Pinocchio Tattoos: Funny, Gross and Sexy?

While doing a Pinocchio search, found these tattoo images and just had to share. Not sure I would like to see him staring at me but it's a riot. And the nose surely grows...

Christopher Conn Askew, Beyond Tattoo

Conn's works are dynamic vivid compositions, beautifully executed and graphic show stoppers. There are definite influences of Japanese art in his composition, solid and elegant line work, evident historically in Japanese watercolors and tattoo art. Also evident is an ode to classic, old time story book illustrations, rendered in decorative realism with a modern twist. There is also an element of European art deco poster design, his use of typography is masterful and clean, creating overall images of graceful yet bold design. Chris incorporates the traditional line work of tattoo with subtle hues and deft rendering, shading, shadows and modeling; to create some of the most beautifully luscious works out there today. One can see the painstaking time, thought and effort in each one of his pieces without any of the cliches of today's pop artists. No sexy adolescents or big eyed girls here, just consummate artworks that will last thru the ages.

I first came across Chris's art in a Haight Street tattoo shop while crusing for local artists for the (then up-coming) Tattoon Show. My eyes were riveted by an incredible watercolor on the wall of a parlor and I instantly recognized his style from an old issue of Juxtapoz. Always in the market for local artists, I was very excited to stumble upon such professional work, right here at home. (It is much "greener" to use local artists rather than artists who have to ship here using jet fuel.) After googling Chris it seemed he lived in SF, so finding his art felt like a score. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find enough quality local art for a solid exhibit. After several attempts to contact him, he finally responded. Sadly, he declined to exhibit any works in the show, oddly stating "I am not doing anything even remotely tattoo related, anymore". Too bad, his art was sorely missed and would have been a welcome and fitting addition to this great show.

For more of his beautiful works, go to his website: Christopher Conn Askew

The Tattoon Show: Tattoo and Cartoon Inspired Art

Eclectix Gallery presents a fantastic exhibition of tattoo & cartoon inspired art by 30 artists. Sugar, spice, and everything nice and un-nice. Satire, fun, politics, elegant beauty and soooo cute; this show has it all!

If you haven't been to see the show, come on by, it's up until October 4th.

Artists Exhibiting: Adam Lunoe, Angelique Houtkamp, Alexis Lopez, Anna Todaro, Annie Owens, Arabella Proffer, Barry Focha, Ben Jelter, Calamity Cole, Catherine Lagman, Chris Buzelli, Chris Kanyusik, Christine Benjamin, Eric October, Garrett Bossio, James Ivey, John Seabury, Kurtis Rykovich, Lady Reni, Larimie Garcia, Les Toil, Louis Balestier, Lucianne Walkowicz, Matt Wuerker, Marco Mejia, Nicolas Caesar, Polly Mania, Phillip Hall, Sandi Calistro, Stephanie Mufson, Sheri DeBow, Sherwin Viray, Tim Sharman, Vince Packard

Notes on Just a Few of the Great Artists:

Angelique Houtkamp - inspirational Dutch tattoo mademoiselle of the modern art world. Ms. Houtkamp's work makes it's Northern California debut at Eclectix Gallery with this exhibit!

Chris Buzelli - distinguished, surreal dreamscape artist whose work has been featured in Rolling Stone, NY Times, and Playboy, to name a few.

Matt Wuerker - 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Washinton DC based, esteemed editorial and political cartoonist. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, LA Times, and NY Times.

Annie Owens - the Bay Area's own established artist and quiet mastermind behind Hi-Fructose Magazine. Ms. Owens' work elegantly walks the fine line between whimsy and dark, daintiness and strength.

Ben Jelter - awarded illustrator, artist, graphic novelist and Academy of Art University instructor.

Voted “Best Gallery” in the Bay Area by SF Chronicle’s ‘Best of the BayList’

Eclectix Gallery, 10082 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 For Hours and More - Please go to: http://www.eclectix.com

Great Gurl Art: Cool Colette Calascione

Eclectix found Colette's work while surfing around San Francisco artists for fashion related art (for the previous 'Fierce Fashion' exhibit).  It turns out she no longer lives in S.F. but has moved to New York. Plus, she deals with only one gallery, on the East Coast. And it seems she paints very slowly, not producing much during a year. But what she does produce, is so well worth the wait. Her work has got to be seen! So... until she shows here at Eclectix,  for all you West Coasters, are just a few of her  wondrous and elegantly detailed works. They evoke the classical Old Masters with a New Mistress twist, full of surreal wit and sensuous beauty. For a link to her site, click on the title of this post... and Colette, you go, gurl!