About a week ago I drove up to Oxnard to check out Neuma Tattoo Machines (2451 Eastman Ave., Unit 1, Oxnard, 93030; 805.988.0333). Yes, this spot was not in my normal “area,” but if you’re a reader than you have probably noticed by now, my love of the ink. On the cusp of an industrial park is where you find this hidden tattoo machine manufacturer/tattoo shop. That’s just the way they like it. I met with Dave Barton, one of the two tattoo artists, and he gave me a quick tour of the understated, gallery-like, shop. His impressive tattoo and fine art work are detailed, full of color and hard to miss. I highly recommend him for any art you are looking to get done on yourself. While visiting with Dave, I learned that more than tattoos, the machines behind them was what this place was all about. Being the only shop that also makes their own machines in house blew my mind because it’s not normally done. These machines can either be powered by air or electricity, they are super light weight, and magnetic for easy storage. I don’t know why an artist would use anything else. From the tattoos that were being produced, they seemed be doing beautiful work. (That and Dave’s work speaks for itself…check him out at DaveBartonTattoos.com or TracesOfDave.com).
