Music Tattoos - Another Form of Artistic Expression
Rebellion Or Personal Expression?Tattoos have been regarded as a form of rebellion, and were even forbidden in parts of Europe due to a rise in Christianity during the early periods. Even today some regard body art as an undesirable practice and associate tattoos with gangs and unlawful behavior. Those with music tattoos are not above consideration in this respect. Some feel those with body art are discriminated against, and often are when attempting to secure employment.
Those who sport a tattoo will tell you it is a form of self expression. Musicians have been associated with the boldest forms of this artwork. Music tattoos often commemorate a particular genre or instrument one plays and they are often placed strategically on the body for visual appeal when performing on stage.
As we all know, some performers are quite famous for stage apparel, or the lack thereof and often choose their costumes specifically for the reason of showing body art. After all, not every tattoo is the same, and for this reason they wear them proudly. Custom tattoos with intricate, delicate designs are considered works of art in themselves.
Some music tattoos are recognizable trademarks for some performers. One such famous artist that comes to mind is Ozzy Osbourne and his famous woman vampire adorned with a bat atop her head. Of course, not every artist chooses such a dark expression. Jon Bon Jovi shows off his simple superman logo.
Tattoos are a very unique way to express emotion and personal interest. As a fellow canvas holder sporting a basic music tattoo consisting of a bass note sprouting a blue rose on one arm and a whimsical unicorn on the other, one can plainly see I am both a musician and hold an interest in mythology as well.
Tattoos are a way to announce a position in society. Just as in ancient times, a tattoo can identify a persons special skill or occupation. Certain union logos can be seen. A highly skilled carpenter may adorn himself with a hammer and nail. I have seen nurses with small medical emblems tattooed on the ankle.
Popular themes, poetry, beloved pets and even loved ones are being immortalized as body art to remain forever as a visual memory of devotion and love. Yet the stigma surrounding them remains.
Musicians are among those excused from refute. Being in the musical industry, it is both expected and accepted as part of a persona. If you are in a band, body art is a normal part of your costume. You have total freedom and can expand your canvas whichever way you choose.
For those living in other cultural societies, body art is often a tradition and even a requirement. Young boys reaching a certain age are often marked to show the passage into manhood. Young females may be tattooed with the mark of their mate.
Rose Tattoos on Women
There is a beautiful legend in Greek Mythology that tells us Aphrodite, goddess of Love, gave the Rose its name. Chloris, the goddess of flowers, created it when she found the lifeless body of a beautiful nymph in the forest. Chloris called upon the other deities to help her right the wrong of this nymph's death. Aphrodite gave her beauty, Dionysus, the god of wine, added nectar to give her a sweet perfume, the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. Chloris then called upon Zephyr, the West Wind, to blow away the clouds so Apollo, the sun god, could shine and make the flower bloom.The rose goes back into antiquity, in fact, fossilized roses have been found that are several million years old. It has always been regarded, in Western civilization, as the closest thing to perfect beauty.
The rose image has been used on royal standards, coats of arm, castle and palace decorations. It has been used in countless paintings, embroideries, etchings, carvings and photographs. Its simple and elegant beauty has endured through time, as has its message of beauty and love. It has always stood as an expression of love. Small wonder then, that numerous women have chosen it as a favorite tattoo. It can be used simply as a beautiful decoration or as a memento of a loved one or an event in one's life. In fact, it serves all purposes very well.
Rose tattoos have been favorites from the beginning and are still the most popular flower tattoo. Each person can decide the message she wants to send and the color, size and placement of the tattoo. Whether done for decoration or love the image of the rose is a thing of lasting beauty.
Shoulders, lower legs, ankles and feet are popular places for tattoos on women, so too with rose tattoos. Women celebrities have been drawn to the rose, from a single large rose on a shoulder to a bouquet of roses on an ankle. One has a stemmed rose on her ankle while another has a heart and a rose on her lower leg, obviously an expression of love. Some people like to be different - one supermodel has a tattoo of a rose and skull on her upper arm. Others like to be daring, with a rose tattoo on a breast.
There is no doubt rose tattoos will stay favorites as, like roses themselves, they depict timeless beauty and elegance and give us all a great deal of pleasure.
Bret Michaels Wins Celebrity Apprentice!
Bret Michaels has done it, he has won “Celebrity Apprentice”!
After suffering a brain hemorrhage and a “warning stroke”, he decided to still attend the finale of the show in support of his charity the American Diabetes Association.
Mr. Trump asked, “Are you risking your life being here? This is a lot of pressure.” About Bret’s doctors, Mr. Trump shared “they didn’t want you to be here tonight. At all. Believe me, not at all.”
“Lately it seems like me just standing up is risking my life,” Bret said, garnering laughs from the audience. He flew to New York from Los Angeles for the finale.
Both finalists, Bret Michaels and Holly Robinson Peete won $250,000 for their charities as Snapple decided to match Mr. Trump’s prize money of $250,000.
On Bret Michael’s health, a spokeswoman on her website says: “No doubt these recent medical complications have been tough but he wants to continue to live his life, enjoy every day and get back on the road,” “He is taking all the medications and steps to insure that he can do that.As his friends and staff we are all making sure that he is not taking any undo risks and we are certainly taking every precaution possible to insure his health and well being.”
At the end of the show Donald Trump looked at Bret and looked like he was going to fire him, but instead said — “you’re hired,”. I have to say that was a great relief to hear, he was truly the underdog from the beginning of the show, and I am glad to see that he won. He’s extremely creative, a great project leader, and really knows how to treat people with kindness and fairness.
Soon we will see Bret on TV again, first in a series of interviews to celebrate his “Celebrity Apprentice” victory.Next week Sunday he will preview his new reality show “Bret Michaels: Life As I know It,” which is due to launch in fall. However, production has been put on hold due to Bret’s health issues. Bret is also due to release a new album next month.
Read more about the charities Bret Michaels and Holly Robinson Peete support below:
Bret Michaels supports the American Diabetes Association
Holly Robinson Peete supports autism with her own charity, HollyRod Foundation
Prince is Cool, Classy, Inspirational
Drfunkenberry reported yesterday that music legend, Prince, made a surprise visit to First Avenue in Minneapolis. Don’t forget that this is where “Purple Rain” was shot nearly 26 years ago, so whenever Prince comes by I don’t have to tell you what an incredible experience that must be. A local band called GAYNGS was performing that night and at the same time Prince was seen backstage ready to perform. It wasn’t planned and he even brought his own guitar, but he changed his mind clearly just before going onstage and said “They Don’t Nee Me”. Unbelievable isn’t it? A legend like Prince giving so much respect to a local band, that he decided not to steal the spotlight.
I do have to say that yes they do need him, but it is great to see how much respect he shows to other bands. The crowd that was at First Avenue last Friday must have really been bummed out after hearing that Prince was just about to appear on stage! Well you never know, he might just pop by again sometime soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
