Rando Romps: The Stabshack

West End Brisbane Australia,  2018

Ms. Stiletto working whilst Burt stares at me 2018

The history of tattoos can be traced back to the 3300 BCE. In modern times Military members, me included, have moto tats. There have been times during massage sessions I have even seen grandmothers with inked skin for their faith, family, or various other reasons. Everyone has a reason to or not to get inked.

Even before my Down Under adventure I liked tattoos. In western society we have made great progress regarding stigmas and ideas regarding inked people… However, we still have a long way to go. I promise you folks; I rarely meet someone with inked skin that truly means you harm or has less ability to do the job they have qualifications to do. My mom’s stance is simple… “Your body is a temple…” or however the Christian teachings go. I agree, time to decorate.

Stephanie Stiletto & I 2018

As much as I am typically down for adventure whilst romp’n about in a different town, city, or country I am not usually a proponent of getting ink done in a different country simply because sanitary standards could be different. Hep B, C, or HIV not for me, thanks! But Aus has high standards and The Stabshack provides a safe place for seekers of expensive skin. This, what looked like, a converted house, was located at the West End area of Brissy. Unfortunately closed now. But when it was rock’n its staff was all female and LGBTQ friendly place that had 5 stars and glowing reviews. The artist I booked with, hope she is doing well, was Stephanie Stilleto. And she was every bit of her Marquee styled name both in look and more importantly talent. First impressions when meeting this artist was as follows… A full-on rockabilly attire/pin up doll attire and look to boot and followed simply a wonderful and professional chill to her words as we navigated placement and artwork that I wanted. The result… Well, I still compliment on the Boxing “Bogan” Kangaroo she inked on my right lower leg to help cover up the scar Mt. Beerwah gave me. This one tattoo has continued to inspire me to keep getting my right leg inked with inspired pieces of all the countries and places I have been to in the world.

Bogen Roo finished 2018

When I left that shack and started back to the house in Enoggera I couldn’t help but start singing an altered version of chorus to the Drifters hit song “Under the Boardwalk”.

Cue the music and sing with me…
(Into the stab shack) I’ll be gett’n ink done
(Into the stab shack) Light buzzing ofa gun
(Into the stab shack) Expensive skin’so fun
(Into the stab shack) bzzzbzzz (stab shack)

©Dustin Casey