The mark of Cain: the russian criminal tattoos (II)

The mark of Cain: the russian criminal tattoo, episode 2. The first episode can be seen here.

Did you know...?

- the cross is one of the most popular tattoo designs among the russian convicts. If an inmate has a tattoo with the representation of the crucifixion of Christ, it means that he (the inmate) is the leader of a criminal organization

The Mark of Cain: the Russian criminal tattoos (I)

The Mark of Cain documents the fading art form and the Russian criminal tattoos, once a taboo subject in Russia. The virtual disappearance is now seen as a reflection of the transition of Russian society in general. Filmed in some of the most notorious prisons in Russia, including the famous White Swan, interviews with prisoners, guards, and criminologists show the secret language of the area and the Code

Stalinist Gulag inmates, or the area, as it is called, has developed a complex social structure (documented in the decade of 1920) that incorporated highly symbolic tattooing as a mark of rank. The existence of these inmates in prisons and labor camps was considered by the state as a closely guarded secret.

In the 1990s, the population of Russia broke jail overcrowding among the worst in the world. Some estimates suggest that in the last generation of over thirty million of Russia�s inmates have had tattoos, but the process is illegal in Russian prisons.

The Mark of Cain discusses all aspects of tattooing, the mere creation of the tattoo ink, tattoo artists interviews and sobriety seen in the double-edged sword of tattoos in prison. In many ways, which is needed to survive brutal Russian prisons, but it makes the prisoner for life, which complicates any reentry into normal society they may have.

Did wou know...?

- a tattoo with a proeminent personality of the comunism (like Lenin, Stalin, Marx and Engels) could be a "safety warrant" against the capital punishment (because no one dared to shoot the image of a great comunist leader)

- a tattoo is like an ID, it can be read like a book and tells everything about a convict

- an executioner tattooed on the forearm means that the person is a killer (usually in the service of a gang)

- a sailing ship is the symbol of a roaming life

Nekomata prints available!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Within New Year I have the edition of 12 prints of Nekomata for sale.  Each one is A4 format on the 350 grams chalky paper. Available from 11th of January at Kynst for �10,- each.

For more information please mail me: jankowzki@gmail.com

A tattoo for those who love the japanese poetry (1)

Hi!

Here's my last tattoo-design for those who love Japan and the japanese culture: a haiku written by Kobayshi Issa: "Yo no naka wa / Jigoku no ue no / Hanami kana" = In this world, We walk above the hell, Gazing at flowers (or: In this world / We walk on the roof of Hell / Gazing at flowers)". The second translation is more beautiful but less correct: "ue" means "above; up; over", no roof.

First, let's see the design:

In the image above are two variants of the same Haiku. There is a little difference between these two variants - the last word of the third verse is written in hiragana in the first variant (in the right side of the image) and  in kanji in the second variant (in the lest side of the image). Both variants are correct - the word "kana" (an emphatic word, equivalent with "Alas!") can be written in kanji, but usually is written in hiragana.

In the image above, I've split the Haiku in three lines (following the three phrases of the Haiku); anyway, traditionally, the Haiku were printed in a single vertical line, like this:

The Haiku written on a single vertical line. In this variant, I've written the last word of the Haiku in hiragana. (there are 3 lines because I've written the same Haiku with 3 types of fonts - just choose the one you like the most):

The Haiku written on a single vertical line. In this variant, I've written the last word of the Haiku in kanji. (there are 3 lines because I've written the same Haiku with 3 types of fonts - just choose the one you like the most):

Tribal scorpion tattoo

My last tattoo design: a scorpion holding a rose between his pincers:

The text is written in chinese: ???? (reading: zh�m�ng de �i) in and means fatal love (or deadly love).

For more tattoos designs with scorpions visit my website, seiza.ro

Saturdays last too short

It was such a cool day.

Busy start in the early afternoon thanks to Dickens Festival in Deventer.

 I was pleasantly surprised by Hanneke with her tasty Darth brownie and Edwin's kung fu movie.

 Thank you so much guys! It's like Xmas started a bit earlier this year.

And here a tattoo that I did today. Damn pity that time shown his mad qualities and run out before I could finish. 

Il Vero Amore

Today my appoinment was cancelled. I tried to fill it up but it didn't work out.  I was stuck with unfinished drawings for big projects so I couldn't work on anything big today.
Asmidin came today to check on his dragon sketch for his sleeve.
He thought it would be good idea to do something small... and he got home with this:

So again "Thanks Asmidin for saving and making my day!"

We know who we are when tested

The first one went well and found his owner quickly.

Since I have a lot of hudge projects I need some smaller pieces for a change. 

So here is the 2nd round. 

I think, if time allows, I could keep making one-off designs every month. That would be great. 

Anyway, the rules are quite the same as before.

So,  first comes first served!; and I want to do this unchanged (I might add some shading in the background if needed) and this design must remain in full color so no black & gray!

 If you want to get this piece on your skin, send me an email titled "We know who we are..." to 

jankowzki@gmail.com 

or come visit me at Kynst (from wednesday till saturday between 12 and 12:30) to book directly an appoinment for february 2012. 

Don't send me any masseges on facebook. Sometimes I can't open my inbox there. 

If you are interested send me an email instead of comment, that prevents confusion. 

Thank you for reading.

Take care.

 Edit 13th dec

I have to anounce that this design is no longer available. 
Thank you all for your interest and till the next project! Please keep an eye on it.
Check out if you like something from the latest post.

Reap what U sow

Ok, here is a classical flash that has been done in many ways.  This one is from my point of view.

I'm dying to tattoo this in original size ( 15 x 16 cm without background ).  

Anyone who is interested to get this special one of a kind design send a titeld message "Reap what U sow" to: jankowzki@gmail.com 

Or even better come to see me (from wednesday till saturday between 12 and 12:30 o'clock) at Kynst to make directly an appointment!!!

Thank you for reading. 

27th November 
I have to anounce that this design is no longer available, it has been reserved. 
Thank you all for your interest and till the next project! Please keep an eye on it.
Check out if you like something from the latest post.

Poppies and Bubbles

 ...some parts healed and some parts fresh.

click to zoom

Filling empty spots

..."I want to get a teaspoon... with a bird or something like that".

The Story of Belle Anger part I

To make the Story short: Roller Girls should have cool tattoos...

some parts fresh some parts healed

Love to do Art Nouveau stuff