ILTC 2009 Part 1
International London Tattoo Convention 2009 pt 1
Having experienced the convention for the first time last year, we were very excited about the 5th annual convention. www.thelondontattooconvention.com
Before the event I dared to dream of the possibility of getting to sit down with my favourite artist Chuey Quintanar, but more later...
We (Wifey, Melly, Debbie and myself) booked tickets for the Friday this year, the start of the convention. There was a definite buzz (pun intended) on opening day and though the atmosphere was good and anticipation high, the crowds were not as large as we (and others) had imagined.
Still, the artists were setting up, the retail stalls were ready, and the bars were open! It's such an amazing sight just walking around, it's almost impossible to take it all in. Thank goodness we had the entire day to mill about and take photos and discuss the sights.
First up we looked for Chuey's stall. Once he, his crew and his appointment turned up we said a quick hello and he got under way with working on, oh shit. I failed to ask the guy's name. Safe to say he was a really awesome bloke and the work he wore (with considerable pride) was exquisite. Two sleeves done in Chicano style. Real quality. Did not surprise me to find out that Chuey worked on one arm, and we believe Jose Lopez on the other.
And so we walked, and talked, and walked, ate, milled, laughed (Debbie high on Monster), and took it all in over and over again. (Sounds like a terrible adult movie script)
Wifey found some artists and work she really liked. Melly and Debbie met our (inebriated) Tattooist from Aching Soul Dermagraphix, and had their ears talked off. Lee likes a chat, but I wouldn't change him for the world!
And the best part, we hung around until the buzzing had almost come to a stop, and the party was to begin. We had planned on a late one and a very difficult trip home. All in the name of pursuing the chance to sit with Chuey. None of us were aware that the working had to finish at 10. And when I was given the nod for a 3 hour session just before 10 and my hopes were sky high! Until a large man came and shattered them. Just doing his job but what an ass hole!
So Chuey (have I mentioned he is an absolute gentleman?) gave it some thought and said he would try and find some time on Sunday if I wanted to come back. Hmmm spend another day at the convention, and still have a chance of getting inked.....HELL YEAH! So Wifey and I set off, got home before midnight and slept like logs after a long but very amazing day.
Before the event I dared to dream of the possibility of getting to sit down with my favourite artist Chuey Quintanar, but more later...
We (Wifey, Melly, Debbie and myself) booked tickets for the Friday this year, the start of the convention. There was a definite buzz (pun intended) on opening day and though the atmosphere was good and anticipation high, the crowds were not as large as we (and others) had imagined.
Still, the artists were setting up, the retail stalls were ready, and the bars were open! It's such an amazing sight just walking around, it's almost impossible to take it all in. Thank goodness we had the entire day to mill about and take photos and discuss the sights.
First up we looked for Chuey's stall. Once he, his crew and his appointment turned up we said a quick hello and he got under way with working on, oh shit. I failed to ask the guy's name. Safe to say he was a really awesome bloke and the work he wore (with considerable pride) was exquisite. Two sleeves done in Chicano style. Real quality. Did not surprise me to find out that Chuey worked on one arm, and we believe Jose Lopez on the other.
And so we walked, and talked, and walked, ate, milled, laughed (Debbie high on Monster), and took it all in over and over again. (Sounds like a terrible adult movie script)
Wifey found some artists and work she really liked. Melly and Debbie met our (inebriated) Tattooist from Aching Soul Dermagraphix, and had their ears talked off. Lee likes a chat, but I wouldn't change him for the world!
And the best part, we hung around until the buzzing had almost come to a stop, and the party was to begin. We had planned on a late one and a very difficult trip home. All in the name of pursuing the chance to sit with Chuey. None of us were aware that the working had to finish at 10. And when I was given the nod for a 3 hour session just before 10 and my hopes were sky high! Until a large man came and shattered them. Just doing his job but what an ass hole!
So Chuey (have I mentioned he is an absolute gentleman?) gave it some thought and said he would try and find some time on Sunday if I wanted to come back. Hmmm spend another day at the convention, and still have a chance of getting inked.....HELL YEAH! So Wifey and I set off, got home before midnight and slept like logs after a long but very amazing day.
Part 2 to come........