the TAO of TATTOOING 37

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


37

The progression of an artists journey
happens in its own natural course.
There are no shortcuts to experience.

It is the actual practice of tattooing
that advances ones skill.
Not the desire to be great.

The desire for greatness in tattooing
will only get in the artists way.
This desire will lure the artist
into tasks beyond his ability.
The resulting failures will frustrate his ability
to develope naturaly.

Be content to work within your strengths.
At peace and free of the desire to be more than you are.
In this way your skill will develop
by itself, in its natural rythms.