Tattoos

There was a time—though it seems so long ago—when the Cats were embarking on their two-decadal permanence in the top half of the AFL ladder, when I took vicarious pleasure in our then captain’s pronouncement that, while he was the leader, no player in his team would sport a tattoo.  Of course, it was neither true, nor could it last, for Josh Hunt [he of the full right arm ‘sleeve’ and the first overtly tattooed Cat] was already a feature of the back line … but, if I recall correctly, he was the only player at the time who was thus ‘adorned’.

Now, people-watching from an outside table at my favourite haunt on the Mountjoy elbow bend, the passing parade of dermal artwork seems endless.  Indeed, among those aged 16 to 35, it seems that at least half now sport some form of body art.  I can’t help thinking that one day, a tsunami of tattoo regret will occur as their owners’ skin ages and crinkles, as the taut muscles beneath atrophy, and as the ink colours lose their lustre and fade.  I also can’t help thinking that for medical school graduates seeking a future niche subspecialty, tattoo removal may be a fruitful option!

Then, as a ‘Joe’ [encapsulated on her bicep by a slightly off-centre heart ] and a ‘Jenny’ [garlanded on his by a Caesarean wreath] passed by, arm linked in arm, I found myself hoping—for their sakes—that their relationship might stand the test of time, else there might be some explaining to do to any subsequent partner(s)!

Tattoos are both an ancient, deeply rooted cultural practice and a modern, evolving trend.  Historically, they symbolise identity, status, and rites of passage—especially the Polynesian Tatau, the Māori Ta Moko, the Japanese Irezumi, the Inuit Tuuniit, or the Celtic ‘Sacred Knot’.  Viking runes—just like the horned helmet—are arguably more a phenomenon of Hollywood’s imagination than of historical fact, but now populate the pages of a tattoo artist’s catalogue, as does nautical tattoo art, a maritime culture that developed in parallel with scrimshaw as the 17th-century downtime practices adopted during long months at sea.

Built on this historical base, contemporary mainstream Western society’s now highly visible tattoo practice appears to have passed beyond a mere ‘fad’ to become a permanent, durable mainstream fashion.

Even at its thickest point, human skin is only a few millimetres thick.  Even so, it is still our heaviest and largest organ, making up about one seventh of our body weight.  Depending on height and body mass, it weighs between 3.5 and 10 kilograms and has a surface area of 1.5 to 2 square meters.  Its thickness depends on the part of the body it covers, how much it is used, and on our age and sex.  It also progressively thins as we age.

Stable yet flexible, the skin is our primary sensory organ and serves as a protective barrier against harmful factors in the outside world—moisture, cold, sunlight, germs, and toxic substances.  Further, the skin helps regulate body temperature, prevent dehydration, and protect against the negative effects of excessive heat or cold, while allowing us to feel—and to be alerted to—warmth, cold, pressure, itching, and pain.

Returning to the use of skin as a vehicle for self-expression, careful and skilled practitioners can occasionally create canvases of complex beauty … but rarely are their creations spared the warp and eruptions of time.  Unlike the permanence of a frame-protected Mona Lisa or a plaster-backed Raphael, the frame that supports a tattoo alters over time.  Skin sags with advancing age, is prone to unexpected injuries that leave scars, and may later erupt with warts, moles, or other disfiguring lesions.  Skin makes an imperfect substrate whose future is never predictable.  On the other hand, in a positive light, a tattoo can be used to cover the scars of injuries, cancer treatments, or even self-harm, and thereby serve as a powerful tool for healing.

As with all artistic expressions, a tattoo may reflect the fashion of the times—what is ‘in vogue’ today may be passé, dated, or regretted by tomorrow, a tendency particularly true of tattoos created as an expression of passion.  I once fell into this very trap as a youth, though luckily the ‘mark’ I chose to emblazon did not have the permanence of an ink tattoo.  Flush with enthusiasm for a particular young lady who had taken my heart, I marked her name in masking tape across my chest, then seared the surrounding skin with an infrared tanning lamp.  Sadly, the relationship ended a short time later—as teenage relationships have a habit of doing—but, embarrassingly for later assignations, the outline of her name remained for some months until the surrounding tan faded back to its normal pallor.

As tattoo trends may be ‘tribal’ in nature, reflect the ‘fad of the moment’, or seem all the rage at the time of inking yet quickly date as fashions evolve, care should be taken when choosing a design that will stand the test of time.  After all, once the ink has been injected, a tattoo [and especially an embarrassing spelling error] is hard to change.

