Cover of 32 page supplemental
From Tattoo Magazine March 2006 |
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Horitaka's first annual State of Grace
Tattoo Expo was truly a five-star event
reminiscent of the Tattoo Tour shows of the
'90s. Tattooing's elite filled San Jose
California's, Parkside Hall and they were
exhilerated by what they saw.
Some of Japan's
premiere artists dominated the scene, with Horitomo, Horikoi, Hoirsho, and others all
putting on quite a show. The renowned Horiyoshi
III, who wasn't able to attend, sent a beautiful
letter of blessing to Horitaka, which was
displayed near the doorway. Horiyoshi III also
supplied the drawing used for the official
poster.
Newly named American born Horiyuki (Jill
Bonny) represented the Stae of Grace shop, while
some character impishly dubbed Horiklem
represented Santa Cruz. Japanese American Maron
Hasegawa won his 24th or 25th honors in a row
with his impeccable Horiyoshi III full body
suit.
Meanwhile, working away on the floor, or
in some cases just enjoying the scene, were
Freddy Corbin, Juan Puente, Khalil Rintye, Aaron
Bell, Jason Kundell, Big Gus, Paco Excell,
Grime, George Campisi, the Humble Beginnings Polynesian Crew, the always exotice Braindrops,
and famed Chinese transplant and San Jose
resident Pinky Yun made a rare appearance for
the tattoo lecture.
Talk about tattooing's
elite, we can only hope that Horiyoshi III can
make it to State of Grace II party next October. We'll be there for sure.
Jack Wyatt |
