Ink-Cidental Bio-Blots

About the Book

This book is a collection of abstract images intended to help you take a look into your own subconscious, my twist on the Rorschach inkblot test. Using interpretation of “ambiguous designs” to assess an individual’s personality is an idea that goes back to Leonardo da Vinci. Interpretation inkblots were part of a game from the late 19th century but it wasn’t until the 1920’s that Dr. Hermann Rorschach became the first to take a systematic approach and use inkblot tests to assess a subject’s personality and motivation based on their response. The images are symmetrical, randomly created during tattoo sessions by wiping away excess ink and blood on folded paper towels. Where one sees biological waste, another sees art. And this was the birth of Bio Blots. Not every single towel results perfectly but the special ones, those that are interesting and thought provoking are preserved, photographed, framed, and exhibited. I am publishing these inkblots for your enjoyment. Everyone sees what he or she wants to see. Our perception of the world is what makes us who we are and the same principles apply to how we perceive art. I find that the longer you look at an image the more you will discover about yourself. And for those of you who are curious about the process of creating the inkblots, there is a special section in this book just for you. So go ahead and take a look. Challenge your mind and see what images magically appear to you. Perhaps you will learn something new about yourself if you let your mind evolve. Have a good time while you’re looking.

About the Author

My name is Earl Funk. I was born in Washington, DC on March 19, 1984. I have been artistically inclined for as long as I can remember. As a child I would devour coloring books. In middle school, I spent most of my time drawing using lead and color pencils and in high school I began painting with acrylics and oils. In 2002, during my senior year of high school, I started tattooing in Kissimmee, FL. Soon after that, I moved to New York and had the privilege of working with my mentor and friend, Zam in Long Island. Late in 2003, I returned to Central Florida. I first came up with the idea of preserving and photographing the tattoo napkins in 2006. Since then, I have been collecting and waiting for the perfect opportunity to share them with the world.