Eric Siuda, tattoo artist and owner of Ghost Gallery Tattoo in Bethpage, has made it to the finale of Spike TV’s hit reality show, InkMaster.
The final three artists consist of Siuda, Jason Clay Dunn and Cleen Rock One. There will be no more challenges and no more contests, from here on out, the fate of the final three rests solely in the hands of the judges.
On the previous episode, contestants were judged on all the essential skills needed to be a master tattoo artist, including technical application, detail, dimension, artistry, precision and gradation. They were also tested on their own individual strengths.
Mark Longenecker tattooed an American traditional skull and snake; Cleen Rock One tattooed a new school tiger, Siuda tattooed a black and gray rose and dagger and Dunn tattooed a Japanese pin up. Each artist had six hours to create a solid tattoo that proved his ability to handle whatever comes his way.
Cleen Rock One won the best tattoo of the day, securing his spot in the live finale, while Siuda and Longenecker failed to impress the judges. However, during the Elimination Tattoo Critique, the judges commended Siuda, who proved his abilities during the challenge. His tattoo’s placement, details and bold color choices made it the best of the day, which secured him a spot alongside Cleen Rock One in the live finale. In the end, Longenecker’s passion and drive was not enough to ignore his glaring inconsistencies and he was sent packing, earning Dunn his spot among the final three.
Each artist will have a total of 35 hours with a master canvas over the next several months to create an amazing back piece showcasing his talent and skill. However, the style of the tattoo is not up to the artist, it is up to the rivals they will be facing off against in the live finale. With this shocking twist, the style choices the contestants make for their competitors could be the most critical decision of the competition. After the contestants deliberate, it was decided that Dunn must tattoo in the new school style, and both Cleen Rock One and Siuda must use color realism. The master canvases are completely open and what the artists tattoo is completely up to them—but they must tattoo in their assigned style.
The back pieces will be revealed during the live finale on Dec. 16 in New York City with the entire cast returning for this can’t miss event. Who will be crowned Ink Master?
