Everyone at some point in their lives has had something or multiple things that they can pinpoint to express themselves. Haven’t you had something that only fits to just you? Some things that make no sense to anyone but have such symbolism to that one person that they want to express the figures or quotes on themselves to show off to the world. In fact in today’s age many people have tattoos to show why they are the way they are. Some are simple and small, some as big as an elephant and complex. There is a man who has a sleeve of tattoos that is one of the most amazing works of art I have ever seen in my life.
My Uncle Mike is one of the most amazing musicians I’ve ever met. He played many instruments, from trumpet and piano, to the drums, and bass. However, he’s been an outstanding guitarist for over forty years and his talent still never ceases to amaze me! He is an outgoing person, has traveled the world, played in many band shows, rides his Harley, and works for Coors Beer Company. Not too much to complain about if you ask me. Music has been the focus of his life though, especially on the guitar. He played a lot of Pantera and Metallica covers, and also has eleven original songs that sound like crickets harmonizing in the night. He decided about three years ago to represent that huge aspect of his life to show off to the world. He got a full music sleeve of tattoos on his left arm.
At the start, which would be his wrist, is a series of growing blue flames. Originally they were a tattoo gone wrong but he got it covered at his new tattoo artist. The flames grow into a red mist and then there are images on different things. On his forearm is a huge amplifier putting out music notes that flow all of the way up and down his arm, and skulls trying to break through the speakers showing that all of his life can be projected through music. There is a Metallica symbol by his elbow in such detail; it looks three dimensional and alive. As the piece of art continues up his arm, the details grow stronger and stronger. On his tricep is a picture of Dimebag from Pantera resting in the clouds. Dimebag died in a tragic accident but is one of the best guitarists to ever play. On his shoulder is the most vibrant and bright picture you’ll ever see in your life. In the brightest inks is a guitar in the clouds. It’s a Les Paul guitar surrounded by bright yellow and orange, acting as the main attraction of his arm. Above that are his initials. The detail is so excruciating and amazing you really need to take a nice long look to really respect the work and art done by the tattoo artist to put a frame on one man’s life.
Tattoos are a fantastic way to represent a person’s life in any detail that they choose. Sure they get expensive, and hurt a little bit, but its art that lasts for a lifetime. Most are purely original and are seen with a vision, while some are common but still mean something to someone. Tattoos are truly the one work of art that can hold pure emotion and meaning to someone and can represent almost a whole life through an image. Hopefully one day, I will have a sleeve of the same Excalibur to show everyone why I am the way I am.
