Marc West looks at the attraction of ink at the Oxford Tattoo convention

ORIGINATING from the Polynesian word “to write”, tattooing has actually been practiced across the world since at least Neolithic times – such is our human desire to change the way we look by permanently marking our bodies.

Once almost exclusively associated with sailors, convicts and biker gangs, the leading demographic of this age old practice is (currently) white suburban females and it’s estimated a third of the population now proudly displays its tribal loyalty on their birthday suits.

Society is (still) attracted and appalled by bodily modification in equal measure, but there’s no doubting the medium’s move from counter culture firmly into the mainstream. Once a signifier of moral degeneration, tattooing has become the ultimate fashion accessory – sported by sports stars, celebrities and even politicians.

No longer an act of rebellion, body art is big business – as, in an increasingly homogenised world, individuals attempt to emphasise their uniqueness through self-imposed indelible badges of identity – investing considerable sums of cash and many hours of their time to achieve the desired result.

From back street parlour to high street studio, a distinctive buzzing can be heard almost endlessly in every town – and I’m not sure that incessant sound will ever leave me. To such a low background hum, this inaugural event’s opening morning saw scores of early arrivals rolling up their sleeves or dropping their trousers to expose various sections of flesh to the needle.

Young and old, taut and saggy, people of all denominations descended upon Kidlington’s Exeter Hall to meet some of the industry’s top talent and plan their next design – with skulls, roses and anchors all jostling for position on the corporeal canvas from hand to foot, arm to leg...and anywhere you can imagine!

Choosing exactly what design to have and where on your body to have it is an important decision – be it a tribute to a family member or a spontaneous impulse, it will remain with you for the rest of your days.

Advances in needle technology and new high-quality inks have greatly expanded what is possible and a tattooist’s repertoire can now include immensely intricate custom designs – with artists showing off their fine skills and saintly patience to those wanting to suffer for their art and savour that delicious pain.

As always, there’s plenty of lollipops on hand to keep the energy levels up whilst they create work in progress worthy of gallery walls. Above all, this is a celebration demonstrating a tribal passion for personal adornment. It may be the very first convention of its kind in our county, but no doubt it won’t be the last – just like the addictive nature of wanting “just one more” following your first inking.

For details go to oxfordtattooconvention.com