I’ve had a few appointments sprinkled over the past few months, starting in April. An hour here and there whenever we both had some time. From April to June, here’s where we ended up (I love how especially wide my arm looks in these pics):

The mom’s hair is filled in, the older girl has hay colored hair now and some of the background starts to get definition. The eventual scheme is that the background will be sunset colors. I really like how the mother’s hair is kind of ombré. You can see it a little bit from these photos how it starts to get dark towards the ends of her hair.

Last night’s appointment will most likely be one of the last on this piece. I wanted to try to sneak in one more appointment before the Boston Tattoo Convention. My artist, Natan Alexander, is the main-man behind the convention, and he gets incredibly busy this time of year.

Me being a super dork.

I always have good intentions of tweeting and taking more pics while I’m in the chair, but honestly, sometimes this shit hurts too much to hold the phone. Well, that and we chat like a couple of hens at a tea party when we get together!

Anyway, we’re nearing the end of the journey on my half-sleeve. We’ll most likely finish up sometime in the fall after the convention (and when I stop going out in the sun! I swear I wear 70 SPF sunblock, but I’m Italian and my skin wants to soak up the sun).

Last night the sunset background is starting to emerge. The top gem in the frame is now purple and more detail was added in the mother’s gown and the older child’s hair. More detail was also added to the flowers near the girls.

It’s all really starting to come together. I’m very proud of it and am grateful to Natan for taking his time to make sure that it is perfect.

Related posts:

Tattoo sesssions: pt 5
Tattoo sessions pt. 3 & 4: progress
Tattoo sessions pt. 2: color and shading begin
Tattoo sessions pt. 1: outline

Hot Leathers, who designed the  “Slant Artist” logo, will have a limited amount of “Slant Artist” t-shirts for sale during the rally at their Buffalo Chip store across from the Lichter exhibition hall

This year’s Motorcycles as Art exhibition will focus on artist Jeff Decker and will be open daily from August 6-12th. A large majority of the display will consist of Jeff’s personal collection including ten beautiful bronze sculptures. There will also be an eclectic display of motorcycles and wall art culled not only from his personal collection, but from friends and other artists filling the 7,000 square foot Lichter Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Decker will also be working on a new sculpture in the gallery for several hours each day during which time visitors can chat and ask questions from the basics of “lost wax” bronze casting process to motorcycle history or how ”Slant Artists”, the incredible motorcycle racers who climb steep inclines against the clock and each other, have impressed him. Each person will be challenged to come away with their own understanding of Decker’s inspirations, aspirations and what makes this eccentric tick, and perhaps what inspires artists in general.

Bikes from Decker’s own collection include historic pieces such as his 1914 Harley-Davidson Twin (that he rode across the United States in the Motorcycle Cannonball race) to unusual bikes like his 1930 H-D DAH hillclimber or a 1949 H-D WR racer.  He has personally customized machines that were previously considered off-limits, like his 1941 Crocker and his 1952 Vincent.  Add to the mix his respect for bikes like ex-pro-boarder Jason Jessee’s 1949 Black Tibetan Panhead and many of  Cole Foster’s bikes and you can see how diverse this artist really is.

Decker’s interests lie not only with motorcycle related sculpture, but all aspects of motorcycling.  With his fascination for motorcycling history and with the aid of the impressive library on the subject he has built, Decker’s understanding is thorough and deep. He could easily fill a position for historian or archivist if one were posted, and if he were looking. Of course, Decker is much too busy and happy doing what he does, which in addition to sculpting has him collaborating with Langlitz Leather, reviving great motorcycle history and many such endeavors throughout Italy and Japan.

The passion for motorcycling and art that you sense in Decker’s presence can be traced back to his childhood, when his father took him along on visits to Steve McQueen, Ed Roth and Von Dutch.  As a young aspiring artist, he worked with well-known sculptor Stanley Wanlass.  Today, Decker’s own sculptures (the only sculptures to be licensed by Harley-Davidson) are collected and exhibited around the world. His commissions have grown in scale to the point that a 16’ 5,000 pound bronze now graces the entrance to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

Regarding his involvement with the Motorcycles as Art Exhibition, Jeff Decker states “Since the inception of Michael Lichter’s museum quality exhibits in Sturgis, I’ve been able to participate in them often and am extremely honored to be the focal point this year.”

In addition to Decker’s personal collection, there will also be an impressive array of notable bikes on display including:
A 1941 Crocker Big tank Custom
1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Wall of Death Bike 1930 Indian Scout
1949 JAP Speedway Bike
Keith Nelson/Billy Lane Custom Motorcycle
1934 Harley-Davidson CAC Speedway Racer

Other noteworthy art pieces include an HD Daytona 1968 poster, several original portraits and sketches by legendary artist, David Uhl, a selection of rock show posters, and a Rat Fink Kustom Kulture poster, just to name a few.

