old ink vs new ink

Written by on August 21, 2006 in observations - No comments


my_cross_1 vs. sacred heart tattoo

I felt it was time to cover my old cross tattoo on my back. Time and sun had faded this non-masterpiece, as it looked differently before the tattoo artist (Bear), permanently inked it into my skin… you live and learn right? Anyway, after 5 1/2 hours of sitting and bearing the pain the new tattoo is in place. Bob, a transient artist currently practicing at Your Flesh Tattoo parlor, free drew this sacred heart on my back and then with my approval began to do his thing. I will have to admit that this tat was the most painful thing I have experienced in a while. While my previous experience(s) were rather annoying they did not approach the pain experience in this marathon session.

Some have likened being “tattooed” to a constant pinch or scratch on your skin, not really painful but annoying.

“Bollix!”

This was like having a thousand pimples popped on your back (backne) for 5 1/2 hours… or rather a continuous numbing needle inserted into your skin without the skin ever becoming numb.

About 4 1/2 hours into the bout I whimpered, only once mind you… and Bob said, “come on man… you gotta earn it!” Earn it!!? I was done earning it two hours ago, I thought to myself, not wanting to look anymore like the pansy that I was…

Another memorable line from Bob was:

“When I’m getting inked up, I just go to my happy place…”

I couldn’t for the life of me find my “happy place”, I tried and tried. I thought about some characters for my book for about 2 minutes then PAIN, I thought about some memory verses, like Joshua 1:9-15, that lasted about 3 minutes then PAIN, I thought about the music that was playing some mix of reggae/rock/rap/punk – then PAIN…. it was futile.

After the art was finished… I was finished… I was so mentally exhausted from sitting there trying to ignore the pain. All I wanted to do was go home and fall asleep or at least have a pint.

About the Author

Sam DuRegger ruminates on faith and technology at duregger.net and is Managing Director of Samwell Creative Group, LLC, a boutique creative firm which focuses on transmedia storytelling and inspirational branding. Sam also is Co-Founder of Lake Surf Co., a online distributor Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs). Check out his Digital Business Card for more...

No Comments on "old ink vs new ink"

  1. kira August 21, 2006 at 5:41 pm · Reply

    Sam I like it! What I want to know is what it says at the bottom and is that in Hebrew?

  2. Zach August 21, 2006 at 6:12 pm · Reply

    Wow! That looks incredible!

  3. Lois-E-Lane August 22, 2006 at 6:36 am · Reply

    What does the writing say?

  4. Sam I Am August 22, 2006 at 8:46 am · Reply

    The hebrew says, “Jesus, King of the Jews” it is what was above the cross on a sign. First in Latin, then in Greek, then in Hebrew. I used the hebrew because that is what the crown of thorns represented and it is a conversation starter… and not your normal sacred heart.

  5. Jennie August 23, 2006 at 6:10 am · Reply

    I have such a low pain tolerance, I can’t imagine ever doing something like that….but it looks cool!

  6. An Idiot August 23, 2006 at 5:23 pm · Reply

    I believe it’s spelled “Bollocks.” Could be wrong.

  7. Shell August 25, 2006 at 6:33 am · Reply

    Wow Sam…not what I was expecting. It is beautiful! Good luck covering that one up if you ever work at camp again..LOL. :P

    But really..the pint comment? “Trust in the lord ye people, AT ALL TIMES, pour out your hearts to him, for he is our REFUGE.” Psalm 62:8 :)

    Love you bro.
    -=michelle=-

  8. Jason August 25, 2006 at 1:48 pm · Reply

    Dude?! The hell?

    And Shell, what’ wrong with a pint?

  9. Lois-E-Lane May 29, 2009 at 1:40 pm · Reply

    What does the writing say?

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