Tattoo stories

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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Nate Ulmer, 24, formerly of Huntsville, wears a tattoo on his left shoulder for his sister. Because she wanted to pay for his first tattoo, he decided to make it a tribute to her. Hearts in the place of eyes represent love in a design drawn by a friend. He also has a friend's drawing on the other arm of a mosquito with a tusk.

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(Kaitlin Ballard AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Nate Ulmer, 24, formerly of Huntsville, wears a tattoo on his left shoulder for his sister. Because she wanted to pay for his first tattoo, he decided to make it a tribute to her. Hearts in the place of eyes represent love in a design drawn by a friend. He also has a friend's drawing on the other arm of a mosquito with a tusk.

Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival takes place this weekend at the Palmer Event Center.

Photos: 2009 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Photos: Tattoos ... and the stories behind them
Photos: Celebrity tattoos
Photos: Readers' food tattoos
Photos: Tattoos of Austin

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(Kaitlin Ballard AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Patrick Smith, 38, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and now stationed in Fort Collins, Colo., has been getting tattoos for more than 30 years. He was 13, and in art class, when he got his first tattoo simply because he was the only person with `enough guts¿ to let his friend practice. But he doesn¿t get tattoos just for fun, they all have meaning. For instance, the skull and trident represent a warrior: He¿s in the military as were his father and

Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival takes place this weekend at the Palmer Event Center.

Photos: 2009 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Photos: Tattoos ... and the stories behind them
Photos: Celebrity tattoos
Photos: Readers' food tattoos
Photos: Tattoos of Austin

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(Kaitlin Ballard AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Britt Ryan, 29, of Ithaca, New York, says her tattoo represents the bringing together of opposites. An electrical cord wrapped around an anchor in the water is a reminder of the conflicting forces in her life, but is also what `anchors her into life.¿

Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival takes place this weekend at the Palmer Event Center.

Photos: 2009 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Photos: Tattoos ... and the stories behind them
Photos: Celebrity tattoos
Photos: Readers' food tattoos
Photos: Tattoos of Austin

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(Kaitlin Ballard AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Rick Tesh, 56, of Austin by way of North Carolina, recently got his second tattoo 38 years after his first. Located next to each other, the two are meaningful. A banner with his name reminds him of when he was 18 and in the military. The familiar dog, Poncho, from Pooch Cafe, rests above the banner as an homage to his favorite comic strip.

Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival takes place this weekend at the Palmer Event Center.

Photos: 2009 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Photos: Tattoos ... and the stories behind them
Photos: Celebrity tattoos
Photos: Readers' food tattoos
Photos: Tattoos of Austin

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(Kaitlin Ballard AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Meghan Krasnoff, 28, originally from Ithaca, N.Y., is reminded of home when she looks at her tattoo. The colorful fall leaves on her right arm represent her favorite season, which also symbolize the constant of change

Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival takes place this weekend at the Palmer Event Center.

Photos: 2009 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Photos: Tattoos ... and the stories behind them
Photos: Celebrity tattoos
Photos: Readers' food tattoos
Photos: Tattoos of Austin

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(Kaitlin Ballard AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Jack Ryan, 31, of Austin, has been tattooing for three years and works at Southside Tattoo next to the Continental Club. His interests in printmaking inspired the tattoo on his right arm, which is a variation of a Dore print.

Star of Texas Tattoo Arts Revival takes place this weekend at the Palmer Event Center.

Photos: 2009 Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
Photos: Tattoos ... and the stories behind them
Photos: Celebrity tattoos
Photos: Readers' food tattoos
Photos: Tattoos of Austin

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Britt Ryan, 29, of Ithaca, New York, says her tattoo represents the bringing together of opposites. An electrical cord wrapped around an anchor in the water is a reminder of the conflicting forces in her life, but is also what `anchors her into life.¿

MORE

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Meghan Krasnoff, 28, originally from Ithaca, N.Y., is reminded of home when she looks at her tattoo. The colorful fall leaves on her right arm represent her favorite season, which also symbolize the constant of change

MORE

Jack Ryan, 31, of Austin, has been tattooing for three years and works at Southside Tattoo next to the Continental Club. His interests in printmaking inspired the tattoo on his right arm, which is a variation of a Dore print.

MORE