Tattoos Today: Wearable Art
They may be a common sight on Harley-Davidson riders in Sturgis, ND during Bike Week – but not too common at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh! Tattoos never have enjoyed a direct connection with aviation, though pilots and enthusiasts show just as much passion and commitment as the hardiest Harley rider. Perhaps it’s the conservative nature of aviation in general, or it might be driven by the professional requirements of commercial aviators – either way, aviation-themed tattoos are rare and frequently hidden.
Until now.
Following a passion for aviation and an admiration for the tattoo art form and its advancement as an art form that’s becoming more socially accepted (or at least better than its stereotypical past) in recent years, the website Tattoos In Flight was born. Created by a pilot and aviation enthusiast who also holds an interest in modern tattoo art and has an ongoing aviation tattoo project of his own, Tattoos In Flight is a frequently updated site featuring the best aviation and flight related tattoos collected from artists and studios from around the web.
The site is both a gallery and an informational resource for visitors. As a gallery of the best aviation tattoo art, the site provides inspiration and insight in the styles and subjects available in the artistic community as well as an insight on how far the art form has come since its early days in American culture during World War II. As an informational resource, Tattoos In Flight allows visitors the ability to find tattoo artists that possess the technical and artistic skill to meet the challenges of tattooing the straight lines and angles found in the wings and fuselage of aircraft.
Visitors are encouraged to contribute their own images of their aviation tattoos to add to the collection already featured. All submissions are anonymous if desired – to keep those secrets under the sleeves of the airline uniform hidden, yet displayed via the web for other “inked aviators” to enjoy.
Please visit Tattoos In Flight at www.tattoosinflight.com for more information on the unique website
By Ryan Keough