Hey, not to generalize, but tattoo artists can certainly behave as a responsible and progressive lot. Sure there’s crummy tattoo artists out there who aren’t really doing anything for anyone other than a few crummy flash tattoos now and then, but hey, that’s a very minor percentage of the artists out there. In truth, tattoo artists are continuously working to push the boundaries in everything from their art to the methods in which their art is portrayed and displayed.
Enter the Rites of Passage Tattoo and Arts Convention, taking place this 2011 from the 28th to the 30th of January. What truly separates ROP from other tattoo conventions is the method and intent of the entire gathering. Rites of Passage isn’t just about seeing phenomenal tattooists under one roof and hanging out. I mean, it is about that but it’s also about so much more.
“The Rites of Passage Festival aims to take you on a journey to lands forgotten and cultures undiscovered to re-explore the real reason people get tattooed in both the modern and ancient world. In doing so, it celebrates not only the creative energy that links us to ourselves and each other as a modern tribe – it enables us to explore how we can reconnect with our natural environment in the same respectful ways as our ancestors, and re-establish the balance our Earth needs for its survival while we go about living our modern lives.”
In layman’s terms, this is a festival and not just a tattoo convention. It intends to create a dynamic between the natural environment, artists and the people who appreciate tattoo art. There will be music, public speakers, various types of performers as well as visual artists. The best part about the entire festival however, is that it’s doing its best to ensure that the entire event is 100% organic. By that they mean that the festival will showcase as many organic and eco-friendly products that they can. Organic produce, eco-friendly tattoo products, recycled goods, it’s all going to be a major part of what Rites of Passage is all about. Plus, in addition to all the great stuff that will be found at the festival, it’s nice to know that 100% of the profits from Rites of Passage will go toward buying agricultural land which will then be replanted with virgin rainforest. Not bad at all, right?
Oh yeah, one last thing that I forgot to mention: the entire festival takes place in Melbourne, Australia, which means that come January you’ll most likely be itching to get out of the winter weather and hit the gorgeous summer weather that Australia is known for. Plus, Nick Baxter is going to be there – I mean…do you really need any more of a reason to go???