Tattoo Highway: Body Art Hits the Road
Inking, The Family Way
Tonight, basic-cable network A&E presents a new reality series with a twist for viewers who love body art. Called Tattoo Highway, the show follows tattoo artist Thomas Pendleton and various family members and associates as they travel the United States in a rolling tattoo parlor bus to ink willing clients. The tag line: Some stories don’t make it to the shop, so I bring my shop to them.
Like many people, I think tattoos are really cool, just like piercings and other forms of body art are. Yours truly not only has a pierced nose, but I did the job myself (very steadily and sterilely, I assure you). Still, I’ve never been into the tight-knit culture surrounding such practices, which is probably why I had no idea who Pendleton was or that he’s considered a master in the tattoo industry before checking out the series.
Apparently, that is the case, though, and I imagine fans of his work and tattoos in general will appreciate getting an inside look at his craft and the people who help him practice it, which includes his wife and business partner Monica. The mobile home setting certainly adds enough up-close atmosphere to make you almost feel like you’re on the road with the team.
During the series premiere at 10pm ET called “Vegas Babies,” Thomas gives the first client of the show a phoenix tattoo in the middle of her back, before visiting Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. members at their tattoo shop for another medium-scale inking session. The following half-hour episode, “Breakdown Lane,” features a foot tattoo — which I’ve heard are really painful, even if the customer on the show doesn’t flinch — before taking what some might consider a morbid turn for a client in a sentimental situation.
Throughout all of the artistry and visits to mentors and others, viewers learn quite a bit about how and why Thomas pursues his current profession. If tattooing is your thing and you crave some insider insight, that information will probably make the show worth watching.
Photo courtesy of eyeliam
Thomas I am not an artist at all but i love tattooing and I love your show. the way u take tattooing on the rode is so amazing and what u do for ppl is great. i am in high school now which i hate and which i am an outcast at pisgah high in canton, NC. im not quit 18 yet but on july 31 i will be and i would love to get a tattoo done by u. i think ur work is amazing and if i was a tattoo artist i would try to fill the shoes of u because ur work is so amazing. There is a tattoo studio here called forbidden colors that does excellent work and that is where i want to get a sleve later on. there work is quit good but i like urs ton better.
dudes when r u coming to Alabama? I would love to have a tat,I have 3 already and want more…i would love to have a tat that honers my mother and dad..both have passed away,mom last august 19 and dad Christmas day of 98..not a day goes by that i don’t think about both of them and miss them so much,,also my sister who passed away Feb of 2000..God has 3 beautiful angels with him now..thanks for letting me ramble….