Tattoo Uprising Trailer

Tattoo Uprising Trailer from Documentary Arts on Vimeo.

Documentary filmmaker Alan Govenor, the director behind the quintessential tattoo documentary Stoney Knows How, has a new film out featuring vintage footage of Ed Hardy, Captn Don Leslie, Werner Herzog, and more! From the press release:

“From antiquity to the present, Tattoo Uprising reveals the artistic and historical roots of today’s tattoo explosion. This sweeping overview explores Biblical references and early Christian practices before moving on to the voyages of Captain James Cook and finally to our modern day, ever-evolving use of the tattoo in the Western world.

Alan Govenar began work on this film in 1980 while finishing his infamous short documentary Stoney Knows How. Tattoo Uprising features some of the most extraordinary people of the tattoo world including Ed Hardy, Stoney St. Clair, Cynthia Witkin, Calamity Jane, Anne de Hey! and more, as well as an unforgettable appearance by filmmaker Werner Herzog, who allows a rare glimpse at his Ed Hardy tattoo. The film was shot in part by the late legendary filmmaker Les Blank, who also appears on camera.”

You can find out more info, including the theatrical release schedule, here: http://firstrunfeatures.com/tattoouprising.html

Ralph Ashwell

The folks at Yellowbeak Press just opened up preorders on their newest book- a look at never before seen designs by Harrisburg, PA tattooer Ralph Ashwell. I’ve had a chance to check it out, and it holds up to the high standards of previous YBP volumes. Check it out!

https://www.yellowbeakpress.com/collections/books/products/ralph-ashwell-book

We are excited to announce our latest book about Harrisburg, PA tattooer, Ralph Ashwell! Born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania in 1901, Ashwell was a tattooer from the 1930s through the early 1960s. Working as a trade laborer who held various positions while also tattooing, he was a hidden gem amongst the other practitioners of his day. His flash embodies the functional, technical, and artistic aspects that defined a multifaceted, visually oriented craft. With a career that spanned the Great Depression, at least two wars, and the accompanying waves of servicemen, Ashwell always had something to offer everyone – from roses and banners to military insignia and pop culture imagery. Despite a somewhat elusive history, he holds a place among America’s twentieth century tattoo artists. This book will contain over 100 never-before seen full-color flash sheets beautifully painted by Ashwell, spanning the late 30s to early 60s, along with a biography written and researched by Carmen Forquer Nyssen.

Texas Weird: Richard’s Eyes

https://www.gofundme.com/saverichardseyes

Along with Dave Lum and Chris Trevino, Richard Stell helped define true Texas Weird tattooing; rooted in Traditional Americana with a healthy dose of underground comix and biker elements,  it’s a style that directly influenced what I think tattoos should look like.

As with a few other key tattooers who’s work helped make me fall in love with tattooing back in the 1990s, I dicked around and never ended up getting tattooed by Richard, figuring I’d eventually get around to it.

Nineteen months ago, Richard had corrective eye surgery that ended up botched, leaving him effectively blind in both eyes. A Texas surgeon has faith that he can reattach Richard’s retina- which he calls a tough task but absolutely doable- but the expenses are going to (continue to) mount up, so if you can spare a few dollars, I’m sure they’d be appreciated with the eventual goal of getting a machine back in Richard’s hands and have him tattooing again.

I’m saving a little patch of skin for when that happens.

https://www.gofundme.com/saverichardseyes

 

 

Hex Appeal: Say you love Satan!

OV’s merch wing- Hex Appeal- has teamed up with Berlin based tattooer Alice of the Dead for a a diabolical embroidered patch! Packaged with a header card also featuring art by Alice, this 3.5″ x 3.5″ iron on backed patch is a great way to show your eternal love for ol’ Scratch. Occult Vibrations is totally non-profit, so if you enjoy the content we post, consider picking one of these Satanic som’bitches up to throw a little cash in the tip jar!

Patches are expected to ship on/after 30th April, 2017.

http://hexappeal.storenvy.com/products/19687327-hex-appeal-x-alice-of-the-dead-say-you-love-satan-embroidered-patch

 

Our Tattoo History

Horrible news out of Somerset PA this week-
Mike and Mary Skiver’s building burnt down on Friday night. The building was home to their tattoo shop, their apartment and their extensive tattoo history and memorabilia collection. Damages haven’t been assessed yet, but the building collapsed so the news may not be good.

Mike and Mary could really use some community support right now, so if you have anything to give- please do.

Our thoughts are with them both.

https://www.gofundme.com/tdcc94

Paintin’ for Satan

Current Church of Satan Magus Peter H. Gilmore is a pretty fascinating guy. I’ve been following his tumblr a while for his amazingly detailed cinema reviews (his two part review of the 2015 Godzilla remake would make a PhD thesis seem like it didn’t try hard enough) and thoughts on life and generally thought he couldn’t get much cooler.

Then I saw that he was curating a show for the folks at the HOWL TATTOO Gallery down in Florida. It’s one thing to mix Satan with cinema, but when he gets his scaly mitts on tattooing it seems like it could be the perfect combination. I can’t wait to see the book!

