A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Mind The Gap


Hoo boy that’s grisly, but fitting for this, the Halloween season, no? Shane checks in from scenic Columbus, Georgia, to show off this new Columbia Necktie tattoo by Matthew Wertjes at Superior Skin Art. The tongue is a nice touch, too—the tongue in the tattoo, that is, not the split tongue, although we’re sure that has a nice touch too…ladies.

More angles after the jump, including a painful-looking procedural shot.

See more in Facial and Neck Tattoos (Tattoos)

Comments

210 responses to “Mind The Gap”

  1. V Avatar
    V

    Negative opinion is by no means “hateful”. These comment forums have always been an outlet for spirited discussion, and frankly, ever since we all started caring so much about being PC and not treading on anyones “creative spirit” or “personal journey” or however the hell you want to put it, this site has really lost something. I think that the problem that many of us see with this type of modification is that when an individual chooses their first and only tattoos to be on their face, hands and neck it’s hard to get past feeling that this individual is simply out for scene points; to prove how hardcore they are to those around them. Now, I obviously can’t speak for the rest of the community, but work like this just doesn’t sit right with me, nor does the publicity It’s receiving. Does questioning someones motives really make an person “hateful” now?

  2. V Avatar
    V

    Negative opinion is by no means “hateful”. These comment forums have always been an outlet for spirited discussion, and frankly, ever since we all started caring so much about being PC and not treading on anyones “creative spirit” or “personal journey” or however the hell you want to put it, this site has really lost something. I think that the problem that many of us see with this type of modification is that when an individual chooses their first and only tattoos to be on their face, hands and neck it’s hard to get past feeling that this individual is simply out for scene points; to prove how hardcore they are to those around them. Now, I obviously can’t speak for the rest of the community, but work like this just doesn’t sit right with me, nor does the publicity It’s receiving. Does questioning someones motives really make an person “hateful” now?

  3. Noah Matteson Avatar
    Noah Matteson

    Ok, I never said that being in a crackhead filled city was the reason he got the tattoo. And who has a problem with slipknot?!? Greatest band ever. I’m 22, what can I say. I’m stupid right? Because you don’t like it it’s wrong? Please. People arguing over tattoos on this site is rather stupid. At least he didn’t go up to a wall and go “hmmmmm, I want………………..that one” pointing at some random piece of flash that has no symbolic meaning to him. He saw the opportunity arise and he took it. Good for him, poo for you.

  4. Noah Matteson Avatar
    Noah Matteson

    Ok, I never said that being in a crackhead filled city was the reason he got the tattoo. And who has a problem with slipknot?!? Greatest band ever. I’m 22, what can I say. I’m stupid right? Because you don’t like it it’s wrong? Please. People arguing over tattoos on this site is rather stupid. At least he didn’t go up to a wall and go “hmmmmm, I want………………..that one” pointing at some random piece of flash that has no symbolic meaning to him. He saw the opportunity arise and he took it. Good for him, poo for you.

  5. Grace Avatar
    Grace

    I think the concept is interesting in a gruesome way, and the artist is talented! But I can’t help but think how hard it will be for him to get a job dealing with the public or something really professional with a tattoo of that subject matter and in such a highly visible place. Unless he’s an artist or going to do piercings or tattoos himself, he’s in some trouble…

  6. Grace Avatar
    Grace

    I think the concept is interesting in a gruesome way, and the artist is talented! But I can’t help but think how hard it will be for him to get a job dealing with the public or something really professional with a tattoo of that subject matter and in such a highly visible place. Unless he’s an artist or going to do piercings or tattoos himself, he’s in some trouble…

  7. Grace Avatar
    Grace

    Oh and Happy Halloween everyone!

  8. Grace Avatar
    Grace

    Oh and Happy Halloween everyone!

  9. ZS-25 Avatar
    ZS-25

    Did anyone else notice the correspondence between the title and this guys teeth? first thought

  10. ZS-25 Avatar
    ZS-25

    Did anyone else notice the correspondence between the title and this guys teeth? first thought

  11. Dandy Avatar

    Lol at the “Hardcore modbloggers”

    Your allowed to comment, but only if you say something nice?

    Jeeze that would make for an interesting discussion. Lets all hold hands and praise every person for every modification no matter what! 😛

    I can think of many times in bme’s history where people have done some really stupid modifications and if some of the posters didnt speak up it would spread crap information/view points.

