It’s my birthday, hurrah!
Yes, boys and girls, today, yours truly is 37 years old. On this day in 1970, I took my first breaths of Earth air.
It's been quite a ride so far, let me tell you, but I'm pleased to be able to say I'm in a good place right now. The best ever. The love of a good woman is a wonderful thing.
On that note, I'd like to wish every happiness to my blogmates Suze and Alex. For those of you who don't know, Alex proposed to Suze via a blog post a few days ago. And although she kep us waiting for her answer, it was a resounding yes.
Well, I promised you pictures, and pictures you shall have. Herewith, before and after shots of Stage One of my latest tattoo (paid for by the missus for my b'day prezzie), which -- did I mention? -- is a cover up of a tattoo I got almost 16 years ago, with money I received for my 21st birthday.
Enjoy!
This is the "before" shot. I took this image off a postcard for fetish club The Torture Garden, which I picked up at Kensington Market when I first visited London in the early 1990s. For me, it tied in with the imagery of early Adam & The Ants' songs. Unfortunately, the tattoo never came out that great (difficult picture, shit tattooist). For those of you into art, the original image was by British artist Allen Jones. I found this out years later, but the following coincidence was not lost on me: Adam Ant's unfinished art-college thesis was on the work of Allen Jones.
Before you ask, yes, tattooing makes you bleed! What you see here is mostly blood and plasma wrapped in clingfilm. Well, no one ever said it was going to be easy!
You can still see the blood and gunk here, but you also get a sense of the tattoo.
And this is how it looked this morning, after removing the dressing and giving it a good hot shower and soap-down. I think it's pretty fucking excellent, and tattooist Xam at Frith Street Tattoos has done a great job.
Here's a close-up detail of the panther's face. You can also see the great claws here, too.
And check out the beautiful green of the snake's head.
It's been quite a ride so far, let me tell you, but I'm pleased to be able to say I'm in a good place right now. The best ever. The love of a good woman is a wonderful thing.
On that note, I'd like to wish every happiness to my blogmates Suze and Alex. For those of you who don't know, Alex proposed to Suze via a blog post a few days ago. And although she kep us waiting for her answer, it was a resounding yes.
Well, I promised you pictures, and pictures you shall have. Herewith, before and after shots of Stage One of my latest tattoo (paid for by the missus for my b'day prezzie), which -- did I mention? -- is a cover up of a tattoo I got almost 16 years ago, with money I received for my 21st birthday.
Enjoy!
This is the "before" shot. I took this image off a postcard for fetish club The Torture Garden, which I picked up at Kensington Market when I first visited London in the early 1990s. For me, it tied in with the imagery of early Adam & The Ants' songs. Unfortunately, the tattoo never came out that great (difficult picture, shit tattooist). For those of you into art, the original image was by British artist Allen Jones. I found this out years later, but the following coincidence was not lost on me: Adam Ant's unfinished art-college thesis was on the work of Allen Jones.
Before you ask, yes, tattooing makes you bleed! What you see here is mostly blood and plasma wrapped in clingfilm. Well, no one ever said it was going to be easy!
You can still see the blood and gunk here, but you also get a sense of the tattoo.
And this is how it looked this morning, after removing the dressing and giving it a good hot shower and soap-down. I think it's pretty fucking excellent, and tattooist Xam at Frith Street Tattoos has done a great job.
Here's a close-up detail of the panther's face. You can also see the great claws here, too.
And check out the beautiful green of the snake's head.
Labels: adam ant, allen jones, birthday, tattoos, torture garden
permalink posted by * (asterisk) at 8:49 AM
24 Comments:
That green is a-ma-zing! I love, love, love it.
Happy birthday, baby! xxxxxxxxxxxx
OH HOW BEAUTIFUL! That is gorgeous, *.
AND.... happy birthday to yoooo
happy birthday to yooooo
happy birthday day dear *
Happy birthday toooooo yooooooo-ooo
i wish i was married to red!
happy birthday to you, exactly 77 days older than me! you old git you!
hospital in 10 days, so when i come out and can eventually move around again, i'll be having my new ink too. aint life odd like that?
(p.s. going to see the who on MY birthday!)
almost forgot...NICE! like it and can't wait to see the finished thing.
Happy birthday, fish-boy! Your tattoo looks fabulous! I'm so jealous. As soon as I saw it wrapped in the clingfilm and tape, I became instantly jealous. The new guy has done an amazing job. Can't wait to see it when it's finally finished :)
Wow, that tattoo looks really cool! Happy Birthday!
