Tatts Life

Corey Miller has been a tattoo artist for nearly 30 years, something that astonishes even him. In that time he's seen the body art phenomenon go from, in his words, “kind of a form of rebellion – in the punk rock scene in LA, it felt like we were part of an underground art movement” to something that is “popular and publicised” to the point of being mainstream.

“All through the late '80s and the '90s, tattooing has been growing and the techniques have been improving,” the legendary California tattooist, known to many aficionados of the form from his appearances on the TV series LA Ink, explains. “And I think, certainly here in America at least, 9/11 led to a big boost in tattooing. There was this cultural thing where people felt, 'I'm going to do what I want to do, express myself the way I want to express myself.'”

As with any artform, there have always been tattoo exhibitions. But the increasing popularity of body art has given rise to larger and larger events around the world, and this weekend Melbourne plays host to the Tattoo & Body Art Expo, the biggest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Over three days, more than 150 exhibitors will be showcasing not only tattoos and body piercings but the latest fashion, body jewellery, tattoo supplies, books and magazines, as well as temporary tattoos for the less adventurous.

Miller has been a fixture at tattoo conventions worldwide since the '80s but this upcoming Melbourne event is his first in Australia. And while he'll be inking a few lucky patrons in his distinctive freehand style (“maybe one or two a day”), it's really more of an opportunity for him to catch up with fans and check out the artistry on display. “A lot of times I enjoy events like this just for the people-watching,” he admits.

“A lot of people think it may be different in different countries but tattooing is one of those things where the community around the world is really strong and people are really in touch with one another. So I already know there are so many amazing tattoo artists in Australia, some I've met and come to know from being around the scene for twenty years or more, so I'm really looking forward to checking out their work.”

Now that he's in his forties and a father, he sometimes steps back for a moment before inking some kid who's just turned 18 and is eager to get their first tattoo. “You know, I have some young guys coming in and saying, 'Man, I've been wanting this forever!' and I'm like, 'How old are you?'” he laughs. But he also feels that while body art is becoming a more mainstream thing, it's also a bold way for someone to make a statement about their individuality.

“And it's not just kids – people of all ages are entering into this new realm of presentation, this new form of expression,” he says. “And I know I've been doing this for years but I still get inspired by new artists. When you're tattooing, it's not a canvas, it's not something you can remove from the wall, it's something you live with. Tattooing is alive.”

WHAT: The Tattoo & Body Art Expo
WHEN & WHERE:  Friday 9 November to Sunday 11, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre