Seattle is well known for its plethora of artists. Musicians, painters, photographers, writers and more. This weekend was all about the celebration of an artist that uses another type of canvas: the human body. Seattle Tattoo Expo is a three-day event that honors the masters of ink in a unique and friendly atmosphere.
When you first walk through the gate of the Fisher Pavilion in the city center (directly next to Key Arena and the International Fountain.), you are greeted by friendly faces of all types. The only similarity in the group was that of colorful and sprawling tattoos covering the majority of guests and vendors from neck to ankles. Decorative, yet absolutely functional ashtrays positioned carefully throughout the lush green field lead you to the main stage.
Tents where vendors are distributing their wares such as tattoo concealer, aftercare products, handmade light bulbs, and “period panties” are spread along the path to the pavilion. Typical fair food, piped-in music, and a large beer garden captured the aesthetic of “something is happening” perfectly.
Tattoo
The pavilion is small, but jam-packed with dozens of tattoo artists from around the state, and several from out of the region. Immediately when you enter you are surrounded by a sound that closely resembles an aging neon light. Tattoo machines revving up and revving down. Completing a literal soundscape of buzz and the muffled groans of agony and some would say, ecstasy.
In the mornings, tattoo artists would set up their prices for the day and the unique flash art they brought with them. Prices ranging as low as $25 to as high as $150. A price most people paid happily, as lines and wait times increased. Signs went up stating you could skip the line for an extra $100 cash.
Conversations between artists and fans went on constantly. Sometimes even when someone was in the middle of a session with a customer. Artists feverishly worked on iPad Pros and sketched out concepts in real time, taking inspiration from the plethora surrounding them.
Premium ink, tattoo machine parts, framed prints, inked up mannequin hands, toilet seat covers, and everything that could be drawn on and sold, was. The most unique booth must have been the “Tattoo Removal Consultation”. Where customers of regret could be told how much money and time it would take to laser off their formerly prized piece of art. Interestingly, they remained empty every time I walked past.
Burlesque
On Friday and Sunday “The Clam Strips” performed a unique and stunning burlesque show that captivated the crowd of onlookers. Three performers slowly stripped down to nothing while frolicking on the stage to unique styles of music. Instantly the beer garden adjacent to the stage filled with adults seeking out golden oat sodas at $6 a pop for a Bud Light, or $1 more for something decent.
Music
The variety of music genres was lacking but ranged from the typical singer/songwriter at your local bar to American hard rock that vibrated my beer like a T-rex in Jurassic Park. “The Finger Guns” was a welcome end to Friday’s show, when they closed it down in style. They played music off their new album Yeti.
On Sunday “Weeed” closed down the weekend with the experimental music they like to call “hippie metal”. Which lured and hypnotized those who stayed with near 10-minute songs.
The music overall provided a nice break for the artists and attendees to rest their skin. While others filled their lungs with cigarette smoke and gently nod heads accordingly with the rhythm.
Contests
Inked visitors took the stage all weekend, competing against others for best in the show. Categories included: small color, traditional, leg, portrait, worst tattoo (funny tattoo?), best bodysuit, black and grey, large color, sleeve, and best in the show. Contestants marched across the stage in front of judges, and the crowd to show us what they got. Compete for the coveted “best in show” Sasquatch statue!
Seminars
Famed tattoo legend Lyle Tuttle finished the event with an intimate seminar on the history of the art form over the past 8 decades. Lyle could be seen sneaking a beer from the garden while attempting to wander through the expo unnoticed past shy fans.
Overall the Seattle Tattoo Expo is an interesting event that is certainly a unique way to spend a day. Not often does one get the opportunity to walk right up to someone in the middle of a tattoo session. The price for a single day is well worth it. Especially if you decide to pull the trigger on some quality flash art. Factor in a couple beers, burlesque, and intense music and you have a fantastic way to spend a summer day.
Summary: If you are serious about getting a tattoo at the event or want to meet your favorite artist in person, this expo is a must. Overall, space is small and crowded at times, this event isn’t for the novice tattoo aficionado.
Price: $25/day pass or $60 for the weekend
Date: Friday 18th – Sunday 21st
Time: 2pm – 10pm
