Underneath the Ink of ‘Tattoo Highway’ on A&E by Reg Seeton
I have to give credit to A&E for not forgetting about the fans of their previous tattoo based series, Inked. When I loaded the advance screener of the new A&E series, Tattoo Highway, into my player, I was happy to see former Hart & Huntington tattoo artist, Thomas Pendleton, back on the airwaves. Although Inked was more a by-product of Hart & Huntington owner and extreme motocross champ, Carey Hart, it was the warm, engaging and sometimes explosive nature of Thomas Pendleton that became the heart of Inked. In fact, it was Pendleton’s intriguing life and tattoo art that – on a certain level - spontaneously inspired me to walk into the Hart & Huntington shop in Honolulu to get my second tattoo. But now that Thomas Pendleton is back on the air with Tattoo Highway, which debuts May 27 on A&E at 10pm, Inked is a cool but distant memory.
After spending 15 years inking people up in shops, Thomas Pendleton now works out of a tattoo parlor on wheels, bringing his business to people ready to permanently paint their bodies while his wife Monica either stays home with the kids or joins him on the road. In the pilot of Tattoo Highway, Pendleton travels to Las Vegas to help a young mother overcome her past by giving her a commemorative tattoo that represents the son she put up for adoption years ago. Focusing on both the artwork and the lives of clients, Tattoo Highway is much more grounded in relatable reality than Inked ever was. Pendleton is obviously a guy with a dark history of turmoil, but he’s a matured man with a heart of gold despite what others may perceive from his somewhat shocking, inked up appearance. In the show’s first segment, Pendleton works on the mother’s tattoo from inside the bus, talking to her like a bartender or an ink-armed therapist. Since you could say that Thomas Pendleton has an alternative Ph.D in life, his personable nature helps the mother forget about the pain of the actual needle while in some respects releasing a bit of inner pain, too.
Interestingly,
the pilot of Tattoo Highway is also about Thomas
and Monica working to overcome their own past
while making peace with the ghosts of their
drug addled days in Las Vegas. When we were
first introduced to Pendleton in Inked, he was
an explosive tattoo time bomb on the fringes
of the Las Vegas “strip”. In Tattoo Highway,
Thomas Pendleton has become a man (at least
from the images of his TV persona) and a responsible
husband and father to his two children. Both
he and wife Monica are simply parents trying
to fit into the world like everyone else after
finding their way through troubled times.
The bus stops next to visit the Booty Tribe at their Samoan tattoo shop in Vegas where Pendleton makes good on a similarly themed tattoo for a young mother who wants a permanent reminder of the ying-yang, positive-negative relationship with her daughter. In between ink scenes, Thomas Pendleton demystifies the perceptions of the tattoo industry, educating viewers on everything from the darker underbelly of the ink world to the more mainstream shops across America. What’s most evident in Tattoo Highway is Thomas Pendleton’s passion for the artistry and craft of tattooing. As the pilot progresses, we soon learn how tattooing presents a challenge for artists in that they often have to decipher the mental images that customers can’t articulate. At the same time, it also allows Thomas Pendleton to marry his own artistic perception with an initial idea to create a true work of art, an aspect of tattooing that has significant meaning for both the client and the artist.
Blending
art with business along a personal journey of
discovery, Pendleton takes Tattoo Highway to
The Outer Limits shop in Long Beach, formerly
Bert Grimm’s Famous Tattoo, the tattoo haunt
where he began his career as an ink-to-skin
specialist. To mark the occasion, Pendleton’s
mentor returns to the shop to give his once
young protégé a commemorative tattoo, as Thomas
closes the darker chapter of his past and turns
the tattoo page to life as a husband and father
with his own business.
Tattoo Highway, much like The Osbournes, showcases an unconventional family dealing with the same issues many of us confront on a daily or weekly basis. From ongoing battles with inner demons, relationship challenges, business obstacles, and parental difficulties, Tattoo Highway is as much about life as it is about tattooing. At the same time the new A&E series also showcases the rewarding fraternal family elements of tattoo artists and the creative bonds they have with each other. If you tuned into Inked when it was on the air, and you were a fan of Thomas Pendleton, you’ll love Tattoo Highway. If you don’t know anything about the entertaining aspects of life inside the tattoo industry, take the A&E off-ramp that reads “Tattoo Highway” to pass through a world you’ve never visited.
Tattoo Highway is an unconventional weekly tattoo that leaves a permanent positive message about the ink of daily life.
