Body Piercing Pictures

Graffiti is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property. Graffiti is any type of public markings that may appear in the forms of simple written words to elaborate wall paintings. Graffiti has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.

In modern times, paint, particularly spray paint, and marker pens have become the most commonly used graffiti materials. In most countries, marking or painting property without the property owner's consent is considered defacement and vandalism, which is a punishable crime.


Graffiti may also express underlying social and political messages and a whole genre of artistic expression is based upon spray paint graffiti styles. Within hip hop culture, graffiti has evolved alongside hip hop music, b-boying, and other elements. Unrelated to hip-hop graffiti, gangs use their own form of graffiti to mark territory or to serve as an indicator of gang-related activities.


Controversies that surround graffiti continue to create disagreement amongst city officials/law enforcement and writers who wish to display and appreciate work in public locations. There are many different types and styles of graffiti and it is a rapidly developing art form whose value is highly contested, reviled by many authorities while also subject to protection, sometimes within the same jurisdiction.


The term graffiti referred to the inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins, as in the Catacombs of Rome or at Pompeii. Usage of the word has evolved to include any graphics applied to surfaces in a manner that constitutes vandalism.


The earliest forms of graffiti date back to 30,000 BCE in the form of prehistoric cave paintings and pictographs using tools such as Animal bones and pigments. These illustrations were often placed in ceremonial and sacred locations inside of the caves. The images drawn on the walls showed scenes of animal wildlife and hunting expeditions in most circumstances.


The only known source of the Safaitic language, a form of proto-Arabic, is from graffiti: inscriptions scratched on to the surface of rocks and boulders in the predominantly basalt desert of southern Syria, eastern Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia. Safaitic dates from the 1st century BCE to the 4th century CE.


Theories on the use of graffiti by avant-garde artists have a history dating back at least to the Scandinavian Institute of Comparative Vandalism in 1961. Many contemporary analysts and even art critics have begun to see artistic value in some graffiti and to recognize it as a form of public art.


According to many art researchers, particularly in the Netherlands and in Los Angeles, that type of public art is, in fact an effective tool of social emancipation or in the achievement of a political goal.

Tattooing in America has evolved from a long, rich history which began in the early nineteenth century with sailors. Proof of this was discovered in a seaman's log which, at the time, was referred to as ""pricking."" Shops were frequently situated near ship ports so that sailors had easy access and many of the first tattoos were inspired by life at sea. These tattoos included anchors and mermaids, along with many other tattoo designs such as hearts, women, crosses, and more.

The traditional American tattoo is beautiful because of its simplistic appearance. Traditional tattoo designs are distinct in that there is no varied line weight and they are fairly simple using basic colors without a lot of blending and fading which today's tattooists tend to use. The art of the true traditional tattoo is not seen very often these days, although there are a handful of tattooists who have mastered this skill.


Sailor Jerry Collins, one of the pioneers of traditional American tattooing, is a great example of a tattoo artist who tattooed in this style. Today, Sailor Jerry tattoo art can be found on T-Shirts, wall prints, sneakers, and even on replicas of his old tattoo flash.


American Tattoos Evolve

As America's tattoo history evolved, the practice became more popular in America with the invention of electric tattoo machines in the late 1800's. This made the process of getting a tattoo much faster and enabled tattoo artists to create designs with more detail. Between the 1940's and 1950's, tattooing in America became much more popular among young men who went to war. It was common to see soldiers with tattoos representative of their patriotism such as American flags, eagles, or the names of their division and military units. At that time, it was considered taboo for a woman to have a tattoo.


As time passed, American society adapted and began to embrace the idea of tattoos on people other than sailors, army men, and criminals. During the 1960's and 1970's when ""free love"" and ""freedom of expression"" were beliefs which were held very dear, both men and women demonstrated their anti-war beliefs by getting tattoos of peace signs and various tattoo designs to express themselves.


At present, anyone can have a tattoo and it is hardly considered taboo. Moms have them, dads have them, teachers have them, doctors have them-tattoos are for anyone who wants to have them. In American culture, people who have tattoos typically still use them to express personal beliefs but also for other reasons. Some people get a tattoo to remember a loved one who has passed away and others get them ""just because"" they like the way they look. As this country's tattoo history continues to be written, it is worth noting that the great thing about American tattoos is the variety and the freedom to get whatever you want, wherever you want.

Dutdutan: (doot-doot-ahn) - a Tagalog word meaning to continually insert or jab.

Now on it’s 11th year, Dutdutan is now synonymous with tattoo art in the Philippines. At least that’s how a lot of tattoo enthusiasts in the country would like to view it.

