Back From Paradise
Imagine a quiet picturesque town nestled up in the western part of Massachusetts, where the everyday pace of things seems to move at a slightly slower speed. This past weekend this small secluded, or in a way ‘off the map’, town of Hancock was the perfect setting for one of the most successful and all inspiring tattoo conventions this counter person has ever attended. The Paradise Tattoo Gathering brought together some of the world’s most acclaimed artists and avid collectors into one small ski resort for a long weekend that will forever be engrained in the memories of all who were in attendance.
Where to begin to describe this convention seems to be a daunting task in itself, but not as daunting as a task that Gabe Ripley, owner of Off the Map Tattoo in Easthampton Massachusetts, faced when starting to organize this convention well over a year ago. Thinking back even before this gathering was in full swing, it seemed as if all people could talk about was Paradise and the amazing artists that were going to be in attendance. The days leading up to the convention, at least at Nautilus Tattoo, were spent waiting in eager anticipation for the days to come. My own experience with the Paradise Tattoo Gathering started before it was even underway. I was sent by Gabe down to New Jersey to pick up Nate Beavers and Jeff Ensminger from Newark Liberty International Airport and drive them up to the gathering, which turned into an epic twelve hour car ride fueled by various energy drinks and Taco Bell.
Once the Paradise Tattoo Gathering was underway on Thursday, it became extremely apparent very quickly that is weekend would be groundbreaking and unforgettable for everyone involved. I don’t know if the planets were aligned in some perfect way or if this was just meant to be but everything seemed perfect. Throughout the weekend every person I came in contact with seemed to hold the same sentiments I myself was feeling, “this just felt right”.
Throughout the weekend numerous discussion panels, forums and educational seminars were held by the biggest names in the industry. These activities ran the gamete from discussing the past and present of tattooing, to oil painting, and to proper photographing techniques. All of the offered activities in some way or another helped other artists or aspiring artists to reach their full artistic capabilities. One seminar that seemed to have the most profound effect on people was entitled ‘Gut level Tattooing’ proctored by Jeff Gogue. Hearing from numerous people who were in attendance, it was described as, “life changing” that at certain points caused their eyes to well with tears.
Besides the numerous educational seminars and discussion panels all designed to inform and spread knowledge, all four days were filled with the world’s finest tattooists creating beautiful and stunning works of living, breathing art. Each day as I made my rounds going from booth to booth, my mind was continually being blown as I caught glimpse of the masterpieces being applied to the skin of some collector from the over 60 artists that were in attendance. Aside from the plethora of tattoos being added to skin, I was able to experience Jack's Laser Seminar firsthand. Very informative.
Aside from the remoteness of the area that caused most people to be without any cell phone signal, the Paradise Tattoo Gathering went off without a hitch. Even after years have passed I’m sure all of us who were a part of this weekend will never forget what happened up on that mountain. I know that Stretch, Alex Vidaud, Johnny Berrios and I would personally like to extend our greatest thanks to everyone who helped make the Paradise Tattoo Gathering possible. We would especially like to thank Gabe Ripley, because without him this weekend would have never happened. Thank you Gabe for creating the archetype that all tattoo conventions should strive to follow. We can’t wait for next year’s Paradise show.
-Jim Adams
