My First Tattoo

I was 19 when I got my first tattoo in Lansing, Michigan. I don't remember the name of the shop, but the tattooer's name was Conley Philpott. I just "googled" him and he is still tattooing but he is also a "mercenary illustrator".  Nice. Anyway, I still remember walking into the shop with my friends, all excited and nervous, looking at all the flash on the wall. We chatted it up with the dude at the front desk who was rolling a cigarette, all giggles I'm sure. I had no idea what I wanted so I went to my car and got this lizard magnet thing I had gotten when I was somewhere with my friend Jen and had the guy draw something based on that. Betsy got a butterfly. We got them on our hips in the same colors. I think I paid $30 for it. He was almost finished and one of my friends (Jen?) said the lizard should have a tongue and he said it'd have to be black. I said go ahead! Give my lizard a black tongue! HAHA! Oh man you guys are so bummed because I'm not putting a picture of this 'beaut on here!

That was one of the last times I saw Jen. Fast forward 14 years (!!!! wha??!!!) and Jen and I are both living on the West Coast. She's coming to San Francisco and wants a tattoo while she's here. So my long lost friend who was with me when I got my first tattoo will now be getting her first tattoo from me. It kind of trips me out. We pretty much picked up where we left off, had a great time tattooing and hanging out and I'm looking forward to her next visit!

It's always exciting to give someone their first tattoo. I love my memories of when I got my first and I think I wouldn't remember that time if it wasn't for the tattoos. I certainly don't remember anything else about that day! I know there are a lot of you reading this because you tell me, but nobody ever comments. I (and I think everyone else) would love to hear some first tattoo stories. So quit being lazy and leave a comment about it!

*****

While I was giving Jen her first tattoo Cris was off to New York doing a guest spot at Saved in Brooklyn, and visiting his favorite store, Luddite. (I visited Saved when I was in NY a few months ago and got to meet a few of the artists there. It's a beautiful shop with really great people/artists. If you're in Brooklyn you should definitely make a stop there.) He also started his own blog so you can go there to get more info on his trip and other happenings...   www.criscleen.tumblr.com

Saved Lobby

I think this is Bailey(?) tattooing with Joe watching(?) at Saved

Luddite

Luddite

Cris in NY

Cris in NY

Cris just before going to NY (I love the way he's been using roses as clothing in some of his recent tattoos.)

*****

Jason's been busting his ass and doing some really cool tattoos these days. It's not really any different than other days for him though...We're all convinced he's an android or something. Anyway he did both of these tattoos in one shot. I'm sure Jason would have liked to split the dragon up into a couple sittings but his client was visiting from Switzerland so this was their one day to do it. He tattooed him into the wee hours of the night. There's been a lot of that going on at the shop lately and it's really exciting and inspiring to be around such people willing to go the extra mile for what they do...

*****

Speaking of ass-busting. Aaron worked at the shop while going to school full time to get a painting degree. He's been out of school for the past year workin' hard tattooing and painting. He recently painted this amazing portrait for our friend Jen Siska of her grandfather. He's also been crankin out some sick ass tattoos!!

 

*****

This Friday is the Lower Haight Art Walk. The whole Lower Haight is involved and it's gonna be pretty cool once again! (See this post here) We're doing the "Get What You Gets" and this time we've got The Walker Brothers and The Oh Sees playing on the roof! aaaahhh!!! I hope for no rain!!!!

See you Friday!!

Holy Hail Balls!

Saturdays at the shop are so much fun! Almost everyone is scheduled to work Saturday and the energy is really good. There's quite a buzz when we're all here, figuratively and literally (except the guys who use those new quiet magically silent machines ... ever hear the phrase "your silence is deafening"? ). Today feels like a Saturday. I don't know if it's because Iggy is here for one of his rare days he can work or if it's because it's so damn nice and sunny outside! With the time change and some extra sun and the excitement of heavier foot traffic it's really beginning to feel like summer. Except for that day it hailed but even then it was fun, especially watching the punks across the street throwing hail balls at each other!

Mmkay.

I'm going to start off this week's labor fruit with a set of flash Jason Donahue has been diligently working on. And it's freaking awesome! Also? You can buy a set and hang it on your wall. I've already spoken for a set and I can't wait to hang them up in the shop. 

The set is $80 (a steal if you ask me!) and it's for sale through his website: jasondonahue.com

Jason

Jason

 Aaron

Aaron

Aaron

Aaron

Aaron

Holly

Holly

(I'm not sure if I've posted this before but this is the final, healed version of it)

Holly 

(we're getting close to finishing this)

Holly (this is on our good friend, and contractor Adam Hatch)

Here's Adam, taking a break from getting his leaves colored in to eat some chicken wings from Memphis Minnie's across the street. I don't think I need to tell you how much Adam loved them, I did have to put the little star on the photo though. Ahem. I also realized after he left that he always strips down to his underwear but the tattoo barely goes above his knee. Isaac couldn't stop staring at him.

 This is the look Isaac gives Adam when he's getting tattooed. I don't think it's creepy at all.

...

Cecelia

Cecelia

Cris

Cris

Cris

Cris

Cris

Cris

Cris

See ya next time!

Donkey Punch?!

This has been a pretty cool week for me. I don't know exactly why but I've had a shift in my focus. I'm feeling unbelievably inspired and I feel like my eyes are open a little wider than they were before. Today I went downtown and looked at some paintings. I stood in front of one and forgot about space and time. I forgot I was anywhere and I got lost in the paint, until it felt like my heart stopped for a second and jolted me back. I can't say that's a common experience for me and not one I'll easily forget. I've been thinking a lot about art and where tattooing fits in that vague broad category. I've decided I'm limiting myself when I say I'm a tattooer. I'm an artist, and tattooing is just one of the things I do that fits within that realm. Sometimes it's the only thing I do. Sometimes I want nothing to do with it. What does that have to do with anything? Will I feel like this tomorrow? Who knows. Who cares. All I can think about right now is the work. The action. Whether it's a tattoo, a sketch, a painting. I love the process and the spark it ignites that let's me know I'm alive.

I'm always aware of how lucky I am to do something I love, and be able to live and survive in a city that I love. I work with some amazing people and they are constantly inspiring me and motivating me. The past few weeks are no exception. Check it out...

 

Jason

Jason

Jason

 

Cris visited the Triangle Tattoo Museum last week and took these photos

 

He also went to Arizona and did these 2 tattoos

Cris

Cris

Holly

Holly

Click here to see the animated version!!!

No weekly blog would be complete without Isaac's Ass. I believe this move is called the donkey punch? 

Click here to see the animated version!!

Everyone at Idle Hand wants to send out our thoughts and prayers to Iggy, Jen and Magnus as lil Magnus goes into his surgery tomorrow. We love you guys!

Holls