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Beneath The Skin
A podcast about the history of everything told through the history of tattooing.
Art in the Aquarium: The Story of Tom Reilly
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about early British tattoist Tom Reilly
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
56:3820/11/2024
The Tools of The Trade feat. Benoit Robitaille
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Archaeologist, Researcher, and returning guest, Benoit Robitaille, to discuss his studies of pre-modern tattooing tools, his research on Otzi the Iceman, and his current work uncovering the hidden histories of the tattooed mummies of the central Peruvian coast.
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Follow Benoit on Instagram
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:30:4111/10/2024
The Failed Tattoo Videogame: Tattoo Assassins
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the unreleased (officially) video game Tattoo Assassins
Bonus Episodes
Webshop
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
58:3626/09/2024
The History of Lettering
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the history of lettering, it's origins in Chicano graffiti and mural culture, and how it has evolved over time.
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Bonus Episodes
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:10:0211/09/2024
UNLOCKED: Tattooing's Missing Link: Greg Irons
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we cover the life of painter, comics artist, and tattooist Greg Irons
Bonus Episodes
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:20:0204/09/2024
Dark Ink in The Great White North
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we are joined by Dr. Jamie Jelinski to discuss the history of tattooing in Canada and his new book 'Needle Work: A History of Commercial Tattooing In Canada'.
Bonus Episodes
Buy Jamie's book here
Follow Jamie on Instagram
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:23:1228/08/2024
Tattoos: The Untold History of a Modern Art
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we bring you Matts preview of his new book from the BMX.net conference in Berlin
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:22:0514/08/2024
Bodies of Subversion: An Interview With Margot Mifflin
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we were honoured to be joined by writer and journalist Margot Mifflin. Margot is the author of the seminal Bodies of Subversion, as well as The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman, and Looking for Miss America.
Bonus Episodes
Buy Bodies of Subversion
Buy The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman
Buy Looking for Miss America
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:09:2401/08/2024
*PREVIEW* Tattooing Robots
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 tier on Patreon
On this weeks episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the history of tattooing robots, what it means for the practice of tattooing, and the big tech company Black Dot
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
09:3624/07/2024
Unconventional Rituals: Jamie Summers
On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt talks about tattooist, sculptor, and psychic Jamie Summers, who's radical approach to tattooing was too far out there for even those on the bleeding edge of the scene.
Bonus Episodes
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
46:5417/07/2024
Tattooing Down Under with MJ Forrest
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by friend of the show MJ Forrest to talk about the history of tattooing in Australia.
Follow MJ on Instagram
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:13:5626/06/2024
I Want Your Skulls
On this week's episode of Beneath the Skin Matt spoke to Danielle Bioardi, custodian of the Lyle Tuttle collection about her upcoming exhibition in New York called Skull Sessions.
We discuss the histories of skulls in tattooing and in art more generally, and dive into stories of pirates, submariners and pilgrims, as well as Lyle Tuttle and his remarkable collection.
Bonus Episodes
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Webshop
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
57:1812/06/2024
*PREVIEW* Your Questions Answered
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we answered your questions!
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
11:1605/06/2024
*UNLOCKED* The Failed Travelling Tattoo Show
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the short-lived Tattoo The Earth travelling tattoo and music festival.
Beneath the Skin Store
Bonus Episodes
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:00:3331/05/2024
*PREVIEW* Til Death Do Us Part
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt discusses tattooing and death.
Apologies for the recent delays on episodes, Tom suffered a death in his family at the beginning of the month so we had to pause production for a couple of weeks but we'll be back on schedule next week.
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
07:3622/05/2024
*PREVIEW* This Is Not A Grass Skirt: Tattooing In Fiji
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 or above tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt discusses some interesting stories from the history of tattooing in Fiji.
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:5801/05/2024
Radical Tenderness and Radical Tattooing with Caro Ley
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we spoke to Hamburg based artist Caro Ley about her radical approach to tattooing, connection, and art.
