I’m not sure how many of you can reasonably anticipate being in Rome tomorrow – but if you have the chance, check out VIS DEARUM at Mondo Bizzarro Gallery in Rome.  Translated literally as “The Goddess’ Force”, this show involves 18 artists, 18 female tattooers, and their representations of 18 goddesses. More information can be found on Facebook.

Artists featured include:

• Rose Hardy (Australia)
• Stephanie Tamez (USA)
• Cecilia Granata (Italy)
• Horiren (Japan)
• Claudia De Sabe (UK)
• Deborah Necci (Italy)
• Viola Von Hell (Italy)
• Genziana (Italy)
• Miss Arianna (Italy)
• Maria Roca (Spain)
• Angelique Houtkamp (The Netherlands)
• Morg (Italy)
• Anita Rossi (Italy)
• Tiziana Sawyer (The Netherlands/USA)
• Jo Harrison (UK)
• Chantale Coady (UK)
• Louise Schiffmacher (The Netherlands)
• Morrison Schiffmacher (The Netherlands)

Off Book is a fairly new web series from PBS, and they recently tackled the subject of tattoos. Here’s the blurb they posted with the video:

It seems that no matter how far we advance into the digital age, our bodies remain a place where we want to express ourselves. In this episode, we talk to three tattoo artists of differing styles. Vinny Romanelli (from Red Rocket Tattoo) embraces pop culture, tattooing detailed portraits of entertainment idols, Kiku (from Invisible NYC) works with the traditional Japanese form, and Stephanie Tamez (from Saved Tattoo) embodies an eclectic mix of influences, with the occasional use of nice typography.

What do you think?

JK5 (a.k.a. Joseph Ari Aloi)’s image-heavy new book (Tatt Book: Visionaries of Tattoo) is officially out. The book explores the artistic lives of more than 20 artists you’re probably familiar with, including: Stephanie Tamez, Daniel Albrigo, Amanda Wachob, Steve Byrne and Mike Davis. Join them to celebrate this Wednesday, October 26th, from 7-10pm at 22 D Howard St in NYC.

Complex’s article “10 Female Tattooers We Have A Crush On” has received mixed responses, depending on who you ask. Included in their list was Virginia Elwood–understandably, since she is not only an amazing tattooer but very pretty. In response, she’s posted a list of her own: the 14 women Virgina Elwood has tattoo crushes on. Not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re talented. Click the link to get the down low on some of Virginia’s faves – including Stephanie Tamez, Dawn Cooke, and Katie Sellergren.

Tattoo by Virginia Elwood at Adorned in NYC, NY

On the six-month anniversary of the devastating tsunami that swept over northern Japan, the finest tattooers in New York have come together to create a limited edition spiral bound collection of tattoo flash sheets, aptly named Flash For Japan.

The book features 28 of New York’s most respected tattoo artists, and only 100 copies are available. Copies run $100 — but all proceeds are being donated to assist the victims of the tsunami. You can purchase the book exclusively from Shirts & Destroy (online or in their Brooklyn storefront).   All production costs for the book were donated by Timothy Hoyer and Alpha Repro Graphics.

Artists involved in this project include: Eddy Deutsche, Tom Yak, Regino Gonzalez, Seth Wood, Bert Krak, Steve Boltz, Eli Quinters, Daniel Santoro, Sarah Schor, Stephanie Tamez, Virginia Elwood, Timothy Hoyer, Kevin Leblanc, Bart Bingham, Erik Desmond, Chris O’donnell, Thomas Hooper, Zac Scheinbaum, Horizakura, Troy Denning, Daniel Albrigo, Damien, Rodriguez, Kiku, Yoni Zilber, Anderson Luna.