The ultimate guide to TATTOOS in Rhode Island
“ Tattoos are trashy.”
“ You wouldn’ t put a bumper sticker on a Maserati.”
“ How’ s that going to look when you’ re eighty?”
Some people still have hangups about permanent body art, despite tattoos having longstanding cultural significance and increased popularity. Take a closer look and you may realize tattoos aren’ t just skin-deep. The practice is inextricably linked to Ocean State history( see: tatted Newport sailors and Navy officers), and captures a wide range of meaning: art, skills, passions, memorials, cultures, pride, joy and healing. Keep reading to see for yourself, and maybe even get some ink-spiration for your own canvas.
BY Kaitlyn Murray
WITH ASSISTANCE FROM
Tess Lyons
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Chad Weeden
Chelsea Dolan’ s“ Papa” ink is an homage to the grandfather who first introduced her to the world of tattoos.( See page 82 to learn more.)
Get Inked!
The ultimate guide to TATTOOS in Rhode Island