Tattoos and the Kindness of Strangers

It pays to know your tattoo artist.

Paul Harris, the guy who tattooed this body art, is my new friend.

What design should I choose?

image by Paul Harris

Still jetlagged from my trip from the U.S.to the U.K., I was in desperate search for a cybercafé to get my fix of caffeine and on-line hook-up. While waiting for a taxi to take me into Southsea, I decided to pop into a local tattoo parlour to see if there might be a cybercafé in here in Hilsea. As luck would have it, the shop I happened to enter was a tattoo shop, and the tattoo artist happened to be Paul Harris.

"What do you need to do, darling?" he asked in his British accent, his shaved head shining under the florescent lights.

"Well, I need a couple of hours to do some email and access the internet."

"Well, I can hook you up. I never use the computer, and it's just sitting here. Help yourself."

Not only did he let my use his computer with a flat screen Sony monitor, but he let me print out important documents that I needed for my upcoming grad courses and even offered plastic covers for the documents!

I'm still here at the tattoo studio.

In the adjoining room, Paul is making the outline of a 12-inch forest nymph- a female fantasy figure- on the back of a customer. I hear the occasional cheer- they are watching the World Cup Finals.

Come to find out, Paul's work has appeared in more than a few tattoo magazines, and he was runner up next the world champion in portraits. He is one of but three portrait/tattooists in the U.K., and he has an extensive gallery and clients from around the world.

The best part about Paul is that he's someone you feel you can trust. Friendly and helpful, he is passionate about what he does. If I ever decide to get a tattoo, Paul's the guy.

If you're in the mood for a tattoo, and you're in the U.K., I recommend Paul's shop, who you can link to here.

 

Comments

[Darth Vader]

You gonna add some ink to that pearly white flesh of yours??? :) Might I suggest that you avoid the skull and crossbones - don't wanna upset Davy Jones...

[shamash]

No skull and crossbones for me: if anything, a mystical symbol like a celtic knot or a sufi symbol.

How about a portrait of Vyogotsky, with "Zone of Proximal Development " incribed in Latin underneath. In papyrus font, of course. ;-)

[Lamamamajama]

Gee, I can't really picture you with a tattoo so if you do get one, you must get something really wild.

[Flying Monk]

Hummmm, I have a bunch of ideas for you... and where would that be??!! Anyway, I can't wait to see a tatoo on you, and I might eventually come with you to this cool place, to get me a second one!
Just one more thing before you make up your mind... it's somehow a little painful!! ;-)