    Albeit this is an aesthetic tattoo and not a modification, surely you must see that their is little beauty in it but alot of “fun shock factor”. I really dont think its too rude to point out that most people find this gross, im pretty sure thats what the guy was going for!

    And if your to scared about being ridiculed, please dont submit your pictures to the internets.

    Just because this is a “community” doesn’t mean we all have to agree all the time. + <3 xoxo

  12. Dandy Avatar

    Lol at the “Hardcore modbloggers”

    Your allowed to comment, but only if you say something nice?

    Jeeze that would make for an interesting discussion. Lets all hold hands and praise every person for every modification no matter what! 😛

    I can think of many times in bme’s history where people have done some really stupid modifications and if some of the posters didnt speak up it would spread crap information/view points.

    Albeit this is an aesthetic tattoo and not a modification, surely you must see that their is little beauty in it but alot of “fun shock factor”. I really dont think its too rude to point out that most people find this gross, im pretty sure thats what the guy was going for!

    And if your to scared about being ridiculed, please dont submit your pictures to the internets.

    Just because this is a “community” doesn’t mean we all have to agree all the time. + <3 xoxo

  13. Eric Avatar

    I really like the artwork on this. It’s a pretty bold statement though, and I’m not sure if I’d be willing to make one so bold ever in my life. I’ve always been a fan of large throat work, and I like this piece. I find it hilarious that some people think that you need to “earn” the right to being visibly tattooed.

  14. Eric Avatar

    I really like the artwork on this. It’s a pretty bold statement though, and I’m not sure if I’d be willing to make one so bold ever in my life. I’ve always been a fan of large throat work, and I like this piece. I find it hilarious that some people think that you need to “earn” the right to being visibly tattooed.

  15. Christina Avatar
  16. Christina Avatar
  17. Tommy Avatar
    Tommy

    This tattoo makes me think all those tired cliches that a lot of us hear daily. “You’ll regret that in ten years” “How will you get a job” and “What does your mother think?” all spring to mind.

  18. Tommy Avatar
    Tommy

    This tattoo makes me think all those tired cliches that a lot of us hear daily. “You’ll regret that in ten years” “How will you get a job” and “What does your mother think?” all spring to mind.

  19. adam Avatar
    adam

    5 bucks says this ends up on one of those dumbest tattoo lists that go around on the internet.

  20. adam Avatar
    adam

    5 bucks says this ends up on one of those dumbest tattoo lists that go around on the internet.

  21. emilyerdbeer Avatar
    emilyerdbeer

    i do NOT get the throat piece (but it’s beautifully executed, i will admit that)

    but: i love love love the subtle tattoo next to his eyes!!!

  22. emilyerdbeer Avatar
    emilyerdbeer

    i do NOT get the throat piece (but it’s beautifully executed, i will admit that)

    but: i love love love the subtle tattoo next to his eyes!!!

  23. Ward Avatar

    I really like this, wouldn’t do it myself but it’s nice to see something different every now and again.

  24. Ward Avatar

    I really like this, wouldn’t do it myself but it’s nice to see something different every now and again.

  25. cavexin Avatar
    cavexin

    aside from the whole discussion about getting this on such a visible spot, it’s not a well-done tattoo!!! don’t get why people are saying that. The shading looks horrible.. I can’t imagine that it will look like anything but a blog in the future. Should white ink just serve to highlight the artwork/be so obvious?

  26. cavexin Avatar
    cavexin

    aside from the whole discussion about getting this on such a visible spot, it’s not a well-done tattoo!!! don’t get why people are saying that. The shading looks horrible.. I can’t imagine that it will look like anything but a blog in the future. Should white ink just serve to highlight the artwork/be so obvious?

  27. I am iron man Avatar
    I am iron man

    #16 – it’s a tattoo, it’s on his face. I can’t see how that’s up for debate, his face is tattooed.
    Given, it’s not the most extreme facial tattoo but it’s still a pretty big step.l

  28. I am iron man Avatar
    I am iron man

    #16 – it’s a tattoo, it’s on his face. I can’t see how that’s up for debate, his face is tattooed.
    Given, it’s not the most extreme facial tattoo but it’s still a pretty big step.l

  29. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    Maybe he should have saved some of the money he wasted on bad tattoos and gotten his disgusting teeth fixed. Why would he show them in a picture when he looks that horrid?

  30. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    Maybe he should have saved some of the money he wasted on bad tattoos and gotten his disgusting teeth fixed. Why would he show them in a picture when he looks that horrid?

  31. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    PS. It’s not well done. LOOK at it before you comment.

