SAILOR  JERRY  FESTIVAL

SAILOR JERRY was a real person and an actual Hawaii resident as well.

In fact his old shop is still in business at 1033 Smith Street, and his final

resting place is inside the Punchbowl crater cemetery. See pics below.

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We highly recommend you check out the documentary about him.

It's called Hori Smoku.

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Most recent working link to a free version on YouTube --  HERE

 

 

 

"Dad would never have believed how much people love and respect his art... then again, he knew how good he was... he just didn't know that other people knew..."  -- M.Collins (2015)

The Sailor Jerry Festival is an Annual Event celebrating the life, interests, and incredible talents of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins... or Norman Keith Collins, NKC, Old Ironsides, etc.

Collins operated a tattoo shop located in Chinatown, on Oahu's south shore. He was the first western tattoo artist to utilize the smooth style and vibrant colors seen in Asian art. Collins also expanded the array of colors available in tattoo art by developing his own pigments. He created needle formations that embedded pigment with much less trauma to the skin and was one of the first artists to utilize single-use needles and to use an autoclave for sterilization. Sailor Jerry's last studio was at 1033 Smith Street, then the only place on the island where tattoo studios were located.

 

His tattoos changed the way the art was applied, and improved safety standards in the industry while also inspiring all to come after him. His work has been displayed in countless art books, and also at museums including the Honolulu Museum of Art. An award winning documentary was made about his story titled "Hori Smoku". Collins passed away in 1973 and until now, the Chinatown neighborhood has done little to celebrate his life and impact on the art world. We hope to bring more attention to this man and his influence. Many are surprised to learn more about him once they start to research his legacy and we'd like to help more people do so. Not necessarily a saint (he lived in a different time after all) his influence and innovations are undeniable.

Remember now, these are some of his former stomping grounds.
Respect that. Respect him. Let's celebrate what he did here.
 

 Endorsed by the Collins family and quality tattooers worldwide.

Mahalo for your interest and support.

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