I'm 22 and my father passed in 2001 and we have had so many spiritual "signs" over the years. My mom was against tattoos in the past until she saw your show. She says she wants a tattoo of a plumeria flower, which is significant to one of our first "signs" of my dad. This would mean the world to her for you to make a trip to Texas. I have several tattoos and also wants work done to start my sleeve. I don't know if i'd get a response back, but if you do get this it would make a great story, guaranteed. We have so many stories it's getting me chills as we speak. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Maybe we can change our families luck with your presents. Appreciate Thomas...Cody from Texas
George Clark 2 – Hot springs ark
July 26, 2009 - 16:47
Subject:
Ya I had a son hue passed away when he was three months old. When he was born we never got to hold him they had to take him for emergency heart surgery we only ever had the chance to git one picture of him he was only out of the hospital for one week I would really like to see if I can git you to due a portrait of my son I. The middle of my back with angel wings wrapping Over my shoulders to my nipple I no you have kids and I no you no how much they mean to you and I think you would due the tattoo like it really should look like please contact me I would drive were ever to git it dune thank you
Frankie Ash – Junction City, KS
July 20, 2009 - 13:08
Subject: Help for brother
I have a brother that has been doing tattoo's for about 10yrs while he was in prison. He is out now and is trying to get his license but is having a hard time. He does outstanding work. Greatest is when he does something freehanded and excellent cover-ups. What he needs is someone that he can apprentice with that is clean. His last boss wasn't and says it is hard to find someone that does not do drugs. He has a history with drugs himself and does not want to go there again or prison. Can you help?
I had went to this tattoo parlor like a year ago to get a tattoo on my lower back,but im ready tired of the tattoo by now,I mean,its plain,boring and all that,I would love for you guys to add more to it and make it interesting,I would really like for you guys to do it ONLY I am not trying to go anywhere else!,I watch your show and love the tattoo's you guys do and I am confident that you would make my tattoo look wayyy better,I have it on my lower back like I said but I would like to add to it,also I would like for you guys to add "death before dishonor" goin down my spine in arabic adding more designs to it and last but not least since it starts on my lower back I would like to make it goin to my waist lines,so all together it would be,my lower back,my spine and my waist lines,pleaseeeee I am willing to pay whatever and sit there for as many hours as needed,only as long as its bein done by you guys,I like pain so you won't have to worry about it or anything,I jus really really want my tattoo done by real proffesionals also,if you guys want I have 3 other friends that would also want to get tattoo's but not as big as mine,they would only want like,chinese symbols and stuff,so you would be making a good amount of money in jus one night,PLEASEEEEEE get back to me asap I want my tattoo before the summer is over :-( pleaseeeeeeeee
Will Y. – Baltimore,MD
July 08, 2009 - 22:18
Subject: Your Tattoo on my arm
I have this fucked up tattoo and I need it to be covered by you,please!!Please respond!!
Robert Daudelin – maine
July 05, 2009 - 13:23
Subject: memorial tattoo
i am looking to get a memoria; tattoo of my mother who has breast and lung cancer two tears ago they gave her 3 months to live and so has fought it so far i am a 39 year old truck driver who always puts family first she hasent gone yet but i fear its not long i just want a tattoo to show that family closeness is very strong and should be first and fore most i am looking for a tattoo artist who can draw up and price out this work for me it doesnt need to be a portrait just something that will touch my heart thank you bad_azz_mainer@yahoo.com
Tammy – Indiana for now
June 25, 2009 - 12:11
Subject: Mohawk from Canada
Hey Thomas I just wanted to let you know that I too am a Mohawk from Canada just as you said that your grandfather is (was). Anyway I thought maybe if you could even contact me and tell me what his last name was then I could help you track down what reserve that it is that you belong to. All of my family still lives on reserve and its usually pretty easy to tell what reserve that someone comes from just by their last name. PS don't be concerned about the whole blonde hair and blue eyes as being a deterent from finding out who you are, and where you come from and to have pride in your history. let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you out in your quest. I'm not asking for anything in return. I don't usually do this sort of thing either. But I just want you to have a little more awareness if not even for yourself but for your kids of who they are
daniel cooper – cincinnatti oh
June 21, 2009 - 16:56
Subject: dude i love your show
my dad kill his self, 3 years ago leaving behind his house an all his memories to my lil brother ,he has a.d.h.d an is almost my age threw out the last 3 years he walks the streets of my old home town like hes lost , hes like my partener in crime if i needed him he would be there,with out dad there to tell him his next move the boy hardly eats hes lost a lot of weight ,i go bask home to tn about once a month to see him an make sure he ok ,he got friends an family there but they dont help much to fix the cituation . i moved to cincinnatti a few years ago to get away an start over i met my girl had a son an now one on the way . i never new my dad till i was 20 years old ,i was raised by my gramma, my dad raised my lil brother . i didnt even no it but my dad just lived down the street the whole time i was growing up ,but now that the old man i once saw every day is gone an my brother is in like a daze im the only one he hardly talkes to i saw your show how you guys did that guys tattoo of his whife on his chect an how you put her ashes in the ink i want a pic of the old man i once new for a short time on my leg if you guys ever get to read this how much you charge you got my e mail hit me back if you can.
hugo ernewayn – Las Vegas NV
June 11, 2009 - 04:28
Subject: cover up
man i got a bad tat2 on my ribs i wanna cover up i love your work man and it would have be a really big tat2 to cover it up its a tat of my grandmother and the dude that did it f**ked my s**t up i love tats like no tomorrow man SO PLEASE HELP ME MAN
Reply to hugo ernewayn
James
July 12, 2009 - 14:33
Subject: Re: cover up
Hugo,
If your father was a truck driver who died June 7, 1999 for which you bear his name. Please contact me. You have a half brother born in 1983 who would like to have contact with you.
