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.