NEWS — Tattoo

The east display window of Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery in Las Vegas has been decked out with a bit of nostalgia for a couple of months now. “Phil Luck”, our resident tattoo artist/ historian, has set up the long narrow space to resemble a mid 20th century tattoo parlor, it has all the necessary equipment to paint flash, cut stencils, and solder needles. The vignette is complete with antique medical furniture, vintage tattoo machines, power supply, mid century tattoo flash and a bucket and sponge to make it all official. Phil Luck has a plethora of tattoo stories of his own to take you down memory lane in the early years of tattooing in New York. If you are in the area take a moment to cruise by and take in a moment of tattoo history. For more information on Phil Luck see our previous post “Cultural Dynamic of Tattooing…New York City Roots”.

Tattooing in Las Vegas introduces our staff to a myriad of interesting characters. This was the case one Saturday afternoon.

Charlie’s skills were requested by Zac Nilsson to do a memorial tattoo on his forearm. The memorial was to his father, Harry Nilsson.

For those who don’t know, the elder Nilsson was a prolific singer/song writer with a career that spanned three decades, from the 60’s through the 80’s. Nilsson was friends with the Beatles’ John Lennon. After the death of Lennon, Nilsson devoted much of his time to campaining for stronger gun regulations in the U.S.

The song, “The Coconut”, was the inspiration for the tattoo. This song is best remembered for it’s chorus lyric, “put de lime in de coconut, and drink ’em bot’ up”.

Charlie Spencer had a nice little chat with Zac and his friends while performing the procedure. Zac left the shop with a smile on his face and a great tattoo that he can enjoy for many years to come!

Studio 21 Tattoo and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum present the 2nd Annual Sailor Jerry Tribute at our studio. Phil Luck, our resident tattoo historian will set up a vintage window display, showcase his traditional style tattoo artwork and hold a mustache contest for the event. This event is sure to be an outstanding good time and the proceeds from the event raffle will benefit Las Vegas local Animal Foundation.

Studio 21 Tattoo and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum present the 2nd Annual Sailor Jerry Tribute at our studio. Phil Luck, our resident tattoo historian will set up a vintage window display, showcase his traditional style tattoo artwork and hold a mustache contest for the event. This event is sure to be an outstanding good time and the proceeds from the event raffle will benefit Las Vegas local Animal Foundation.

Industry Supporting Industry Tattoo Art Night is held every third Thursday of the month in the hip downtown “Beauty Bar” Las Vegas. Cornerstone Gallery hosts the event with artwork from over 10 local tattoo shops on display along with an open Sailor Jerry bar 9-10 pm, live music and art demos. The I.S.I. Group is a number of individuals who work and support tattoo artists, musicians and liquor companies for a better tomorrow. This is a FREE event.