1. Body Art
Body art as a fine art.

2. Mehndi: The Traditional Art of Henna Painting

3. Temporary body art such as mehndi, or henna painting, has become very popular in the last decade. Worn by pop stars and fashion trend-setters such as Madonna and Demi Moore, Westerners are just discovering the art form that the women of India have practiced for thousands of years. Mehndi is spiritual in nature, used by Hindus in marriage ceremonies and for other religious and special occasions as both a form of prayer and a way to celebrate.

4. Mehndi designs can be found in tiles, tapestries and paintings.

5. Tattoo
Tattoos have been around for centuries and used primarily by tribal cultures for status and rights of passage.
European cultures often used it as a mark of punishment because impurities or birth marks on the skin were viewed as a “devils” mark and could be punishable by death.

6. Today tattoos are extremely popular and part of popular culture
Today tattoos are extremely popular and part of popular culture. Tattoos are still considered a permanent way to mark the body despite advancements in laser removal. Regardless it does leave scaring.

7. Safety
If you are considering a career in the tattoo industry, you must have a portfolio of designs and more importantly a health license to be a tattoo artist.
You want a tattoo…make sure it is something you want for the rest of your life and in a place where it will not prevent you from getting a job. (FACT: 90% of employers polled said they would not hire someone with a tattoos on the neck, face or hands.) Make sure your artist is a professional and licensed. Always ask to see their designs before making your decision.

8. Fine Art as Tattoos

9. Tattoos in Art
Tattoos are often found in urban and modern paintings today.

10. Your Assignment
Create a tattoo or henna design that has meaning for you. (NO YOU WILL NOT DRAW OR PAINT ON YOUR BODY IN CLASS.) You will draw your design on paper and then use sharpies, watercolor and colored pencils to finish your design.
Remember body art has clearly designed spaces and clean edges.