Issue 32 web-2.pdf

Creature: More than Meets the EyeMORE THAN MEETS THE EYEWords: Kate Monahan / Photos courtesy of Marcus BoykinMarcus “Creature” Boykin is a creature all of his own; one thatis self-made, humble, intelligent, and driven. Boykin chose thename Creature because he has created himself, his image, lifestyle,and his inspirations all on the beautiful canvas that covershis body. The art on his body represents something to him, it ishim, every piece all done by himself, except for his back, simplybecause he couldn’t reach it. So, he had it done by artists heknew well and his apprentices. Creature tattoos himself daily, it’sa huge part of his life, layering color over black, black over color,constantly reinventing his canvas and forming it to his life.Some may know Creature from the series, Freakshow - but thereis much more to the man in front of the camera. While loyal tothe show while on it, it was not something Creature was happywith. He thought that in doing the reality series, he would beable to voice his opinions on body modification and the historyof it, which he did not have the opportunity to do while on theseries. Creature isn’t interested in a drama series or any kindof sellout that promotes merchandise or the new wave of whathas become of the tattoo community. The history, the art seemsto have slowly died out and become a fad. He can see it andso can many others that have been in the game as long asCreature has.When speaking with Marcus, there were many things I couldrelate to in the industry but one of the most amazing thingsabout him is not his looks, but his knowledge of tattoo and bodymodification history and his drive to make it public and morewell known. He is passionate on preaching why and how it’sdone, the method behind it, the art, and the reasoning. It’s not allrainbows and butterflies. He respects and honors those back inthe day when those tattooed were outcasts, misunderstood, underground,and now no longer known - names of famous artists,sideshow performers, and heavily tattooed people like himself.But like the “old school cats,” as he calls them, Marcus fallsunder the same scrutiny. Sure, teenagers think it’s cool, peoplewant to ask questions, but beyond that, they keep their distance.The middle aged and middle class will look at him, cross thestreet, be standoffish, and even worse, not allow him to rent oremploy him. Even tattoo shops have turned him away. Anotherpart Creature spoke about is that he is one of the first heavilycovered African Americans in history, but he also falls prejudiceto this - not getting hired or taken seriously as an artist withmultiple years in the game. The rumor that dark skin doesn’tshow ink is a myth. With knowledge of ink, procedure, and art,it can be done, and Creature can do it well. It doesn’t matterwhat the skin type, if you know the art as Creature does, it canbe done and a beautiful canvas can be created. Unfortunately,due to skewed viewpoints and lack of education on the matter,this falls on deaf ears. But Creature is not giving up. He travelssideshows, speaking of the history of the art, how to creatureyourself as you feel, and that no matter what shade of skin, youcan be tattooed and beautiful, and if you’re interested, becomean artist that can learn the trade as he has.This is not his only aspiration to get his word out. Creatureaspires to create charity foundations, and walks - like a walk forbreast cancer, AIDS, getting involved in the general community,and giving back by the tattooed and modified community. He’salso passionate about teaching kids and adolescents interestedin tattooing about the history and art, how to get in the game,and pursue their passion as he has.It’s been a fight for Creature, jonesing to get work since havinghis face tattooed at 23. Now 32, he has been in the culture forwell over a decade it’s taken seven years to get respect. He’s apatient and humble man and not one to give up. His pursuit is anoble one.Marcus, Creature, is a man to be recognized, a voice in societyfor those in the alternative lifestyle world. One that should beheard and understood, he’s an advocate for all of us. His missionis to educate, end prejudice, bring back the history, understandthe culture, bring the true art back into the industry, and educateothers on how to make, as well as use the right ink, machines,and how to work on any canvas.Creature is dedicated to his cause and life. Controlled by no one,he walks his own path with his head held high, preaching hisgospel and not taking no for an answer. His next stop is PuertoRico to work on a sideshow with one of his most respectedfellows in the game, an old school contender that has all faith inhim - that Creature will be the one to open people’s eyes and getthem to listen. Creature is a prime example that there’s more to aperson than meets the eye.114 InkSpiredMagazine.com