While the practice dates back thousands of years, the body piercing origin in the United States rose to prominence in the late 20th century and became a significant part of contemporary culture. This rise in popularity reflects broader changes in fashion, individualism, and rebellion against mainstream societal norms.
“The famed Aloha Monkey tattoo shop is hitting a quarter century, so we sat down with shop owner and tattoo artist Josh Arment to celebrate. As an Illinois native, Josh shares the enigmatic path that led to the buzzing beacon of tattoo parlors. His story is a vivid mural of punk rock, hip-hop, and skateboarding, all underpinned by profound family influences—like the lore of his grandfather's WWII tattoos. The episode is a tapestry of an artist's formative years, the meticulous graft of apprenticeships, and the sage wisdom of industry veterans. It's about embracing the culture, the music, and the ink-stained journey of turning a lifelong passion into mastery.
But what's a master without disciples? The podcast wraps with an ode to the time-honored tradition of mentorship in the world of tattooing. Josh recounts how the legacy of Sailor Jerry along with the teachings of Denise Wolf and Mike Malone didn't just shape his art—they shaped his life. Through laughter and a few of Matt's quirky trivia moments, we explore the profound connection between the artist, their craft, and the canvas of skin they transform. As always, brought to you by Sailor Jerry!”
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As we have read so far, there is a long history that lead up to the birth of The Aloha Monkey. If you haven’t read our blogs on Sailor Jerry and Mike Malone, definitely go back and read through. There was a lot that happened before The Aloha Monkey came to be, but this is going to be the story of the shop itself and the current owner and tattoo artist, Josh Arment.
Many know the name Sailor Jerry for the innovation he brought to the world of tattooing; however, the legacy he left behind was carried on. Though many may not know who he was, Mike (Rollo Banks) Malone was an incredibly talented artist that accepted the torch from Norman Collins and made sure that the light didn’t burn out. He was known for his adventurous spirit, artistic talents, dedication to his studies and continuing his education, quick wit, and his ability to tell a story.