An internationally anticipated FREE exhibition showcasing the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling, Motorcycles as Art has become the prominent exhibition of the annual Sturgis Rally. Assembled by world-famous motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter, the exhibition captures the personal expression, creativity and spirit that pervade the history and culture of motorcycling. As in past years, Motorcycles as Art curator, Michael Lichter will work with Decker, as well as the additional artists and builders involved, and the staff of the Legendary Buffalo Chip to create the themed exhibition that will fill the 7,000-foot exhibition hall.

“These yearly exhibitions are not only a labor of love but a chance for me to openly express my creativity and introduce friends and colleagues to a venue and audience that have been incredibly loyal and generous,” explains Lichter. “Thanks to Jeff we’ve got a really great exhibit this year, unlike any other.”

“The guests at the Chip absolutely love Lichters’ exhibits,” adds Sturgis Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff. “They have become a hallmark of our Sturgis Rally Week festivities. No other showcase in the industry exemplifies the spirit, passion and complexities of the motorcycling culture. We’re honored to capture the brilliance of Michael Lichter and Jeff Decker at this year’s exhibit, right here at the Chip.”

The most celebrated FREE exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with a memorable and irreplaceable experience at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Hours for the FREE exhibition this year will be August 6th-12th 10 a.m.-.10 p.m. with the exception of Tuesday August 9th where hours will be limited from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for an invite only industry reception.

Visit motorcyclesasart.com for more information.

I have to confess that it does make me a little giddy. I usually try to tweet (find me on Twitter @rippinkitten) the progress during my visit, but the signal inside the shop is a little spotty so they don’t always make it through (and when they do, they usually say something like “owie, owie owie”). But I always take pics with my phone…Natan really enjoys it when I take pics of him while he’s working!

This was going to be a short visit: about 2 hours. In that time he worked on the top part of the framework, which is the outside part of my shoulder. In those first few minutes after the needle hits my skin the little voice inside my head is screaming “Jesus, why the F do you keep putting yourself through this???” but I remain calm and composed on the outside. Maybe there’s a little teeth-clenching. But luckily after a few minutes those endorphins kick in and it’s totally fine.

Except, maybe while the elbow area is being worked on. That never, ever, ever feels good. Ever!

I am extremely happy with how it’s all coming together. It is such a beautiful piece. I have been enjoying the process of watching it come together and while I’ll be excited to see it completed, I will also miss the time in the chair. This is how people become covered in tattoos: the endurance of pain and seeing the immediate gratification of the art on your body is addicting. It really is an addicting ritual.

Anyway, here’s the result of this time spent in the chair:

Related posts:

Tattoo sessions pt. 3 & 4: progress
Tattoo sessions pt. 2: color and shading begin
Tattoo sessions pt. 1: outline

The Legends Art Gallery is an exhibit of fine art that will feature a plethora of works including David Uhl’s fine art prints, the photography of Josh Kurpius, pin-striping by Russ Mowry and illustrations by Jody Wyse. The collection of bikes will include the Indian Larry “Rat Fink Chopper,” Dave and Jill Iversen’s 1915 Harley Davidson Boardtrack Racer, The Naked Knuckle, 1941 Indian Military Scout 741 and Jay Allen’s, Bonneville record holding fastest 1946 Indian Chief.

"Stella" by Dave Uhl

The Legends Gallery, located on the second floor inside the main Saloon is free and open to the public. The Broken Spoke will celebrate the opening of this extraordinary exhibit on Saturday, August 7th at 8 p.m. at The Broken Spoke Campground.

David Uhl will be presenting his Sturgis Commemorative Collection, including “70 & Counting” – his newest piece commemorating the 70th anniversary of the “rally”. The exhibit will be also feature “Stella” and “Evelyn”, which are the two last pieces in the Women of Harley-Davidson Collection. Uhl’s artwork is displayed throughout the world, and sought by serious art collectors and celebrities alike. Charles Osgood, of CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, referred to Uhl as “The Norman Rockwell of Harley-Davidson artists”.

photo by Josh Kurpius

Josh Kurpius, known for his photography, work has graced the pages of Forbes, HOG, Street Chopper, Road course, Kustom Garage, IronHorse, DiCE, American Iron, Rod N’ Custom, 6 Over, Iron Works and Car Kulture Deluxe among many others. His most recent work captures the “Lifestyle” of motorcycling. He is known for shooting while piloting his bike standing and hands free. This unique perspective allows the viewer to feel as if they are on the road with his subjects.

