Body artists return for tattoo expo
Some of the world's most sought-after tattoo artists will be at the International Tattoo and Arts Expo when it returns to Hamilton this month.
The expo will again host the infamous Dr Rev, a blood painter who paints intricate artworks in his own blood.
He was a huge hit at the event last year.
New Zealand-based, world body painting champion Yolanda Bertram will also return as will former Crusty Demons and Nitro Circus rider, Luke Smith, LA Ink reality TV star Amy Nicoletto and an LA film crew, along with live demos from New Zealand's Jed Milton, the first man in the world to pull a triple backflip on his BMX.
After the success of the 2011 and 2012 expos, which were attended by thousands, 2013 is expected to be bigger with one of the largest talent line-ups to date.
The expo is at Claudelands Event Centre on February 23 and 24.
Renowned tattoo artists from US, Norway, England, Japan, Finland, Spain, Canada, Borneo, Switzerland, China, South Africa and Australia, as well as some of the best tattoo artists from New Zealand will be exhibiting.
Competitions not to be missed this year include a 12-man mixed martial arts competition, Miss Tattoo New Zealand, a roller derby game, a classic car competition and a transtasman graffiti competition.
Expo-goers will also experience traditional tattooing at its best with a Pacific Island tattoo master of the "tapping" technique, Paul Suluape.
Once banned by Christian missionaries as barbaric, Suluape will demonstrate how the traditional Cook Island tattooing technique is making a comeback in the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
