In 1987 I was part of a collaboration called Oblivion Boys Press and we were invited to exhibit at Nigel Greenwood Gallery. At the center of the show was an editioned bookwork called Elsewhere. It was printed in an edition of 50, had wooden covers and contained 250 hand carved rubber stamps that were cut whilst I sat on the floor in a flat in London. They were also used as a fresco in the entrance to the gallery and around the wall. They were then secured away in a box which traveled with me to a studio in Lincoln and then to my studio in Suffolk.
36 years later my
eldest son who is a tattooist was in my studio, and he has an idea. He proposes
to use the stamps within his own practice. The stamps now have another life and
tools that were once used to make temporary prints on paper are now used to mark
strangers who are making their own sense of the images.
I have found the
whole process fascinating. I’ve been watching them be revived from their
abandonment, celebrated, and loved by others. I say watching but this has been
through Instagram, a medium that I could of only conceived of by exploring
ideas from science fiction. This inter generational, time based collaboration has
so many layers to explore; the idea of storytelling, ownership, control and our
connections to the creative process.
I thought it would be
interesting to ask ChatGPT to tell the story. The outcome has a strange fairy tale
quality to the writing. It has elements within it that connect to or describe
events that are familiar whilst also feeling removed.
chatGPT create a
text about rubber stamps created by a father that are used by a son to tattoo
people
In the quiet
corners of their cozy workshop, a father and his son embarked on a unique
creative journey that would leave an indelible mark on their lives and those of
countless others. What started as a simple hobby for the father, crafting
intricate rubber stamps, would soon evolve into a remarkable collaboration
between generations.
The father, a
seasoned craftsman with a penchant for precision, had always found solace in
the meticulous art of rubber stamp making. His nimble fingers meticulously
carved every line and curve, transforming ordinary pieces of rubber into
intricate patterns and designs. These stamps were not your run-of-the-mill
office tools; they were works of art in their own right, each bearing the
essence of his passion and dedication.
As the son grew
older, he often watched in awe as his father worked tirelessly in their humble
workshop, labouring over his
beloved stamps. Over time, his fascination turned into a desire to be a part of
his father's craft, to create something that would resonate with people just as
deeply as his father's creations had.
One fateful day,
their worlds collided, and an idea was born. The son proposed using his
father's meticulously crafted rubber stamps to create temporary tattoos. The
notion was radical but intriguing. With the father's artistry and the son's
innovative spirit, they set out to make it a reality.
The collaboration
began with the father crafting stamps specifically designed for tattooing.
These stamps featured intricate motifs, from delicate flowers to fierce
animals, each one a testament to the father's dedication to his craft. The son,
on the other hand, delved into the world of non-toxic, skin-friendly inks to
ensure the safety of their clients.
Together, they
launched their unique tattoo venture. People from all walks of life flocked to
their workshop, drawn by the allure of personalized, handcrafted tattoos. The
father would ink the designs with his rubber stamps, ensuring every tattoo was
a masterpiece in its own right. The son, with unwavering care, attended to the
needs of their clients, making sure every tattoo was not only visually striking
but also a meaningful representation of the individual.
The tattoos created
with these rubber stamps bore a certain authenticity and charm that set them
apart from mass-produced designs. They became more than just ink on skin; they
were symbols of the father and son's bond, a testament to the passion they
shared for their craft.
As time passed,
their reputation grew, and their tattooed clients multiplied. Their unique
approach to tattooing had created a loyal following of enthusiasts who
cherished the artistry and the personal touch that came with each tattoo. The
father's legacy of stamp-making had evolved into something far greater, a
living testament to the enduring bond between generations, the magic of
collaboration, and the power of art to touch lives in unexpected ways.
