For anyone who doesn’t want to take the time in reading, Scab Vendor: Confessions of a Tattoo Artist, I think you’re missing out! After seeing the documentary based on the biography of Jonathan Shaw, it’s tough to say which of the two I like more. Directors Lucas de Barros and Mariana Thome delivered everything considered is punk about this person in an excellent visual form. Through personal interviews, past clips and archival material, not only does this feature highlight the life and times of this individual, but also dives deep into why his skills are so revered.
That’s because he wanted to evolve the art of tattoo, and make that sketch into some beautiful, next level stuff. He doesn’t want to provide to his clients something people can get anywhere. Instead, it’s about delivering a product for those who love body art can proudly display.
His client list doesn’t include sailors and your typical military men. There are even police officers, too. Back when his work was considered underground, he needed to be careful in whom he’d take on as a client. These days, he’s not as worried, but to hear his story in glorious detail had me hooked every second. That also includes tales from his youth, why he moved to Rio to establish himself, and what happened when he came home.
Those tales make this film shine, and despite the obstacles that he faced in life, I’m glad he’s no holds barred in what he reveals in this documentary. All of those details really elevate this work as a must-see. And for folks interested in reading the written version, please visit this Amazon USA page where various publications written by Shaw can be bought.
5 Stars out of 5
