Karl (1905-1982) was born in Ohio. He was a brakeman for the B&O Railroad while being a tattoo artist on the side. Eventually he would become a full-timer after moving to St. Louis. His work is noted for the carefully designed drawings coated in an orange shellack on pure white illustration board.. This technique lent a flesh color to the tattooed images, He was a well-liked man, considered a true artist who was not just a journeyman tattooist.
We have only one example of his work. We’re lucky to have this piece because whenever his work surfaces at auction, it’s a fight to win them.
This is one of the few body part tattoo drawings we have ever seen. There is a Horton pair of arms and an Ed Smith back copied from a Fellows photograph. Mr. Lark really set himself apart with this one. It’s modern looking but definitely has an old school feel to it.
Starting with the top we have a symbol of glory with our vanquished enemy. The symbol is probably of English origination celebrating victory of a bloody war somewhere with the Chinese. The space on either side is decorated with vine pattern leading to twin California poppies. Blood drips from the dagger down to an exotically turbaned, curly-haired lass. Moving down the arm, a split-tailed swallow soars the sailor’s symbol of “land ahoy!”. It is the first thing men at sea would notice to signify they are nearing home. A large linked chain design surrounds the wrist separating a clenched fist, perhaps a symbol of incarceration serving as a reminder not to belt the loudmouth on the neighboring barstool: “Let it slide bro”, the chain reminds. It’s tale told through tattoo imagery and a nice example of Americana folk art.