King of Ghosts: A True Story of Alcoholism Told Through Tattoos and Folklore
Symbols of addiction and sobriety in my life
Zhong Kui is a mythological deity from Taoist folklore. He was granted a nickname meaning “top-scorer”, for his performance on the imperial examinations. Despite this, he was cast out by the emperor due to his hideous appearance.
Despairing over this treatment, Zhong Kui took his own life. He was sent to hell for the sin of suicide, where he became The King of Ghosts — charged with responsibility of them all, maintaining order among the demons. He was thus known as the tamer of evil spirits.
His Japanese name is Shoki The Demon Queller.
Tattoos form a powerful bond between artist and human canvas, to be cherished through resonance of the art shared by both.
1. “Rocks, demons, smoke”
“I’m thinking I’d like to get a Japanese-style sleeve. Something with a samurai.”
The first session is a consultation. The tattooist and I talk ideas, then he takes a break to work on a drawing. The next time I see him, I’ll decide whether to give him the go-ahead on a design inspired by our discussion.
