My Favourite Things of 2011

My Favourite Things of 2011

Favourite Convention of 2011
Wrestle Reunion 5

The Melbourne Tattoo Expo was special because I got tattooed by Craigy Lee, but it pales in comparison with my three days at Wrestle Reunion 5.

I bought a VIP pass and got to meet wrestlers I had grown up watching. It was such a surreal moment, and one I will never forget. The ROH and PWG shows that same weekend are the best wrestling events I have ever been to.

Favourite Blogger of 2011
Kandee Johnson

Makeup artist, master of arts and crafts and a mother of four, is there anything she can’t do?
Kandee’s blog and YouTube videos provide a constant source of information and inspiration.

Favourite Clothing Line of 2011
Sober Is Sexy

A percentage of profits from this clothing line goes towards charity. Sober Is Sexy is a collection of shirts, singlets and pants promoting a sober lifestyle of not partaking in drugs or alcohol. Sober is the sexy look, not being a hot mess.

Collection two is now on sale.

Favourite Podcast of 2011
The Art of Wrestling with Colt Cabana

Each week Colt speaks with a fellow professional wrestler about memorable moments in their careers. The podcast introduces the listeners to wrestlers they may have never heard of. It is not just a wrestling podcast, but life stories, lessons and memories from people living their dream, travelling around the world entertaining others.

Help support the podcast by going to Colt Merch.

Favourite Television Show of 2011
American Horror Story.

At first I was sceptical, as the storyline seemed similar to the Amityville Horror. But as they slowly revealed more about the history of the house and introduced more characters, I was hooked. I don’t see how this show can go further than one season.

This has been the first show in years where I truly have had no idea where the story would go next. We need more horror/thriller television shows like this.

Favourite Movie of 2011
Bridesmaids

Favourite Singer/Band of 2011
Gotye

His work with The Basics is how I first discovered several years ago, and I’ve since fallen in love with his sound.

I like to think of Wally De Backer as an Australian Phil Collins. Both being drummers, he tells tales of heartache through his experimentation with sound bites and instruments.

Favourite Live Music Event of 2011
Stevie Nicks

Hearing Stevie perform ‘Edge of Seventeen’ live was so hauntingly beautiful.

Check out my review here.

Favourite Tattoo Artist of 2011
Grant Cobb

Favourite Painter of 2011
Shawn Barber

Favourite Magazine of 2011
Inked Australia/New Zealand magazine

With the amount that I write and talk about this magazine you would be mistaken in thinking i was getting paid to do so. But it is this magazine that reinvigorated my love of writing, introduced to me countless number of artists, the best in their mediums.

I’ve been inspired by the people in the magazine, out there making a living doing what they love, all unique in their own special ways. There is no Australian tattoo magazine on the market that offers that mix of lifestyle, art, music etc.

Check out my reviews of Inked Australia here.

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Subscribe to Inked Australia/New Zealand here.

Inked Australia/New Zealand Magazine – Issue 11 Review

Inked Australia/New Zealand Magazine – Issue 11 Review

A tattoo conveys a moment in time, a memory, an emotion, beauty.

Coming up to the end of another year, the sixth and last issue for 2011, Issue 11 has really struck a chord with me. After I managed to pry the magazine out of my dad’s hands, I locked myself away to read it without any distractions.

The Inked team have outdone themselves once again. Every two months we’re presented with a magazine full of fresh faces; artists who have talent we could only dream of possessing. Inked Australia/New Zealand is my tattoo bible. Nowhere else will you find such a vast number of artists, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find a tattoo artist who will give you tattoo you will forever cherish.

I wasn’t far in before I started daydreaming (it’s either because I’m a Pisces or some form of ADD, but I often find myself drifting between my imagination and reality). I began thinking about how much of the tattoo community is open-minded and accepting. There is a much different definition of success between these people. Inked Australia/New Zealand magazine is a great source of inspiration for those of you who don’t find a ‘normal’ 9-5 job appealing.

