When reveries of Tahoe creep into the mind, tattoos are not generally one of the first associations made with this tremendous outdoor playground. However, self-expression and individuality are deeply rooted aspects of all those living here, whether short-term or long term. Tattoos are nothing if not self-expression.
Human bodies are pages of a personal book, a historical record as we traverse through the adventures of life. Scars tell our stories and impressions like tattoos provide insight to our philosophies. Tattooing is an art form; each design is a piece of art with deep meaning not only to the customer but to the tattooist as well. And now, Truckee is the new home for a soulful member of the world’s legion of tattoo artists.
Truth Tattoos set up shop on Oct. 1 and owner plus primary tattooist Mark Larson is happy to have his own place up and running but does suffer the headaches from being a new business owner. However he remains optimistic about the future of his shop.
Nestled behind Backstreet Framers and Gallery down the street from Joe’s Coffee, Truth Tattoos offers a serene, comfortable alternative to the usual party atmosphere tattoo shops harbor. ‘I like to keep it relaxing and let the customers control the mood and music, which is not traditional of tattoo shops,’ Larson said. The peaceful setting makes the customer as comfortable as possible, he said. ‘You never forget when you get tattooed, the smells, the sounds, the feeling…it is a solidifying experience.’
Larson and his family moved to Truckee after a stint in the Napa Valley. Prior to Napa, Larson lived in Maui and worked for tattoo shop Island Ink in Pai’a. The family found similarities between the Aloha spirit and the Tahoe vibe so they decided to make Truckee their home. What made him decide to open Truth Tattoos was the lack of work and the desire to create a different, more art gallery-esque type of shop. Before opening up, Larson made sure he introduced himself to the main competition on the North Shore, Lucky 7. ‘I did my homework and tuned down a great deal of work to make sure I didn’t step on any toes,’ he said.
Larson started tattooing in 2001 and has tattooed an array of designs on a variety of people. ‘The funniest tattoo I have ever done were hot rod flames on a friend’s penis…which was funny in so many ways,’ he said. The most endearing pieces he works on are those that are in memory of someone else. Larson said these pieces mean a great deal to the customer, which is extremely redeeming.
His most extravagant piece is currently in the works. ‘It is more of a cathedral oil painting fusion of the world philosophies. This guy has a lot of thoughts and vision he wants represented. It is a year and a half in the making and has been the hardest and most rewarding piece I have done so far,’ Larson said.
Larson’s specialties are reminiscent of the natural world. Reigning from Hawaii he cherishes his floral reproductions. And if he is not in the shop, expect him to be wandering outdoors, photographing the pristine outdoor scenery.
He hopes that as the snow falls he will be able to open up to bigger market. Larson plans to extend his store hours but will ultimately have to cut back on the more timely pieces in order to make more time for travelers who are looking to memorialize their vacations in the Tahoe area through tattoo.
Larson charges a premium $120 per hour with a $70 minimum. However the more work you have done the more breaks and deals he throws in. Repeat customers usually get $100 flat rate and every ten hours spent in the chair, Larson will throw in an hour or two free of ink time.
For information call Larson 530-582-8788 after 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Unfortunately he is closed on Sundays and Mondays during the off-season but if you find yourself sauntering up into his loft shop, be prepared for a unique, quaint, peaceful, and exotic experience. Truth Tattoos is located at 10099 Jibboom St. in Truckee behind Backstreet Framers Gallery. Walk around the side to the alley and you will see his door. Make sure to check out the red portfolio for some of Larson’s iconic pieces.
