Stepping into a tattoo convention without a tattoo or an array of piercings can be intimidating, like stepping into a gallery show without reading the title first. Aside from a pair of basic ear studs, my own skin is a blank canvas, but as an artist and art educator, I don’t look at the world of tattooing through the eyes of a complete stranger. I look at it through the lens of creative expression, technique, and craft.
The PVD Tattoo Convention of August 14 – 16 still has plenty of room to expand. The attendance was decent, but it was competing with other major conventions and events. Honestly though, the artists seemed to thrive in the spacious environment. Most booths had clients and a steady stream of visitors, and the floor was ripe with the buzzing sounds of tattoo ink meeting skin.
The artists themselves were remarkably approachable, visibly delighted to dissect their creative processes and talk shop with anyone who stopped by.
There were awards throughout the weekend, and really memorable shows on the mainstage, from burlesque to magic to funky freakshows. (Yes, one performer nailed and drilled objects up through his nose. Snot kidding.)
Guests included “InkMasters” like Steven Tefft and Dani Ryan, and there was a solid mix of vendors of all types, tattoo related services (like after care and removal) with the actual shops from across the region. A highlight included the heavily video-game-themed Unicorn Ink booth, which included a gameboy artist selection interface, kits for making your own nerf-like tattoo gun, and a life-sized punkish unicorn mannequin.
Perhaps the most delightful takeaway was the universal currency of the convention floor, the stickers. Tables were overflowing with them, showcasing a vibrant, eclectic variety of mini masterpieces. For an art lover, it felt like the ultimate souvenir. After all, what better way to celebrate the graphic, bold spirit of tattoo art than by collecting pieces you can wear on your laptop instead of your skin?
Jade Sisti is a RI artist and East Providence High art teacher.
Photos by Lillian MK Photo.