Issue 22
Available Now

• Who says realistic?
• Interview with Alex De Pase
• Features: antonio Todisco & Ettore Bechis
• Premier Ausie Tattoo Fest: Surn n' ink
• Meet California's Diamond Dolls

Look for it in-store now or order it online here.

Letter From the Editor:

In the lead up to this edition of the magazine I was caught in the mayhem and madness of organising the annual SURF n’ ink Tattoo Convention. Now that it’s all over, I’ve had some time to reflect and here’s a few thoughts ...

Many people are under the impression that tattooing stems from sailors, however the truth is that this amazing tradition has been around for over 5,000 years. The word tattoo originates from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means ‘to strike something’. The Tahitian word ‘tatau’ also means ‘to mark something’.

Last century a 5,000 year old man was discovered with over 57 tattoos on his body. Tattooed human remains have also been discovered in Egypt, Japan, China, Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Ireland, England and regions across America.

Like countless tattoos today, traditional skin markings often had special meaning. Although these tattoos were highly decorative, many cultures believed they protected the wearer. Often tattoos were considered highly important and they were a representation of high status. In countries such as Samoa, New Zealand, Africa and Hawaii tattoos were used to mark a significant event in life much like a rite of passage.

SURF n’ ink aims to keep these traditions alive by inviting traditional tattooists from New Zealand, Samoa, Borneo and Japan. We also understand the need to educate people about the art of tattooing, so the artists attending endeavour to exchange and share their knowledge with one another and with the wider community. The convention provides an ideal setting for artists and art lovers from around the world to come together and share their experience. It was a real privilege for me to see how keen everyone was to pass on their knowledge and to learn from others. The combination of traditional and contemporary artists was amazing, and people were thrilled with what the convention had to offer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who helped to organise and run this very special event.

As always we strive for improvement and we have been considering ways to make the SURF n’ ink Tattoo Convention an even bigger success. Having said this, it gives us great pleasure to announce in 2013, the festival will become a surf and tattoo festival and will feature some amazing special guests from surf and skate cultures, as well continuing the tradition of inviting some very special tattoo artists to attend. We look forward to seeing you there next year.

Marco Ventura