  32. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    PS. It’s not well done. LOOK at it before you comment.

  33. violentlyhappy Avatar
    violentlyhappy

    uglyyyy

  34. violentlyhappy Avatar
    violentlyhappy

    uglyyyy

  35. nikki Avatar
    nikki

    everything else aside, why hasnt anyone noticed the artist has NO clip cord bag, and NO machine bag, and its laying right on top of the client.

    Cross contamination anyone? not only did he get a throat tattoo but he probably got a good case of HEP with it.

    Why the hell dont ppl bag their stuff? whatever happened to INFECTION CONTROL.

  36. nikki Avatar
    nikki

    everything else aside, why hasnt anyone noticed the artist has NO clip cord bag, and NO machine bag, and its laying right on top of the client.

    Cross contamination anyone? not only did he get a throat tattoo but he probably got a good case of HEP with it.

    Why the hell dont ppl bag their stuff? whatever happened to INFECTION CONTROL.

  37. Eric Avatar

    Stephanie, you’re just being a bitch. His teeth aren’t decaying or anything, they just have a gap. If you’re going to call someone’s teeth disgusting because they aren’t perfectly aligned, you suck.

    I did look at the tattoo, and I really like how the artist executed the piece. I think the art is good, and I’d definitely like to see healed shots from it.

  38. Eric Avatar

    Stephanie, you’re just being a bitch. His teeth aren’t decaying or anything, they just have a gap. If you’re going to call someone’s teeth disgusting because they aren’t perfectly aligned, you suck.

    I did look at the tattoo, and I really like how the artist executed the piece. I think the art is good, and I’d definitely like to see healed shots from it.

  39. C Avatar
    C

    @43 & 38 – Its been a few years since I have visited this site, and of all the differences I have noticed it seems that since BME has gone mainstream the readers don’t seem to understand quality or infection control. Back in the day this is where I learned about quality and cleanliness, and it seems that the standards and education have gone out the window.

  40. C Avatar
    C

    @43 & 38 – Its been a few years since I have visited this site, and of all the differences I have noticed it seems that since BME has gone mainstream the readers don’t seem to understand quality or infection control. Back in the day this is where I learned about quality and cleanliness, and it seems that the standards and education have gone out the window.

  41. Tentacle Avatar
    Tentacle

    He is going to regret that when he gets pregnant.

  42. Tentacle Avatar
    Tentacle

    He is going to regret that when he gets pregnant.

  43. Jen Avatar

    It’s a well-done tattoo!

    To each their own.
    🙂

  44. Jen Avatar

    It’s a well-done tattoo!

    To each their own.
    🙂

  45. jenn Avatar
    jenn

    #30 hahaaha, your comment should be the most important!

    imo, it just doesn’t seem like a good thing to get tattooed on your throat but it’s his body, he can do what he wants with it!

  46. jenn Avatar
    jenn

    #30 hahaaha, your comment should be the most important!

    imo, it just doesn’t seem like a good thing to get tattooed on your throat but it’s his body, he can do what he wants with it!

  47. R Avatar
    R

    Just because you wear make-up means you can’t think someone else has put on a little too much? Just because you have some sort of fashion sense means you can’t have a negative opinion about someone else’s outfit? Of course everyone should be accepting up to a point of people’s choice to get modified how they want on their own personal journey, but they are also allowed to have an opinion about something they are a part of. Just because someone is a part of the modified community does not mean they have to think every modification is great. This is a bit.. something else.

    There is a reason a tattoo shop wont((or shouldn’t) tattoo someone’s hands or face unless they are at least sleeved or in some way heavily tattooed. Though, Shane could be sleeved for all we know.. But this goes beyond just having a neck tattoo. This beyond the only factor being the tattoo’s visibility. I like tattoos anywhere, hands, feet, face, anywhere.. But I also dislike poorly done or poor idea tattoos. I and anyone else is allowed to think this tattoo, while it is nicely done, is just not the greatest idea in my opinion.. And no matter what you say, age is a factor.. It would still be just as bad an idea at 50, but still, the person is better fir to make a bad permanent decision for themselves and live with it. I’m very lucky I didn’t have the ability to get tattooed at earlier times in my life. My ideals and morals have changed very little but I would still be unhappy with big X’s on my hands, or a lame band of nautical stars around my wrist I wanted when I was 16, or any number of tattoo ideas I’ve wanted since then that I would surely hate now, even though none of the ideas were in any way offensive or off-putting. Even if someone thinks this is him showing extreme comfort in his own body or whatever, his comfort levels and opinions are most definately going to change.. hopefully in the better direction for him.

