Signatures of the Soul - Tattooing Today

Tattooing — "the world's oldest skin game" — is the subject of this iconic documentary. Writer/director Geoff Steven scored a major coup by signing Easy Rider legend Peter Fonda as his presenter. Travelling to Aotearoa, Samoa, Japan and the United States, the doco traces key developments in tattooing, including its importance in the Pacific, prison-inspired styles, and the influence of 1960s counterculture. Legendary tattooists feature (including Americans Ed Hardy and Jack Rudy), while the closing credits parade some eye-opening full body tattoos. Steven writes about making his tattooing documentaries here.

..long after the price is forgotten, you still have your tattoo.

– San Diego tattooist Doc Webb

Key Cast & Crew

Graham Smith

Cinematographer

Peter Fonda

Presenter

Wayne Laird

Musical Director

Julienne Stretton

Research

Alf West

Editor

Geoff Steven

Director, Writer, Producer