International Guest Artists at Witch City Ink

Tattoo Artists from Japan and LA guesting at Witch City Ink 2008.

Witch City Ink is truly an International destination each year with friends dropping in from studios from around the world. Last years Boston Tattoo Convention saw artists HoriRyu and Nene spending a week with the crew after the convention. Below are some photos from the event:

Guest Artists HoriRyu and Nene from Japan and LA

Guest Artists HoriRyu and Nene from Japan and LA

After hanging out with us all at the BTC last year, Japanese Tattoo artist HoriRyu started a large Japanese dragon on Natans leg. The initial design began with a 5 hour outline session.

This is what we do for fun!

This is what we do for fun!

Here’s a better photo of HoriRyu’s Dragon Leg Sleeve outline on N^T^N after the Boston Tattoo Convention. HoriRyu and Natan will complete the tattoo when Natan works at his studio in Tokyo in 2009.

This will be finished in Japan next year.

Witch City Ink Opening Party in Print- Prick Magazine

Prick Magazine Opening Notice, 2008

Prick Magazine Opening Notice, 2008

Subject: Witch City Ink Opening Party

Celebrating the opening of the Witch City Ink location in beautiful downtown Salem , Massachusetts was a lovely evening in June of 2008. Friends and family gathered for the festivities and Prick Magazine was there to capture it all. The tattoo shop has an eclectic feel and is filled with treasures collected from Natan’s travels throughout the world.

Natan’s Japan Trip 2008

Aya and I traveled to Japan in December 2008 to visit some of the greatest artists to influence modern tattooing. We were very fortunate to meet Horiyoshii III, the master tattoo artist of Yokohama, as well as Shige, of Yellow Blaze Tattoo. Additionally, thanks to our friend Kiyono, we were also able to spend several days studying traditional Japanese tattooing (Tebori) with tattoo master HoriKiyo. Natan received a traditional tattoo from HoriKiyo, a Bonji character for Fudo Myo. Fudo Myo is a Buddhist deity who called the “Immovable One” because he delivers human beings from temptations. Below are some images from the trip!

Horiyoshii III, Japans foremost tattoo master

Horiyoshii III, Japans foremost tattoo master

Shiges work has become some of the most respected and imitated tattoo work in the world in the past few years. Check out why at YellowBlaze.net

Shige, Yellow Blaze Tattoo

Shige, Yellow Blaze Tattoo

HoriKiyo is a true Horishii, quietly and modestly creating masterpieces while seeking no attention. It was an honor to receive a tattoo from him and to sit and observe while he worked. We will definitely be back!

Traditional Japanese Tattoo Lessons

Traditional Japanese Tattoo Lessons

Tebori in progress

Tebori in progress

The tattoo hurt much less than I thought. I can even forgive the Yankees Shirt!

The tattoo hurt much less than I thought. I can even forgive the Yankees Shirt!