by Diana Curtis
The first electronic tattoo machine was invented in 1891 by Samuel O'Reilly, who got his inspiration for the device from Thomas Edison's printing telegraph machine. Today, more than 115 years later, tattoo machines operate on the same basic idea — a hollow needle is filled with permanent ink and perforates through the skin at a rate of approximately 3,000 times per minute.
Today, Southwest residents looking to experience the latest technological advancements in this usually-forever-on-the-body art have one more option when it comes to choosing a tattoo parlor.
While the name Carey Hart may not ring a bell for everyone, those who are semiregular TV viewers have most likely seen or heard of the popular A&E show Inked, which revolves around the trials, tribulations and goings-on at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. in Las Vegas, owned by motorcross celebrity Hart.
Now, Hart has opened the latest "H&H" — as those who work there call it — location at CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort. And there for the grand-opening VIP reception was — who else? — the Southwest Orlando Bulletin Roving Reporter.
Tattoo artist Joey Hamilton (left) and Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. manager and Southwest resident Stephen Csombok celebrate the store's grand opening.
After making the lengthy trek through the parking garage and past the 1,000 people movers, the Roving Reporter finally arrived at the CityWalk entrance, where the walkway was wall-to-wall tourists, with the occasional employee masterfully maneuvering his way through the throng of gawkers. With her head down and a tight grip on her purse, the
Roving Reporter plunged in.
As a former CityWalk employee, she mastered the crowded venue like a pro, and quickly — and unscathed — arrived at the check-in table for the VIP reception. After giving her name and receiving a much-coveted red armband, she was permitted to pass through the security-guarded gate to a red carpet lined with caterers holding fruity mixed drinks. Just past the food and beverages was the impressive entrance to the store.
Once inside, the Roving Reporter immediately noticed the classy decorations, tables with perfectly folded clothes, friendly staff members and charismatic tattoo artists. There was a nice waiting area, complete with magazines featuring tattoo-clad celebrities, as well as a technical-looking computer area one could use to peruse various tattoos offered.
The whole setup was very state-of-the-art and quite classy.
Among the many charming people she met in the store were H&H Orlando manager and Southwest resident Stephen Csombok and tattoo artist Joey Hamilton, who was visiting from the Las Vegas store.
Also there visiting were Csombok's parents; and his mother even braved the perforating needle and had Hamilton work on a cross tattoo on her lower leg. Other than her closed eyes and clenched fists, she gave no signs of discomfort — it was quite impressive.
Over in another corner, a rather large, muscular man was having additional work done to an already expansive tattoo on his shoulder. Far from seeming as though he were in pain or experiencing any type of discomfort, he was laughing, smiling and chattering with those standing around. It almost seemed unnatural. After all, did he not realize he was being perforated by a needle at a rate of 3,000 stabs per minute?
During the grand opening of Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co., an event attendee is permanently inked by visiting Las Vegas tattoo artist Joey Hamilton.
While there were no brave souls waiting for the next available chair, one of the Universal representatives assured the Roving Reporter that once all the alcohol kicked in, there would be plenty of attendees waiting to be inked. What a lovely thought. The Roving Reporter hoped she was kidding.
After snapping a few more pictures and shaking a few more hands, the Roving Reporter was ready to pack up and head home. But not before she got a tattoo of her own — well, until she received confirmation that being sedated during the perforating was not an option. She decided to just buy a T-shirt instead.
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