"Be curious, not judgmental" ~ Walt Whitman
The theme of today's post is, as you may have noticed, the poet Walt Whitman. Most famous for his numerously published poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman is both audacious and perceptive. Making claims that he was both "the slave master" and "the slave," Whitman shocked many with his willingness to overstep arbitrary boundaries. Needless to say, he was not well received at the time, though future scholars have found his work to be particularly enticing.
Today's tattoo(s) commemorate the intrepid poet. First, we have a portrait of Whitman in his younger years, originally found on the cover of the first publication of Leaves of Grass [July 4, 1855]. While it may not appear significant, the full-body photograph of the poet in working class clothes was vastly different from the common rigid portraits of the poets during that era (notice the pictures that appear when you click on a link to an author).
The theme of today's post is, as you may have noticed, the poet Walt Whitman. Most famous for his numerously published poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman is both audacious and perceptive. Making claims that he was both "the slave master" and "the slave," Whitman shocked many with his willingness to overstep arbitrary boundaries. Needless to say, he was not well received at the time, though future scholars have found his work to be particularly enticing.
Today's tattoo(s) commemorate the intrepid poet. First, we have a portrait of Whitman in his younger years, originally found on the cover of the first publication of Leaves of Grass [July 4, 1855]. While it may not appear significant, the full-body photograph of the poet in working class clothes was vastly different from the common rigid portraits of the poets during that era (notice the pictures that appear when you click on a link to an author).
Unfortunately, I did not find any tattoo artist information to accompany this tattoo. I did, however, find the photograph here.
The second tattoo is a little more, how do you say, intriguing. It depicts an older, more commonly known photo of Walt Whitman that has been zombified. Perhaps it's just part of the recent trend of zombies? Or, perhaps, it signifies something deeper - Whitman, though gone, shall return to life through his poetry. After all, he did say:
The second tattoo is a little more, how do you say, intriguing. It depicts an older, more commonly known photo of Walt Whitman that has been zombified. Perhaps it's just part of the recent trend of zombies? Or, perhaps, it signifies something deeper - Whitman, though gone, shall return to life through his poetry. After all, he did say:
“If you want me again look for me under your bootsoles.
You will hardly know who I am or what I mean,
But I shall be good help to you nevertheless
And filter and fiber your blood.
Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged,
Missing me one place search another,
I stop some where waiting for you.”
Okay, perhaps he wasn't talking about immortality, but, one must admit, Leaves of Grass has a twinge of agelessness to it. Back to the tattoo. Like I said, the owner of this beautiful piece of ink may have an adulation for Whitman, or perhaps he really loves zombies and Walt Whitman. Either way, I love this twist on Whitman's classic portrait. I will channel my inner Whitman, be daring, and claim that I think Whitman would approve of such a tattoo.
The original photo can be found here, and you can see the artist's name is still on the photograph.
Do you have any feelings or comments regarding these tattoos? Leave a comment and let me know!
If you know anything else about this tattoo, its owner, its artist, or if you have any questions, please visit the contact link at the top of the page and send me an email!
As always, remember - ink tells stories on skin as much as it does in books!
Kayla
Do you have any feelings or comments regarding these tattoos? Leave a comment and let me know!
If you know anything else about this tattoo, its owner, its artist, or if you have any questions, please visit the contact link at the top of the page and send me an email!
As always, remember - ink tells stories on skin as much as it does in books!
Kayla