Bubbaclicks presents “Skin Deep” Men & Ink

Wings I

Through sheer luck and twist of fate I was able to attend one of the most interesting art exhibits in Southern Florida.  While walking around the ArtExplosion at ArtServe the night of Pridefest in March, one of the Photographers grabbed my eye.  His name is Bubba.  Within minutes I had become so friendly with him that we found out that we knew someone in common—my roommate, the columnist for this website, the wonderful Misty Eyez!  Well, as I was interviewing him that day for the feature I did for ArtExplosion, he informed me and wanted me to come down to Hollywood for a gallery opening he was having, the subject—Tattoos.  

I was intrigued as to how this would go, but then he whipped out a portfolio and the rest was history.  I was going come Hell or high water.  This was a topic that was very near and dear to my heart and that of my roommate.  I love tattoos, but she loves body art.  Later, he told me to make sure that I was bringing my camera because, get this, about eight of the ten models were going to be there and he was going to get them to take their shirts off!  What better publicity!   

The night of the show, I made it down to Hollywood, and, near the intersection of Harrison Street and 20^th Avenue, on the Southwest side you will see The Gallery of the Artist.  If you have never been there before, it is right across the street from La Barraca, a Spanish Tapas Bar & Café.   While inside, the front half of the gallery is for whichever event or showing is going on, and the back half is the actual gallery. 

Nothing could prepare me for what I would see.  There was a bevy of hunky-tattooed men, all looking like they starting their nights festivities, at this event.  While waiting desperately to talk to Bubba, who was semi-engrossed in a monopolizing conversation with a woman, he noticed me out of the corner of his eye and gave me a smile and wave, and I knew I’d be next.  With a warm hug, I knew that I would go anywhere to see his work.  Bubba is one of the most kind hearted artists I know and he is a no nonsense guy—dare I say it?  Dude.   

He was inspired for this work by being asked to take some pictures for online profile, and, with his eye for art working in the in fashion industry, made history.  One person told two, two told four and so forth so that he ended up shooting many portraits for local people.  His collection started when he met his first subject, Chu-Chu, who inspired him with his incredible body art to ask around and find subjects for a collection.  Within a year, there are 25 pieces, and a fabulous gallery opening.  He sees tattoo as not only a form of moving and living art, but also as a passion and history for each of his subjects.       

All of the collection is amazing in detail, contrast, and are a true test to the craftsmanship of the tattoo artist.  The subjects themselves, with the help of Bubba, actually bring to life their creations.  While highlighting the tattoos, he mixes in backgrounds, colors, and props—making them works of art.  Having his subjects at that party…priceless!   

All the pictures are of identical in size and all are the same price, $290.  Here are my favorites:

The Embrace

This one is important because society deems most tattoos as overly masculine, and, even though both models have many tattoos, they can still be loving and caring individuals.  Both models are great guys, and it’s nice to see the myth busted that [tattoo + male = caveman].  I met the subject on the right at the Sleazy Awards [winner Sleaziest Tattoo], and then later at Hamburger Mary’s during Pridefest.  He’s a great guy and fun to talk to. 

The Lookout	Sea Serpent	Dripping Wet	Green Man

The Cross on Biscayne

All of the pictures are amazing, detailed, real-life people.  I seriously doubt that anything was airbrushed or Photoshoped—but are just as real as the people are.  Tattooing has been around for centuries and used to be a “lower class” accoutrement of sailors and indigenous people and is still deemed a Sin by some religions.  The time-honored craftsmanship of tribal tattoos is still practiced in Polynesian and African cultures.  I remember when Angelina Jolie got her tattoo on her back from some Tibetan monk, apparently it is an excruciating way to get them but she did not shed one tear or scream.   

All I can say, besides go to this gallery and see this exhibit, would be that Bubba has truly captured the essence of body art. Through his keen eye and body manipulation that work can be shared by many.  Even if you are just an admirer of tattoos and, like Bubba do not have any—go see the show.  As a gay man, it is hard to find masculine body art without it being overly fettishy, offensive, and/or domineering, but to actually capture the essence of masculinity, seems effortless for him.   Bubba’s art is just as beautiful as his personality.  Be on the lookout in the near future for this one!