March 7 is the Official "Metallica Day" in San Francisco, CA (enacted by Mayor Willie Brown in 1999). --Wikipedia
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Chinese astrology for you (Year of the Dog):
In the West, the Dog is man's best friend, but in Chinese Astrology this Sign is a little more unpredictable than that. Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional little white lies the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.
Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.
The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love.
The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger or the Horse.
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Dog's Yearly Horoscope
1. Dog Overview - Time to kick back and enjoy life with the Pig. This has the potential to be a very favorable year in many areas. The Dog is generally though of as the protector, but this year the tables are turned. It is the Pig that is watching over you and sending luck your way.
2. Dog Rating - 64% (10 favorable and 2 unfavorable months)
3. Dog Career - This is a good time to change careers if that is what you have been thinking of doing. Lucky stars smile upon those who begin a new business venture. It is generally a favorable time for all.
4. Dog Relationships - The Pig is the complementary sign to the Dog. There will be a number of opportunities to make new friends and associates who can help you in your career and also make your personal life more fulfilling.
5. Dog Health - As with last year, you should enjoy reasonably good health -- as long as you take the normal precautions. It's a Fire year, though, so accidents could pose a problem.
6. Dog Wealth - A windfall could very well be yours. It may not be a jackpot, but unexpected money is coming your way.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
and wow! LOVE the green I(of course)... can't wait to see pics of the finished art.
i hope you have a fantastic day and that your arm isn't too sore. happy happy day!
First off,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
That tattoo looks great! The cling film had me laughing. In the States, teflon coated bandages are used for the first 12 hours. The bandage is then removed and allowed to air dry. When I got my tattoo in France, I was horrified to find out that I needed to supply my own "bandage" which I didn't do. My beautiful piece was then covered with a DINNER NAPKIN and cello tape!! The piece was still weeping after 12 hours, so I spent the next 2 hours trying to locate a large bandage to cover it with. I guess people don't injure themselves in France, since I never found one large enough to cover the tattoo. Ultimately, I used an adult diaper to cover the thing! A lot of people looked at me funny when they noticed the diaper taped to my arm.
pretty awesome man...I've got two and I have been wanting my third to be a colorful extensive work of art like you have here yourself. My favorite thing about getting a tattoo is that sterile smell you sniff when walking into the shop. Its funny because it is a very similar smell that I hate hate at doctors offices and dentists.Awesome man.
All the best, 37 is a great age...
p.s. i've finally decided on my second tattoo... so as soon as i get it done, i'll try to post pictures. this one's not going to be hidden (i'm getting it on my wrist), so my dad's gonna see it anyway.
As Ginkers said 37 is a great age to be. Buon compleanno and all that. And the tattoo, although not my taste, is a work of art. A fantastic job so you must be pleased.
Happy birthday! Loving the green.
Happy birthday you little sprout!
Back in the stone ages when I got my tattoos,
they just slathered you with petroleum jelly.and set you free..
When i had one tat removed with laser..I used the cling wrap ( and vaseline ) until it healed..
I'm old school like that baby
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
The tat looks amazing...although I did have the gag response from the first photo in your post...I will always scroll by that one quickly from now on.
:)
Right now...yyour tat looks one of Stagg's paintings I love all the feel of grafitti and layering with parts of the woman showing through underneath it's very cool. I like it like this and can imagine if you add more layers on to it...what colours!
By the way, I knew who Allen Jones was of course!
Big hug and kisses for your Birthday it's your birthday it's your birthday!
Happy Birthday! The tattoo looks fabulous.
Thanks everyone. I don't get the chance to do individual reply comments sometimes, sorry. But...
Cappy: Red's taken, fella!
Erika: Metallica Day?!
Camie: Them Frenchies are a bit bizarre!
Martha: I'm still waiting to see the first one...
Candy: The first one? The Allen Jones? I would have thought the sackful of blood and plasma was more revolting!
cynnie covered in vaseline????
Happy happy birthday sweet *A!
I'm sorry this is coming late but we had no internet at home until today.
Well, I'm sure Red made you feel EXTRA special on your bday (of course she makes you feel special every day), and that tattoo...well worth getting a year older for!!
Tanti auguri ritardatari ed un abbraccio a tutti e due piccioncini
xxx
Cappy: Cool yer boots now!
Milla: Grazie, petal. We missed you at the celebrations, y'know? Glad you're back, safe and sound.
Damn, I know I left a comment..or at least I meant to!! Happy birthday! Ew to the blood (yes I'm squimish) but very, very cool tattoo!!
A belated Happy Birthday! Hope you had a lovely day.
The tattoo looks great, the green is really vivid and kind of organic looking.
LDB: Don't know what happened to yer comment. Yeah, the blood sucks, but it's worth it in the end.
Kate: Thank you, I did, yes. Organic looking, huh? Cool.
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