Hawaii was home to the father of modern day tattooing, Sailor Jerry Collins. He worked right here in Chinatown at his shop, China Sea Tattoo, from 1960 until his death in 1973.Jerry was responsible for being one of the first to bring Asian influence into western tattooing.

Koi done in one sittingon a submarine commander 1968 Photo courtesy of
Sailor Jerry Collins,An American Master, Hardy Marks Publication

Once in a while we will meet a person with a real 'Sailor Jerry' tattoo done by the master himself. Most of them are still clear, 'readable' as we like to say, 40 years + from acquisition. Reading about Jerry and tattooing back in the 60's gives one greater respect for the business' roots. There were no suppliers of any kind. The tools and the pigment these practioners used came from their own resources. Knowledge was closely guarded and newcomers quickly discouraged.

Jerry's workstation in china Sea Tattoo. Photo courtesy of Sailor Jerry Collins, An American Master,
Hardy Marks Publication.

One of the greatest sources for discovering this gentleman and his journey is the above mentioned book, Ed Hardy's (yes, the real Ed Hardy!) Sailor Jerry Collins, An American Master. Ed has brought together his own firsthand knowledge of Jerry along with a collection of letters from Jerry to various tattooers of the day. Jerry's writings are clever, cutting and insightful of a time like no other; "don't use that red I sent ya, my leg's been festered up for a month"

I will not pretend to write my own story about Jerry. I can only thank his memory for the paths that he forged for those of us who came long after.Hardly a tattooer walks today who hasn't done a Sailor Jerry piece on someone.

Traditional Sailor Jerry Flash

I can't help but think he would roll in his grave over the tattoo world today. Equipment and 'how-to' available at a keystroke, a tattoo shop nearly on every block....sigh, just not his kind of world.

June 12 marks the 36th anniversary of Jerry's death from a heart attack. Sometime between now and then my husband and I will visit his gravesite to honor this gentleman. If you are tattooed take a moment that day to reflect on how your artist got to where they did....along the way somewhere it was thanks to Sailor Jerry.