Culture

Times, as they say, have changed.

Today, everyone from skateboarders to surgeons seems to be lining up to get inked.

And if you’re anxious to learn more about the ubiquitous art form—or bite the bullet and finally get a tat—head to the Baltimore Tattoo Museum, a combination museum and tattoo studio where any of the seven artists on hand will be glad to explain its history and the process itself.

Or you could just come to marvel at all the really cool “tattoo/flash” prints adorning the walls.

“When tattooers traveled to carnivals, they would take these prints to show what they could do, and when times were slow, they often created new designs,” says museum co-owner Bill Stevenson.

"We've focused our collection on electrical American tattooing from the late 1800s on. We also have some written histories from well-known American tattooers, some neat old photographs of tattooers from many years ago, and some older tattoo machines—which were based on a 'pounce' machine developed by Thomas Edison."

Adds Chris Keaton, who owns the place with Stevenson, "I have always been fascinated with [tattoos]. I got my first one when I was 18. It is something that is forever and different from other people."

Stevenson—who holds a degree in writing and literature from the New School for Social Research—became instant friends with Keaton when he met several tattoo artists 16 years ago.

"Gradually, this was all I could think about," he recalls. "I really liked the magic of tattoos."

While Keaton had taken some art courses in college, Stevenson happened to have a knack for illustration, something that’s served them well in the business.

"Tattooing is a nice compromise of art and tools," says Stevenson. "Ninety percent of the time, we use stencils, whether the tattoo is large or small. The customer will see what he will be getting, give us an okay, and we have a blueprint to guide us.”

Stevenson notes that people get tattoos for a number of reasons. Some take the plunge to commemorate a lost loved one; some do it as a rite of passage.

And some just think it looks really, really cool.

"We’re lucky," says Stevenson of the work he and Keaton are still passionate about. "We have a great clientele, and it's awesome to be here doing something we love."

Feeling inky? Head to the Baltimore Tattoo Museum at 1534 Eastern Avenue in Fells Point. For more information, visit www.baltimoretattoomuseum.net.