Gerry: "I think they will always be there just like the lousy car mechanics and rip off lawyers; just a part of the business you have to put up with. In a sense, they’re good because sooner or later someone that gets tattooed by one of them will want it fixed. But...some never get them fixed and some are unfixable. The people with those tattoos will always think and talk badly of their experience."
Karen: Does that, then, make the particular artist look bad, or does it have a bad reflection on the whole business?
Gerry: "Unfortunately, the latter is true in a lot of cases. Most people will realize it was the artist, but some will just be down on all tattoos because of their bad experience. That number is lessening though due to the fact that with the popularity of tattooing the public is more educated, and most don't just walk into a strange shop and offer up their skin like in the old days."
Karen: Where do you see the art of tattooing in 10 or 20 years from now?
Gerry: "I think it will always be around in some form or another. The popularity may decline but there will always be a a certain segment of the population .....who feel a need to be marked. The designs and styles will evolve with popular culture although it seems cyclical; a lot of the old designs are in vogue now, just like fashion."
Karen: Do you think it will ever become fully accepted as an art?
Gerry: "It think to a certain extent it already has. If you mean will there ever be a Hardy or a Beckerman hanging in the Metropolitan Museum, no I don't think so."
Karen: Where do you see yourself in 10 years or more? Still tattooing?
Gerry: "Of course, I'll be tattooing as long as my eyes and hands hold out."
Karen: Would you recommend this profession? If so, who do you think are the most likely candidates?
Gerry: "If you're looking for a quick buck, look elsewhere. This business requires a lot of dedication and long hours. Also, if the artist doesn't love what they're doing it shows in the work. the most likely candidates are those with a love of the art, and the time and patience to learn properly."
Karen: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Gerry: "Maybe just that if someone is looking to get their first tattoo, to do their homework! Make sure they go to a reputable studio and that all re-usable instruments are autoclaved and packaged in individual sterile pouches."
Karen: Of course, I take it you adhere to all safety regulations in your shop?
Gerry: "Of course. I do need to mention though, that the cleanest, most talented artist in the world can only put the tattoo on. It's up to the client to follow the directions given to them for the aftercare of their tattoo if they want it to heal quickly and be as bright as possible."
Karen: Thank you very much for the time you have taken here. And where can we find you?
Gerry: "I currently own and operate Ozark Ink Tattoo and Body Piercing in Ava, Missouri. I can be reached at (417)683-2797, or you can [check out my website]which is Ozark Ink Tattoo".
End of interview