From Gilmore’s introduction:
“For The Devils Reign, our artists work in many styles to evoke the fantastic and demonic. Their renditions of the dread names from Anton LaVey’s The Satanic Bible serve as keys to unleash oft-hidden aspects of the human psyche. As he said himself, “There is a beast in man that should be exercised, not exorcised!.” Devilish art may mock authority, frighten the gullible, and embody complex emotions. Here you’ll find gateways for self-reflection, for opening one’s mind to unique perspectives.”

Exhibition on Display: December 5th, 2015 – January 30th, 2016
Opening Reception & Book Release: December 5th 7-11pm (18+ Only)

Gallery Hours: 11am-8pm M-Th 12-10pm Fr-Sat

Address: HOWL Gallery/Tattoo – 4160 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Admission: Free

Website: www.howlgallery.com

HOWL Gallery Facebook: www.facebook.com/HOWLGALLERYTATTOO

HOWL GalleryTwitter: @howlgallery

If you’re in the area you should stop by and check it out!

The full press release/artist listing follows-

Fort Myers, FL – September 3, 2015 – Church of Satan High Priest, Magus Peter H Gilmore, has curated an art exhibition and accompanying book to both debut December 5th in Fort Myers, Florida. HOWL Gallery/Tattoo will host The Devils Reign, a two month art show featuring many of the world’s best known tattoo artists, as well as illustrators, photographers, painters and sculptors. The show also includes work by members of the Church of Satan’s hierarchy. Over 60 artists were selected by Magus Gilmore for the exhibition that runs from December 5th until January 30th, 2016 at HOWL Gallery in Fort Myers, FL. The limited-edition hardcover exhibition book will be available during the opening reception and afterwards.

The Devils Reign features images depicting devils and dark gods from current and past cultures, as well as monstrous characters inspired by HP Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos. The Satanic Bible, first published in 1969 and written by Church of Satan founder Anton Szandor LaVey, was used as inspiration for the exhibit. Artists referenced LaVey’s roster called The Infernal Names which features a list of more than 50 devilish deities compiled from world mythology, including Satan, Lilith, the Greek fertility god Pan, Dracula, Loki, and even Hindu divinities Shiva and Kali. This is the first show and published art book of its kind associated directly with the Church of Satan.

Notable artists in the exhibit include rock poster icon Derek Hess, whose work is included in the collection of The Louvre Museum in Paris and The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Modern day tattoo legends Tim Lehi, Jef Whitehead, Derek Noble, Dusty Neal, Curt Baer, Uncle Allan, and Timothy Hoyer all accepted invitations to participate. Well known heavy metal album illustrators such as Seldon Hunt, Shaun Beaudry, Palehorse, and Florian Bertmer also contributed artwork. Stylistically, the works range from the gothic and grotesque to art influenced by Japanese and traditional tattooing styles. A complete list of artists is available below and on the gallery’s website.

The Devils Reign hardcover book features art from the exhibition as well as additional pieces not displayed in the gallery. The book is being produced and designed by gallery co-owner and accomplished tattoo artist Andy Howl and published in association with the Church of Satan. This limited edition features a two-color metallic cover and the more than 80 full-color pages. Retail price of the book is $60. Pre-ordered copies will come signed by High Priest Gilmore and orders are now being taken on the gallery’s website. www.howlgallery.com

From Gilmore’s introduction: “For The Devils Reign, our artists work in many styles to evoke the fantastic and demonic. Their renditions of the dread names from Anton LaVey’s The Satanic Bible serve as keys to unleash oft-hidden aspects of the human psyche. As he said himself, “There is a beast in man that should be exercised, not exorcised!.” Devilish art may mock authority, frighten the gullible, and embody complex emotions. Here you’ll find gateways for self-reflection, for opening one’s mind to unique perspectives.”

Curator Gilmore has also noted that, “For the first time, the legendary denizens of Hell as denoted in LaVey’s The Satanic Bible are evoked in brilliant, blasphemous detail for you to savor.“

Complete list of artists in the exhibition:

AW Storm Anderson

Adam P Campbell

Alexandra Snelgrove

Andy Howl

Cameron John

Chris Reed

Christopher Lee

Clay McCay

Curt Baer

Daniel Byrd

Dave Berns

David Sinclair Smith

David Wallace

Derek Hess

Derek Noble

Dusty Neal

Dylan Garrett Smith

Eric Vernor

Florian Bertmer

Francisco D

Herb Auerbach

Jason Leach

Jef Whitehead

Jeff Srsic

Jett Vincent Bailey

Joao Werner

jondix

Josh McAlear

Josie Gallows

Kim Rice

Laney Oleniczak

Lilith Coose

Marilyn Mansfield

Markus Mayer

Matt Lackey

Michaelanthony Alton Mitchell

nico TDM LEGRAND

N! Satterfield

Pale Horse

Pooch

Robert Lang

Samantha Roman

Sara Ray

Sean Bonner

Seldon Hunt

Shaun Beaudry

Shayne of the Dead

Skot Olsen

Steven Anderson

Stevie Floyd

Thomas Thorn

Tim Lehi

Timothy Hoyer

Tony Karnes

Tracey Pryor

Uncle Allan

Valentin Schwarz

William J Butler

Zac Scheinbaum

Zack Spurlock

Zoth Ommog