; and a second is an image of fierceness, pride, and strength.

Your lion’s pose will say a lot about the thought behind your tattoo.

A lion at peace suggests confident, quiet strength.
A roaring lion shows a desire to make your power known.
A lion in battle can represent a willingness to fight for what you believe in.
A lion paired with a gentler animal, such as a lamb, shows a desire for peace.

Credits to : http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Lion_Tattoos

Kala is also a protective symbol widely used in Iban Art.

More at TattooSymbol.com

After pricking in 1000s of dots in his arm, it was done. Of course, he felt every dot tat was done on him - Each and Every dot !!

Hey Everyone !! Let me introduce to you, 2 of the coolest people I have ever met !! Won't leak out their profession though. But a little secret - ( One of them works as a superhero ) Haha !! Lets call him Kelvin - "The Man with a Shape of a Bear's Head on His Chest" .

Don't Mess with me. Kelvin -"The Man with a Shape of a Bear's Head on His Chest" by my side !!

Saint

Sinner

And also introducing - Shawn or Sean,(However you spell the name) AKA "John Cena Lookalike" Giving you both sides of mankind. Either be a Saint or a Sinner !! Dig It?

Showoff !! Haha !!

Nice having you guys in my studio. Do hope to see you again. I kept my promise !!

No explaination needed...Sometimes I run out of words to say too ya know? Haha !!

Maori tattooing is a distinct school of patterns and graphic designs within Polynesian tattooing. While much of Polynesian tattooing is derived from straight-line geometric patterns (and thought to originate with patterns found on ancient Lapita pottery shards such as have been discovered in Samoa), a design fact which rose in part because the traditional Polynesian tattoo combs are best suited to linear designs, Maori tattooing is essentially curvilinear, and the mainstay of Maori designs are based on the spiral. It should be noted that renowned traditional Hawaiian artist Keone Nunes has demonstrated that it is possible to reproduce complex curved designs using traditional Polynesian tattooing implements.

Traditionally Maori tattoo artists followed very specific rules laid out for facial "moko" or tattoos. It is important to note that because of the tremendous cultural complexity of New Zealand's many tribes and clans, these rules often had local variations. But the idea that the tattoos followed a set of prescribed rules was widespread, and tattoos were specific to individuals, family, clans and tribes. Maori tattoos follow the contours of the face, and are meant to enhance the natural contours and expressions of an individual's face. A well-executed tattoo would trace the natural "geography" of an individual's facial features, for example lines along the brow ridge; the major design motifs are symmetrically placed within opposed design fields: lines are used in certain areas where spirals are not used; two types of spiral are used -- the koru, which is not rolled up and has a "clubbed" end, and the rolled spiral. (Ta Moko: The Art of Maori Tattoo, By D.R.Simmons)

Read More at : http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols_maori_polynesian.htm

Tribal Dragon ( Making a Comeback )

Orchid and Aum

The orchid symbolizes perfection, wisdom, and thoughtfulness in some cultures; in other cultures it symbolizes virtue and morality. That's all I pretty much know about Orchids...Hehe !!

Day 2

Hey there everyone!! It has been awhile since I updated the blog as I was caught up with shitloads of work after returning from the Tattoo Convention. Work, Work, Work !!

Anyway, I was asked to do a tattoo of a frog by one of my customers. And honestly, never have I, tattooed frogs on anyone in my life. But hey, like they all say, there is a first time for everything...

The frog is a tattoo design that cuts across many cultures. As a member of the animal clan, the Frog is seen as a teacher. A lunar creature that resonates with water, it also lives on land.

A cold-blooded creature, the Frog possesses an extremely sensitive skin which shamans consider magical. In many cultures, the Frog is associated with the ability to jump from one state of consciousness to another.

The frog is a symbol of generation, rebirth and fertility. The Egyptian frog goddess was named Heket.

After the shoot and interview, I walked up to the hilltop where the convention was held and watched the Iban Cultural Dances before heading to the booth of Borneo HeadHunters where Enersto was waiting for me.

It was fun watching them dance and trust me, I really wanted to dance too..hehe!!

Booth of Borneo HeadHunters.

Picture taken by Ernesto himself.

It was the most relaxing thing I ever did in my life. It was a great experience and to feel so good after that, is just beyond words to describe.