    This is straight up horrifying gore on his throat. A vivid depiction of his throat gashed open. This will suck for varying reasons on many occasions in the future no matter how he feels about it, love it or hate it later. I can’t know his intentions for getting it. Only he knows that, but it would be difficult to argue it was a great reason. I may be wrong but I can only assume this is majorly for shock value which is a terrible reason to get tattooed. I wouldn’t mind knowing what he feels were his reasons for getting this particular tattoo. I can’t say for sure he’ll regret it, he may never, and that would be really great. And of course people shouldn’t jump to say things like, “That’s retarded..” or “He’s stupid..” or whatever.. But it is fine to say either that you think it’s not a great idea to get this tattoo or it doesen’t look so great.. In short, it’s ok to like some mods and not like others.. but all the while like the spirit of getting modified all inclusively.

    And all of this is not to say that I haven’t gotten very annoyed with people’s negative comments on here at times.. It ok to have negative opinions, as long as they are somewhat informed, in my opinion. When modblog was on stumble upon for a little while I couldn’t stand they terrible comments that were being left. I’m simply defending the right to have a negative opinion about someone’s modification as long as it’s shared respectfully. I’m not defending people being dicks, especially about things they know little about…

    I wish Shane the best with his decision in the future.

  48. R Avatar
    R

    Just because you wear make-up means you can’t think someone else has put on a little too much? Just because you have some sort of fashion sense means you can’t have a negative opinion about someone else’s outfit? Of course everyone should be accepting up to a point of people’s choice to get modified how they want on their own personal journey, but they are also allowed to have an opinion about something they are a part of. Just because someone is a part of the modified community does not mean they have to think every modification is great. This is a bit.. something else.

    There is a reason a tattoo shop wont((or shouldn’t) tattoo someone’s hands or face unless they are at least sleeved or in some way heavily tattooed. Though, Shane could be sleeved for all we know.. But this goes beyond just having a neck tattoo. This beyond the only factor being the tattoo’s visibility. I like tattoos anywhere, hands, feet, face, anywhere.. But I also dislike poorly done or poor idea tattoos. I and anyone else is allowed to think this tattoo, while it is nicely done, is just not the greatest idea in my opinion.. And no matter what you say, age is a factor.. It would still be just as bad an idea at 50, but still, the person is better fir to make a bad permanent decision for themselves and live with it. I’m very lucky I didn’t have the ability to get tattooed at earlier times in my life. My ideals and morals have changed very little but I would still be unhappy with big X’s on my hands, or a lame band of nautical stars around my wrist I wanted when I was 16, or any number of tattoo ideas I’ve wanted since then that I would surely hate now, even though none of the ideas were in any way offensive or off-putting. Even if someone thinks this is him showing extreme comfort in his own body or whatever, his comfort levels and opinions are most definately going to change.. hopefully in the better direction for him.

    This is straight up horrifying gore on his throat. A vivid depiction of his throat gashed open. This will suck for varying reasons on many occasions in the future no matter how he feels about it, love it or hate it later. I can’t know his intentions for getting it. Only he knows that, but it would be difficult to argue it was a great reason. I may be wrong but I can only assume this is majorly for shock value which is a terrible reason to get tattooed. I wouldn’t mind knowing what he feels were his reasons for getting this particular tattoo. I can’t say for sure he’ll regret it, he may never, and that would be really great. And of course people shouldn’t jump to say things like, “That’s retarded..” or “He’s stupid..” or whatever.. But it is fine to say either that you think it’s not a great idea to get this tattoo or it doesen’t look so great.. In short, it’s ok to like some mods and not like others.. but all the while like the spirit of getting modified all inclusively.

    And all of this is not to say that I haven’t gotten very annoyed with people’s negative comments on here at times.. It ok to have negative opinions, as long as they are somewhat informed, in my opinion. When modblog was on stumble upon for a little while I couldn’t stand they terrible comments that were being left. I’m simply defending the right to have a negative opinion about someone’s modification as long as it’s shared respectfully. I’m not defending people being dicks, especially about things they know little about…

    I wish Shane the best with his decision in the future.

  49. John H. Avatar
    John H.

    @ 49: Amen. Thanks for saying that. Seems most people have forgotten that these days.

  50. John H. Avatar
    John H.

    @ 49: Amen. Thanks for saying that. Seems most people have forgotten that these days.

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