Mario Barth

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Celebrity tattoo artist Mario Barth (Birthplace: Austria) is the owner and chief tattoo artist at Starlight Tattoo[1], the international tattoo organization with four high-end tattoo studios and the online tattoo supply company called, The Tattoo Super Store[2]. Starlight Tattoo, the only OSHA approved tattoo studios in the nation, sells merchandise in 28 countries on six continents.

Barth's celebrity clientele include: Lenny Kravitz, Jason Kidd, Fieldy of Korn, members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, members of My Chemical Romance, members of Ill Niño, rapper Jim Jones, radio host Wendy Williams, comedian Rich Voss and NFL Giants’ players Jermaine Taylor, Kendrick Allen and David Diehl. Exclusive international guest artists include Samoan master Pili Mo'o and Japanese Grand Master Horitoshi.

In addition to tattooing, Barth also invents cutting-edge products for the industry. He is the creator and manufacturer of the first-ever sterile single dose inks (Singlez ™) which contain his Intenze Ink Tattoo Colours.

He began his career over 20 years ago as a teenager in Austria. After training for several years, the Austrian native opened his first tattoo studio in 1989. He opened three stores before moving to the United States. Barth opened the first of its kind upscale tattoo studios in Detroit and Miami Beach, before settling down in New Jersey. In 1999 he opened Starlight Tattoo in Fair Lawn, NJ. That same year he opened a store in Paterson, NJ, followed by a store in Belleville, NJ in 2001 and in Rochelle Park, NJ in 2005.

Barth hosts the annual Biggest Tattoo Show on Earth, a tattoo and piercing expo which draws crowds in excess of 25,000—the largest collection of tattoo artists in the world. He recently wrote the foreword and will be featured in The Keibunsha Institute’s upcoming book on the history of tattooing. The renowned Keibunsha Institute is the world’s largest research organization for tattoo history.

Barth serves as consultant and practitioner for Hackensack Cosmetic Surgeons (in New Jersey) for reconstructive micro pigmentation on cancer patients. He created a series of special inks for use in reconstructive surgery to help patients adjust with a more natural dermal appearance after major operations. Barth, the founding shareholder of the Amsterdam Museum, is a long standing member of all internationally recognized tattoo organizations including the National Tattoo Association, Alliance of Professional Tattooists, Tattoo Club of Great Britain and The Society of Permanent Makeup Specialists.

Barth speaks four languages, holds several degrees and resides in Washington Township, New Jersey with his wife and business partner Carol. The Barths are involved in several philanthropic organizations including the Red Cross of America, Salvation Army, Hurricane Katrina Benefits, National Breast Care Foundation, Have A Heart and Kids Who Rock.

He is the founder of the Tattoo Legal Defense Fund, an organization which fights for the rights of tattooists and enthusiasts, supplying free legal advice and support.

[edit] External Links

• Blast Magazine feature and interview