Introduction

Tattoos have been around for almost as long as skin.

Throughout history, in cultures around the globe, we’ve left our mark on cave walls, fibers and fabrics and by embedding ink into layers of flesh. Otzi the Iceman is the earliest evidence dating back to around 3200 B.C., with tattooed mummies from Greenland to Egypt, Alaska to Mongolia, confirming the universal presence of this intimate art. It’s believed the word tattoo emerged after James Cook and his crew traveled to Tahiti in 1769. The Polynesians used “tatatua” or “tattau”, which meant “to hit or strike”, presumably linked to the sound of their tattooing.

The tools are equally diverse, including oyster shells, fish bones, and metal needles protruding from wood or bronze. Practitioners passed on techniques, with each successive generation holding tight to their teacher’s truth while folding in their own. Societies have also imbued tattoos with wide-ranging significance and status–sometimes reserved for royalty and sometimes for edgy “fringe” groups. Sailors, soldiers and coal miners viewed their tattoos as protective amulets, while more recently, athletes and artists showcase their art on a worldwide stage. Joining this storied community, an ever-expanding number of teachers and accountants, moms and mechanics, see their tattoos as external expressions of internal values or identities–permanent proclamations to memorialize those who’ve passed or capture memories before they fade.

Polly is excited to celebrate some local artists who shared their journeys with us. As you’ll see, their stories and styles vary with a richness that honors both the history and the future of this ever-evolving art. For artists who ply their trade on a living canvas, they make a commitment that flows through ink and the dreams of their clients. From the tiny pieces seen by only a few to the large projects that take days and cover swaths of skin, it’s a commitment that demands trust and courage. We hope you’ll enjoy spending time with them as much as we have.