Staff Pick
In Body Type, accomplished graphic designer and typographer Ina Saltz offers a glimpse into the diverse, imaginative, and deeply personal world of typographic tattoos. From nicknames and birth dates to poetry, song lyrics, mantras, and memorials, the written word takes on new meaning when etched in flesh, and the images captured in Saltz's book comprise a stunning (and admittedly voyeuristic) tribute to the angst, love, devotion, principles, regret, and, above all else, creativity of her subjects. Whether you're a sucker for body art, the written word, or the human condition, Body Type is a must-read. Recommended By Tove H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Body Type is an eye-opening look into the amazingly creative ways that tattoo artists are utilizing typography. Whereas the majority of tattoo art uses images to convey messages, here the message actually is the image. Twenty-six alphabetical characters might not seem like much to work with, but a look through these photographs reveals the contrary. Here are truly unique social commentaries, expressions of love, hilarious examples of biting satire, plus some mottos, intricate logotypes, deeply personal song lyrics, and, of course, those tattoos that exist for one reason only: to shock the hell out of you. The crisp photographs are accompanied by an insightful commentary from renowned graphic designer and typographer Ina Saltz, plus consistently surprising and heartfelt explanations from the tattooed.