Annual Pile O’ Bones Tattoo Convention returns to Regina, international artists to congregate
March 14-16 may be the best time to get inked in the Queen City, as dozens of ink masters from more than 30 tattoo shops all over Canada will be showcasing their art in the Turvey Centre.
“It’s a pretty busy atmosphere,” said Joshua Rogers with Black Sea Tattoos in Regina, who has been leaving his mark on people at the convention for three years now. “Lots going on, lots to see, and usually crowds of people, so it’s definitely not a private environment.”
Every style of tattoo will be represented at the convention, from monochromic comic book imagery to colourful Japanese dragons. Each artist will bring samples of their previous works and have meet and greets to find future canvases.
“I love all the different artists from out of town coming in,” said Rogers. “Being able to see other tattooers from different places and hang out with friends from other parts of the country is probably the best part for me.”
In a post-COVID work landscape, artists are calling conventions a boon for business, and Pile O’ Bones is preferred for its personal atmosphere. Some concerns have been raised about the culture surrounding tattooing in Canada; Regina could reflect the scene as a whole.
“I won’t even name the name of it, but we did one that was so big last year that people were coming in and literally not even seeing our booth,” said Shawn Farrell from Winnepeg’s Born to Be Wild Tattoos.
“A lot of new artist’s perceptions are purely based on social media and so it’s almost like they’re stepping into this rock star role and it’s very unrealistic. I don’t think it’s a healthy way for someone to be when you’re involved in what’s essentially a service industry.”
Beyond the body art, live music, food, tattooing competitions, DJs and alcoholic beverages will all be featured. Last year, a battle of the bands was held, as many of the artists happen to be musicians as well.
“It’s organized very well,” said Mark Lobkowicz from URGE Tattoos in Edmonton. “Primarily, I’d say the people that come check out the show, they’re always very friendly and keen on getting a spur of the moment tattoo or just checking out everyone’s artwork. Overall positive vibes and great experience.
“You start adding up all the experience of everyone going to that,” added Lobkowicz. “You have essentially thousands of years of tattooing experience and shop ownership, which is pretty interesting if you put it in that perspective.”
Tattoo prices are extremely variable, and depending on artists and intricacy, the cost could sit anywhere between $75 and $10,000.
