Everyone has a guilty pleasure. For some people, it is as simple as chocolate or shopping, but there are some out there that go much deeper and twisted than that, to places that others may consider offensive or taboo. There are some people who enjoy suspension, freak shows, magic shows and, of course, let us not forget tattoos. This convention had it all.
Laila Black and fellow model Miss GiGi Dey posing for a quick shot to show off their convention shirts. (Photography by Larry Green.)
The Artists
An Artist showing off his craft.
The list of amazing artists that were at this event is almost never ending. There were artists from all over the United States, from California, Illinois & Missouri to Maryland, Tennessee, New York. Some of the featured local shops included: Mystic Lounge in Mount Washington, KY, Hornet’s Nest in Louisville, KY, Tattoo Charlie’s in Louisville, KY, Big Daddy’s Tattoo in Elizabethtown, KY & Tatu in Louisville, KY.
The featured guest artist was the lovely Megan Massacre from New York Ink on TLC. New York Ink capitalizes on the Wooster Street Social Club Premier Tattoo Studio  The studio is owned by Ami James and Megan Massacre is a featured artist in the shop. I tried to get an interview with her, but, as is to be expected, she was constantly busy. However, just from observing her throughout the weekend, I can say that her work speaks for itself. She may specialize in New Age colorful tattoo work, but she’s not a one trick pony. Don’t underestimate her, as she can do much more than just that. You can check out her work at www.meganmassacre.com.
Megan Massacre hard at work!
Entertainment
Fire breathing!!!
For those who didn’t find the tattoos interesting, there was plenty of crazy entertainment that would be sure to strike your fancy. There were freak shows, magic shows, burlesque shows, suspension shows and much more!
One of the more popular acts was called the Show Devils. The duo of The Enigma & Serana Rose put on a show you just couldn’t help but watch, between physical stunts, like putting chainsaws to their faces to swallowing swords (or bent hangers), to verbal stunts, like telling jokes and anecdotes, this act had it all.
A lot of people may recognize The Enigma as he has been featured in many body modification documentaries and shows on Discovery Channel.
The Enigma and his lovely partner Serana Rose stopped to pose for our camera!
He is most known for the tattoo of puzzle pieces that cover his entire body. Not just that, but he has had implants put into his brow, pieces of his ear cut out to look like puzzle pieces, and a tattoo in his eyes that blacks out the whites of his eyes. His partner in crime, Serana Rose, has her own clothing line on the side of being a Show Devil. She makes custom corsets & under busts along with jewelry and accessories. You can shop her designs at www.bornugli.com. You can also find out all about the both of them at www.showdevils.com.
The InkIllusionists–an act that consisted of magic, belly dancing, puppet shows and walking on glass—were also very popular. Perhaps the most disturbing act of all was the suspension. It was painful to watch and definitely not for the faint of heart. They say it is an adrenaline rush, or a high if you will, that most would compare to the feeling you get when being tattooed. To each his own is what I say!
Back suspension! Looks painful!
Vendors
Inkaddict clothing!
Not to worry if you were looking to do a little shopping, there were tons of vendors. Just as there were vendors for strictly artists, there were also some just for fans, as well. One of the vendors included Hardknox Clothing—a clothing line that includes rips, spikes, and original artwork. . The clothing from Hardknox is just, in a nutshell, awesome. You can shop their clothing online at www.hardknoxinc.com.
You could also find original paintings & artwork, custom built tattoo machines, jewelry, purses, make up, body jewelry and much, much more. You would be sure to find something you love!
Fans & Contests
Out of every aspect of the convention, the thing that I found most enjoyable were the fans. You could find people from all walks of life. They all came to this one place to enjoy the one thing that they all have in common: Tattoos!
The crowd and sign- up booth for contests. As you can see, there was a great turnout.
A fresh piece!
If you had an awesome tattoo that you received at the convention, you could enter in the tattoo of the day contest that night. Fortunately, for folks who had existing artwork, there were contests for everything imaginable: color work, grey wash work, best portrait, best full arm sleeve, and many more. People were lining up to enter in the contests and all had amazing artwork. First, second and third prize winners all received trophies, as well as plaques for the artists.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, I had an amazing time at the Louisville Tattoo Convention; there was such a diversity among everyone who attended. Everyone I came across was incredibly cool and I am so thankful that I got to experience this. You can find a schedule of all the conventions hosted by Villain Arts, you can also find a list of the vendors and artists at each event there as well.
All photos in this article were courtesy of Larry Green and used with permission.
