Some few of you may have been tuned into "family feud," our latest growth pains, I figure, on the Back Fence pot pourri threads. Well, all that humble stuff aside, here's the real problem.
Serious, no jokes here. If you are a builder, I want your say-so.
We all know the power of symbols. Some golden-throated pseudo-scholars (OK, maybe it takes one to know one) will tell you that this C-scroll means this and that that S-scroll means thus, and that his infinite wisdom is infallible in interpreting it. We all know at least one. They share a glint of intelligence usually in at least one eye; that's the glass one. But enough about my best friends...
I am here to do a serious reading of a contemp series of artistic motifs when, bound together, will be symbolically dramatic and unique...powerful even, perhaps enough to make some hurl in revulsion. But the simple question at hand is, "Should I lower myself for pecuniary gain, prostitute myself once again for mere cash?"
First, the research. Here is what I found. The client wants a Grim Reaper, faceless, ripping a Dyna Glide out of the flames of the Underworld. Well, I went to the local tattoo artist (46% of USA high schoolers now sport a 'too) for some patterns and assistance. What a world; he produced about 50 Reapers that he, himself had done. Not at all bad. Then he said, "I never did a faceless one."
So off to Susquehanna HD Store to see if they had any old patches of a $#*! Rider. Yes, they did. Actually I had my choice, so I traced one there and bought the girl a coffee. Yes, I'm cheap.
So, I have the whole design down for a cheeekpad.
So now, based on documented, primary, medically approved sources, I have my reservations.
Everyone for centuries has held the symbol of the Reaper to be that of death. Of this, no one would disagree; it is part of international culture. We need not belabor it. And the Harley from $#*!, somewhat of a motorcycle icon as well as part of the national Flag of California.
But my friends it is the facelessness of the Grim Reaper, neither the Reaper itself, nor the cycle from $#*! flames, that will catch the eye of any abnormal psychologist, counseling therapist or psychiatrist...the facelessness, my friends. In short, it suggests "no personality," "no self concept of worth," "no identity," "no expected cooperation," and at totally, "I don't care attitude."
Any psychiatrist that sees a faceless doodle on a client's papers would be remiss in not noting it, as their DSM case supplements will attest. I'm not making this stuff up; I used to do this work for food.
So there it is folks. That's what the client wants on his .50 Cal Berks. I got the room on a Roman-nose for a great rendition of this. Any tattoo artist this side of Kansas City would be proud of me. SHOULD I DO IT? Wayne
