Hi, I'm Riccardo, in art "SHAKENDE_TATTOO". (instagram)
I'm a Tattoo Artist. I have just moved to Australia to experience a different culture.

Since I've started studying the tattoos' world, I was drawn into the history and the symbolism. Tattooing has been practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, and has been used as a cultural symbols among many tribal populations. (New Zealand, Marquesian Islands, Japan, India, Siberia..).

What I have always believed is the true meaning behind this art.

A tattoo artist is a person that must use his knowledge, he must understand the story of the person in front of him and create a connection between them.
Doesn't matter which kind of tattoo we consider, if the tattoo artist has the necessary experience to support it, the result is the perfect balance between the person and the art. Every single tattoo is telling a story for those able to read. (if you are interested I advise a good movie to see "Siberian Education").

In this generation tattoos are seen to be more of a "fashion" or accessory rather than of a connection between the artist and the individual. What is suppose to be an art and a culture has since been turned into a job.

What I have noticed after a couple of being in the country, and the purpose behind this post is to question whether you think tattoo artist are more interested in the money than in the story they can create for people.
A lot of people are satisfied to have a replicated tattoo on the skin rather than creating their own story with meaning, purpose and expressing a deeper culture of art.

Cheers