| July 2003

the annoying sensation of the outline work he was

asked him why the walls weren't covered in flash art

art samples). He explained that they preferred to do

| work, “It’s a pretty’cool shop, we can keep things

for people.” They encourage people to bring in

artwork and always give a consultation where and price is discussed.

ally I had wanted my tattoo across the top of my

ht Rob informed me they do not tattoo feet because

in that area does not take the ink well. We moved

ign up to my ankle and I asked him if there were any

jody parts they refused to work on. He told me they

nt tattoo hands, faces or genitalia, adding that they

reserve the right to refuse any client. They flatly

refuse to tattoo anyone under 18, regardless

of parental permission and will not work

~- on any hate symbols or anything else

they do not feel comfortable with.

I watched as he mixed inks to cre-

ate custom colours to fill in my

rose and as he began to fill the

outline, I was struck by a funny

thought: I could bring my mom

aad

here. Weird. And I wanted to. I wanted to bring my mom back here and convince her to get the little pineapple she had always half-jokingly threatened to put on her shoulder. My mother who lives in terror of Hepatitis A thru Z, who feas contracting HIV from the dentist, would feel comfort- able here. This is the sort of place that is not intimidating. It’s spotless. The tattoo artists are well spoken, educated and professional. And talented too, I thought as I looked down to see how Rob had taken my rather boring rose design and had made it pop to life with detailed leaf work and an incredible mix of shades and hues.

It was just after 4:00 pm and I was nearly finished. Rob had been working since 11:00 am without a break and he still had two more OP’ers to get through. I felt more than a little guilty as I admired my beautiful tattoo that I had paid nothing for. Rob had come in on his day off and worked his ass off to educate us and hopefully the readers of the Other Press, about what the tattoo experience can and should be. He told me that his wife is a student at Douglas College and that he was struck by the diversity of the student body and felt that they could benefit from learning about the options and possibilities when it comes to tattooing. I couldn’t agree more. Even though this is my fourth tattoo, I found myself

Photos Courtesy of Rob Hope

http://otherpress.douglas.be.ca_e

the other press ©

Culture

Photos by Kim Meier

walking (well, limping) out of there with a very new atti- tude. I knew precisely how to care for my latest addition, thanks to Rob’s step-by-step instructions as well as a print out of what to do when I got home, in case I forgot. I felt completely confident that I had made a good decision and that if I had any concerns I could contact Rob and he would be more than willing to help me out. It was like finally find- ing a hairstylist you totally trust or a good doctor.

If you are considering getting any ink work done, go to Dutchman Tattoos. Seriously, stop by the OP and listen to us rave and gush. Of course, you will have to be willing to peer at our body parts as we shamelessly hike up skirts and pull t-shirts over our heads. And that’s not even the staff that has tattoos.

Make an appointment for a consultation by calling: 604.522.5156 or check out the website <www.dutchman- tattoos.com>.

Photos Courtesy of Rob Hope

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