Without sounding preachy, there really are many paths which you can take in life, but in the end it is you, and only you, who decides on your happiness. These images and those words on the page are spoken by real people, just like you and me. There are other ways to support yourself, doing the thing you love, whether it is music, painting, fashion, digital design, photography or tattooing.

Art transcends life, it is all around us. Doe Deere went from ‘a self-taught makeup artist posting tutorials online’ to creating Lime Crime makeup (Page 22). Strawberry Siren (Page 30) has been performing her whole life, from growing up in the circus to becoming a burlesque performer. Some Young Punks (Page 52), an Australian wine brand, has taken inspiration from graphic novels for their wine labels, taking the industry in a new direction.

Determination, defiance and self-belief are common traits of those who grace the pages of this magazine. They’ve surrounded themselves with supportive people, building a strong foundation to grow from. Their original ideas make them unique and pave the way for others to take creativity to a new level. Money isn’t the focus; it is the stories behind their journey to where they are today, the art on their bodies collected along the way. While some tattoos may be the same, the stories never are.

Perhaps I think too deeply about the subtext in the magazine. However, being a lifelong magazine enthusiast and an aspiring journalist, I can’t help but engulf myself in each and every issue. Tattoos bring out different reactions from people. For me it is more than just ink on someone’s body. I don’t get tattooed to rebel, or to follow a fad. To some I may be the biggest contradiction. I enjoy all things 80s, the cornier the better. Reading the stories of these tattooed people reminds me that there is no stereotypical tattooed person. Their interests and talents are as varied as anybody else.

Angelique Houtkamp is a name fast becoming synonymous with tattooing. The beautiful black and white photographs of her reminded me of the book The Tattooed Lady. You could be mistaken for thinking she was from the 1920s. Angelique brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to tattooing. So dainty and lady-like, yet covered in tattoos; she is simply gorgeous.

She was recently in Australia to promote Tattoo Parlour‘a book and exhibition, which celebrates artists from the tattoo world.’ See pages 38-45 for the full interview.

Many cannot forget the atrocity Christian Audigier created with his failed Ed Hardy clothing line. But ‘The Fabric of Design’ feature (Page 76) shines the light on tattooed Australian designers who have taken their original concepts to create their own successful fashion empires.

It was great to see Frederick Bain featured in this issue. He has recently moved from New Zealand to Melbourne, tattooing out of The Piercing Urge in Prahran. I just so happen to be getting tattooed there in a few weeks by another of their resident tattoo artists, Arn Lyons. Frederick is next on my list. He has an amazing eye for realistic pieces. Thanks New Zealand, another talented person for us Aussies to call our own.

Other artists included in Issue 11 are:

* Mike Rubendall
* Mattoo
* Tim Kern
* Rose Hardy
* Taylor Reeve
* Caia Koopman
* Edith Lebeau
* Hoang Nguyen
* Janice Urnstein Weissman
* Shawn Barber

Being a subscriber to Inked Australia/New Zealand magazine meant I got Issue 11 a few days earlier than the general public. It’s just one of the perks of being a subscriber, no hassle with trying to find a newsagent with the magazine in stock and every new subscriber gets a free gift (it is currently a choice of two necklaces from Rust & Regret). Not to mention you save from 25-30% off the cover price depending on whether you get a one or two year subscription. To subscribe to Inked Australia/New Zealand magazine click here or fill out the form on Page 37.

As a little post-Christmas gift for all the readers (including subscribers), Issue 11 comes with another calendar. This time a Sailor Jerry calendar usually reserved for US Inked magazine.

And if Alesandra Nicole on the cover and the calendar still isn’t enough for you, never fear. Inked Girls 4 will be hitting the shelves sometime in January. To avoid disappointment, head in and ask your local newsagents to order it in just for you.

If you’re feeling lucky, check out the competition on page 16 to win copies of LA Ink and NY Ink.

What was your favourite part of Issue 11?

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