Follow Caro on Instagram
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:13:5124/04/2024
*PREVIEW* The Tattoo History That Never Was
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at any tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about two tattoo history books that never came to be
LIVE SHOW TICKETS
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:4817/04/2024
*UNLOCKED* You Wouldn't Download A Tattoo
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're discussing copyright, tattooing, and the recent Kat Von D legal battle with copyright and law professor Dr. Melanie Stockton Brown.
LIVE SHOW TICKETS
Bonus Episodes
Get more Tattoo History on Instagram
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:04:0110/04/2024
The History of Tattoo Conventions Pt.2
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're continuing our series on the history of tattoo conventions.
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Bonus Episodes
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:01:0727/03/2024
The History of Tattoo Conventions Pt.1
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're covering the early history of tattoo conventions.
Bonus Episodes
Beneath the Skin Store
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
53:0313/03/2024
*UNLOCKED* Navigating the Tension
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we spoke to friend of the show Adam McDade about his research on the inner experience of tattooists.
Follow Adam on Instagram
Adam's Website
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
59:2607/03/2024
*PREVIEW* From Bread to Bathing Suits: Tattoo Branding
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at any tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're talking about several stories of how tattoos have been used in branding, and also discussed the long lost Schiaparelli tattoo inspired bathing suits from the 1920s
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If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:3106/03/2024
Tā Moko: A Journey Into Māori Tattooing
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Māori artist Te Rangitu Netana to talk about the history of Tā Moko and it's place within māori culture in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
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Follow Te on Instagram
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:22:5128/02/2024
*PREVIEW* You Wouldn't Download A Tattoo
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 or above tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're discussing copyright, tattooing, and the recent Kat Von D legal battle with copyright and law professor Dr. Melanie Stockton Brown.
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
11:1721/02/2024
The Love Below
On this episode of Beneath the Skin for Valentine's Day we discussed the purest expression of love, genital tattooing. We also spoke to artist Adrimetric about his tattoo journey and finding his speciality of penis tattoos.
Bonus Episodes
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Mentioned in this episode:
Mr. Sebastian Interview 1987
Good Time Charlie's Tattoo Man
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:02:4814/02/2024
The History of Flash Pt.2
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we continue our journey into the history of flash.
Bonus Episodes
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
55:2405/02/2024
*PREVIEW* The Failed Travelling Tattoo Show
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 or above tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the short-lived Tattoo The Earth travelling tattoo and music festival.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in two weeks
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:0724/01/2024
The History of Flash Pt.1
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about the history of flash between the late 19th century and the 1960s.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in two weeks
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
57:0718/01/2024
*PREVIEW* Four Black Bars: Raymond Pettibon
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at any tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about one of the most influential artists of the punk scene, Raymond Pettibon,
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
11:4210/01/2024
Merry Christmas from George Burchett
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we bring you a special Christmas treat. This is a recording of the legend George Burchett delivering a special Christmas broadcast talking about his life on the BBC in 1943.
Happy Christmas
Matt and Tom xoxo
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
14:5125/12/2023
*PREVIEW* Pinpricks in the Prison Camp
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 or above tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talked about British tattooist Charlie Dick and his time tattooing while interned in a Nazi prisoner of war camp in Poland during WW2.
Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear a rare brief interview with Charlie
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
09:2620/12/2023
*UNLOCKED* The History of Tribal
This episode was previously available exclusively on our Patreon. To hear more great episodes like this make sure to check it out here.
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about the history of modern tribal tattooing.
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
58:1313/12/2023
*PREVIEW* Woad and Behold: A History of Tattooing and Botany
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at any tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we bring you a recent talk delivered by Matt at the Royal Horticultural Society about the history of botany and tattooing
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
11:3106/12/2023
A Conversation with The Razzouks of Jerusalem
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk to Anton and Nizar Razzouk whose family have been doing pilgrim tattoos in Jerusalem since the 1300s
Find the Razzouks on Instagram
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
27:4129/11/2023
*PREVIEW* In The Waiting Room Of God: A History of Woodcut
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively at the £5 tier on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we are joined by medieval historian Dr. Eleanor Janega to talk about the history of medieval woodcuts and their influence on tattooing
Follow Eleanor online
Listen to We're Not So Different
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
09:1522/11/2023
The Shaman of the Steppes
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we go in depth about the tattooed remains of Ochy-bala
Bonus Episodes
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
47:0717/11/2023
*PREVIEW* Ink Master Season 15 Episode 1
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin Tom is once again torturing Matt by forcing him to watch the latest season of Ink Master
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
11:5315/11/2023
*PREVIEW* The History of Tribal
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about the history of modern tribal tattooing.
