April 16, 2008
Happiness is a Warm Gun
I was watching the excellent "Across the Universe
"Across the Universe" (I'm serious, if you haven't seen this movie yet, go out and buy or rent it today!) the other day, which is the first DVD that I have actually purchased in ages and something struck me about the Beatles tune "Happiness is a Warm Gun".
In the movie, they, of course, relate this song to intravenous drug use, in the case of one of the characters, recovering from traumatic wounds incurred whilst on a tour of duty in Vietnam. My best guess about the original meaning of the lyrics is much the same, but perhaps related more to heroin, which ties into mystery lyrics from songs like "For the Benefit of Mr. Kite" with lyrics about "Mr. H and Henry the Horse", which could both be taken as analogies for "H".
However, I started to find my own meaning in the song when I started to think of the "gun" not as an instrument of illicit drug use (which I can't imagine how or why anyone would get into), but as an instrument of art, as in a tattoo gun.
As anyone who knows me can attest, I have been captivated with tattoos and body art for as long as I can remember. Tattoos are interesting on so many levels that it is hard to find just one to focus on, there's not only the artistry and symbolism involved, but there's also the fascination with touching and playing with pain. The endorphin rush associated with getting ink is thoroughly addicting, perhaps not as much as a true chemical addiction, such as what's experience with opiates, but in a different, cathartic sense, where the act of being "drilled" with ink is equal to huge release of pent up energy.
Tattoos can also be quite therapeutic when it comes to those who suffer from chronic pain, which is not a subject to ever be trifled with. But why would somebody who is already suffering want to hurt more, you may ask? It's because the pain of a tattoo is guaranteed to end when the tattoo heals, leaving a mark, than unlike a typical scar, is beautiful and symbolic. Sometimes of strength, sometimes of survival, sometimes of something even deeper, it doesn't really matter; the point is that tattoos always having a meaning of some sort for the wearer that will last a lifetime.
Anyhow, my point in writing today is to mention my absolute favorite tattoo shop down in Mississgauga, Ontario: "Moonshin Tattoo". Moonshin is run by "Chuckster", his wife "Gwan Soon" and partner "Evel". I've been drilled by all three of these fine artists (sometimes by more than one at once, tag team ink, cowabunga!) and I can attest to their excellent skills and professionalism.
Unfortunately I don't have photos of my personal ink at the moment, but I promise to post some in the coming months. I'm actually hoping to get some fresh ink at the start of May, so hopefully I'll have pictures of even more than just my current six pieces.
I also wanted to add a plug for one of my favorite websites for pictures of ink: Inked Girlz. To me, there's nothing sexier than soft, feminine curves and loads of ink! (I guess this explains why my significant other has over 16 tattoos and nearly as many piercings, LOL!)
April 2008