Creating a working tattoo gun out of random objects like toothbrushes, Jesus icon figurines and Sharpies is a skill that some resourceful inmates have acquired over their years in prison.
Inspired by the manipulation of found objects in the creation of devices that are then used for body art, artist Goof Vermeulen has invented a few of his own designs based on this salvaging method. Each piece is definitely a one-of-a-kind design that would be difficult to replicate, and they come with plain wood boxes or stands that display them nicely while still keeping with the item's rugged look.
While they look incredibly authentic and potentially usable, I would not recommend using one of Vermeulen's tattoo gun designs on the skin. They are more appropriate as rustic and intriguing art collectibles.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Prison Ink Paraphernalia
- Repurposing found objects into unique, rustic tattoo gun designs.
- Resourceful Object Manipulation
- Inmates develop skills in manipulating objects into functional body art tools.
- Rugged Art Collectibles
- Transforming salvaged items into intriguing art pieces with a rustic aesthetic.
Where This Applies
- Body Art
- Opportunity for artists and inventors to create new, innovative tattooing tools and devices.
- Collectibles
- A new market for rustic, prison-inspired decorative objects and paraphernalia.
- Prison Rehabilitation
- Prison systems should consider implementing workshops or programs teaching marketable skills, such as repurposing objects, to inmates.
