NY Ink tattoo artist/model Megan Massacre at work.
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?
the armitage effect 
My son has got a dragon tatooed on his back and I was very angry with him when I knew it. However it was his choice and he was no more a little boy. So now I’ve accepted und find his tatoo very well drawn.and impressive. In French Foreign Legion many men are tattoed but I believe they like showing their macho side and impress the girls perhaps !
One of my nephews on my husband’s side of the family has several tattoos (he is in the Navy, and I don’t know of anybody who has served in that branch who does not have at least one tattoo). One of them is actually the portrait of his fraternal twin brother, who died at age 22. It was Clint’s way to memorialize Jeff.
And I agree–I think for many men getting tattoos is a way to show off a bit. 😉 And as you say, your son was of legal age. Not much you can do.
Hi Angie…OTT… but help me ,please? Where was it you made the comment about a bromance between John and Gerry? I can’t find it just now.
It’s in the “Be Dionysian” comments, Kathryngaul.
Thank you
People who care about and take pride”in getting the details right” are perfectionists- poor Richard!
I have those tendencies myself, Joanna. 😉
I suspect that you have! I’m greateful but take care of yourself,Angie!;)
The tattoo artist’s name is Massacre? Really?
Really, that’s her name. Now, whether or not it is her birth name is another matter, entirely. 😉
Surely it’s a “stage name” a bit like Marilyn Manson. Oh dear..Not very appealing.
Well, Megan currently has hot pink and black hair and a ring through her cute little nose and wears corsets and hot pants and torn stockings (and lots of tats) to work, so–the unusual name kind of works for her. 😉
That tattoo on Lucas’ right arm, it did move up through the episodes, didn’t it? So that’s proof that the make-up ladies WERE in fact a bit shaken and stirred by His Royal Gorgeousness! 🙂
Yup, it started out high on his wrist and mysteriously traveled upwards close to his elbow. This was one of things that really bugged me. I mean, I have never heard of traveling tats! I think what happened is the original location proved problematic with the transfer being too easily smudged there, so they moved it and figured we were too stupid to notice. As if we don’t know Lucas’s tats inside and out!! 😉
Yes, they underestimated Lucas’ fans’ intelligence, didn’t they? How insulting!
And underestimated the level of obsession we have of Lucas’ tats!
They just plain underestimated us all the way around!!
Sorry, shoud read : with his tats.
I think the focus on details in his work is really decisive for me.
Yes. To me that is something that really sets him apart from other actors who may also have good looks, charisma and screen presence. Yet they play essentially the same character over and over again. And with Richard we know we are going to something different with each role–that we will meet someone new. Yes, there are trademark mannerisms and expressions, but somehow he uses his artistry and experience to tweak them to make them fresh for each character.