The Illustrated Woman
The Illustrated Woman
Photography by William DeMichele
In the international tattoo comunity this book is already a collectors
item. It has also become a valuable addition to the library of those who
appreciate fine photography about women and alternate lifestyles. This
book is a unique collection of provocative tattoos and the creative personalities
who proudly wear them.
Photographer William DeMichele traveled the United States and Europe
for five years, attending all the major tattoo conventions, to photograph
with his own style of portraiture, some of the best award winning tattoos
in the world. But the woman of this book confront you with more than just
tattoos, with naked honesty they reveal their inner passion for individuality
and self-expression. "I realized that women have long been subject
to the pressures of physical appearance. The tattooed woman has taken this
stigma and used it to facilitate her art. Even though tattooing has gained
acceptance or at least a tolerance of late, when a woman gets tattooed
she immediately gets more attention than a man. The general public is compelled
to be more opinionated about a woman with body art. These photographs deal
with 'visual prejudice' and personal fortitude."
The revealing photographs of The Illustrated Woman will confront
you. They will give you a deeper understanding and reverence for the tattooed
image and the women who proudly wear them.
"I consider the photographs in this book to be portraits. And
although some of these images may differ from your definition of portrait,
through this style I have tried to strip away all the cues of time and
location to allow the subject to speak aloud of her statement. To let each
person reveal her story not only with her tattoos, but with her body language,
her expressions, her pose. I wanted to capture the attitude and presence
of each person. I avoided using any overt photographic techniques or dictating
the pose of the subject. These simple images of the female form are stronger
than any manipulated photo technique.
HARCOVER VERSION:
This book is expertly printed in Singapore on the highest quality paper,
with a reinforced case binding of real Italian black linen and gold leaf
stamping plus a four color laminated dust jacket. Oversized at 10 3/8"
x 12 7/8", 128 pages, over 130 color photographs of over 100 artists.
SOFTCOVER VERSION:
The second printing included a softcover version. This book has all the
same deluxe specs of the hardcover with a 14pt laminated cover with an endflap
for protection. Many people buy a hardcover for their collection and a softcover
for everyday viewing.
SPECIAL HARDCOVER BOXED EDITION:
This is a limited edition of 250 books. Each book was chosen from the best
of the first edition. Bound with hand made marbled french paper and includes
a Italian black linen slip case embossed with the Proteus logo. Each book
is numbered and signed and is wrapped with archival paper.