“Want art? Get a tattoo. I’d like to announce an offer. A barter? A call for blood? A request for your undying slavish devotion? If you are interested in getting a tattoo of any of the images from my folio, Pact For Adventure, prove it. Get in touch with me, and I’ll send you a clean, clear high-resolution version of whatever image you’ve got your eyes on. Once you get the tattoo done, send me photo documentation (actual prints) of the process. In exchange, I will give you a free copy of the folio. I’m recommending getting the work done by Bill Baker here in Toronto. He’s pretty much a legend. We’ll take care of you.” – Canadian artist Daryl Vocat
Did you know that this art-for-art trade is actually a tradition in the art world? I’m so excited by this prospect I can barely function. Let me tell you how if I’d known this existed I would have gotten the Mark Ryden tattoo I’ve been dreaming of ages ago (although, to be honest, I have my doubts the super reclusive, mysterious painter would honor such a custom. If you know him personally, feel free to ask him on my behalf).
“I joke about it as ‘the blood cult,'” 32-year-old Vocat told the local press. “It’s the ideal place to show art. It’s the most exciting thing that can happen to me as an artist.”
Vocat has made good on his word and Guy Bérubé is the proud owner of a Vocat folio, having provided the artist with adequate proof of the tattoo of three Boy Scouts on his forearm that he got this past June. Other Canadian artists such as Micah Lexier honour the tradition as well.
“It’s about friendship. It’s bartering; no money’s exchanged and everyone gets what they want,” Lexier said. “One of the joys of it is that money isn’t an issue at all.”
Love it. LOVE IT! Now to get in touch with Mark Ryden…