Element: Line Medium: Pencil Jessie Knight and Maud Wagner

100 Years Of Americana Tattooing

History of Tattooing Direct evidence of tattooing begins around 4000 BCE, although may have extended back to the Paleolithic Period (50,000-10,000 BCE) Tattooed mummies have been found in 49 different archeological sites, but was primarily an art in Asia—specifically Polynesia—until 19th century Primarily used geometric shapes, lines, and patterns to distinguish between tribes, stories, rank, and to invoke protection Europeans have a long history among sailors, tradesmen, pilgrims, and travelers Different methods of application include stick-and-poke and carving Traditional Maori Tattooing Forehead and brows denote rank Eyes and nose denote tribe Temples tell marital status Under nose is signature Cheek denotes work Chin is prestige Jaw is birth status

“Old School” American Traditional Tattooing First documented modern professional tattoo artist in USA was Martin Hildebrand in 1846 Traditionally, tattoos were for people living outside constraints of society Freak shows, hobos, sailors Became popular in the military in WWII Characterized by thick, bold outlines, deep value, and simple color Easy to reproduce colors and bolder lines when out to sea Became symbol of the counterculture

Maud Wagner Born in 1877 in Kansas Worked in the circus where she met Gus Wagner (famous tattoo artist) Was one of the last artists in the US to work exclusively through stick-and-poke tattoos First known female tattoo artist in US Had a daughter named Lotteva, who grew up to become a famous tattoo artist

Maud Wagner

Jessie Knight Born January 8, 1904 Comes from a family of tattoo artists First female artist in Britain Popularity peaked during WWII

Jessie Knight

Other names you may know Sailor Jerry Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins Became a popular artist while in Hawaii serving in the Navy Developed many needles and pigments used today Don Ed Hardy Apprentice to Sailor Jerry The last tattoo client of Lotteva Wagner Appointed to and served on the Cultural Arts Commission of the city of Oakland

“Old School” American Traditional Tattooing

“Old School” American Traditional Tattooing

“Old School” American Traditional Tattooing

“Old School” American Traditional Tattooing

Your Assignment Fold a 9”x12” paper in half “hamburger style” Choose an animal and research how it is presented in American Traditional Tattooing style (or design it yourself in that style!). Draw your animal in that style on one half of the paper. On the other half of the paper, draw the same animal in a different style. Tip: Differentiate between the two using different line weight and treatment! Fill the space, and use 3+ pencil techniques learned in your demo You will be assessed on your use of line, as well as value and your use of pencil techniques. Remember: Go ABOVE AND BEYOND