conventions.

while browsing the internet, i came across this and i think it's great.

i come from a pretty sheltered place in the middle of pennsylvania and never even heard of tattoo conventions. hell, if you even got a tattoo in that town, people thought you were some kind of freak.

i would love to go to one of these. it's a brilliant idea. i would love to just be able to talk to people about anything tattoo related. i could explore the art from other cultures, hear the stories behind artists. it'd be incredible.

has anyone ever been to one?
what's it like?

Metamorph Tattoo Studios

• Metamorph Tattoo Studios is highly recommended by myself for anyone interested in a tattoo or piercing. It's located in Wicker Park, Chicago and it's fantastic.

• i've gotten one tatto and a lip piercing done here. the staff is friendly and helpful. and the place really lives up to standards. it's clean and safe.

• i can only speak personally for tattoo artist ian rust from the shop, because he's the one who did my tattoo. he was prompt in getting me a sketch and quick to set up a date to do the piece. i was very happy with the whole process and the result.

• as for the other tattoo artists, i've seen the work they've done and it's all exceptionally good.

• micah is the piercer at metamorph and he does great work. he's a really chill guy and very helpful when it comes to any help that you need prior to, during, and after getting your piercing.

• i suggest everyone checks out this shop.

ink as a tribute.

• many people that i talk to with ink tend to tell me that they have atleast one tattoo in tribute to someone. this is mine.

• my grandfather and i are very close. when i was still living at home, i spent a lot of time with him. we would listen to elvis and johnny cash and put together puzzle after puzzle. he's recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. this tattoo was a christmas present to him. when he's gone, even though the pieces won't be put together anymore, i'll always hold them for him.

• it's amazing how incredible a tribute tattoo can make you feel. it's emotional, beautiful, and bonding.

• i love to hear the stories behind tribute tattoos or any other tattoo.

the beauty.

"your body is a temple, but how long can you live in the same house before you redecorate?"

-anonymous

i can't really tell you why my body modifications mean so much to me. i have three piercings, stretched ears and one tattoo at this moment. and i really don't want to do away with them.

a lot of people will tell you it's a way to express yourself. i don't see what's being expressed. i simply find modifications (mainly tattoos and piercings) to be beautiful and in many cases, very sexy.

i've decided that i really want to explore the reasons behind why others decided to make changes to their bodies. you'll be able to find posts here often with stories behind people's metal, ink, and other modifications.

photo credit.