There are also risks associated with getting a tattoo. These include the possibility of skin infection after inking sessions, allergic reactions [especially to red, yellow, and orange inks], and potential long-term health concerns, such as exposure to toxins.  Although reputable tattooists are careful not to use contaminated needles or ink, it is still possible to transmit diseases such as hepatitis or, rarely, staphylococcal infections.

Perhaps more unsettling has been a recent Swedish study of more than 11,000 tattoo recipients, which has suggested a potential link to lymphoma as the ink leaks into the lymphatic system and concentrates in the local lymph nodes.  While the risk is still regarded as low, the reported 21% higher incidence of lymphoma compared with a matched population who have not been ‘inked’ cannot be ignored.  To minimise these risks, a licensed, hygienic tattoo parlour is an essential choice.

As I sit in the sun, sipping a chilled Assyrtiko and nibbling an entrée of magnificent Ipsos calamari—both served by an impossibly tattooed waiter I now count as a friend—the endless parade of skin art continues to pass by.  While the decision to tattoo [or not to tattoo] is an individual choice—it is an each-to-their-own decision—and I have long since ceased asking the question ‘why’, I can’t help but let out a silent sigh of relief that I chose masking tape over ink all those many years ago.

John Agar

Feature Writer

A word from the chairman

Many in the community were surprised to learn that not only had Chick and Ken Hosking sold their house in Lorne, but that they have moved and are living a new lifestyle in Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads.  “It’s flat”, was Chick’s comment.

Thanks to the initiative of Clive Goldsworthy the Hoskings were persuaded to come to Lorne on Friday the 8^th of May to have a few drinks and a meal at the Grand Pacific, with six of their closest friends to say farewell.  Naturally, Clive did not mention that the six was really thirty.  The following words come from a speech made by Clive on the night.

“After 23 years of calling Lorne home, Ken and Chick are moving on as they begin the next chapter of their lives.  Chick and Ken have been both quiet achievers in the Lorne Community. Initially settling in Lorne in 2004 on April Fool’s Day to run the Lorne Post Office.  They both worked tirelessly, successfully growing the business, tripling the number of private postage boxes and getting to know everybody in town.  Having become tired of “licking stamps”, it was time to move on.

Next in 2010 was Lorne Hardware, consolidating the business of the local tradies and expanding the operation to the Lorne Industrial Estate, where the warehouse rented by Ken gave him the capacity to expand his stock and therefore the local offerings to those in the building industry.

They sold the business in 2020 to start a more relaxing life, or so they thought.  Chick volunteered at the Hospital and the Opportunity Shop and she had some time to play golf.  Ken continued his voluntary contributions to the Lions Village Committee as treasurer and president of the Lorne Football and Netball Club.  During his four years he put the Club in a sound financial position and the Club won four premierships.”

Clive referenced comments by Ian Stewart when chairman of the Committee for Lorne, “It’s been a big year for the Club and with retiring president Ken Hosking having brought down the curtain on his term and leaving behind a “blue ribbon” coach in place for next year.  A clear strategic path, great culture and a financially strong balance sheet, the job is complete on Ken’s great commitment over the past four years and he needs to be applauded for his efforts and for all the tough decisions made over the journey.”

“Ken is still and will remain on the Lorne Village Board following the introduction of a new management structure and governance that will ensure that the Village remains an important Lorne community asset.  Ken has been on the Board for twenty years in various executive roles.

Chick and Ken are golf hackers and in their wisdom have decided to move to Thirteenth Beach, playing on flatter ground although I am sure they will own their own golf cart.  Good wishes, health and happiness”, concluded Clive

Chick and Ken selected two businesses that are at the heart of a small community, the Post Office and the Hardware Shop.  All residents use the Post Office in one way or another and most the Hardware.  In fact, we should be grateful that the township has a hardware shop, I would suggest that it is thanks to Chick and Ken for maintaining it on a sound business model.

We all appreciated their professionalism, trust and kindness and as has been said, their keen sense of community.

Gary Allen

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

May

16-17               Great Ocean Road Running Festival, Running, music, wellness, adventure.

23                 Lorne Dolphins Football and Netball V Alvie, at Stribling Reserve, juniors match from 8:45am, seniors at 2pm

 

June

7                      LAAC Fishing Comp No. 4, Weigh-in cut off 12.30pm. Free roast lunch for members & competitors, presentations will all be held at Stribling Reserve downstairs.

20                 Lorne Dolphins Football and Netball V Western Eagles, at Stribling Reserve, juniors match from 8:45am, seniors at 2pm

20                    Deans Marsh Winter Solstice, Coming together for food, song and dance, we pause and joyfully celebrate the longest of nights. 5-9pm at Deans Marsh Hall & carpark