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ARTIST : Russell Townsend (Sinners & Saints)
Article & Photography by Reverend Vegas
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MISS BOSTON INK : Sarah Maillet
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T
his past September marked the eleventh consecutive year that the Boston Tattoo Convention took over the city, drawing in thousands of attendees from New England and beyond. It’s safe to say that the convention is now a tradition, bringing together tattooists, the tattooed, and the curious, giving all plenty to be excited about. The BTC was a massive show, easily the largest and best in the New England area. Held at the Back Bay Sheraton Hotel, artists and convention goers were able to enjoy one of the most beautiful settings for a tattoo convention on the East coast. The grand ballroom of the Sheraton is a glitzy place, and the look and feel of the BTC is definitely upscale. This year’s event took place over Labor Day weekend, stretching across four full days right in the midst of downtown. Well over 150 artists were in attendance from all over the world, tattooing and displaying their talents. Speaking of artists, because this is a tattoo artist run show, there were no weak links. The skill level was top notch everywhere you looked. Some of the notable artists included: Carl Grace, Myke Chambers, Eva Huber, Evan Olin, Russell Townsend, Mikey Fresh and on and on the list went. All of the best shops in the New England area were represented, The practice of tattooing has been legal in Massachusetts for over a decade now, with the Boston Tattoo Convention running right along with it. Within this time, the tattoo industry has expanded immensely, and the state has seen new talent and excellent shops grow and add their creativity and inspiration to their communities. The BTC’s mission has always been to not only entertain but also to teach by offering both artists and collectors an opportunity to learn and observe new ideas and leading artists sharing their knowledge. For the knowledge-seeking types, there were various seminars to choose including one with Carl Grace and his excellent black and grey tattoo
“Pinup Painter” done by Black Lotus Tattoo Studios
technique and many more. Needless to say, Boston Tattoo Convention hosts more seminars each year than all the other East coast shows combined. The BTC is hardly all work and no play however, which was clear from all the after parties and entertainment that was happening all four days. For both artists and convention patrons, there was no shortage of entertainment. Numerous local and regional bands were on deck representing the New England music scene and filling the convention center with their sounds. Black Cat Burlesque, who accurately describe themselves as “blending striptease thrills and spookshow chills” performed multiple times each day, drawing many pairs of eyes towards the stage. Vendors and sponsors sold their wares and entertained the crowd – just ask anyone who visited the Jagermeister booth. Then of course, there was everyone’s favorite, the daily tattoo contests, with judging taking place each evening and categories spanning from traditional to realistic, cover-up to most creative. Think that this is already visual stimulation abound? Let’s not forget about the Miss Boston Inked Beauty Contest, with prizes provided by Inked Girls Magazine and the BTC. The Boston Tattoo Convention shows no signs of slowing down, and planning is already in the works for Labor Day weekends 2013 and 2014. Perhaps Natan Alexander himself says it best: “Personally for me, it’s all about seeing friends and sharing our love for the art. The Boston Convention’s all about celebrating tattoo art and elevating it to new heights. We’ve been going strong a decade now and we’re looking forward to the decade to come!” For more information, event recaps, photos, and to stay updated as we plan for 2012, check out the BTC website at: www.bostontattooconvention.com
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TATTOO FLASH : MIKEY FRESH - Joker aka LIL PHILL - ARTIST : (BELOW) NEIL HUMPHREY
Model Caitlin Michele Designer : Ashley Rose
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ARTIST : Evan Olin (Powerline Tattoo)
Model : Jocelyn Rae Jardin Designer : Ashley Rose
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ARTIST : TOMMY SLOCUM 40 n TATTOO’D LIFESTYLE n ISSUE 7
Izzy Rodriguez : Matt Crocker/Boston Tattoo Company
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