by Amanda Ayers-Clements

On Nov. 26 2011, Xalt Magazine attended the Dead Things Art Show at Citrus City Tattoo located in Orangeviile ON.  Hosted by CCT owner Keith Winterbottom and his beautiful wife Sarah, the Dead Things Art Show featured 30 goat skulls that were transformed into extraordinary works of art by various tattoo artists from across North America.

Each piece of art was auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds going to the local OSPCA. I had a chance to talk to Sarah Winterbottom about how the Dead Things Art Show came to be. “Keith had wanted to do an art show for a long time. We decided to do this art show and donate part of the proceeds to the local OSPCA. Keith has a love of skulls and thought this would be a great idea”.

“The artists really put a lot of work into making something awesome for the show” Keith commented.  “ I really like the way everything turned out.”  Looking at each one of the entries for the art show, Keith definitely had good reason to be happy.  Each artist was given a goat’s head (donated by Dave’s Butcher Shop) and asked to turn it into art that could be auctioned off.  It was apparent that they went above and  beyond with their creativity.  Kim Marks from Lucky Devil Tattoo collaborated with Sharon Toxic-Vision to create a spectacular piece with a Native inspired skull surrounded by vibrant plumage.  Daniel Fowler from Perfect Image submitted a biomechanical complete with gas mask.  Keith himself created a piece for the show entitled ‘The Map of Fate’ featuring an elaborate  golden skull surrounded by jewels and doubloons.

Conversation at the show turned to issue of competition in the tattoo industry and the rivalries that arise from it.  Many of the artists were more than eager  to work with each other to put on this art show.  “We are a group of like-minded artists and friends who just want to make great art” commented Kim Marks.  “We hang out together and have late night painting sessions that turn into some pretty rad stuff” 

 Other artists featured included Jaime McKay, Travis McGregor, Jason Stieva, Travis Greenough, Eric De L’etoile, Jessica Weicher, John Wayne, Damien Robertson and many more.

The event raised over $2,500.00 for the OSPCA.  Keith described the night as ‘epic’ and is already planning another art show for next year. 

Citrus City Tattoo – 155 Broadway, Orangeville ON, 519.943.0161

Photos courtesy of Adam M. Dee – subtlesolace.com

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