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
11:2708/11/2023
Angels with Sparrow Wings
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about the enigmatic figure of Dr. Samuel Steward, aka Phil Sparrow and his tattoos, the Hell's Angels, and his work with Alfred Kinsey.
Bonus Episodes
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:05:3006/11/2023
*PREVIEW* The Mutiny on the Bounty: feat Joe Kassabian
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt and Tom are joined by author, historian, and host of the Lions Led By Donkeys podcast Joe Kassabian to talk about the Mutiny on the Bounty and the history of Pitcairn Island
New Shirts Available Here
Listen to the Lions Led By Donkeys podcast
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:3524/10/2023
*UNLOCKED* Slip of Existence: The Magical Art of Dan Higgs
This episode was previously exclusively available on our Patreon, if you enjoyed it and want to hear more, you can do so for as little as £5 a month
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about the art of musician, poet, and tattooist Dan Higgs.
Higgs is a very influential artist in many forms, being the frontman for two legendary post hardcore bands, Reptile House and subsequently Lungfish, a prolific poet who's limited printed works are highly sought after, and most importantly to us, an incredible tattooist. Higgs is also notable an intensely private person but what is publicly available of his work and his words of varying forms speaks volumes.
BONUS EPISODES
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
44:3419/10/2023
*PREVIEW* The Truth About The Picts
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
New Shirts Available Here
On this episode of Beneath the Skin Matt discusses the truth and myths surrounding the tattooed people of ancient Scotland, The Picts
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
09:4511/10/2023
H.R. Giger: Between Man and Machine
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we spoke about the legendary painter and artist H.R. Giger with writer, art curator, and Giger expert Myroslava Hartmond
Bonus Episodes
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:10:0703/10/2023
*PREVIEW* The New Old Style
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we talk about defining the elusive 'New Old Style'
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:2729/09/2023
Long Legs, Small Heads: the History of Pin Ups
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we start our new premium series on the the different artists and movements that have influenced modern tattooing.
Tattooing as a medium owes a lot to other forms. From painting to sculpture, from art high low and in between, its all influenced tattooing in some form
We'll be covering artists like Ralph Bakshi and HR. Giger, and movements like expressionism, post modernism and others. On this first episode we're covering the history of the Pin Up
Bonus Episodes
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
57:3021/09/2023
*UNLOCKED* The Untold Legend of Jessie Knight
On this episode of Beneath the Skin, after having unprecedented access to the as yet unreleased collection of the late tattooist Jessie Knight in Wales, we talk about her legend, her legacy, and why so many people don't know her name.
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Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
55:2914/09/2023
*PREVIEW* Tattooing’s Missing Link: Greg Irons
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we cover the life of painter, comics artist, and tattooist Greg Irons
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
10:0613/09/2023
’Why Aren’t We Licking Bricks?’: Tattooing and Evolution
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we're joined by Dr. Kat Ford to talk about the cross section of Evolutionary Psychology and Tattooing, and we debunk some junk science.
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
01:19:3206/09/2023
*PREVIEW* Life in Cartoon Motion: Tex Avery and Max Fleischer
Hear the rest of this episode exclusively on Patreon
On this episode of Beneath the Skin we discuss how early 20th century cartoonists Tex Avery and Max Fleischer influenced culture and tattooing through their work on Merrie Melodies, Looney Toons, Popeye, and so many more
If you want to follow us online for more updates CLICK HERE
Production by Thomas O'Mahony
Artwork by Joe Painter (jcp_art)
Intro Music by Dan McKenna
If you would like to get in touch you can email the show on [email protected]
13:0423/08/2023