Forum Discussion: Skin/Tattoo Preservation After Death?
Sunday March 30, 2008
"I have no tattoos, but I do have an idea and need input from people who have the best beautiful art in the world captured on their bodies.
People get tattoos and all their family loved members see most of them, they comment on them, and see every time the person is round. So this is a hypothetical question. I have no interest in such a business, just interested in what tattooed people think about it. I asked a tattooed family member and they thought it great idea.
QUESTION: How about a business where after a person dies, the tattoos are removed and preserved, and then framed by grieving family members who want to remember a tattooed person...Is the idea gross, or just a suggestion of possibilities in the evolution of body remembrances?? I would like to know you thoughts on the subject." - shintao
Comments
I was having this discussion with someone not 2 days ago – and then today someone else asked me what I thought about it so I had to do an internet search on the subject. I’m not sure what the laws are, I’m sure it varies state to state, but I think it’s a great idea. I’m having a sleeve done now that I would love to see preserved and framed for someone, perhaps my son or the artist’s relatives… it’s a gorgeous piece and will wind up coasting more than any other piece of artwork we own sooooooo…
OMG! mY HUSBAND HAD THE SAME IDEA!!! I THINK THE IDEA IS A GREAT ONE! HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT THIS THOUGH??
So I am not the first one with this idea? Wow, I thought that my husband and I were strange to plan to do this to our art. I was thinking about stretching the skin on a canvas and tacking it with decorative round metal tacks or ear plugs or sewing i with large string or ribbon fo decoration. Then framing them in shadow boxes with metal or burned wood or even branded leather frames. Im so glad that this is seeming to be more acceptable than I thought. Hopefully someday it will be offered like making your ashes into a diamond is now.
I just started researching about this topic and this is the first link/message board i found.
My husband has beautiful tatoos and mentioned that he wants to preserve it after death. If anything, I might contact the company who made the “Bodies Exhibit” and use the plasticization process. I saw their exhibit in South Street Seaport (NYC) several months ago and they showed a small display of a tattooed skin (cut up). It’s totally preserved because of their technique. the other idea was to contact taxidermists/ or people who know how to tan/preserve animal skin. The research has to be done now, while he’s alive, so we can get a price quote, sign the necessary contracts, waivers and disclaimers, arrange for skin extraction/delivery, etc, and include them all in his estate/death planning.
So this is the only article I can find on this subject has anyone found this to be done? Me and the hubby have talked about it and of course I never want him to die but when he does I want to be prepared for this.
Okay so I think the idea of framing a tattoo is a good one. I mean they are all unique works of art no matter what it is. It’s not a morbid or disturbing idea. I mean, people carry around ashes/bone chips, why not frame a tattoo? I carried the bone chip of my father around for a long time in a necklace locket.
Great Idea. I want my tattoos framed!
This is a splendid idea that I have also had – I just can’t find any info on how to do it or if it’s legal (in NY). Robert Camacho does death art with bones, but doesn’t work with skin and really had no info to share on the process when I e-mailed him. If anyone has ANY info please say so. I have a full back piece that I would REALLY like to have this done with.
I once saw a documentary in which japanese bissiness men paid american bikers to sign contracts allowing them to remove and frame tattoos after death, I myself only have one small tattoo but I thought would anyone be interested in entering into such a deal for a blank canvas to which I would sign a contract allowing them to take possession of my corpse after death then stuff, mount and tattoo it any way they like, i thought this a good idea because i would get a nice windfall to enjoy while alive and my children would not have to face the cost of a funeral and all that religious nonsens that can and does cost many thousands, i don’t know of the legalitys involved in haveing a taxidermist work on a human or if any taxidermist would but i am open to offers