By: Kat Von D Publisher: Collins Design Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Collins Design Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: February 01, 2009 Release Date: January 20, 2009
High Voltage Tattoo is a graphic perspective on today's global tattoo culture by Kat Von D, star of The Learning Channel's L.A. Ink and one of the most talented and popular artists working today. Designed in a style that is reminiscent of a handmade Gothic journal with its red padded cover, ornate typography, and parchmentlike pages, it throws the door wide open to tattooing culture in the way only an insider like Kat can.
High Voltage Tattoo traces Kat's career as an artist, from early childhood influences to recent work, along with examples of what inspires her, information about the show and her shop, her sketches, and personal tattoos. The book goes deep into tattoo process and culture: readers can see up close the pigments, the tools, and the making of complex, even collaborative, tattoos.
With a foreword by Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx, the book features images and stories about celebrities, rockers, pro skaters, and everyday citizens, including Slayer's Kerry King, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Margaret Cho, Jackass' Bam Margera, David Letterman, and many others. It profiles and showcases the work of artists Kat has selected from all over the world, her interviews with people who have compelling tattoos and stories, and amazing images of extraordinary tattoo work. Numerous portfolios throughout the book showcase a range of relevant subjects, from the black and gray portrait work for which Kat is famous to a popular tattoo theme, such as the rose or biblical images. There is a knockout ten-page full-body spread of Kat—clad in a yellow bikini and seven-inch, rhinestone-studded red stilettos—that catalogs in detail all her personal tattoos on her front, back, left, and right sides—even her hands and head.
High Voltage Age! Great Book. If you like or want to understand the subject. Kat Von D. is an Excellent Artist. I feel it a tragedy that more of her Art is not in a more lasting medium. She is truley an interesting person. And the TV shows that she has been involved with have had a great influence on PoP Culture. Those interested in the art of the 2000's should get this Book. Darrin Manuell
http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/ I have to say this is one fascinating book. The mini autobiography on Kat von D herself is nicely done and gives us a great background on her life and how she ended up with her tattoo obsession. The pictures alone can be looked at for hours.
Amazing!!! I really liked this book!! Not only it is a great book for those who like tattooing themselves, but for those who appreciate a great artist!! Kat is amazing!! The book is really good!! It really inspires me to continuing drawing!!! I'd like to say too, that the book came really quickly!! I live in Brazil so I tooth that it will take more than a month to get my book!! Surprisingly it took less than one month!! I recommend!!! =)
Impressive well-crafted book from a true artist "Celebrities" often have ghost writers create books to cash-in on their fame. The books often lack substance or purpose -- neither is the case with this entertaining, well-constructed book. Clearly she did not delegate the task to anyone else, and this book screams Kat Von D on each and every page.
I imagine she fought more than a few battles to have an end product of such uniqueness and quality. The book looks great and surprisingly feels great with its embossed padded cover. The artwork, like her tattoos, is stunning. The book is a light history of her art and touches on recognized tattoo artists in the past and the heroes of today. She explains tattoo equipment and briefly shows old and new machines. There are detailed pages of her tattoos and the art on friends and celebrities. She explores popular tattoo styles and designs and touches on their classic appeal.
This is not my world. I have no tattoos and if not for LA Ink would never have heard of her, but make no mistake, this is a fascinating woman and a terrific book. If you've never heard of her but are curious about the art and history of tattoos this book is perfect.
High Voltage is an accurate reflection of the person we see on her show -- a feat in and of itself. Kat Von D defines the word genuine and that honesty about who she is comes through every page of this book. High Voltage is worth the time to read and is money well-spent.
Coolness This is an very good book. Was way more than I expected it to be. Acutally got it as a gift for hubby and he loves it. We both thought the outside of the book was cool and how its made to look old was nice to.
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