the TAO of TATTOOING 33

Foreword

In this series of blog entries I will offer my fledgling, humble interpretations of Lao-Tsu's 81 chapters of the Tao te ching, as it applies to tattooing.  I am in no way attempting to represent myself as a master of Taoist philosophy, however Lao-Tsu's teachings have inspired me for several decades, and I often look to them for inspiration in dealing with the many challenges of my chosen profession.
   I intend to find my way through each of the chapters, and compile them here in my blog until they are complete, at which time I will publish them in book form for my friends and colleagues in tattooing. I hope that my interpretations might assist and inspire my peers, my clients, my friends, to better understand tattooing, and the meaningful impact it has on all of our lives.  And if perhaps these interpretations lead anyone back to the original teachings of Lao-Tsu, well then I will have truly done something to enrich the world.

the TAO of TATTOOING


33

Familiarizing yourself with the styles of other tattooers is intelligence.
Working to develop your own style is wisdom.
Being able to replicate the style of other tattooers is a kind of strength,
but only the mastery of your own style is true power.

If you realize that your own artistic impulse is sufficient
to lead you to artistic fulfillment,
you and your clients are truly fortunate.
You must acknowledge the inevitability of having to retire fairly young
and make the most of the time you have,
if you want to make an enduring contribution to the art form.