For the 15,000 or so who congregated at the World Trade Center in Manila on August 26 and 27, the biggest tattoo show this side of the earth is also a definition of the alternative lifestyle that they have chosen.

But according to the organizers, tattoo art was not always part of the alternative scene. Native Filipinos have a rich history of tattoo art dating back to pre-colonial dates. In fact, when the Spaniards first got here, they were greeted with a heavily tattooed Visayan tribe and they called the islands “La Isla De Los Pintados” meaning the “Island of the Painted Ones.”



Christianity and western culture eventually supplanted that practice and not until we fast forward to the 90s do we see the rebirth of skin art.

The man and talent behind that is Ricky Sta. Ana, who started the yearly gathering with a small group of tattoo artists and customers. Eleven years later and supported by a major alternative lifestyle brand, Tribal Gear, the show has now taken on a bigger vision.

It is now a convention, known in the skin art circle around the world and they are even able to bring in the best tattoo artists from around the world to prove that. Underlying this achievement is the organizers’ cause to eliminate the stigma of skin art as taboo, since it has always appealed to the rebel crowd and the unconventional.

Cris Cleen is an American tattoo artist who specializes in custom tattoos and paintings.

A short documentary on tattoo artist and painter Cris Cleen.

Cris Cleen Works from Cris Cleen on Vimeo.

View more of Cris’s work at criscleen.com

Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

Om in Daily Life

Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines.

It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

The Eternal Syllable

According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it".

The Music of Om

Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita.


The Vision of Om

Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

The Power of Om

During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.

Saturday, September 3rd, 7-11pm

Last Rites Gallery Presents...

Brian M. Viveros
Returning Art To The Unclean

Solo Exhibition

September 3rd - 25th, 2011

NEW YORK, NY (September 3rd, 2011)- Last Rites Gallery presents Returning Art To The Unclean, new works by Brian M. Viveros.

Known for his strong and sensuous depictions of women, Brian M. Viveros is a master of contemporary iconography paying homage to the femme fatale. While he almost exclusively paints portraits, within the expressions of his women is conveyed such deep emotion and overwhelming sexuality that his work is undeniably erotic. Often without even a hint of nudity, the viewer is seduced with a mere pout and gaze from his subject's faces. Although carrying on a long tradition of the alluring female in art, his work differs from Pin-Up style images of the past.

Aside from the absence of figurative representation, the commanding subjects in his art contrast "Cheesecake" ideology of the soft and innocent. Instead, with her empowered stare, the Viveros smoking bad-girls flaunt battle scars, tattoos, and army paraphernalia. A force to be reckoned with, she is the epitome of a subculture heralding a new era with shifting ideals.

This underlying concept of grit combined with sensuality is brought forth in his execution and paint handling, as flesh rendered with an almost touchable suppleness is juxtaposed by paint splatters and brushstrokes. With explosive compositions and an unmistakable style, Viveros creates 20th century representations of both beauty and culture.

Brian's paintings have appeared in museums and galleries throughout the world, and featured by media including Juxtapoz, Tattoo Society, Hi Fructose, Skin Two, and TLC's LA Ink. In 2005 Viveros made his directing debut with his short "Dislandia", and he has since created the full length feature "Southern" and other films, which have premiered internationally and have been featured on networks including The Sundance Channel.

In what will be Brian's second showing at the gallery, the opening will feature an all new collection of original paintings, as well as special rare prints from the artist's own collection; poster giveaway and signing; live "Smoking Army" performance; screening of Brian's films along with his new short, and much more.

For inquiries, please contact: info@lastritesgallery.com

Last Rites Gallery

511 W 33rd Street, NYC
Tel: 212.529.0666

www.lastritesgallery.com

The last thing most people think of Body Modification is that make-up is included in the mix. Make up is not just to spread lipstick over the cheekbones like a Granny would do, there's a lot more to it. Make-up enhances what is already beautiful or simply changes everything when it comes to someone's exterior depending on the ocassion.

Being a make-up artist is a very busy and competitive business and only the best stand out. New York based make-up artiste Ayinde Castro is the perfect example of what a professional make-up artist is made of.

Having worked with celebrities and the fashion industry as well, Ayinde portrays the perfect example of versatility and dedication to this amazing field, which has always suited him perfectly. Is not about just applying color, is also about taking the essence of the work being made as well as making a connection thru positive energy with the client as well. Ayinde gets perfectly focused and comes up with amazing results by using his techiques and prove with his skills that this is what he was born to do.

Who is Ayinde Castro?

