Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry: The Life of Norman K Collins
Maverick artist Norman 'Sailor Jerry' Collins is credited as the godfather of modern American tattooing. Setting up shop on the notorious Hotel Street in Honolulu, his iconic and irreverent designs adorned every young sailor on his way to fight in the South Pacific.
Renowned for his dramatic innovations with colour and experimentation with ancient tattooing techniques, the designs quickly became a sensation with punters and tattooists alike.
In Erich Weiss' pacey film, Collins is resurrected through an assemblage of archival footage and high-spirited tales from legendary tattooing figures including his protégé, Ed Hardy, plus Michael Malone, Zeke Owen, Eddie Funk and Lyle Tuttle.
"It's a transcendently salty experience" -
Philadelphia WeeklyTo coincide with the premiere screening of
Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry, visit the
Australian Mediatheque in the month of November to see another great film on the history of American Tattooing,
Ed Hardy Tattoo the World (74 mins, USA, 2010).
Directed by Emiko Omori, the film traces the artists' influences and life passions from childhood to the present day.
