Tattoos tell their own stories.
Far from the concepts presented to the mass untattooed culture on shows like Miami Inked, some tattoos are distilled images; sigils that compress thought into a symbol and say everything that needs to be said without having to burden the world with more mindless rambling.
Occult Vibrations is a blog for people interested in the symbolic legacy of tattoo culture. The name comes from a song by Lungfish (led by ubiquitous American artist/singer/poet Daniel Higgs) from their 2000 Album Necrophones:
“And all that you can hold
In your pockets and in your arms
Is measured against you
And digested by the stars”
My aim is selfish; to promote the kind of tattooing that I like via artist interviews, current and classic videos and more.
We do take submissions, but not everything that gets submitted will end up on the site.
jenniferstell
mypusheadaddiction
Shawn Porter
Brian Grosz
/ April 11, 2011Hi, Shawn – was looking for an email address to send you the press release for the new Kings Avenue Tattooing location (and new home to Sarah Schor) in NYC. If you’d be interested in covering it for your blog, hit me back via email and I’ll send you the release and a link to photographs. Cheers!
Shawn Porter
/ April 11, 2011shawn.porter23@gmail.com, and sure thing!
Bryan Senger
/ January 22, 2012Hi-just wanted to say your site is great and to thank you for putting up so many cool videos. The footage with Dave lum is fantastic.
Ryan
/ April 3, 2012Dear Shawn, you are so handsome. Would you mind if i got your face tattooed on my scrotum?
Shawn Porter
/ April 3, 2012You wouldn’t be the first, Ryan…
Jack Wier
/ February 3, 2013Hello Mr. Porter. I don’t read too many blogs. I do however read yours. I think you do a good job of looking at the rich history of tattooing in the United States. More people in and around the industry would benefit from that approach.
Be Well -
Jack Wier
Eric Rocky Smolinski
/ February 5, 2013Hey Shawn…my name is Eric Smolinski,,,,,I work at a tattoo shop in IN. I was wondering if you can do a section on HUCK SPAULDING. he just passed last friday..He is a great contribution to our craft…..it would be GREAT to see some old pictures and info … Thanks Shawn…oohh ya and if you need anymore ROYBOY videos i have all 10..And i am freiends with his Ex wife ( he had a lot of them but she was the MAJOR wife)and can get any info you need THANKS!!!!!!!!
Shawn Porter
/ February 11, 2013Jack- Thanks for the kind words.
Eric- Done. And yeah man, hit me up privately and let’s talk some Royboy!