A Toast To The Art Of Tattoo At The Osky Art Center
Alan Munger shares his work with those in attendance at the ‘The Skin We’re In’ tattoo art show.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The art of tattoo has become more mainstream in the past two decades. Once an item of the stereotyped sailor and biker types, tattoos have found favor in a new generation.
At the Oskaloosa Art Center, nestled on the east side of Oskaloosa, tattoo artists shared their work with an eager group of individuals wanting to learn more about the art that got its start in the Samoan and Tahitian regions of the world, and brought back to England in the middle 1700’s by sailors.
Alan Munger and his wife Justine own In Vivo Studios Tattoos and Piercings in Oskaloosa, and Alan has some photos on display at the art show. For Munger, tattoo has “been a lifelong passion. Sometimes when you get into it, you get really into it. That’s what happened to me.”
Munger got his start tattooing at the young age of 11 years old. “I just loved it and have been pursuing excellence in the field all my life.”
Munger inked himself that first time, with a hand poke needle and India ink and was an ‘A’ on his hand. “Pretty young,” says Munger. “An ‘A’ for Al believe it or not. Super creative back then.”
Being recognized by your peers is often times the greatest reward for an artist, and Munger has been recognized by his peers for his work in the past. “It’s definitely a privilege. It’s a super competitive field.”
Realism and wildlife are subjects that Munger enjoys at the moment. Like almost any artist, their subject and focus of their artwork evolves over time.
When it comes to his past work, Munger believes that artists continue to strive for improvement. “You see things from the past, it should bother you a little. I think that’s what motivates you to get better.”
The Oskaloosa Art Center played host to the show opening on January 22nd, with a social gathering and some Henna Tattoo demonstrations.
The show will be on display from the opening reception, January 22nd, through the month of February. A closing reception will take place Thursday, February 18th, complete with henna tattooing.
The Oskaloosa Art Center and Studio is located at 1701 3rd Ave E, Ste 3, which is on the east side of Oskaloosa in Heartland Square Mall.
