I'm getting pretty excited about going to the Brussels tattoo convention this weekend. I'm hoping that I get the opportunity to get a couple of micro-dermal's done. We'll have to see on the $$ because the Hubby is getting a Half Sleeve!! he has an Apt with an amazing artist Zsolt Sarkozi the sketch looks great I'm pretty excited to see it come to life. If you visit the site be sure to turn your speakers up because it has some pretty awesome music.

I love conventions because they are such a great opportunity, not only to meet artists and watch them work, but also to meet like minded people. I have never been to a convention in the states, but I have been told that they have become less a place for "counter culture" and more a place for people that don't truly appreciate the art but just go for something to do. (the type to pick out a tribal armband, Japanese symbol, or butterfly lower back tattoo out of a flash-book) It doesn't seem to be that way here in Europe. There are older people, people with their kids, scantily clad women, rock-a-billies, and metal heads; but they all seem to have something in common, a love (or at least appreciation) for the art.

I know that a lot of people will say that kids don't belong at a tattoo convention. But, one of the sweetest things I ever saw was a man getting a tattoo while his son watched on. The kid skimmed through the flash book a few times and watched the artist work. Eventually the kid asked for some sketching paper and something to draw with. Then there he was sketching away, obviously inspired but his surroundings. After he was finished he showed the drawing to his father and the tattoo artist. Apparently they both were quite impressed because the artist turned it into a stencil and tattooed it on the father below the work he had all ready done. It was so touching! No doubt that child could have found no greater encouragement to continue to make art. For me it was a truly beautiful moment.