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Arts & Entertainment

Body Art Makes A Personal Statement

Tattoos are more than a simple picture for those getting them.

It takes considerable thought to purchase art, especially when it’s a tattoo and the body serves as canvas. That’s the commitment Jo Rapisarda’s clients have when they sign on for a tattoo at Vanity Rites Tattoo on Center Street in downtown Southington.

“There’s a lot of different factors that inspired my tattoos,” said Margaux Martinez, back for her fifth tattoo which on the shoulder tells the world in no small terms that she is a force to be reckoned with. “A tattoo represents a state of mind. Each one symbolize different periods of my life.”

“Emotions play a big part – some are the result of heartbreak, others are declarations of love. It matters to me that I’ve made my own choices and tattoos are a reminder of that every day,” Martinez said.

Tattoo artist George Aronis, who handles many customers at the downtown Southington parlor, said they work with their customers to find the right tattoo. Many enter with an idea of what they want, and for those who don’t have “the entire picture,” Aronis and staff provide a consultation to make sure they get something they can be proud of and not just some “flash art.”

Another client, Brandon Fernandez, wanted a skull applied on his calf. This would be his first tattoo. The process is somewhat time consuming. An artist can spend an entire day on one client depending on if the design is large enough or has much intricate details.

Fernandez's selection of a skull was just a starting point. Aronis took the idea and embellished the main art by surrounding it with flames. That would take up more room on his leg and would require more time.

“It’s the most personal kind of art between artist and client,” said Aronis. “There’s a lot of give and take. You can be the most talented of artists, but when you work as closely with people as you do, you need to like people. It’s a different experience than working alone on a canvas or even doing graphic arts on a computer.”

“Being aware of someone’s threshold for pain is important,” said Rapisarda. “An ointment is applied repeatedly to soothe the skin throughout the entire process. The ointment also acts to keep the area clean.”

In the case of a larger design, the client returns for additional sessions after the initial visit is used for drawing outlines of the artwork.

Another factor in getting ink colors just right is waiting a few days after tanning. The shift in skin tones affects how the ink appears, and it should be applied when the skin is in its normal tone.

“Tattoos can be great conversation starters, but ultimately you’re doing it for yourself,” Martinez said.

While Fernandez motioned he was feeling the effects of the needle on his calf he described an idea for his next tattoo. It would be a tribal design with arrows and he’d like it to encompass his full back.

There’s something in the experience that many who have one tattoo, often come back for more. Perhaps it’s the personification of telling the world who you are.

Staff at Vanity Rites Tattoo welcomes consultations and is preparing fall-themed tattoos for the upcoming 43rd Annual Apple Harvest Festival.

For more information visit the Vanity Rites website by clicking on the link.

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