In official style, Custom Tattooz Magazine invited fellow journos and photographers from newspapers, magazines and internet sites from around the world to feast on canapés and cocktails for SURF n’ ink’s Official Press Conference. On the panel sat a talented array of international guests; Nikko Hurtado (USA), Mike DeVries (USA), Nick Chaboya (USA), Bob Tyrrell (USA), Travelin’ Mick (Germany), Tony Romel (USA) and Marco Ventura (Peru/Australia).
Nick Chaboya quotes:
“There are no limitations other than what we place on tattooing and what traditions are put on it. [In my seminar] I want to talk about your own unique voice and with painting, what is your visual vocabulary? What will make your work different? I’ll be talking about taking inspiration to self motivation and self growth.”
We couldn’t kick off the convention without a party so we got the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden on board and invited our VIP guests; artists, crew and the like to enjoy warm delicious food, plenty of jagger and well; great company. The night ended where it shouldn’t have and tired eyes told a story the morning of SURF n’ ink’s grand opening.
By Friday January 15th at 6.00am the crew arrived and the madness began. Last minute mishaps and kinks were smoothed out as the clock quickly ticked. 8.30am; the first patrons begin to march in and form the beginning of a long line-up. 10.00am; the line-up reached 800 people deep. 12.00 noon; doors finally opened. The crowd stretched from the far north end of the convention centre to the main entrance and was about 1000 people deep - and increasing. Machines began to buzz across the skin of outstretched limbs. Saturday held a steady line-up for about 4-5 hours to get inside. The final count: 10,000 visitors!
Each day of the event, the unmistakable tone of the didgeridoo cast vibrations through the room as SURF n’ ink’s guests were welcomed to the event in traditional aboriginal style.
More on stage art fusion showed admirers exactly how creativity blossoms and the fantastic results of combining artistic minds.
Musical entertainment was rich across the board. The crisp tone of Jason Kafoa’s voice paired with the charming sound of his acoustic guitar contributed to the calm and blissful afternoon atmosphere. In the evenings, Helm a metal/rock gig and The Lost Arcade a punk/rock band kept the audience entertained with slick guitar rifts and crashing cymbals.
SURF n’ ink’s 1st ever pin up girls, set the bar high with their classic vintage attire, perfect hair and make-up and proper cheeky 50’s poses. The winners; Georgie Dawson (featured on the cover), Miss Ash and Miss Juliette certainly don’t shy before the camera lens and had no problem posing with gushing lads for keepsake photos. This years lucky winners received photo shoots, amazing exposure opportunities and cash among various other gifts and prizes.
Pixie from Boogie Bop Dames in Sydney, is Australia’s very own professional rockabilly sweetheart. This lovely lady lives and breathes vintage. Pixie brought her studio to the show and gladly dolled-up any interested participant with photo-ready make-up, classic rouge lips and long eyelashes. She even pinned those luscious locks into curls specific to the times. With a garage scene backdrop, she would then conduct a fun, but professional photo shoot and provide a CD of photos to remember the experience. To take full advantage of her expertise however, you would have had to attend her how-to seminar; “Bangs, Pomps and Pin-Ups” to get the real Pixie experience. Here, ladies learned how to pose like the pros and fix the hair and make-up to match. Don’t worry if you missed out - she’s already jumping up and down with excitement for next year.
Other exclusive seminars offered included Bob Tyrrell’s “Black and Grey Techniques”, Nikko Hurtado’s “Doing Portraits”, Mike DeVries “Let’s be Realistic” and Nick Chaboya’s “From Painting to Tattooing”.
After Chaboya’s seminar one of his students remarked with tears in their eyes, “My brain is so full! That was the best experience of my life. All I want to do is go home and paint!” The opportunity to attend a seminar by these American greats is a rare and unforgettable experience. SURF n’ ink was a factory for inspiration.
Judges Marco Ventura, Alex from Rites of Passage, Tony Romel and Bob Tyrrell used their expert knowledge and experience to critique fresh ink, painted across SURF n’ ink’s eager bodies. The smiling winners were awarded with beautiful crystal trophies provided by Headcase Designs. The pieces completed at the show were at an artistic level that shocked many unknowing visitors and even caused an 80 year old woman to book her first tattoo appointment.
The motorbike show also added to the groove of this jam-packed event with awards given to “Best Airbrush Bike” and “Best Big Bike”. Stuart Vimpani, a local airbrush artist with world class skills won for best airbrush bike but also got to show off his skills in action with live on-stage airbrush body painting.
The most common remark about SURF n’ ink was in regards to the atmosphere, the excitement about the possibilities of art creation and the wealth of inspiration. This event was history in the making and is a defined turning point for Australian tattooing. This is the new generation; we are the new generation. The new wave is strong and it has officially hit Australia.
From the 9th to the 20th of January 2010 the CTM crew were surrounded with good food, laughter and great company. From Alex’s pole dancing to Bob’s perfect pants the SURF n’ ink week was filled with unforgettable memories for everyone that was a part of it.
We were sad to see our friends off but we wished them the best of luck, with the knowledge that this world, this life will circle again and we will meet another day, in another place, at another time.
Thank you to all of our guests and to everyone that was a part of SURF n’ ink 2010. 2011 is going to be bigger and better! So look forward to it and the evolution of this rewarding industry.