Final check of the alignment and its done !!

Ernesto and me posing for the camera !!

Robb and Me...

To summarize the whole experience and having a tattoo done traditionally was an enlighting moment for me. Never will I forget it and yes, I have learnt alot which I can use in what I do. I thank everyone who who made this trip possible and I thank the crew of Borneo HeadHunters for giving me a good experience.

I will be uploading video clips in my next post. Watch out for it...

Day 1 of the convention...

I was able to meet Alex Nadini of Italy and it was awesome to be side by side with one of the world's best !

Borneo Design being done by Rotary Tattoo Machine

FreeWind of USA doing his thang ya'all..

Freewind tattooing traditionally with the help of his wife...

Later that evening, I was traditionally tattooed by Ernesto and it drew a large crowd witnessing it. The whole event was videographed and photographed by the press for magazines and documentaries and such... My oh My, was I excited or what ?!

After close to a hour, the tattoo was done. And I had another day to go for my other fist to be tattooed again..hehe !!

I will be away for the 2nd Borneo International Tattoo Convention 2007, from 29th June - 1st July which will be held in the Sibu district of Sarawak, eastern Malaysia.

The 2nd Borneo International Tattoo Convention 2007, will bring together international acclaimed tattoo artist from all over the world and also local talents, whereby the Art of tattooing will be highlighted by traditional performances, traditional music, cultural dances, tribal peace offerings to the spirits and parades from all the major tribal cultures and what is left of the elders who were tattooed the way it was a long time ago … so in other word bringing you back in time when the tattoos worn by the individual glorifies the life of the oneself.

The Sarawak Borneo tattoo culture has been known all over the world because of its cultural and traditional roots, and as an Iban who comes from a culture and tradition and being Sarawakian, I present to you the 2nd International Borneo Tattoo Convention to the world and all Sarawakians, I hope that it will bring back to life a lifeless body of this dying culture.

Thank you for the support

Ernesto
www.borneoheadhunter.com

Immortal Tattoos turns 1 today on the 14th June 2007. It has been one wild ride for the past one year and hopefully many more years of wild rides to come !! I thank my family, all my friends, my clients and everyone else for the surpport.

May Immortal Tattoos be Immortal !!

Talking about the colours that would match his skin tone, I had to really crack my head...

So after close to 2hrs, when the dust has settled from the wings of the Phoenix, I called it a day with some happy endings...

Aum is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

In modern time, Aum tattoos have become very popular with the crowd, regardless of thier age, sex or even religion. It has become the most common design to my knowledge and seriously I have lost count on how many of my clients carry that sacred symbol.

I was able to work on something different few months back. Its of a butterfly with "henna-like" designs on them, instead of the regular bold colours that are usually used. It was a custom piece designed by me, which took 4 1/2 hrs to complete it on skin!! Any more takers?

What do women and tattoos have in common? BEAUTY ! I should say...

And when you put this two beautiful creations together, you get a masterpiece, ever put together both by God and Man. Now that is some heavenly partnership.

I got the opportunity to work with one of my stunning friend to bring something deep inside together and portray it visually. What you see are actually fake tattoos, even though she did wish those were real. All thanks to the typical mindset of our locals in our society, who view people with tattoos differently. Especially when a woman has a tattoo.

So, my message to all the typical humans in our local society or abroad, who have a brain smaller than a walnut or even none at all, each and everyone of you can stand in queue like trained dogs and kiss my tattooed ass !! - Literally -

In the last 100 years tattooing was common among criminals, motorcyclists and gang members but in the last 20 years this has drastically changed, so much so that approximately 50% of all tattoos are done on women. And who are these women? These are the soccer moms, and professional women, the women from ages of 18 to 40.

As little as twenty years ago, you did not see tattoos on women very much. Now you can go to any beach and see a design on the lower back of many young girls tanning in the sun.

So what I would like to say is, tattooed skin looks better than bare and plain ones...

If any of you ladies interested in working with me for photoshoot and tattoos, EMAIL me for details.

Creatures from the world of Legends and Myths have been evolved into something else in this Era. For many years, tattoos such as the phoenix have been collected by many. I had the chance to tattoo a phoenix on someone not long ago... So here it is !! (Still In Progress)