
We have exhibits and seminars on tattoo history."įorty-five tattooists will be working live, in the numerous styles the art embraces.
INKSLINGER TATTOO EQUIPMENT HOW TO
We show the public what you can look for, how to assess safety, what tattooing involves. Says Dwyer: "There's been a tattoo explosion. Whether you are a novice or an enthusiast, Tattoo Tours is determined to accommodate you. Our shows are benchmarks for the tattoo comunity - and Seattle is a hub of tattoo interest." Says Dwyer, "We picked Seattle a year ago. Since that time, they have gone on to stage four others, in cities from Chicago to Cherry Hill, N.J.īoth are looking forward to the Seattle show. Their first convention took place in San Diego, in the spring of 1993. We spend lots of time playing `good cop, bad cop.' " Says Dwyer, "We have to balance a lot of egos. Then they had to amass the correct connections. First, there was the nightmare of logistics. Over the years, the pair planned a showcase of their own: one which would demonstrate the growing breadth of their art. They met 18 years ago at a convention in Reno. Each had moved from tattooing into serving the tattoo culture Dwyer sells equipment and Crowe sells sheet designs. Tattoo Tours was formed by two friends: Dennis Dwyer of Tucson, Ariz., and J.D. That is the central hope of its organizers, both tattooists of 20 years' standing. And, for the first-time visitor, it should be demystifying. For a non-purchasing public, this offers a special art show.

Many have been bought by tattoo "collectors" - who plan to get tattooed by the visiting artists.


Its sponsor, Tattoo Tours, has pre-sold a thousand tickets. Just ask those attending The Great Northwest Tattoo Convention, which runs Thursday through Sunday. Rock stars, writers and models may patronize "inkslingers." But tattooists are stars in their own right. Although the practice flourished along with our maritime history, tattoo culture has now merged with celebrity. Right up there with our epic rock and epicure coffees stands Seattle's reputation as a tattoo capital.
