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Show BY FRANCES MOODY/ARTS EDITOR f.moody@chronicle.utah.edu PHOTOS BY FRANCES MOODY S ince the '70s, tattoo artistry has undergone a drastic redefinition. Once a mark of deviancy, it has evolved to a socially acceptable form of self-expression and creativity. Even a ries, such as best portrait, best color, and best tattoo of the day. This dose of combative energy keeps tattoo artists at the top of their game. It also lets them learn new techniques and tricks. graffiti-like design. Another artist, Richie Lucero, traveled almost 3,000 miles to attend the convention. Lucero was born in the small town of make a long list of adjectives including neo-traditional, girly, bright colors, and nerdy. "Honestly, I was so nervous [to come to this convention]," Gaf- Wahiawa, Hawaii. He started tattooing in 2003. Now he's at Black gen says. "I've watched a lot of these other artists work for years, Bartholomew Diamond, at Big Deluxe. "It lets you showcase what CatTattoo, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lucero succeeded in the tattooing and it's finally a chance to meet each other." tattoo community. Last weekend, the buzz of tattoo machines you can do. You get to show that you can compete with the world without any formal training or any formal apprenticeship. greeted attendees at the 11th Annual Salt Lake City International big boys." He stresses the importance of having both talent and a strong Tattoos in Charleston, South Carolina. She was also one of the few work ethic. female artists at the convention. majority of the un-inked accept it as a legitimate artistic medium. This newfound acceptance has opened doors to Salt Lake City's "This convention allows you to spread your style and art," says Gafgen was born in Maine but creates at Roses and Ruins Tattoo Convention. Over 500 renowned tattoo artists attended the Big Deluxe was one of six local shops at the event. It opened event, which meant there was a plethora of tattooers to meet, talk in 1998. Although Diamond was originally born in Sacramento, "I loved to draw as a kid," Lucero says. "I got into tattooing to, and get inked by. he has worked in Salt Lake City for about eight years. Rich D and because I liked the idea that I was designing a piece of art for Gafgen says. "But it's male-dominated, just like other industries To tattoo artists, conventions like the one at the Salt Palace Mike Johnson, two artists also at Big Deluxe, helped Diamond someone who would never lose it." out there. [As a female tattoo artist] you just have to let your work are an opportunity to disseminate their artwork and to observe adjust to living in a new city.They also helped mentor him by the work of colleagues. Some shops attend the local event each teaching their ink skills. year. This tradition produces an overriding sense of camaraderie between artists. However, putting a large number of elite artists together in one Diamond calls his style "new style: and says his tactic is to use bold lines and bright colors. "Like this:" Diamond said as he pointed to the bright orange Lucero's favorite type of work to do is Japanese-style tattoos, which mix bold and soft lines. Whether they are colored or black "There are a lot of women out there that are freaking amazing;' speak for itself." The Salt Lake International Tattoo Convention not only brought and gray, these tattoos have a long historical lineage behind them, together the tattooed community, but it also introduced people and each image has its own symbolic meaning. without any ink to the art form — some folks even brought their It was Betsy Gafgen's first time at this convention, and she was kids. People were tattooed in plain sight, and because of this place guarantees some amount of competition. This year, the conven- flower he was tattooing on a woman's arm. Diamond's take on all smiles and laughs as she worked on a woman's leg tattoo. openness, everyone had the opportunity to see the hard work and tion awarded artists for outstanding achievement in certain catego- flowers is not traditional. Instead, these plants have a bold and When asked about her style, Gafgen grinned and proceeded to skill that goes into producing a professional tattoo. m |