LATVIA: Models offer their bodies as canvas at the 5th International Tattoo Festival

Tattoo designers from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands gathered at the 5th International Tattoo Festival in Ventspils to compete in creating their works of art. There was no shortage of volunteers who defied the pain to receive what they hoped were winning designs, as the buzzing of tattoo machines filled the Ventspils Culture Centre. Latvian artist, Kurts Jansons, explained why he thought people liked to adorn their bodies with tattoos. "On the whole they wish to stand out somehow or other. Perhaps so as not to mingle with the crowd," he said. Some tattoo artists say they became attracted to the profession because there were so many designs they wanted to try out, they ran out of room on their own bodies. Olga, who had given up her back for a tiger design, said she felt tattoos had magical qualities. "For me it's really like an amulet, it protects me and I like it, I feel more safe with it," she said. Kristo Kilk was not at all concerned that the work of art he would be wearing, was on his back, where he wouldn't be able to see it. "Sure, you cannot see it by yourself, but others see it in summer when it's warm," he said. The festival winner, 'Tattoo Artist of the Year' went to Lithuanian artist, Danis, for his design 'The Fallen Angel'.

ITN Source | October 15, 2005

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