thebili
07-14-2008, 01:01 PM
Tattoo parlor is an art gallery too
By ERIN PUSTAY
The Independent
Posted Jul 13, 2008 @ 08:52 PM
MASSILLON, OH — Think of it as wine and cheese meets beer and pretzels. A collision of tastes and ideas that, underneath, really aren’t all that different.
Since buzzing into Massillon less than a year ago, Art Bomb tattoo employees have been dead set on changing perspectives – not only when it comes to the art of tattoo, but art in general.
The way they see it, art is for everyone. It shouldn’t be confined to uppity galleries, snooty boutiques or even just museums. Art – by its very definition – breaks down barriers, brings people together and searches for new ways and techniques to bring ideas to the canvas – whatever that canvas may be.
So, tattoo artist Blair Atom says, why not? Why not turn the small space at 32 Erie St. N., into a one-of-a-kind art gallery where you can head home with a picture for your wall and another for your biceps?
“To tell you the truth, tattooing has been around for so long that people have a lot of assumptions about the way they are done,” Atom said. “People, until recently, didn’t consider tattoo an art form.”
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Ron Copeland, a Massillon-based artist who merges traditional photography and sketching with graphic design and print, will take over the space at Art Bomb, at 32 Erie St. N., transforming it into an art gallery all his own.
Or, at least, one with a tattoo and piercing theme.
Crossover clientele
“It seems cool to me,” Copeland said. “It seems like a great mix. They have a great atmosphere for it and the people that come in are into art, so it seems like a win-win situation.”
A little over a year ago, the owners of Art Bomb – who also have a store in Canton – began to think that their venue was as much a gallery as any museum around. The Canton shop hosted a handful of art shows and that idea later spilled over when the small shop opened on Erie Street in Massillon.
“We enjoy what we do and like to share that with people,” Massillon shop manager Rob Church said. “This works out for everyone involved.”
The last show, held about a month ago, was well-attended by the Massillon community. This time around, those behind the idea are hoping that it will grow in popularity.
And the idea is to keep the exhibits coming. Every six months, the tattoo shop is aiming to bring in new local artists for a one-night gala and showcase.
After each show, the artists are encouraged to leave their works on display, not only to help sell their pieces, but to help give the Art Bomb a little personality.
“People are so used to seeing a typical tattoo shop … but this is a place where you relax, take time to look at the art on the walls that surround you,” Atom said. “Hopefully, this will make people think more creatively about (tattoo), also.”
Taking chances
Copeland has teamed up with Art Bomb’s Canton shop in the past. His colorful, whimsical work is both modern and edgy – exactly the kind of personality a tattoo shop needs.
“Ron Copeland has some cool stuff,” Church said. “He did a series specifically for this show we are pretty excited to see it.”
For Copeland, the tattoo parlor showcase gives him the chance to spread his wings and take chances as an artist. Having the chance to exhibit his work and garner critiques from the public only helps to make him stronger. Shoot, he said, he may even sell a piece or two. In doing that, he can continue to push his creativity and passion.
“I don’t make stuff just to sell it,” Copeland said. “I make stuff in hopes of selling enough of it to keep on going. I am always trying to learn and do bigger and better things.”
Copeland recently showed his work at the Ananda Center’s inaugural Art Displaced: Neighborhood Natives initiative that showcased the work of local artists in empty building spaces throughout Massillon.
The Art Bomb show, though, is different.
“I’ve done a lot of collages,” Copeland said. “I’ve also depended more heavily on design instead of photos for this show. I am doing a lot more drawing and layout work.”
Atom believes that transforming the tattoo parlor into a themed art gallery is marriage of the grandest kind. In many ways, he identifies with the struggling artist, because what he does, really, isn’t any different. Sure the methods and the canvases differ, but the “art” of it all is universal.
Spreading love of art
Showing his work in a tattoo shop, while it may seem unique, Copeland says he’s just following his passion to whatever venues it may lead. He may be helping to lead Massillon’s art community to new heights and fueling the fire of the growing arts culture along the way. But he humbly admits he’s not doing anything someone else hasn’t already done. He’s just helping to spread the love of art in Massillon.
“I don’t think I’m breaking down any barriers as far as what is going on other places,” Copeland said. “It seems like there are a ton of people beginning to do the newer trends around here.”
