36% of Americans age 18-29 have tattoos. 16% of all Americans have tattoos. I grow more and more amazed and confused.

I won't linger (like a tattoo) on the subject because I've already done it, but... whether you call it "optimism" or "naivete" or "short sightedness" or "recklessness" or "painfully fashion conscious", I have NO doubt that many people - not all - but MANY - WILL eventually realize their permanent act was a passing idea, and regret it.

Hey, of course they have the "right". Of course! Don't go gettin' all defensive on me.

The running joke used to be only sailors got tattoos, and they were drunk at the time... but times change. Now it's not just men, or sailors, or drunkenness.

Some of YOU have tattoos. Some have tattoos that are even interesting.

Here's what I ask The Tattooed Ones:

1) Do you consider what you wear an "art" image? Do you consider it "art"?

2) IF so, explain WHY it is art, and why you didn't create (or have someone create for you) this image on canvas or paper, have it framed, and put it on your wall instead?

3) If it is art, how does the CONTEXT of its being on your body change, validate, and improve its meaning?

4) If it is not art, what is it? How does it function in your life? I.e., why was it worth the cost and the pain, not to mention the permanency?

5) If you haven't THOUGHT about these things, what thoughts got you to the point of having it done?

I'm serious. I don't get it. Because of that, I'm fascinated by the ACT of getting tattoos. I'm an artist, and I have NEVER stood by ANY image/symbol to SUCH a degree that I believed it would hold up under years of intellectual growth as my single symbol for my life.

What am I not understanding about this relatively recent phenomenon?

6) How is it NOT merely another fashion? Or, let me ask it this way: what outfit of clothing would you choose to wear everyday for the REST of your life? Does that sound insane? Do you ever look at photos of you from the past? What do you normally think about your past hair, clothes, slang, etc.?

7) Is THIS why people get more and more and more tattoos? Is it because of indecision? Is it pure, meaningless, more-is-more ornamentation? Or, is it because a new outfit is now desired?

I wonder. That's all.