The Illustrated Woman (ISBN 0963170813)

Essential Information on Tattoos for the Un-Inked:
This book was photographed with care and respect for the subjects. Amazing designs, Wonderous colors and "real" people illustrating the diversity and individuality of the Human Race. Sensing the true spirit and story behind many of the designs, I walked away knowing there is a legacy left by these "Inkies": a rich, tapestry of experiences, both Sad and Happy. "Every Picture Tells a Story". all due to the Photographers' Art.

Living art becomes a historical document:
So often people think of tattooing as a dirty, unsanitary practice, when in reality it is just a way for people to express themselves both socially and emotionally in a manner not always accepted by mainstream society. Nowhere else does a book better illustrate this than in The Illustrated Woman. The photographs are tastefully done with a flare that makes you almost understand why the women decided to adorne there skin in such a manner. This book is definately a must own for any tattoo enthusiast or anyone interested in getting their first tattoo and looking for some ideas.

BEAUTIFUL TATTOOS:
I had the pleasure of purchasing this book directly from Shotsie Gorman at his studio, Shotsie's. This is a very nicely done book, with well taken photos of some beautiful tattoos. If your looking for a book you can enjoy again and again, this is it. If you're a woman looking for some ideas for a tattoo this is also a good reference book.. If you're a guy that enjoys looking at tastefully done photos of women with beautiful tattoos, this book is for you. All in all it's a great book for everyone.

Beautiful Women and Beautiful Tattoos:
Invariably, when people peruse my tattoo book library, this is the book that they pull off the shelf the most. It is also, by far, the men's favorite. I also make sure to show it to women friends too though and some have actually gotten some great ideas from it. I'm waiting for Richard Todd to do the same thing some day since he also is amassing quite the collection at tattoo conventions.

Art, Not Just Skin:
People who have tattoos put on their bodies have always fascinated me. Once, on my birthday, I took a trip into New York City--to the Museum of natural History--to see an exhibit on tattooing around the world. In spite of this fascination, why someone would want to permanently mark his (or her) body with ink is something I can't relate to. I would personally never do this myself. When the subject turns to women getting tattoos, it turns my fascination and curiosity up a notch. Women do apply makeup, pluck their eyebrows, shave their bodies, and other such things to enhance their physical appearance. But a tattoo is forever. Once applied, it can only be removed with great difficulty. Why do some women want to add such permanent art to their bodies? The Illustrated Woman is one of those books I find myself looking at often. The author and photographer, William Demichele, is a tattoo artist himself, and has created a unique assemblage of personal studies of tattooed women. His photograph technique is to photograph the women up close against a black background. I find it to be an effective way to showcase the body art on each woman. In addition, the women are, for the most part, looking directly into the camera's lens, heightening the interaction with the viewer. This is not mere voyeurism. Each woman challenges you to examine her body art seriously--to take her seriously. I find the fact, that most of the women chose to be nude, interesting. Mr. Demichele didn't require it of them and left the degree of uncovering up to each individual woman. It's reasonable to think that people who get tattoos wish to show off their art, but the nudity these women displayed for the camera goes beyond that. To me, it displays honesty and courage. I also found the parts of their bodies they covered illustrative as well. Another fact that fascinates me is the extent of many of the women's tattoos. One woman literally had her entire back done in a traditional Japanese carp pattern. This wasn't some tiny rose, done on an ankle on a whim, we're taking about. This was a significant commitment to body art, both in money and discomfort. Many of the other women had extensive body art as well. Author Demichele has assembled a collection of portraits in The Illustrated Woman that is fascinating, striking, uncompromising, and--yes--beautiful. The juxtaposition of the innate beauty of the female form, covered in extensive inked artwork, never fails to elicit strong feelings in me as I view the plates. I'm sure this book will have the same effect on you as well.