Has Sailor Jerry’s Dream Come True?

The other day as I was scrolling through my social media feed and I noticed an interesting screen-shot-2016-12-30-at-2-36-37-pm-copypattern of postings from around the world. They originated from Japan, the Netherlands, UK, Spain, North America, Canada, etc… and the one thing they share in common is the reverence for traditional Americana tattoo style.

As I sat there reflecting on this observation a conversation I had with Mr. Ed Hardy a few years ago came to mind in which he stated that Sailor Jerry envisioned  that traditional American tattoo style would one day develop and “match the Japanese style”. According to Mr. Hardy, “Jerry made that comment because Japanese tattooing was the most sophisticated visually and sailor-jerry-stachethematically in the world at that time and he and I and a (very) few others were on a crusade to realize the potential of the art in the West.” So that got me thinking and I began to wonder, had Sailor Jerry’s goal/dream come true? Has traditional Americana tattoo style risen to the level of intricacy and reverence of the Japanese?

Tattooing has been around for thousands of years and the oldest can be found on Ötzi, the European Tyrolean Iceman that dates to 3250 BC. In Japan the ancient art of tattooing can be traced to as early as 5,000 BC on clay figures that had their faces painted and carvings on their bodies. The Japanese tattoo style contained epic depictions of their history, mythology and folklore with coloring and designs that would adorn the human canvas. Their imagery was iconic an indelible throughout the world.

Sailor Jerry had an appreciation and fondness for the detailed work, coloring, designs and size of these epic suits that were tattooed upon the human body. But how would traditional Americana style ever elevate to the prominence of the Japanese style tattoo. sj-art-1Don’t forget Sailor Jerry died in 1973  and at that time it was unfathomable to think that traditional Americana tattoo style would ever rise to what it has become.

Today traditional Americana tattoo art is not exclusive to North America or the human canvas because it can be purchased on flash sheets, prints, T-shirt designs, skate decks, pillowcases and is also displayed in galleries and independent museums. The nostalgic style is virtually around the world and revered. The roots of the style can be credited to artist such as Bob Shaw, Bert Grimm, Paul Rogers, Cap Coleman, Owen Jensen, Ed Hardy and many more. A great example of modern Americana style is  Howlin’ Wolf, a tattooer for 20 years, “my earliest recollection of Americana or traditional art was the tattoos of old rockabilly or punk rockers I’d see either at shows, gigs or car shows.” His style hearkens back to Sailor Jerry but remains unique and that is rarity in the tattoo world, “Americana to me in an artistic hw-girlsense means lots of things, but mainly it’s pure and true nature, whether its patriotic, western or taboo” says Howlin’ Wolf. Following in the footsteps of traditional Americana tattoo masters has become a road that many are traveling and is a testament of the grandeur and legacy of the forefathers.

Tattoo culture was once marginalized but has spread around the world and the bold lines and timeless designs of traditional Americana have stood the test of time. Traditional Americana tattoo style is not only for military, ex-cons, or bikers and society has affirmed this style of art to its rightful place among other ancient revered styles of Polynesians and Japanese. Mr. Hardy says, “I never dreamed it would happen in my lifetime, Sailor Jerry would be stoked.”

You can find the definitive collection of Sailor Jerry books at Hardy Marks

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Exploring Japanese Kustom Kulture!

Gents,

One of the many great things we picked up during our visit to Ed Hardy’s shop in San Francisco, CA was thiskustom japan 1 great book by Michael McCabe, Kustom Japan. The book is published by Hardy Marks and edited by Mr. Hardy.

It is a great book that documents the amazing transfer and preservation of nostalgic culture in the land of the rising sun. Not only have they kept Kustom Kulture alive and well but they have made it their own.

One interesting feature of the book is that it is written in Japanese and English! Talk about dedication to the culture. If you are into Kustom Kulture, Cars, Style, and Art this book is a great purchase! Check out these images.
kustom japan 2kustom japan 3kustom japan 4

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A Young Ed Hardy Makes An Appearance On Our Cover!

Gents,

We are honored to have an additional cover for The Avenue Men’s Magazine Winter/Spring 2015 issue. The front cover features a photo of Mr. Hardy at his art studio in the present day, the additional cover will be the first page you see when you open the magazine and features a young Ed Hardy in 1956 drawing tattoos with pens/mascara/eye liner on a friend.

