Think Ink

In recent years, the tattoo industry has moved on from stereotypes of social deviance and freak-show connotations to become an art form that many people respect. (It’s much more difficult to find a tattooed lady in a sideshow these days.) A generation ago, tattoos were considered social suicide in certain...

By Amber Taufen

September 3, 2009

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

In recent years, the tattoo industry has moved on from stereotypes of social deviance and freak-show connotations to become an art form that many people respect. (It’s much more difficult to find a tattooed lady in a sideshow these days.) A generation ago, tattoos were considered social suicide in certain circles, but today, just about everyone — from film stars to your boss — is sporting ink somewhere.

The second annual Denver Tattoo Convention is a gathering intended to celebrate all things tattoo-related, from the body-modification culture at large to the nitty-gritty of getting ink done. This year’s convention starts today and runs through Monday, providing three full days of colorful entertainment and education. Vaudeville celebrities and entertainers the Handsome Little Devils and the Squirm Burpee Circus will perform live at the convention; there will also be music mixed by Tabla Dave and word-slinging by MCs Piper and Dumptruck. Each day features contests in different tattoo categories (today’s are Asian, Unique, New Skool and Feminine) as well as a Tattoo of the Day award, plus seminars on “Subversive Beauty: Women in American Tattooing,” “Photography for the Body Modification Industry” and more.

And that’s not to mention the talented artists, live tattooing and sweet vendors taking up space at the downtown Sheraton Hotel, 1550 Court Place. Convention hours are noon to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.denvertattooconvention.com or call 303-762-0660 for information.
Sept. 5-6, 2009

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Westword has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.

Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

Contact: Amber Taufen

Follow:

Instagram: @polished_amber_taufen