Born and raised at the foot of the rain forest in Puerto Rico, Ayinde Castro was raised in a place where color, contrast and texture are a part of the everyday landscape.

Ayinde was raised by artistic parents, a civil engineer/architect and a hair/makeup artist-turned pastry chef, who further cultivated and encouraged his creativity. After finishing college in San Juan, Ayinde made his way to New York City, and within months landed a makeup job with David LaChapelle for a Rolling Stone cover. Since then, Ayinde has become a sought-after make-up artist for celebrity clients including Vanessa Williams, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Ne-yo, and Jamie Foxx.


Corporate clients also include: Davines for Barney's New York, Softsheen Carson for L'oreal, the House of Field for Rocawear and Imju Fiberwig Mascara for Sephora. In 2006, Ayinde was the makeup artist on the “Extreme Team” for ABC’s Extreme Makeover.

Ayinde has been an asset to the Fashion Industry and has an extensive resume thanks to his non-stopping dedication to what he loves doing, that says a lot about him and his character. There is a lot more to say about his work which has been truly outstanding.


You can reach Ayinde by going to his website FaceBeater.com

Lip piercings have become very popular with the younger set in recent years. In addition to a traditional lip piercing, many people also prefer the look of a stretched piercing with a larger gauge, or metal bar in the lip. While it is uncomfortable and must be done gradually, you can stretch your lip piercing yourself if you are extremely careful about it. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to heal before moving on to the next size.

Wait for your lip piercing to heal completely. Body Manipulations, a piercing studio in San Francisco, estimates that it can take from 9 to 12 weeks for a lip piercing to heal.

2) Multiply the time it took for your lip ring to heal by three. If it took 12 weeks for your piercing to heal, you should wait an additional 24 months to begin the stretching process.

3) Purchase a lip ring one gauge higher than the gauge you are currently wearing. If you are unsure what gauge you are wearing, go to a local piercing studio and inquire.

4) Remove your current lip ring.

5) Soak the taper in your liquid soap and place it into the lip hole until it becomes difficult to do so.


6) Push the rest of the taper through until there is only a small bit (about 1/4 of an inch) sticking out of the piercing site. This should be a bit uncomfortable and even slightly painful. However, if the pain is excruciating, discontinue immediately.

7) Lubricate the end of your new jewelry with a moderate amount of soap and push the taper through your lip, followed immediately by the new jewelry.

8) Wash the outside of your piercing with liquid soap, and rinse your mouth out with a salt water solution twice a day to prevent infection.

Religious tattoos can take many forms, including images of saints, religious symbols and figures, scenes of religious history and quotations from ancient texts. In many ways, the tattoos are a form of identity used in this case they are used to display and affirm their religious beliefs. Below is some information about the prospects for religious tattoos and how they allow people to give a certain image of themselves and their spirituality.

A common choice for those with Religion is a religious symbol of a strong sense for them to choose. Religion plays an important role in the lives of believers. For this reason, many of them choose a religious symbol or a figure for a tattoo. Some opt for pictures of people, like the Virgin Mary or Buddha, while others choose symbols like the cross, a Star of David or other image that they find persuasive. Other select pieces of text, such as verses from the basic text of their religion, as the Bible, the Koran, the sutras, or other religious text.


No matter how it is shown that religion is often used in the art of tattooing. Some people think it is very important to them and if they show their religiosity on their bodies. In a way, the body is a vehicle for religious ideologies.


Some may be from the perspective of religious tattoo evangelize through their tattoos, while others are present, the tattoos remain a tool of inspiration to focus on what is most important to them. It is not only a permanent marker to show commitment to their bodies, their faith, but it can be seen by others and show their beliefs as part of their identity.


This tattoo religious perspectives offer people a means by which they can foster a distinctive identity as a pious person. This is very important for believers, religion serves as a central element in what they are.


Religious tattoos show identity and show others that they believe in a particular religious system, whatever it be. Some people get tattooed by devotion, a saint or deity, often painful process of tattooing as a sacrifice in honor of the saint or deity can be used.


Some people tattoo themselves with religious imagery to get them, how they want to live their lives to remember. Whatever the reasons, the prospects for religious tattoo a popular phenomenon.


Even people without religion can take over her life for inspiration a religious figure, and the feeling that a tattoo is permanent features of his art and help them stay by the figure or symbol inspired.

Q) Who is Sammy?
A) Sammy Hernandez Ramirez was born in 1960 in the San Juan de Dios, the heart of Guadalajara (Jalisco, Mexico). His first tattoo in 1974 was an apple, symbolizing the original sin. He applied his friend Joe using simple methods.

