Diary of a Rock and Roll Girl
High Voltage Tattoo, by Kat Von D is a homage to music, art, and of course, tattoos.
I’m not a body modification groupie (really!), but I do love books. I saw this book in the bookstore and had to have it; at $20 from Amazon, it was an indulgence, but I have to say it’s a cut above any other celebrity tattoo book I’ve seen.
For one thing, it’s written by an actual tattooer, with actual useful information from someone who clearly loves the medium, and not just a rehash of celebrity tattoo photos. That’s very refreshing and makes a huge difference in the enjoyability and utility of the book. For another, it has a stylish, fun, and thoughtful layout which is a pleasure to hold and peruse. As you would expect from a tattoo book, there are gorgeous photographs throughout, but there’s also enough text to satisfy my reader’s soul. At first I thought the book might be ghost written (I mean, when would she have the time?), but the text is just a bit less polished than the presentation, written in a gushing, enthusiastic tone, so I think she did indeed write it. I think the book is just like Kat–stunning, flashy, thoughtful, and a bit of an overachiever.
“High Voltage is My Church, the padded yellow table that I work on is my altar, and this book is a Love Letter”
I don’t know what you think about Miami Ink, L.A. Ink, or Ms. Von D. herself. Personally, I’m somewhat put off by those shows’ focus on memorial tattoos and other “meaningful” tattoos because I don’t think that all tattoos (or other body art) necessarily need a “reason” other than “I like it.” Nevertheless, I think she has made a valuable contribution to my bookshelves. Although this book is certainly a part of the glossy commercialism of tattoos currently in vogue, it’s also a personal look at one person’s involvement in, and love for, tattooing.
The first part is an autobiography, or even a diary, which chronicles Kat’s upbringing and influences. She gives us a history of her artistic endeavors and her initiation into the tattoo world, her work in a succession of studios, and finally her television work and the establishment of High Voltage Tattoo studio in Los Angeles. There are some interesting tidbits in here; for instance, she describes getting tattooed by Jack Rudy from 11 pm to 6 am on what must have been a very memorable night!
Next, she takes us on a tour of her body. Yep! With detailed information about all her tattoos. You can see this in the pic above. She takes us through a section showcasing various tattoo styles and themes: Angels, lettering, memorial tattoos. Her preferred style, and the one she is best at (in my opinion from looking at photos of her tattoos) is black and gray portraiture, and this style is emphasized throughout the book and in the choice of tattooers and collectors she highlights.
There’s also some really unique and wonderful content. There’s a section on tattoo machines, for instance. I never before considered that a tattoo machine could be “beautiful!” The book also includes sections on tattoo myths and tattoo etiquette. There are good tips for getting a tattoo (bring references of artwork that shows the style you like, not just of the specific tattoo you want to get) and descriptions of how to fit a new tattoo onto the body with existing tattoos. There’s a great step-by-step pictorial detailing the creation of a large tattoo on Nikki Sixx, “Making a Complex Tattoo,” showing the progress of an angel as it is planned, outlined, and shaded.
In keeping with the book’s themes of art and music, Ms. Von D. not only includes her playlist (which I’m sad to say shares nothing with mine), but an entire section devoted to her inspiration and muses, as well as a section on international artists.
Although there are some negative comments about the tattoo community, (“I broke up with the tattoo world”) she still talks enthusiastically and sometimes with awe about talented tattooers. Ms. Von D. is respectful of tattoo art and culture, and her passion for the medium comes through clearly. If you like books and tattoos, this is a perfect combination.
Kat Von D put Beethoven on my iPod!
I swear! Ms. Kat Von D is a Beethoven fanatic; and while reading this book for review, Symphony No. 9 magically appeared on my iPod. I didn’t put it there–it must have been her!
Can’t leave off the links!
Kat Von D’s official web site: www.katvond.net
Kat Von D on MySpace: www.myspace.com/katvond
High Voltage Tattoo: www.highvoltagetattoo.com
Shop like her:
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March 27, 2009 at 2:48 pm |
Ooooh I REALLY want to buy it after reading the review! Its on my wishlist…
March 27, 2009 at 3:03 pm |
So many books, so little money!
March 29, 2009 at 4:47 pm |
I like a lot of what you have to say (on tribalectic) but i really have problems with this woman, and especially her book. She sold out the tattoo community and inspired 23948320948320948509834 wannabe tattoo artists and piercers, not a problem in itself but 99 percent of them see the rock and roll lifestyle, and that is it, they dont know the time and effort it takes to do this well, and more importantly, safely. This book is horrible because she writes about how not to call a machine a “gun” and other things that used to be somewhat sacred to the community. She also tells scratchers for 29.99 what machines and pigments to get. She just gives out way to much to the general public, but who cares when you have a million dollars?
March 29, 2009 at 5:42 pm |
I appreciate the dissenting opinion, but I don’t agree. The “sell-out” accusation always smacks of jealousy to me, and I don’t hold with the “sacred” argument either. There’s also not enough information in the book to be of help to “scratchers,” in my opinion. Bottom line to me is a review of the book, not of her. Further, I appreciate strong women who are not afraid to capitalize on their strengths and work hard.
March 29, 2009 at 8:26 pm |
I understand that. I personally deal with phone calls everyday asking me where to buy piercing needles and tattoo equip, and I know that didnt happen before. She is not the soul person responsible, she just seems to exploit it the most to me. Like I said, no hard feelings by any means, and if the market has decided she deserves the money she has, than good for her. I still read some things in the book, and know that if I was on the couch in the lobby telling a potential scratcher that we use Aaron Cain machines, my boss would more than dissaprove. You understand the problems out there right now with the street cats cutting in on professional shops, and I think that this book is one of the problems. Just curious as to your opinion, not meaning any offense to anyone
March 30, 2009 at 6:52 am |
Well, you can’t stop stupid, and there will always be scratchers and DIYers out there. But I don’t believe in artificial knowledge shortages, and I do believe in freedom of speech.
March 30, 2009 at 8:11 pm |
and i belive artists should have some integrity, especially when your art has given you so much
December 29, 2009 at 12:37 pm |
I am reading this same book at this very moment, i ve found your blog at my research for jack rudy, and this i pod thing catched me. It happens all the time, with the most different thing. Really in a certain way WAS her, cause you have linked her energy with the song by reading her book. Cause thats what we all are, energy centers connected with everything, and this episode is just an exemple. Kisses from Brasil!!
February 6, 2010 at 12:02 pm |
Mysterious ways!