The Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo
Whether an enthusiast of body inking or not, the artistry behind Don Ed Hardy’s tattoo creations have gained him global recognition. Hardy’s unique Japanese and American fused art style has seen his tattoo brand, extending to dominate as a fashion label. His range in clothing and accessories has established the now iconic brand, Ed Hardy, drawing inspiration from his early tattoo designs.
At next month’s Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo, Hardy’s son Doug Hardy will be headlining as an event VIP, showcasing some of the brand’s masterpieces in a pop up art gallery. The expo will also feature an impressive collection of esteemed tattoo artists from across the globe, with visitors invited to watch as they exhibit their skills in live tattooing sittings.
Among the line up of the tattoo industry’s most prestigious includes Australian founder of LDF tattoo studio and award winning artist Leslie Rice. Rice began his successful career at the age of 16 under the guidance of his father, tattoo artist Les Bowen. Having lived most his life within the tattoo industry, Rice has been a first hand witness to the change in trend of the business. Running the business front of his two successful Sydney studios, Rice admits he enjoys watching upcoming young artists in their creative explorations.
“I’ve been doing this for 23 years. The game’s changed a lot in that time in terms of what people expect out of it. It moves on from you a bit…” Rice reflects, “It’s not the same as what I was brought up on but they’ve found it in their own way and they love it anyway and it’s fun kind of just watching them realise what their dreams are.”
Leslie Rice lists his father as one of his biggest inspirations, along with the highly regarded American tattoo artist Mike Malone. “Mike Malone was one who really took over old style tattooing and took it to a new thing,” Rice states, “An image in a tattoo is only as good as the idea behind it and Mike Malone had excellent ideas. He’s probably my favourite.”
Winning the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize in 2007 and 2012, as well as being listed finalist for both Blake and Archibald prizes numerous times, Rice’s creative energy is harnessed through his illustrative conceptions. It’s these unique ideas that have gained him recognition in the art world, as well as within the tattoo industry. The artist says he is looking forward to catching up with some old friends when he attends the three-day exhibition in Sydney this month.
Attracting over 40, 000 guests in 2014, the Tattoo and Body Art Expo reiterates Australia’s continuously growing interest in body inking. Perhaps once considered only for the daring, tattoos are now part of a much more mainstream demographic. The increased commonality of tattoos may have had a role in lessening any past stigmas associated with those branding their bodies, however Rice is fast to address the danger in this growing acceptance, believing there is not enough of a stigma.
“The stigma used to make people… frighten people away from getting a tattoo and would make them consider it slightly more carefully,” he states, “These days without any kind of hesitation (people get tattoos). Kids who really need or really want tattoos will do it. It ends up weeks later they’re kind of regretting it or wanting it removed it.”
Rice is a firm believer that a tattoo should be appropriately thought about rather than obtained in hasty manner. The artists recalls earlier times when encountering others heavily tattooed would evoke a mutual sense of alliance.
“When you met someone who was quite heavily tattooed as well, then you knew you were on a level with this person. Nowadays you can meet people who have done it for all sorts of reasons and look it’s not for me to say but I think some people don’t consider it.”
Lauren Fox is another fantastic tattoo artist that will be featured in the Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo. Working for Authentink Studios, Fox is inspired by traditional, neo-traditional, Japanese and pop-culture styles of tattoos. “My favourite two styles that I will be exhibiting at the event is neo-traditional and pop-culture,” Fox explains, “I will be showcasing a panther neo-traditional design and Pokemon for pop-culture. I love colours and Pokemon is visually appealing.”
Fox believes that this expo is the ultimate way for tattoo and body artists to exhibit their skills and talent with the audience. “This is the best way to connect, showcase and answer any questions that people have about getting a tattoo,” Fox said.
13th– 15th March, Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, Sydney, Tickets $25- $65, www.tattooexpo.com.au
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