Tattoo Convention: the artists and the tattoos

Namaste!

This is my third post dedicated to the 4th International Tattoo Convention.  I see tattooing as a form of art, I enjoy looking at different designs that people inked on their bodies. I know many people are still prejudiced against the tattooed persons, they associate them with criminals and violence. Historically tattooing was indeed done by criminals, sex workers or sailors. But it is not like this any more. Though some guys did look a bit tough there was not the slightest hint of rudeness in their behaviour. All were polite, smiley, friendly. Nobody objected to being  photographed.
In today's post a few photographs of the tattoo artists and of  the different tattoos that I spotted at the event.

Tattoo convention: head and face tattoos

Namaste!

These guys will never suffer from lack of attention. Having their heads and faces tattooed they will always catch people’s eye and will always arouse different kinds of emotions: curiosity, perplexity, wonder, hostility, perhaps even fear. What makes these guys tattoo their faces?
These days body tattoos have become acceptable and much less of a tough choice. Face tattoos, however, still leave people wondering if its owner is right in the head or not which, perhaps, is just the kind of reaction the guy wants.
Also, a tattoo on the face distracts people from the expressions on that face, it effectively creates a barrier between the eyes of the beholder and the bearer of the tattoo and helps the tattooed person "hide" their real emotions and feelings behind the "mask" of the tattoo.
And perhaps some do it for religious or spiritual reasons.

Tattoo Convention: expressions

Namaste!

These days the 4th International Nepal Tattoo Convention is being held at the Yak and Yeti Hotel. There are over 100 professional tattoo artists from 22 countries including USA, UK, France, Italy and Thailand. I have already been at one of the previous Conventions, two years ago (you can see the photos here and here). Why did I went there for the second time? Because it is fun! 

A few photographs of interesting people's expressions that I caught with my camera during the event.

Tattoo masters at work

Namaste!

This was the first time I watched the live process of tattooing. At first all the hairs are removed with the blade, then the skin is lubricated with something that looks like oil. Then the paper with a drawing is put on the body and the contour of the future tattoo appears on the skin. After this the process of actually tattooing begins. Most artists used a special tattoo machine and only one guy did the hand work.

Tattoos spotted at the Nepal Tattoo Convention

Namaste!

These days, since yesterday and untill tomorrow, at the hotel Yak and Yeti the second international tattoo convention is being held in Kathmandu. I couldn't miss such an event. Though personally I don't have any tattoo but I have always admired this form of body art. Creativity, imagination and skills of the tattoo artists are amasing. The artists from different countries - Germany, Thailand, Italy, Switzerland, USA, Nepal, and others - take part in the convention. Tattoo designs that are offered by these masters can satisfy any taste.
There were many visitors yesterday at the event. Somebody came just to look around; others wanted to find the suitable artist and design and to ink themselves straight there on the spot. Many guys with amazingly beautiful tattoos readily took off their clothes and demonstrated the pieces of art work on their bodies.