| from 'The Japanese Tattoo' by Donald Ritchie and Ian Buruma |
| Did he say 'Tattoo'? |
| The greatest difference between Japanese and Western tattooing is, of course, that in Japan the overall design is of greater importance than any of its parts, that such a wide body area is covered, and that the tattoo is judged, finally, aesthetically--as a finished whole. The Japanese tattoo, whatever the intentions of the wearer and whatever the reactions of the viewer, is designed as a work of art. |
 |
 |
| august 15,
1996....it was hotter again today. the last two weeks have been cooler with misty
afternoon rain and high humidity. yesterday and today have been more like summer. i walked out of the office about 3:30 and was immediately immersed in the bright heat of a mid-summer's mid-afternoon. the heat from a day that's been hot since dawn. heat visible off the sidewalks and cars. i like the heat when it's dry and parches my skin a little. when the sun is soooo hot and the sky is unnaturally clear and azure blue. a person must be very centered to survive this heat. move too fast and the sun will bleed your willpower and debilitate your body. it's a meditation thing....like handling poisonous snakes in religious faith. or climbing ice. high on the cliff, snow blowing. the sharp tips of metallic tools clinging so delicately to the frozen water. remain calm. breathe deep and slow. immerse in the sensations....lick the water dripping down the ice. |
|
|
  |
|
|
