Listed in Trendhunter Magazine as one of the top trends of 2010, is body art and the many avenues for which it is used. Everything from getting tattoos and piercings to raise money for charity to the analysis of inmate ink has been explored in this pop culture trend. A number of authors and experts in the area have published books showcasing the phenomenon that is body art.
Piercing and Tattoo Source Books
Everything from Chinese symbols and Egyptian hieroglyphs to bold tribal designs is covered in Lal Hardy's, The Mammoth Book of Tattoos (2009). This book includes a sampling of every kind of tattoo from full body coverings to miniscule brandings. Since 1979, Hardy has operated New Wave Tattoo in London, England.
With more than 500 tattoo designs, Great Book of Tattoo Designs (2007), authored by Lora S. Irish, is sure to have an idea or two for anyone seeking a tattoo of their own. Styles in this collection include Celtic, Pagan, gothic, mythical, and many more. Irish runs a pattern design business in Mount Airy, Maryland.
Described as a "groundbreaking manual", Elayne Angel's, Piercing Bible (2009) includes everything from tips on the best piercing techniques to advise for people with stretch marks and other body blemishes. At the time of publication, Angel had performed more than 40,000 piercings and was credited with bringing tongue piercings into the social trend spotlight.
Henna and Other Temporary Body Art
One of the newest in a vast collection of books on the topic, Henna Magic: Crafting Charms & Rituals With Sacred Body Art, by Phillipa Faulks, is set to hit book stores in November of 2010. By picking up a copy of Henna Magic, one will be provided with a traditional history of the temporary body art, an easy-to-follow guide to mixing and applying henna, and a means by which to create designs that connect with one's personal spirit.
Every year the World Bodypainting Festival is held in alternating cities around the world. Bodypainting may be one of the most unique art forms ever to grace the fine arts world. Photographer, Art Ketchum, presents some of the best examples of body painting in his book entitled, Painting the Body Beautiful: A Showcase of Expert Body Painting.
The Body Art Trend
Everyone has their own reason for decorating their body with piercings and/or tattoos, whether temporary or permanent. These books, and many others not listed here, provide history, design ideas, and best practices for anyone considering thier first or subsequent adventure with body art.
New and used books about body art, including the above mentioned titles, can be found at Better World Books and Amazon.ca. Whether one is considering investing in a form of body art or trying one's hand at the artistry, a good book is always a great place to start.
References:
"Top 100 Trends in 2010". Trendhunter.com. 30 Dec 2010. Accessed Aug 24 2010.
Brandy Robertson - Brandy Robertson writes on a wide range of subjects including literature, religion, film and popular culture.
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