DEEPER THAN SKIN AND INK: WHY PEOPLE GET TATTOOS

Blue Lake, CA- Today we went deeper than skin and ink to find out why tattoos are so popular and often meaningful for people who get them. Local and international artists are here as thousands, who are bonded by ink are expected to attend this year’s Inked Hearts Tattoo Expo at Blue Lake Casino.
                       
It's not just a tattoo; It's considered a time mark. Ted Marks’ entire family has etched their names into his leg.
 
"To me that means more because I get to take that with me forever. You know my mom's getting ready to pass and she signed my leg and I’ll get to keep that forever, " says Marks.
 
Tattoo artist London Reese says tattoos are like collecting fine art. 
 
Reese says, "You know you put a painting on your mantel and you're proud of it and you like to show it to your friends. Similar to that I think people like to show their tattoos to the world. In a way that's close to that you know this is my fine art, this is what I’m into I’d rather have it on my arm so I can show the world everyday, rather than just sitting on my fire place."
 
The price is comparative to art on a canvas as ink is to skin. Pricier tattoos range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. And people are willing to pay for a good work.