An in-depth study of tattoo culture and contemporary tattoo history through fine art paintings. The Tattooed Portraits series started in 2005 with a handful of painting inspired by Shawn Barber's artist friends who were tattooed. It quickly developed into an obsession and a life-changing event for Barber. This beautifully printed volume contains photographs, paintings and essays chronicling a six-year living journal. The series documents many facets of the tattooing world: artists with tattoos, tattoo artists, the tattooing process and experience and the history.