WE ARE ART The Art of Tattooing

KEALY DONALDSON

More than just beautiful designs, tattoos are

reminders of unique stories that can be told on human skin. Tattooing has re-emerged as a mainstream part of North American pop culture for Generation X and beyond, proving that wearable art has a place in society again—and that 5,300 years of history has a recognized cultural application.

From the Tahitian “tatau” meaning 'to mark or strike', the word tattoo refers to some traditional modes of application where ink is “tapped” into the skin by using sharp sticks or bone. Certain peoples in the Arctic, however, have used a needle to pull carbon-embedded thread under the skin to create linear designs. And still others have traditionally cut designs into the skin and then rubbed the incisions with ink or ashes.

There were many shared elements in tattooing between Samoa, Aotearoa/Te Waipounamu, and Hawai'i, both traditional and contemporary. The status of the master, the general motifs, and the methods of application were common to all of the cultures of Polynesia. The roles, techniques and motifs of tatau, moko, and uhi have continued to exist for over 2,000 years. The oldest tattoos discovered to date are estimated to be 5,300 years old.

In many ways, tattoos are fundamentally at odds with the fine-art world’s business model, which is based on buying, selling, and displaying objects. And yet, it seems almost inevitable that, given the popularity of tattoos, more art institutions will recognize the value of embracing the once-subversive art form.

For those in the business of this art medium, talent is recognized and coveted. There are a number of reputable tattoo studios in the Central + North Island region. At the heart of the Island, in Campbell River, Golden Anchor and Queen of Hearts are all highly recommended. Black Rose and 2 Pricks on 5th in Courtenay are top choices for the Valley and furthest north and south sit Beacon Tattoos in Port Hardy and Wunderlust in Parksville. There are more independent Tattoo Artists and studios up and coming.

To touch on a couple of popular tattooing styles, there are fine line and form line. They both lend themselves as a base to many art mediums. Fine line was used by many famous artists such as Picasso, da Vinci and Warhol. Form line is a term first used by First Nation West Coast Artist Bill Holm in 1965 which conveys First Nations shapes such as oviods, u and s shapes. The use of form line is one of knowledge and technique, mostly passed down through apprenticeships. This specialized art form is here to stay!

Form Line philvdesign.ca

THE STORIES SURVIVE

JOSEPH MCLEAN

I remember standing in his kitchen, in a small house at Tla’amin. Sunlight spilling in the windows, the house buzzing with family and friends. Just back from school, giggling kids argued over what kind of cereal to snack on. As my friend handed the boxes of brightly coloured goodness down from the shelf, he laughingly asked what my favourite breakfast was. After a moment’s thought, I declared it to be oatmeal. The dish of my ancestors, which features brilliantly in the history of Scotland. Hearty and satisfying. My go-to meal for years. He smiled then, but it was not his usual smile. And he beckoned me close, away from the munching and the laughter. He could never eat oatmeal again, my friend said. When he was younger, younger than the children laughing at his table, he was taken from his home to a residential school. Terrible things happened there, unspeakable things. And each morning his breakfast was a single bowl of oatmeal. It is not my place to tell another man’s story. But this is where my own story changed, a story many of us share. That rocky and at times deeply painful relationship with our recent past. Not something we can bury away in museums, or draw a line and say tut tut, we’re so much better now. There is a parable about the bully who knocks a child down. The child leaps to his feet, angry, upset. “What?” the bully asks. “It already happened. Ancient history. Get over it.” I am not the bully. I am not the injured. I am a witness but even there I struggle, since the worst of our country takes place in the shadows. Shame kept, and keeps, it hidden, and shame makes it harder to seek. We want Canada to be its postcard version, to live up to the shine others see in us. But the people remember. The stories survive. As we are witnessing now, the troubles of our past won’t stay buried forever. Acknowledging that doesn't make us weak, or apologetic, or some kind of shame seekers. Strength comes from facing the truth, even when it tears at our souls. Violence and discrimination has been and is a part of Canada. As we embrace the good in our country, we too must embrace the bad, shed light on it, accept it, and respond. Only then can we be at peace with ourselves. Only then can our children learn from our mistakes, standing guard against oppression. Only then can we live up to our ideals, as a country determined to do better. To stand on guard for each other. Always.

To support those affected by the Residential School system please visit the Indian Residential School Survivors Society www.irsss.ca

NEXT TO THE TELEGRAPH COVE ART GALLERY

Offering guests a private patio, barbecue, TV and Internet, this ground level suite— two- minutes from the historic boardwalk— sleeps two with a queen bed, a full kitchen and private bathroom with shower.

Dog friendly (sorry, no cats). Strictly non-smoking in and around accommodation.

Summer Reservations May 1 to Sept 30 book via Telegraph Cove Resort telegraphcoveresort.com 250-928-3131 1-800-200-4665

Winter Reservations Oct 1 to April 30 book directly www.donbastian.com telegraphcoveartgallery @gmail.com 250-580-3601

PHIL V

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SPECIALIZING IN FORM LINE Digital Cedar Canvas Clothing Tattoo

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