Your mother is Armita, grandparents Maria & Edwaurdo.
James
Joshua – Santa Barbara
June 02, 2009 - 19:07
Subject: Thomas Pendleton is a douchebag of epic proportions
How does this crybaby get his own show? He and Dustin Diamond should have a showdown for the title of "Biggest Douche on the Planet"
Carla Hall
May 30, 2009 - 20:30
Subject: a loving memorial
Hello; Just watched TH and loved seeing Thomas on the road. In this episode he tatooed a gentleman that had recently lost his wife. Thomas suggested mixing alittle of his wifes cremated remains with the ink for his tatoo. I Thought of my beautiful golden retriever of 13 years that had just passed away in Dec. and was wondering if this could be done with alittle of her remains on me. What a beautiful way to have her with me all the time. I called " Love Dog tatoo" in Santa Cruz, Ca and spoke with Brian. He said he had never done it but I could get him to do it if I did reserch and he was convinced it was safe. Please Please could you let me know if Thomas has had any problems with this procedure. I can't Thank you all enough. Carla
Ashley Lowry – Bethlehem Georgia
May 28, 2009 - 10:44
Subject:
I was recently married March 22 2009 to be exact and my husband was deployed to Afghanistan two days after we were married. I would really like to have something done that signifies him still being close to home while being so far away but not sure what to have done? Please help. I have the fear of him never coming home as does anyone that is married to someone in the military.
Thanks
Ashley Lowry
Ashley Lowry – Bethlehem Georgia
May 28, 2009 - 10:42
Subject: Tattoo
I was recently married March 22 2009 to be exact and my husband was deployed to Afghanistan two days after we were married. I would really like to have something done that signifies him still being close to home while being so far away but not sure what to have done? Please help. I have the fear of him never coming home as does anyone that is married to someone in the military.
Thanks
Ashley Lowry
Jennifer – Hartsville, SC
May 28, 2009 - 02:21
Subject: Enjoyed the show
I got a chance to sit down tonight and watch the show. I have been impressed with Thomas' work since the start of INKED. I have to say that hearing the stories of the people involved makes the tats come to life. I have one tat a magnolia. It symbolized the lose of my grandfather and a name that he called me. I had added two rain dew drop to represent my children. But as anyone that has a tattoo know it is addictive, and I want another. I have an idea but have not found the artist to bring it to life for me. It has only recently become legal to tattoo in South Carolina and I think that a small town is full of stories that would be great for the show. I hope to see more of the show to come.
I have to give credit to A&E for not forgetting about the fans of their previous tattoo based series, Inked. When I loaded the advance screener of the new A&E series, Tattoo Highway, into my player, I was happy to see former Hart & Huntington tattoo artist, Thomas Pendleton, back on the airwaves. Although Inked was more a by-product of Hart & Huntington owner and extreme motocross champ, Carey Hart, it was the warm, engaging and sometimes explosive nature of Thomas Pendleton that became the heart of Inked. In fact, it was Pendleton’s intriguing life and tattoo art that – on a certain level - spontaneously inspired me to walk into the Hart & Huntington shop in Honolulu to get my second tattoo. But now that Thomas Pendleton is back on the air with Tattoo Highway, which debuts May 27 on A&E at 10pm, Inked is a cool but distant memory.
Interestingly,
the pilot of Tattoo Highway is also about Thomas
and Monica working to overcome their own past
while making peace with the ghosts of their
drug addled days in Las Vegas. When we were
first introduced to Pendleton in Inked, he was
an explosive tattoo time bomb on the fringes
of the Las Vegas “strip”. In Tattoo Highway,
Thomas Pendleton has become a man (at least
from the images of his TV persona) and a responsible
husband and father to his two children. Both
he and wife Monica are simply parents trying
to fit into the world like everyone else after
finding their way through troubled times.
Blending
art with business along a personal journey of
discovery, Pendleton takes Tattoo Highway to
The Outer Limits shop in Long Beach, formerly
Bert Grimm’s Famous Tattoo, the tattoo haunt
where he began his career as an ink-to-skin
specialist. To mark the occasion, Pendleton’s
mentor returns to the shop to give his once
young protégé a commemorative tattoo, as Thomas
closes the darker chapter of his past and turns
the tattoo page to life as a husband and father
with his own business.
