thebattalion ● monday,
january 30, 2012
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Tattoo culture gains traction in A&M community Barrett House The Battalion With each needle puncture delivering another dose of intricately injected ink, the art of permanent body tattoos becomes both more appealing and acceptable in today’s culture. Former student Andres de la Concha, Class of 2008, helps to fuel that trend. De la Concha, who studied health while a student, began working at Arsenal Tattoo in College Station in 2005, and began his apprenticeship six months before he graduated. Although de la Concha knew he wanted to become a tattoo artist, his boss, Cliff Collard, encouraged him to finish school. “The stipulation with Cliff was he wanted me to finish what I started — didn’t want me to drop out of school. I showed him that I could work hard, showed him I was trustworthy,” de la Concha said. “He got to know my family and he knew how important it was to them that I graduate. He was very adamant that I put school first.” De la Concha said he became a tattooist because of everything that tattoos incorporate, from the artwork to family values. “I just loved art, drawing, I loved getting tattoos. I loved the artwork. I loved the culture,
too,” de la Concha said. “Once I started working conventions and started hanging out with other tattooers, I liked the camaraderie and the family values within the tattoo community. We hold a lot of stuff close because it’s a trade that you have to earn the right to tattoo.” De la Concha said tattoo culture is growing in College Station, although there are still some misconceptions. But tattoo artists in College Station take pride in their work, which requires clients to understand what it means to get a tattoo that is done well. “People are starting to learn a little more about what a good tattoo is,” de la Concha said. “If they just look at the quality of the work of the tattoo shop maybe they would understand why there is a wait, and then they would understand [a tattoo] is forever.” The culture has also spread to the campus as students get bigger, more detailed tattoos. “It’s not necessarily Aggie tattoos, but we do get several students, and then, just by word of mouth, the shop’s reputation definitely spreads through the campus,” de la Concha said. “They’re starting to see the [tattooing] shows on TV, which sort of inspire them to see it as more of a popular thing to do. It’s no longer just about very simple designs — [the See Tattoo on page 4
women’s basketball
nation Bill targets immigrants Illegal immigrants could see their tuition costs rise at the state’s public colleges if a bill facing the New Hampshire House passes. The House votes Wednesday on a bill requiring students to prove they are legal residents of the United States to receive in-state tuition rates. Proponents assume a student would have to sign an affidavit and provide documentation.
Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
Andres de la Concha, Class of 2008, began a tattooing apprenticeship six moths before graduating from A&M.
Aggies grab last-second win against Cyclones Mark Dore The Battalion
Freshman guard Alexia Standish drives past an Iowa State defender. James Thompson — THE BATTALION
Senior guard Sydney Carter didn’t make a single field goal attempt in her 24 minutes of action, but in dramatic fashion with 2.8 seconds on the clock and the score tied at 64, Carter stepped to the free throw line and scored her only two points of the game. Afterward, head coach Gary Blair had this to say: “Thank heavens for Carter.” Carter’s free throws sealed a 66-64 win over the Iowa State Cyclones, moving the team’s record to 14-5 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12 conference. The Aggies weathered a three-point barrage from the Cyclones and a 22-point outing by junior forward Chelsea
Poppens in the process. Carter said she was confident in her free throw ability, even if her shots weren’t falling. “I knew that if I drew the foul, free throws are like layups for me,” Carter said. “I know if I can’t make any other shot, I can make free throws with confidence.” Sunday afternoon marked the second meeting between these two teams in the last two weeks. A&M won the first meeting 59-33 in Ames, Iowa — part of five consecutive losses to begin the conference season for the Cyclones — but A&M head coach Gary Blair said that Iowa State has changed since the two teams last met. See Women’s on page 5
campus ‘The Help’ wins at SAG awards The Deep South drama “The Help” won three prizes Sunday at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, including best actress for Viola Davis and supporting actress for Octavia Spencer. The Associated Press
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Students celebrate Lunar New Year Chase Carter The Battalion Considered the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese People, the New Year, or Spring Festival, occurs during the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. The members of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, CSSA, shared the occasion’s tradition with other A&M students Saturday. The Spring Festival is celebrated
during a 15-day period and ends, traditionally, with the Lantern Festival. On campus, the CSSA recreated and represented many of the customs and celebrations that would normally take place during the weeks following the Jan. 23 start to the Lunar New Year. According to tradition, Chinese families celebrate the new year together. Yining Xu, educational phiSee Spring Festival on page 4
Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
Students from the International Shaolin Wushu Center perform a dragon dance Saturday night during the Chinese Spring Festival Variety Show.
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