Tattooed rats; devine intervention or synchronicity?

The Tattooed Rats - a novel, By Jerry B. Jenkins and John Perrodin.

Just recently I posted blog entries providing insight into the symbolism of the Rat (rat plague of intolerance) and the significance of tattoos as surface development options. It would seem some other cultural practitioner reached the same creative conclusion as a vehicle for personal expression (metaphor).

Out there is a christian novel with the same title as my latest blog entry (below). The book, The Tattooed Rats (cover image posted above), was written by Jerry B Jenkins and John Perrodin. Reviewers and publishers' comments praise this piece of fiction with an apocalyptic genre aimed at the christian youth. The author captures a future (2012) where the Christians are outlawed because of their faith. Patch, the main character, meets secret members of the Tattooed Rats (a Gang) and learns things are not what they seem, living in a world where enemies are friends, and friends are enemies.In the novel Christianity is outlawed and sharing faith is considered hate speech. Worship is done in secret, underground. Believers, in a futuristic world find out how tough it can be, to be a true christian.

The novel paints a rather gloomy picture for believers in a changing world, not because of their faith, as reviewers of the novel (and the author) would make us believe, but due to their expressed fundamentalist views (see News paper article below), often in direct conflict with basic human rights. God is love and his world should reflect tolerance and respect.

Bishop of Rochester condemned.

Christian fundamentalist's views on gays and other moral issues are having an alienating effect on society. The Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, was condemned for calling gays to repent. The bishop was accused of pandering to hate and homophobia.

Peter Tatchell, the gay rights campaigner, said he was "shocked" at the level of anti-gay prejudice voiced by the bishop. "Homophobia is a social and moral evil, just like racism. Bigotry, even in the guise of religion, has no place in a compassionate, caring society, " he said "I call on the bishop to repent his homophobia. His prejudice goes against Christ's gospel of love and compassion."

The bishops controversial remarks were published just hours after more than a half a million people, including the British Prime Minister's wife, Sarah, took part in the Gay Pride parade in London. The Independent, reported by Lewis Smith on Monday 6 July 2009.

Tattooed rats

Tattooed Rat. Black sgraffito

One month to go before the exhibition and I have mastered the techniques and processes. The exhibition should be interesting, considering the diverse range of surface development options. Here are the latest developments. Now its down to the choice of insignia and symbols, including the pairing and or groupings. Display is very important; to maximise the expressive potential of the body work.

A pair of crafty Rats.

Black, brown and white sgraffito surface development options, based on tattoos as discussed in previous posting.

Tattooed rat, black and brown sgraffito (final result).

My objective has been to create a product that is also craft based; although I do find the final result successful - I am not use to my work being so rooted within ceramic techniques and processes (too crafty). It's growing on me. This is a very different look than the rats decorated with heart shaped transfers, including gold and silver lustered tails - far more in keeping with my earlier work (posted earlier).

A Flesh-ish affair.

A surface test to create a flesh like appearance for the rat, complete with tattoos. The opportunity exists to apply transfers directly on the flesh like surface. An exciting alternative surface option for the exhibition.