Not sure what you were doing at the age of 10 or 11 but Ed Hardy was already enthralled with the art of tattooing! This is a must read issue with many exclusives featured throughout the magazine. Magazine release date 1.11.15

Winter 2015 cover release insta Ed       Winter 2015 cover additional release insta Ed

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Getting Inked At A Traditional Tattoo Parlor

Gents,

This past Saturday, we decided to spend a few hours at the recently outside of tip top tattoo parloropened Tip Top Tattoo Parlor in Fullerton, California. The visit to the shop was a special occasion because I had arranged to get a piece done by guest tattooer Lisa Del Toro. I am a big fan of her art and tattooing and having the chance to finally meet her was super special.

Shop owner Dre Perales has a knack for creating amazing shops and is also the proprietor of Tip Top Barber Shop in Whittier, CA. A man of great diversity who can give a great fade and some of the best traditional tattoos around. More than just possessing amazing talents Dre is a stand up guy who operates from an old school belief of fairness, equality, and innovation. The shop exudes traditional tattoo parlor styling with the pinups and panther on the window declaring the mission of the shop, traditional and old school.The shop is all business and does not welcome “Drunk Kids, Brain Vampires”, which may be directed to the large college population in the area from Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College. It is a warning and counseling session all in one, come back when you are serious and sober. Dre is not ashamed to put his tip top parlor counter and flash wallphilosophy on the doors before you ever set foot in his establishment. I would not expect anything less from Mr. Perales.

Once you set foot in the shop there is about 10 feet to the counter with ample seating and iconic traditional flash that is original DP (Dre Perales) and other artists adorn the walls. It feels like you have stepped back into time when shops only had flash on the wall and no special effects or ambiance to lure you in. From the counter you can see the artists only a few feet away engaging in their art, you get a front row seat to individuals who have made a commitment in ink.

I was stoked that Miss Del Toro would be in town for a few days and  agreed to tattoo me. Once I walked in the shop, I am not sure how she knew it was me but, she looked up and with a smile that could melt glaciers she said, “Hello Mr. M!” We have never met but something told me that not only was I at the right shop but the right artist was going to create lisa at tip top tattoo parlor smallersomething special with ink on me. I watched her work efficiently and intensely upon her client as I leaned against the counter like a child on Christmas morning waiting for my turn!

Soon enough my turn would arrive and she quickly ascertained the correct size and location of my tattoo and repeatedly asked if I was ready for it. I quietly wondered if there was an uncertainty oozing from my face. With precision and complete professionalism she began to pierce my skin with the machine and the motorized humm would fluctuate with the change in pressure and stroke technique. We talked about our life journey, ideals, family and peppered with the occasional “Are you ok Mr. M?” Not only is Miss Del Toro a great artist and tattooist but complete tattoohas tons of wisdom that she freely dispensed. Although Miss Del Toro knows alot of “influential people” she does not act holier than thou! The time quickly passed and after a few hours I could barely wait to see the completed piece.

The design was based on a traditional Ed Hardy design with a beautiful Jaguar and snake entrenched in battle. I picked the piece based on a similar painting that I saw at our exclusive one-one photo shoot with the legendary artist and tattoo legend, Ed Hardy (our Winter/Spring issue cover). To have Miss Del Toro create the tattoo on me was special because we “met” on social media a few years ago and I never thought we would actually meet, especially since she is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada and we are in Southern CA.

The Downtown Fullerton community has alot of history embedded into the buildings and streets that continually draws large crowds to the vintage stores, restaurants and shops. The consumers are seeking something that had been lost in America, pride and craftsmanship. Whether it is a barber giving a traditional haircut or tattooist creating artwork on the human canvas, people will always be drawn to quality and professionalism. Dre Perales has created a great shop that undoubtedly continues to create its mark not only upon skin but also in the community at large. The tattooers in the shop are more than able to handle their own, even apprentice “King Curtis (Kirk)” which I barely realized I was mispronouncing his name the whole time. Sorry about that. Thank you very much Dre for getting Miss Del Toro to guest spot at your shop! Miss Del Toro, words cannot express my gratitude for the piece of artwork you created, Bravo!

Tip Top Tattoo Parlor

Miss Lisa Del Toro

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Exclusive: Ed Hardy Is Our Winter/Spring 2015 Cover!

Gents,

Every so often you get a chance to live the dream and the experience we had in San Winter 2015 cover release insta EdFrancisco was magical! Mr. Ed Hardy allowed us to visit Tattoo City in San Francisco and his personal studio for a few hours! This was an EXCLUSIVE one on one photo shoot with a National Treasure of the art world, tattooing, fashion and culture! You better not miss this issue.

Also, tons of great articles about craftsman, barbers, grooming products, style, and grooming!

The Winter/Spring issue will be available January 2015! Stay tuned and make sure to get this issue!

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