When a book leaves its mark
Tattoos aren't just for bikers anymore -- now bookworms are getting in on the ink action. I noticed a few literary tattoo Web sites were popping up on the Internet, including bookworms with ink, Literary Tattoos for People who Love Books and Contrariwise, which began only last month. (I checked out the sites, and didn't see anything too risque, but if your boss catches you looking at some girl's lower back, don't say I didn't warn you.)
"I find the phenomenon fascinating, especially given the lowbrow nature of the tattoo," Contrariwise's Jen told me. "Now tattoos are prevalent on literature majors, intellectuals and nerds. (And I mean "nerd" in the best way possible.)"
The tattoos are inspired by novels, poems and even song lyrics (these links are all clean). Some are illustrations, some are scripted words, all of them are unique.
"... a lot of people also have started designing their own custom work rather than just choosing some tribal [design] or a flower or Tweety Bird off of the wall at the tattoo studio," explains Marybeth, from bookworms with ink. "It only makes sense for book lovers to want to base these custom designs off of the works they love."
What I like best is the community that's evolved; someone throws an idea out there, others advise and support, then they report back with their shiny new tat -- many before the swelling has even died down.
I guess us bibliophiles aren't looking so wussy now, are we?
(Photo by bibliogrrl at flickr.com)
Comments
If you got one, what would it be?
Posted by: mary | May 27, 2008 12:13 PM