
Lucas's many tattoos told the story of his time in a Russian prison and his own personal inspirations.
(Lucas North screencap–RANet; all others courtesy of TLC)
One thing I have never had any desire to do is get inked (as in tattooed). And yet I find myself fascinated with one of several reality shows which focus on tattoo artists and their clients. NY Ink is a spinoff of Miami Ink and focuses on the Wooster Street Social Club, a tattoo business in the Big Apple.
It’s not the lives and loves and families of the artists that intrigue me, although some of the personal stuff is interesting enough; it’s the work they produce. I admire and respect skilled artisans, craftsmen and artists working in their chosen field and I have to say, these guys (and girl) can create some pretty impressive works of art.
As Ami James, the owner of the business and an experienced tattoo artist, tells his friend and apprentice Billy, it takes lots of time and practice and paying of your dues to become top-notch in the profession. In other words, you’ve got to draw lots and lots of roses (the most popular image chosen for a tattoo, it seems) before you can tackle the intricate and more interesting portrait or script quote or some other subject.
Along with the artistry brought to the table by those who ink others for a living, it’s the client’s reasons for getting the tattoos that capture my interest. It may be to immortalize a lost friend or family member or beloved pet; an opportunity to mark a new chapter in their lives, or a way to promote their band, business or other enterprise as a sort of walking billboard. Some of the stories are quite touching; others funny or just plain odd.
What does all this have to do with RA? The character of Lucas North, of course, and his fascinating assortment of Russian prison tats, which led me to first do tattoo research. But it’s also about acknowledging talented people investing the time and effort and dedication to pursue their dreams and perfect their craft. People who care about and take pride in “getting the details right”.
Remind you of anyone you know?