His first professional tattoo machine was made in 1981 in the "Golden Penny Tattoo Shop" in Tijuana (Baja California, Mexico). This was the first tattoo establishment opened in Mexico. Tattoo and his assistant Mr. Raul Aceves operating this facility to make history.

Sammy first worked as an apprentice tattoo in different centers in Mexico. In 1982 he worked in Nosferatu Tattoo Shop, owned by Daniel Olguin.


He opened his first restaurant in 1983 with tattoos desu help mentor Frank Garcia of Anaheim, California.

In 1986 he opened "Sammy Tattoo Studio".

In 1996 contributed to the "Asociacion Mexicana de Dermografía" fixed guidelines for the safe and formal application of tattoos. This partnership has helped evolve a tattoo art with high total hygiene and techniques, has helped greatly to crumble prejudice.


Sammy has organized the International Tattoo Expo eleven events in Guadalajara. with great success by the height of the names (and international) who attend and the friendly service they find. The event is recognized more and more each year.

He was a member of the committee of the International Rock Expo participating in his last three editions.


In 1996 he also organized the 1st. National Tattoo Expo Culiacan (Sinaloa, Mexico) to help people
perceive the tattoo as an art.

In 1998 he worked in "Lacky Tattoo Shop" in Grenchen, Switzerland. There, Lacky invited Sammy to the "Lausanne Tattoo Expo" and thus had the opportunity to meet great teachers
Tattoo worldwide.


Sammy appeared as an extra in the movie "Ahuacate" themed tattoo. Also had a supporting role in "Chavos Cholos" and Uriel.

He has been interviewed numerous times by the media. On television, names such as MTV, The Awakening, Generation X, Naked City, Alebrije, La Caja Negra. In print media and radio, almost every newspaper and regional programs have interviewed him.

He produced an edition of the magazine Art Tattoos Millennium.

He has been in almost every tattoo expos in Mexico, Tijuana, Monterrey, Morelia, Leon, Culiacan, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, Aguascalientes, Saltillo and Mexico City. Recently it was present at the International Tattoo Convention in the city of New York and London

Sammy has been a professional tattoo for over 15 years, specializing in styles Chicano and Black-White (Black-and-Grey).

How to get to Sammy?

Address: Calzada Independencia · 134L-168
Parian 1 Zona Centro , Guadalajara Jal. Méx.

Email: info@sammytattoo.com
Tel: (52-33) 3614 0507
www.sammytattoo.com
Open from: 10am to 8pm Monday thru Saturday

Dont Miss the expo.


(Inquiries regarding the expo please contact Sammy)

Most people do not really take zodiac signs seriously but there are those who do. Scorpion tattoo designs are quite common and popular among crowds. This is one of the best ways to express one’s personality and show certain characteristics. Zodiac tattoos such as this one go even further with expression.

The scorpion is the symbol of the zodiac Scorpio which is the astrological sign for people born between the 23rd of October and the 21st of November. Astrologers say that people born on this sign are determined, intuitive, passionate and powerful. On the flip side, they are also resentful, compulsive, secretive and obstinate.


People who bear the Scorpio zodiac sign tend to excel in leadership. Their sheer determination also makes failure an unacceptable outcome as well. Keeping secrets from them seems futile because of their intuition. They are also creative thinkers able to think outside the box. A scorpion’s sting is deadly and the same goes true with Scorpios.


It takes a lot for these people to get mad but when they do, they hit back pretty hard. Scorpios are also known to give everything when it comes to relationships. Getting a scorpion tattoo is a great way to tell people how you really are.Staunch believers of astrology would find it great news that they can articulate their belief with zodiac tattoos. Fortunately, there are plenty of tattoo artists who would willingly ink scorpion tattoo designs.


You will not run out of options with designs as well. Of course you may always ask a tattoo artist to create one for you or do it yourself. This tattoo design can be just about anything you want. It may bear slight realism or be more imaginative in its artistic presentation. It can be in any size and pose that you find best. The tattoo may be in black ink or with color added for a unique look.

Scorpion tattoo designs may be tattooed on any part of your body for both guys and girls. The most common places for this tattoo are the upper and forearms, the shoulders, chest, abdomen and back. Where it is placed is entirely up to you and will look great anywhere. If you are the type of person who likes excitement and danger, a scorpion tattoo would be a great choice for you.

With plenty of designs to choose from, you have all the freedom you need to express yourself. Scorpion tattoo designs are one of the best ways to express your individuality. Choose one that best reflects the true you to make it more of your own. Wear it proud and declare your boldness with this attention-grabbing piece. Just be sure that you can handle the attention that goes with it.