Another year has gone by and we’re back at Tobacco Docks in the East End of London for the annual celebration of ink and all things tattoos for the 14th London Tattoo Convention.
This legendary event brings artists from all over the world for us mere mortals to witness their work upon human canvasses. It’s the perfect environment for ink collectors to check out a new artist or those trying to gain courage for their first tattoo, all while we, at The Moshville Times enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Throughout Friday and Saturday evening the overlords of the convention bring some pretty good music for attendees to headbang, swing or just schmooze to. This weekend belongs to King Kurt, Neck and Part-time Misérables, Henry’s Funeral Show and The Groundhogs, with the exceptional fire breathers extraordinaire, The Fuel Girls and Pyrohex.
I won’t try to document every minute of the convention as I’m not Jack Bauer. The event is heaving, full of people all ages, some inked, some not, some are here to peruse the lay of the land. At the entrance is a big yellow taxi… please insert your Joni Mitchell reference here.
Artists for the three days live on the top level of the event space, in certain galleries called GGB or GGA, the Great Gallery or even little gallery. I’ve been told it doesn’t matter about the size but the style you ink. Anyway, crowds gather to see legends of the game. Chris Garver, Tim Hendricks, Dan Smith, Lal Hardy, Matt James, Mike Rubendall, BJ Betts and “Ink Angel” Ryan Ashley making her first appearance. The place is full of unique artists, traditional characters and they travel far and wide showcasing these powers for us to witness.
Roaming the halls of this historical building I notice the staff of Tobacco Docks are at work, working at their desks concentrating at computer screens, while partygoers eat vegan cakes from a gorgeous stall placed upon the stairwell while freshly touched canvasses walk around wrapped up like a Christmas turkey. It’s tough here, it’s very tough, within just three hours I’ve already met many future ex-wives.
The world-famous Fuel Girls are a multi-talented group of women who perform astonishing aerial manoeuvres with the use of fire. Teta Maria plays with fire and makes it look inviting while in a burning winged hoop we all gawp at the amazement of these performers. Jasmine May makes Indiana Jones look like a novice as she sharply swings the burning hot whip – he would hide in the corner of his museum never to be seen again. Katrina Lillwell hangs from the ceiling like it’s where she is meant to be and the site of Kayla Cordana pushing the boundaries of what these artists can do, the sound, the atmosphere and the sights of their performances would look near perfect for an old school metal cover of Hell.
The group outdid themselves as did with Pyrohex, featuring Cervena Fox, Shelly D’Inferno and Rebecca Crow. These performing, one after another, is enough to singe your eyebrows.
Back to some tattoos… the many styles of tattooing were evident from a gun to a stick (which is the old school way). Watching the latter is hard on the eyes for little old me. The hand tappers have a section on the top level where we see Horikashi, Brent McCowan, Kian Forreal to name a few. They hold the attention of everyone in their area. If you’ve never watched hand tapping before, then I suggest giving it a look.
Time for a break and collect those thoughts, catch the breath and look at some of Chris Guest’s artwork, Gretsch Guitars and Tattoo Life magazine. The latter hold competitions for artists to show their best black and grey, ornamental, colour and realism pieces, and overall best of the day.
The amount here to witness is crazy as the event grows each year, seeing a wide range of styles, people and musicians – such as Henry’s Funeral Show and The Groundhogs who played here on Saturday.
Tobacco Docks where ships from around the globe travelled to. Years later no ships are in the dock apart from a pirate ship! What we have are artists and collectors from around the globe descending upon this convention. Music, Tattoos, Beer, Burgers and Vegan cookies – what is there to not like?
Let’s look forward to chapter 15 in 2019.
Photos by Danni Garner
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