Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writer

NESTLED IN the inviting nape of the neck, sensually curled around the belly button, flirtatiously peeking out of the top of a lacy bra, or perched on bulging pectorals, tattoos have evolved, as some may claim, as the ultimate body accessory,symbols of one's strength, confidence, passion or desire.

Ever since the first Caucasian bikers with their flagrant skin designs added tattoos to what some might consider, a reckless, violence-prone lifestyle, tattoo artists and the people who keep them in business have been viewed with scepticism. The trend became popular in penal institutions, especially among gang members who used tattoo symbols to signify their association with certain gangs.

The practice has also been very popular among musicians and their fans, in particular, black rappers and those who perform alternate music, such as rock and hard-core metal music.

POPULAR TREND

But those who engrave the designs on people's bodies and those who think that those symbols have special significance, view tattooing as an art form and as the trend has become more popular, it has gained wider acceptance and is now utilised for a plethora of reasons.

Tattoos are used as memorials, symbols of major milestones and life experiences, a form of self-expression, masks for blemishes and simply, as a fashion statement - an extension of the wearers' unique sense of style.

Deon Phillipps lives by his own rules; he makes no apologies, takes no prisoners, and he never backs down. His life has not been easy, but he takes life's punches directly on the chin and keeps going. And to ensure that he never forgets the lessons learnt; he emblazons the most significant ones on his skin.

TATTOOS OF LIFE

On his left arm, an almost life-like portrait of his mother shares space with a replica of a woman sitting in a crescent moon, representing his dreams. On his left arm, an Amazon-like female stands feet planted apart, holding a bleeding heart, with nails embedded in it, aloft in both hands, apparently moments away from smashing it onto the ground. Above that, a young gangster-like fellow wearing a clown's hat stands with arms folded, a smoking gun clutched in his fist. And covering his wiry shoulders is a jagged design with the Maltese cross at the centre. On either side of his arm are two contrasting masks, one smiling and the other, crying; representing, he said, the joys and sorrows of life.

This is Deon's life, the most significant moments, engraved in his skin.

"My tattoos are like a shawl over my skin. It's like I am wearing my life on my skin," Deon drawled in a voice that rumbled from deep within his chest.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

He explained that the hard-core biker image and rock music, which he listens to, have influenced his love of tattoos. However, he hastened to make what he said is an important distinction.

"The difference with me and them is that a lot of their tattoos are very tribal and gang-related, but my concept of having tattoos is wearing your life as the chapters unfold. Despite what people might think, everyone's life goes through chapters," he stated.

But for 31-year-old Kevin, his first tattoo represents his early teenage rebellion.

"At first it was more like a trend, because everyone was getting it, that was my main motivation. But then as you get older, you see that your parents don't really like them, so that just kinda motivated me to want to get more," he said with a chuckle, confirming the initial bad boy impression that seeped out of every pore of his tattooed body.

He said he got his first tattoo when he was 16 years old in memory of his best friend who had been murdered. Immortalising his friend was so important to him that he took a three-hour drive to Philadelphia, as under state law in New York he was too young to get a tattoo.

That tattoo, which was on the right side of his chest, has since faded and has been covered over with a cross loped with large pink pearls dedicated to his mom, whom he says probably now has more tattoos than he does. He said his grandmother whom he lived with, put up the strongest objections to his insistence to use his body as a canvas.

"She said, if you get one more you can't stay inside my house," Kevin recalled. But, he did and was prepared for the consequences.

"When I went and got it again, I went and packed my bag, because I knew she was serious," he said.

12 TATTOOS

Kevin now has 12 tattoos and ironically, one of them on the left side of his neck is dedicated to his grandmother, who passed away in 2005.

Phillip Shaw is in his early 20s, but he is the man who creates the magic and transforms his client's bodies into conversation pieces and sensual zones. In his tiny workspace off Constant Spring Road in St. Andrew, he has worked on hundreds of clients, including sports personalities, local entertainment artistes and their girlfriends, and media personalities. No area is out of bounds for Phillip. A photo album with snapshots of his work revealed tattoos placed in the most intimate places on his client's bodies. For those tattoos, he said home visits are required.

"I love my job," Phillip confided with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Even though my work takes time, I love it, because I could never do a desk job."

He has been creating tattoos full time since 2001 when he quit his job as a graphic artist to pursue his dream of transforming people's bodies into art. But he readily admits that it is sometimes back-breaking work.

"Tattoos take time, I don't rush my work, I am a perfectionist," he stated as his professional side surfaced.

Phillip explained that he takes his clients' health seriously and is meticulous about sterilising his instruments.

"I use a new needle for each client," he said. And according to Phillip, he is as well-known for his hygienic practices as he is for his beautiful designs. He admits that the negative connotation that has been associated with tattoos still lingers, but counters that it is changing.

CLIENTELE VARIES

"Tattoos are no longer associated with just one type of people, my clientele varies. I get from the bad man, to the professional. Yesterday, I did a tattoo for a doctor!" he declared.

"I guess there will always be people who will look down on people who wear tattoos, but then again, there will always be another group of people amongwhom your ratings will be tall," he stated.

However, dermatologist, Patricia Dunwell, has a note of caution for persons who are thinking of getting a tattoo.

"There are a number of health risks involved in getting tattoos," Dr. Dunwell stated. "There is always the risk of infection when needles are introduced into the skin. The most common form of infection is bacterial, but there is also a high risk of HIV infection. In addition, a lot of people also suffer psychological effects of getting tattoos. They may fall out of love with their tattoo after a while, because of who or what it represents and can't bear to see it, and that is when they come to see me," she explained.

CORRECTIVE SURGERY

She said she sees a number of patients who require corrective surgery to remove tattoos because of health problems associated with it, such as keloids of the skin or allergic reactions to the dyes used in the designs. According to Dr. Dunwell, tattooing is more suited for Caucasian skin, as that type of skin heals faster. She says it is also easier to remove tattoos from Caucasian skin, as it is easier to resurface. She said a number of patients also come to her to have tattoos removed, as it is not accepted in some professional environments, including the army.

However, Phillip said he is confident that he takes enough care to eliminate any health risks that his clients might be exposed to. And, if there are risks involved, he has had no problems exposing himself to them. He has 11 tattoos on his body, nine of which he did himself. He says he is confident that his business will continue to grow.

"Tattooing is only getting bigger and more and more advanced. Every year someone will be turning 16 or 21 and want a tattoo to mark those milestones," he stated confidently.