Master Pinstriper Russ Mowry is one of the world’s most prolific motorcycle rally stripers. A veteran striper Russ executes the most intricate symmetrical designs with unparalleled speed. Mowry is known for his elegant lines and incredible hand lettering. Mowry travels from rally to rally; his work has transformed so many motorcycles he has literally changed the biker world. Russ will be painting live in the Gallery.

For more info visit brokenspoke.com

However, I’m incredibly happy with the progression of this piece. The detail work far exceeded my expectations and I am fortunate to have such a beautiful piece of art to carry around on my body. I’m so pumped to see it when it’s finished! But that’s still a ways away.

I go back again later this week. And for those inquiring, my work is being done by Natan Alexander at Witch City Ink (who is also the man behind the Boston Tattoo Convention) in Salem, MA.

Related post:
Tattoo sessions pt. 1: outline

Alphonse Mucha Monaco, Monte-Carlo, 1897

But many people get direct copies of his art for tattoos and I wanted to do something different. Luckily my tattoo artist/owner (who is also a friend and founder of the Boston Tattoo Convention) of Witch City Ink was up for the challenge. He came up with a great design and finally set aside a chunk of time to do the work.

stencil placed

The first attempt at applying the stencil was successful. I thought it looked really good. And then it hit me how big it was. Wow, this was gonna be great and suck all at the same time. The buzzing began and he started the tattoo from the bottom up.

a bit out of focus, but I don't mind it

I tweeted part of the time I was in the chair, but signal was not always so great inside the shop. Plus we were chatting a lot and I was trying to concentrate on not moving and to ignore the painful parts. We took a break halfway through and I got someone to grab some pics for me.

halfway through. Seeing this pic makes me realize I need to hit the gym and get my hair done at the salon!

alt view

Going back under the needle after taking a break is the worst. You have to sort of get prepared again, the endorphins wear off a little bit. Plus, I was starting to wear out. Two hours later and the outline was complete. We both sighed with relief and happy with the end results.

outline done

detail

Now it’s time to take time to heal (and get thine ass to the gym) before we begin the shading process.

If you’re in the Denver area, this event looks like SO MUCH FUN!

The renowned and always anticipated 4th annual Love Thy Chopper old school chopper art show will be held Saturday, June 26 at David Uhl’s Studio in Golden, CO. A community art event for charity, the show will feature local and national talent and showcase the chopper in a formal art gallery setting.

Love Thy Chopper Art Show

There will also be a ride in Chopper show that day where a number of hand-built custom choppers will be displayed during the show. In addition, an array of local and national artists has donated an assortment of art work to be sold with proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver. Several artistic mediums, ranging from spray can art to fine giclee prints, will be displayed and available for sale. Food and beverages will be provided by Tambien Restaurant.

LTC 2009

This is more than just a chopper art show and ride in bike show, there will be live bands, a skateboard demo and a whole days worth of festivities. You won’t want to miss this one! Get more information online at myspace.com/lovethychopper.

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents Michael Lichter’s Tenth Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind

Michael Lichter’s internationally renowned and highly anticipated 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art exhibition is sure to be a significant highlight during Sturgis Rally Week 2010. The exhibit is scheduled for August 7-13 and will focus on the explosion of interest and the passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. Entitled, “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind”, this year’s display poses the question, “How is this passion passed on through time?”

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind

Thirty custom motorcycles recently built by 15 pairs of builders tied together by family, respect, friendship or apprenticeship will be on display at the impressive Lichter Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Builder teams highlighted within the show include: Athena Ransom and Laura Klock, Arlen Ness & Paul Yaffe, Carl & Matt Olsen, Dave & Jody Perewitz, Donnie Smith & Brian Klock, Eddie Trotta & Todd Silicato, Kevin Baas & his Kennedy High School Chopper Class, Gard Hollinger & Satya Kraus, James & Dave Kaye, Jerry & David Covington, Kirk Taylor & Brian Schimke, Roland Sands & Drake McGillroy, Ron Finch & Gary Maurer, Ron & Hunter Simms,
Sugarbear & Counts Customs.

In addition, the 6,500 square foot venue constructed primarily to house the notable exhibitions Lichter has curated, will for the first time, be adorned with Michael’s photography. Celebrating his 30th bike week in Sturgis, he will be displaying the best from his archive of limited edition prints, including many images being
premiered for the first time.

“This exhibit has been a total labor of love for me as it has been for 9-years, explains Lichter.

Rebel Rousers exhibit from 2009

Working with these builders to pair them up, occasionally into a seemingly unlikely pairing at their own request, has been great.  It will be great to watch their progress in the coming months. I love this work and I love this industry. Everyone who comes out to see this exhibit will be able to sense the passion felt by all those involved.”

