A TATTOO artist has launched a new macabre service, removing inked skin from dead people and preserving them for their relatives.

    According to Save My Ink, the process allows tattoo enthusiasts to bequeath an actual part of themselves “just like a house, wedding ring or any other cherished possession.”

    The skin is put through a chemical and enzymatic process to permanently alter the chemical structure of the tissue and stop it from decaying.

    So far the service, which was officially launched in America last week, has successfully preserved 21 tattoos — with 100 percent accuracy.

    Charles Hamm, 60, founder of Save My Ink, also known as the National Association for the Preservation of Skin Art, said they hope to serve tattoo enthusiasts worldwide.

    Former financial advisor Charles, of Cleveland, U.S., set up the association after realizing how much time and money he had put into his tattoos.

    He said, “I have over 150 hours of tattoo work on me, and I have almost covered my entire upper body, excluding my neck and face.

    “When I was getting more tattoo work completed on my back piece, a US$10,000 investment, I began considering all of the money and time I had put into my tattoos.

    “You would never burn a Picasso or any piece of art you invested in and had a passion for. Your tattoo is also art with a unique story, just on a different canvas.

    “I had also read an article in which Johnny Depp stated his intent to have his tattoos preserved, and it all inspired me to begin fully developing Save My Ink.”

    Charles said he perfected the process by practicing on tattooed bits of skin he had removed during plastic surgery after he lost a lot of weight.

    “I asked the plastic surgeon to mark where this procedure would take place, and I then informed him that I would have tattoos put on those spots.

    “He removed the tattoos, the process on those pieces worked, and we were ready to go.

    “Now, we have a growing gallery with tattoos from passed-away members.”

    The unique process is only available to members, who must pay a registration fee of US$115 and annual fees of US$60 before registering a tattoo for preservation.

    (SD-Agencies)