All posts in category Phil Sparrow

More Ed Hardy

Thanks to a really helpful tech support person, I’m (almost 100% sure that I’m) able to capture video from VHS again. I was able to snag a few minutes of Ed Hardy (I’m on a Hardy kick at the moment) talking about why tattooing will never be franchised (it has been) and how it’s not like “adapting the lastest fashion designer’s clothing aesthetic”.

I’m not throwing Ed under the bus… just pointing out how times change.

This clip is from Stearn’s Tattoo Reality; I really hope Michael is still with us and would considered remastering and releasing his catalog digitally. He was able to capture a ‘point in time’ in modern tattoo culture that has proven to have a lasting impact on how tattoos are designed/executed and his stuff is always worth watching.

This clip also features Sam Steward (aka Phil Sparrow) showing his Amund Deitzel chest piece to Pinky Yun.

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by Shawn Porter on July 20, 2011 • Permalink

Posted in Documentaries, Don Ed Hardy, Phil Sparrow, Pinky Yun, Tattoo Artists, Video

Tagged Ed Hardy, Occult Vibrations, Phil Sparrow, Pinky Yun, Sam Steward, Tattoo

Posted by Shawn Porter on July 20, 2011

http://occultvibrations.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/more-ed-hardy/

Phil Sparrow & Kenneth Anger

Phil Sparrow tattooing a Sailor

Sometimes things tie together so nicely; a few weeks ago I posted a photo of Occult filmmaker Kenneth Anger’s iconic LUCIFER tattoo; earlier tonight while reading the amazing biography of tattooist Phil Sparrow (aka Samuel Steward) I came across this passage:

“Shortly after being introduced, Anger came to the Anchor to have Steward tattoo the word Lucifer across his chest in large Old English letters, and to have a similar Lucifer emblazoned across the chest of his young companion, a musician named Bobby. Because Ed Hardy was at that point keen to meet Anger, Steward arranged an evening with him in the Haight, during which Hardy lit up a “couple of high-powered joints” and the three men got high.”

Bobby, of course, was Bobby Beausoleil- the on again/off again star and music composer of Anger’s Lucifer Rising.

Bobby Beausoleil with LUCIFER tattoo

Steward’s biography (Secret Historian) has been a revelation so far; aside from starting the careers of both Ed Hardy and Cliff Raven, ‘Sparrow’ was one of the largest single contributors to the Kinsey Institute and lived a life that would make the most adventurous blush. While tattooing only plays a small part in the book (written by Justin Spring) it’s been an incredibly captivating read so far.

Video: Excerpt from ‘Tattooing Reality’

Before the name DON ED HARDY became (regrettably) tied to overpriced clothing and media overexposure, it was synonymous with pushing the boundaries of the craft and art of tattooing.

From his relationship with Sailor Jerry Collins, his Tattoo Time series of books, his spotting and encouraging talent in an industry known for exclusion, Ed pushed tattooing out of “parlors” and into the mainstream. If you’re wearing “custom” tattoos right now, you have Ed Hardy to thank for it.

This excerpt comes from a 1980s documentary called “Tattooing Reality” and features Ed and his mentor Phil Sparrow.

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by Shawn Porter on March 2, 2011 • Permalink

Posted in Documentaries, Don Ed Hardy, Phil Sparrow, Video

Tagged Don Ed Hardy, Phil Sparrow, Tattoo, Video

Posted by Shawn Porter on March 2, 2011

http://occultvibrations.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/video-excerpt-from-don-hardy-and-friends/