Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life of Norman K. Collins

This is a brilliant documentary. Yes, I am also a tattoo artist, so I was delighted to find the Holy Grail of documentaries about the history of tattooing in America. I found it by linking to it from another excellent film from 1980, "Stoney Knows How"...about Stoney St. Claire, another historical figure of tattooing in this country. The narratives of Sailor Jerry's personally typed and VERY frank outlooks on life and people are hilarious, as is the daring use of the title theme, "Eff 'Em All". Appearances of notable figures of the industry offering their personal recollections are priceless (Don Ed Hardy, Eddie Funk, Mike Malone, Zeke Owens, Lyle Tuttle...all very famous and innovative artists). A fascinating look into the fascinating history of the most fascinating art form! Superb!

I honestly loved this documentary. I'm not the biggest documentary fan, I find once I get into it I enjoy it but often can't remain interested. I am a bit biased though, being a tattooist of four years(not long, I know). This movie to me is so uplifting and inspirational. There is still a few shops out there that aren't in shopping malls.. While I appreciate the boom of tattoo popularity since it keeps me and mine fed and warm at night, I can also appreciate the back-alley "criminal- feeling" side to the tattoo industry and there are still men and women out there doing it with that old school style and approach. Some people do not like this, they might think the shop is sleazy if the tattooists are kind of like rough modern-day sailors. I for one embrace it while I can't claim to walk on the same side as these men and women, I appreciate what they are doing. To me this documentary is a film I will watch whenever I've had a rough day. The kind where you just want to hang up your machines and lop your hands off for whatever reason. To me it is a reminder of why I love tattoos and tattooing and for that I thank everyone in the film, and mostly of all Mr Hoku Smoku Sailor Jerry Collins. Lived fast, died young as many of us would.