Story Of Noel Messer's Pe'a - Lady Luck Tattoo - Tattoo Studio And Tattoo School

Story Of Noel Messer's Pe'a
Please find below a copy of an article Kelly wrote about me getting my Pe'a. The master Samoan Tattooist Paulo Sulu'ape used my ink and other hygienic methods. When they do it in the islands they use a home made ink of soot etc. This can lead to infections or swelling. It's advisable to be on a course of antibiotics while getting the tattoo. I got swelling too. But think about it if you tattooed someone's leg entirely from hip to knee. It swells shit loads. The tattoo needs a lot of looking after. Especially if its done in 4 to 6 days which it's normally done in. The tattoo needs to be pressure massaged with cold water and soap every couple of hours. Noel Messer, "Wizard of Oz", has always loved and been fascinated by the art of tattooing. While he was working in Auckland, N.Z. In 1992/3, he happened to meet up with Kiwi tattooist, Tattoo Mike. It was Mike who introduced Noel to the traditional Samoan Tattoo; The Pe'a, as Mike has one himself. After a fair bit of talk and information, Noel realized he had to have one.
Mike decided to discuss the possibility of Noel receiving the Pe'a, with Samoan Tabuga (tattooist), Paulo Sulu'ape. Paulo agreed to go ahead with the Tatau, although many people were uncertain that a Palagi (pronounced Pah-lanh-gee, white person) would have enough courage to go ahead with it. Finally, with much apprehension, Noel went for his first session. After meeting Paulo for the first time, and there after, Noel believes that Paulo is an extremely wise and interesting person. To start the proceedings, Noel was shown to the grass mat, on which over the next few months, he would be getting very familiar with. There were also four Samoan men involved in the operation. They were "Ausolo" who helped stretch the skin. With everyone in position, the operation began.
With the first strike of the "Au" (tool), Noel was quickly brought to the stark reality that he had at least 40 hours to go. This was going to be a long process... After Noel had been for a few sessions, I had the opportunity to drive him to and fro from the sessions, and also record, with film, the patience and pain that go with this tattoo. Most of the time there was little said between Paulo and the Ausolo. They knew what he wanted, whether it was a short comment or a rap on the knuckles. Noel was comforted as much as was possible, and was asked by Paulo, many times, "Malo, Noel" (which I believe means 'Are you okay') Paulo seems to know instinctively when the tattooed person has had enough. Noel could go for 3 hours before, sometimes, he would go into shock. The healing process of this tattoo took a lot of dedication and pain on Noels behalf. Mainly because it was done in such large sections. Having to get up in the middle of the night to shower in ice cold water, in the middle of a kiwi winter was definitely not enjoyable. The pain of just standing up from a laying down position was certainly painful enough to the occasional tear. The tattoo has to always be kept cool. Pressure massage and the cold showers was definitely the way to go. I noticed that as the tattoo sessions went on, that more Samoans would be observing. It was hard to tell what they were thinking. I do know they were very curious, some maybe in awe?
Noels expressions throughout the whole operation are unforgettable. The pained expression was there from start to finish. And who could forget the dose of isopropol after each session? The most I could do was keep him as comfortable as possible, talk to him and keep the fluid close at hand. And keep the film rolling. There were several light-hearted moments with Paulo, which seemed to help everyone involved. Mind you, most of it spoken in Samoan, so who knows what they were really saying! Eventually the final session rolled around. With just the belly to do and a few touch ups. There were also more people than usual that night. After all the pain and frustration Noel had gone through, the end was in sight. Unfortunately, the last few hours were as painful as the first. Paulo as usual, was relaxed and tried to keep Noels mind occupied, with conversation and some information at the Pe'a. The look of relief on Noels face, after Paulo had put down the tools for the last time, said it all! It was infectious. A short ceremony was to follow. While Paulo sat back, a short prayer of thanks was said. This was followed by a rub down with a coconut and cinnamon mixture, applied by one of the Ausolo. Everything was complete. There were a lot of handshakes, cheers and congratulations among everybody who was there. It was Paulo who had the last word to Noel. "Now you can do anything you set your mind to do."