by Clint Liquor Photos by Chuck B, Cory G, and Jess
From the May 2005 issue of Prick Magazine.
Mike Balestrieri of Another Dimension tattooing Heather York.
The 6th Annual Tampa Bay Tattoo Fest was a great success. We've covered the event for the past five years
and it's consistently one of the best and busier shows we hit. It's also a big family reunion at this point
as most of the artists at the show are repeat attendees. World class artists and rising stars intermingle
and share ideas freely. Bruce Ripley of Silverworld Body Jewelry is the mastermind behind the show,
which took place this year on March 31 through April 3. With six conventions now under his belt, it's a well
oiled machine.
Two banquet rooms at the Double Tree Hotel - Tampa Westshore Airport where the event took place
served as the festival floor, while two more side rooms were used for the entertainment and tattoo contests.
Conventioneers filled the isles and got lots of ink throughout the weekend while live bands played and drinks
were served. Some amazing skin art was created at the show.
Harlod of the Jerky Hut getting tattooed by August Moon.
Mark J. Longshanks aka Longenecker of Endless Summer Tattoo.
Wes Diffie of Against The Grain tattooing Bobby from Evolution Tattoo.
The events kicked off on Thursday as veteran artists including Bob Tyrrell, Mike Conner, Rhonda Marsh, Dave
Martinez, Shane O'Neill, Deano Cook and Lyle Tuttle hosted seminars throughout the day. But perhaps the biggest
deal of the event, according to the artists, was Bruce's ingenious idea to have everyone set up early Thursday so he
could open the floor to the public for FREE from 6-10 p.m.
"It was a way that I thought would give the artists a chance to book customers for
the weekend, but they were booking them for that night, too. I thought 'What the hell,
let 'em work,'" explains Bruce.
It paid off because the artists in attendance were able to earn cheddar for four days
versus three. The fans ate it up too. According to a few of the artists, they were busier on
Thursday than the typical Friday crowd. Friday was busy enough, though, to keep everyone working. By Saturday, it was wall to wall people at the highpoint of the day.
Lisa Schmoldt at work.
Dave and Jamie of Good Clean Fun Tattoo.
Bag Lady Sue.
Bruce called in "Bag Lady Sue" for the weekend, entertaining audiences every night
after the Tattoo of the Day Awards with a heavy dose of her usual vulgar, perverse comedy.
Then it was off to the Players Lounge in the hotel where artists and fans mingled into
the wee hours of the morning.
The only downside of the whole event was Rick and Darlene's (of Feeling Lucky
Tattoo) unfortunate incident in which their truck and racecar trailer got stolen from the
freakin' parking lot. That was total bullshit! If you know anything about it, please contact
them. The hotel is in a nice area and that kind of crap is out of the ordinary.
Mark Wisner of Pleasure Points summed up the event perfectly: "It kicked ass! I can't
wait 'till next year!" We couldn’t have said it any better. A huge thanks goes out to Bruce
and all parties involved for bringing us yet
another incredible show.
Tattoo Contest judging.
Party time at the Player's Lounge.
Check out more photos, coverage
and next years dates and info at www.tattoofest.com
