By Iván Morales
Tattoos have for centuries been a form of storytelling — from each line, shape, color and form tracing a particular narrative. Although not a typical canvas, tattoo artists give a home to meaningful art onto the human body, portraying the person’s most cherished stories. Tattoos have a long history across the globe. Throughout each culture, tattoos carry different meanings and give individuals the opportunity to hold these on their very being. Local tattoo artists of Orange County share their most memorable tattoos in reflection on how they got into the business of body art.
Chris de Armas, 33, a tattoo artist at American Vintage Tattoo, Anaheim, (@chris_de_armas) had an affinity with art, from an early age, as his father was an oil painter. Around the age of 13, De Armas recalls recreating the famous “Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette” (1885) by Vincent van Goh. To do this, De Armas would use his father’s oil paints, cementing his connection with art. During his teenage years, De Armas would often accompany his older brother to get tattooed, and, as he would watch, his passion for art grew, specifically the passion for creating body art. Influenced by the “Punk-Rock” sound, De Armas saw tattooing as a way to follow the “do whatever you want” lifestyle.
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At the age of 18, after networking with tattoo artists, De Armas obtained an apprenticeship that allowed him to experience first-hand how others got inked. De Armas’ tattoo style is American traditional, with additional experience in fine line and Japanese tattooing. When it comes to his most meaningful piece, De Armas showcases a “12, 12, 12” tattoo on his thumb. This tattoo is about his father, himself, and his son, who although born on different months, share the 12th day in common.
