Renegade Rip

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Kelly Ardis Robbie Rittenhouse from Cherry Blossom tattoo in Atascadero tattoos a client's calf at the Bakersfield Tattoo Expo on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Media Credit: Kelly Ardis Tattoo artist Breezy Barendt, from Never Tattoo in Atascadero, works on a customer's arm at the expo.

The Rabobank Arena Convention Center was the home of most parents' worst nightmare Oct. 6-7.
Tattoo artists from around the world came to the Bakersfield Tattoo Expo with needles and ink in hands, ready to tattoo anyone (of legal age) who was willing. 
At the expo, there were over 80 tattoo artists and various vendors, bands and charities. Expo attendees had the opportunity to be tattooed by any of these artists, some without an appointment.
The expo also held several tattoo contests, including best full sleeve tattoo, best full back tattoo, best color tattoo and best black/gray tattoo.
"I got a key with wings and a locket for the key. I got it because it was by a great artist," said Ginger San Joaquin. "I looked around and saw [Gary] Sawdust from Pismo and liked his work."
The Tattoo Expo is a place for tattoo artists and aficionados to join together and share their love of body art. The tattoo artists' experiences range from apprenticeship to decades of tattooing.
"I first got into tattooing by doing garage tattoos and being involved with punk rock. All my friends wanted tattoos," said Alonzo of Gold Rush Tattoos in Costa Mesa.
Jonathan Beechly is an apprentice, learning the art of tattooing by watching others work. At the expo, he had the chance to meet new people and learn different techniques.
"I love any kind of art. What triggers me about tattooing is, art on canvas can only go one place, art on skin can go anywhere," said Beechly, who will start tattooing friends for free in a month, then move onto smaller pieces for customers.

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