By Christopher Harris
How many people can say their city councilor also gave them their tattoo ?
If they ’ ve been to see Amanda Bullock , it ’ s possible .
Known less formally as “ Bean ” to many , Bullock was elected to the Somerset City Council in 2016 from Ward 11 . She was known to voters not as someone already in politics , or law , or any of the usual avenues to such a position .
Instead , she ’ s been a local favorite for tattoos and body modifications for years -- for a long time at Bodean ’ s Tattoos , but now in her own space , Red Letter Studio .
“ People are occasionally surprised by the juxtaposition of my career and being a councilor ,” said Bullock . “ It just shows acceptance of tattoos as more the norm . I have clients who are teachers , nurses , officers , and they all makeup our community and I ’ m just glad to be a part of it all .”
There are many different types of artists in the world , and indeed , tattoo artists are among them . And while one might point out that the tattoo artist creates what ’ s asked of them , it ’ s worth pointing out that even the likes of Michelangelo and Mozart created some of their greatest works on commission .
“ It ’ s absolutely an art form ,” said Bullock . “ You develop your own style and people will seek that out ,
August 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 39