The changing face of skin art

Ink-slingers from across the country came to Reno for the third annual Lady Luck Tattoo Arts Expo to share their talents and compete for titles early last month.

Tattooist Jamie Thornley of Tattoo Revolution made the short trip from Carson City, submitted one piece in the category of "best traditional tattoo," and walked away with second place.

"It was a Japanese-inspired, half-sleeve design with three flowers that Jeff Williford (co-owner of Tattoo Revolution) and I collaborated on," says Thornley, relaxing on the couch of his clean, well-lighted studio.

"The guy who won was from Japan," he says. "So I didn't feel too bad losing to him."

Thornley, who's been making art on skin since he was a teenager, sees the conventions and expos as part of an industry sea-change that's helped to move the practice from dark, industrial-zoned parlors to super-sterilized, youth-powered art studios like his.

"We're artists first and tattooists second," he says.

"We encourage our customers to come in and check out our portfolios and use their imaginations and get custom work done."

Gone, or at least going, are the days of cheap outline-and-fill jobs.

"It's a lot more fun for us and a lot more satisfying for the customers in the long run," he says.

Safety has also found a place in the modern studio. Thornley says while it's almost impossible to get a dirty needle, even in the sleaziest, dankest of ink dens, the trend is to push it even further.

"We put sterile covers over all of the machines, clip cords and equipment to avoid any potential for cross-contamination."

"Also, everyone here is getting certified in CPR," he adds.

"The industry is still growing and getting more competitive," he says. "There are a lot of younger people getting involved and really doing some amazing things."

Tattoo Revolution is off Highway 50 East at 3198 Deer Run Road and is open every day except Tuesdays.

n Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.