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h261/elastio/artbombshow2.jpg
By ERIN PUSTAY
The Independent
Posted Jul 13, 2008 @ 08:52 PM
MASSILLON, OH — Think of it as wine and cheese meets beer and pretzels. A collision of tastes and ideas that, underneath, really aren’t all that different.
Since buzzing into Massillon less than a year ago, Art Bomb tattoo employees have been dead set on changing perspectives – not only when it comes to the art of tattoo, but art in general.
The way they see it, art is for everyone. It shouldn’t be confined to uppity galleries, snooty boutiques or even just museums. Art – by its very definition – breaks down barriers, brings people together and searches for new ways and techniques to bring ideas to the canvas – whatever that canvas may be.
So, tattoo artist Blair Atom says, why not? Why not turn the small space at 32 Erie St. N., into a one-of-a-kind art gallery where you can head home with a picture for your wall and another for your biceps?
“To tell you the truth, tattooing has been around for so long that people have a lot of assumptions about the way they are done,” Atom said. “People, until recently, didn’t consider tattoo an art form.”
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Ron Copeland, a Massillon-based artist who merges traditional photography and sketching with graphic design and print, will take over the space at Art Bomb, at 32 Erie St. N., transforming it into an art gallery all his own.
Or, at least, one with a tattoo and piercing theme.
Crossover clientele
“It seems cool to me,” Copeland said. “It seems like a great mix. They have a great atmosphere for it and the people that come in are into art, so it seems like a win-win situation.”
A little over a year ago, the owners of Art Bomb – who also have a store in Canton – began to think that their venue was as much a gallery as any museum around. The Canton shop hosted a handful of art shows and that idea later spilled over when the small shop opened on Erie Street in Massillon.
“We enjoy what we do and like to share that with people,” Massillon shop manager Rob Church said. “This works out for everyone involved.”
The last show, held about a month ago, was well-attended by the Massillon community. This time around, those behind the idea are hoping that it will grow in popularity.
And the idea is to keep the exhibits coming. Every six months, the tattoo shop is aiming to bring in new local artists for a one-night gala and showcase.
After each show, the artists are encouraged to leave their works on display, not only to help sell their pieces, but to help give the Art Bomb a little personality.
“People are so used to seeing a typical tattoo shop … but this is a place where you relax, take time to look at the art on the walls that surround you,” Atom said. “Hopefully, this will make people think more creatively about (tattoo), also.”
Taking chances
Copeland has teamed up with Art Bomb’s Canton shop in the past. His colorful, whimsical work is both modern and edgy – exactly the kind of personality a tattoo shop needs.
“Ron Copeland has some cool stuff,” Church said. “He did a series specifically for this show we are pretty excited to see it.”
For Copeland, the tattoo parlor showcase gives him the chance to spread his wings and take chances as an artist. Having the chance to exhibit his work and garner critiques from the public only helps to make him stronger. Shoot, he said, he may even sell a piece or two. In doing that, he can continue to push his creativity and passion.
“I don’t make stuff just to sell it,” Copeland said. “I make stuff in hopes of selling enough of it to keep on going. I am always trying to learn and do bigger and better things.”
Copeland recently showed his work at the Ananda Center’s inaugural Art Displaced: Neighborhood Natives initiative that showcased the work of local artists in empty building spaces throughout Massillon.
The Art Bomb show, though, is different.
“I’ve done a lot of collages,” Copeland said. “I’ve also depended more heavily on design instead of photos for this show. I am doing a lot more drawing and layout work.”
Atom believes that transforming the tattoo parlor into a themed art gallery is marriage of the grandest kind. In many ways, he identifies with the struggling artist, because what he does, really, isn’t any different. Sure the methods and the canvases differ, but the “art” of it all is universal.
Spreading love of art
Showing his work in a tattoo shop, while it may seem unique, Copeland says he’s just following his passion to whatever venues it may lead. He may be helping to lead Massillon’s art community to new heights and fueling the fire of the growing arts culture along the way. But he humbly admits he’s not doing anything someone else hasn’t already done. He’s just helping to spread the love of art in Massillon.
“I don’t think I’m breaking down any barriers as far as what is going on other places,” Copeland said. “It seems like there are a ton of people beginning to do the newer trends around here.”
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h261/elastio/artbombshow2.jpg