Lichter has been a staple in the motorcycle community for over thirty years, with his name ingrained in the minds and collections of enthusiasts around the world. This is Lichter’s tenth year as curator for the premier Sturgis exhibition. The exhibit started back in 2001 with a display entitled ‘The Biker Generation’. Since
that time he has touched on a variety of appealing themes during the yearly exhibit including titles such as “One World Choppers”, “Speed Demons” “Schools Out – Old School, New Skool” Last year’s exhibit, “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” focused on the history of iconic motorcycle imagery that inspired many of us to ride. Through a poignant review of renowned motorcycles, art and movie memorabilia, fans were reminded of what originally fueled their passion for riding.

“Last year’s exhibit was phenomenal, thousands of guests came to experience the display,” states Sturgis Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff. “We’re so enthusiastic for this year’s show. Michael Lichter is truly a gifted artist and photographer and we’re delighted to have his yearly exhibit at the Lichter Exhibition Hall here at
the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.”

The most eagerly anticipated exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with an unforgettable experience. Visit motorcyclesasart.com for more information. Sponsors for this year’s exhibit include Hot Leathers, Interstate Batteries, Progressive Insurance and Spectro Oil.

What do you do in January when it’s too wet or chilly to ride your motorcycle? How about heading out for a night of motorcycle related literature and photography? Christina Shook and Ed Milich will be touring motorcycle destinations in San Francisco and northern California beginning January 26 2010 to promote their recently released motorcycle books: Milich’s “Wrenched: Man and Machine” and Shook’s “Chicks on Bikes“. Milich recently completed a 10-day West Coast book tour in December of 2009 with Mark Gardiner (Roadracer X, Classic Bike), author of Riding Man. Shook shared the Werkstatt SF tour stop with Gardiner and Milich, and the idea for January’s “Wrenched Words and Chick Pics” Tour was born.

Christina Shook is a San Francisco East Bay based professional photographer. “Chicks On Bikes“, Shook’s first book, compiles her photographs of and writings on female motorcyclists drawn largely from the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population of female riders. The book depicts female racers, commuters, cruisers, and mechanics in their natural environments from San Fransicso’s streets to dirt bike trails, to the racetrack. The hard bound “Chicks On Bikes” is 154 pages and is $24.99 from chicksonbike.us.

Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook

Wrenched: Man and Machine by Ed Milich

Ed Milich is a Los Angeles based writer and contributor to Motorcyclist Magazine, Café Racer Magazine Sports Car Market Magazine, a national roadracing champion (WSMC, AHRMA), proprietor of motorcycle websites Guzzitech.com, Ducpower.com, and Motobastard.com and a professional Mechanical Engineer. “Wrenched, Man and Machine“, the first book from the Los Angeles based Milich, documents his motorcycle racing, wrenching and riding experiences in largely unrhymed free verse. In March of 2009, Milich debuted “Wrenched” at the Daytona International Speedway Bike Week Vintage Races where he punctuated the book release by winning four out of four races. *Wrenched, Man and Machine* is 142 pages and is $15 postpaid at wrenchedbook.com.

If you live in the N. California area I highly recommend you go see these guys and show them your support!

From their site:
The year is 2019. A nebulous apocalyptic event, occurring in 2008, has left Yankee Stadium and its partially constructed twin stadium in a state of disrepair. NYC of 2019 is owned by future motorcycle gangs, fighting turf wars throughout the boroughs. The biggest battle yet is on the field of the old Yankee Stadium, with hundreds of participants, both human and animal, waging a surreal and bloody thunderdome-style motorcycle battle for survival. All the bikes and combatants have all come to this place from various points in history and from the future…Joining forces in order to fight a more serious threat. It makes very little sense we know, but it looks awesome on a t-shirt!

#1: The Battle of Yankee Stadiums

For anyone who likes to collect rare and original t-shirts, this would definitely be a series for any avid collector. Sure, the shirts cost $125 each (they are more than happy to tell you why they cost so much) but for your money you get “lots of fun, excitement, and wearing pleasures. Inside each box, contains one fully printed awesome cool t-shirt, a DETH KILLERS 2000 collectable poster to hang on your wall, and a set of trading cards, which are best used for your non-trading pleasures.“

And according to them, you also get “quality original American ideas, PERHAPS AMERICA’S LAST GREATEST RESOURCE.” Ha, they are modest aren’t they?

I’m not entirely sure if these guys are a bunch of stoners who thought a line of over-priced, yet extremely artistic set of tees, would be their ticket to success or if they really think they’re just that fricking cool. However, I can’t help but admire them for launching a venture that is not only ambitious, but creatively innovative.

Oh and, keep your eye out for D.K.M.C-DETH KILLERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB. No, I’m not kidding.