Bermudians can go to even greater lengths to assert their individuality with the opening of the Island?s newest tattoo parlour in Hamilton. Serenity Tattoo, which is run by Mark Hall and New York City tattoo artist Tom Murphy, has opened for business on the corner of Court and Reid Street.

Tattoo artist Tom Murphy, who has more than 15 years? experience in the industry, specialises in everything from lettering such as Biblical quotes and Gothic script to an image of your favourite hip hop artist.

?The tried and true are custom tattoos,? said Mr. Murphy. ?I?ve seen a lot of changes in the industry, many styles have come and gone but people really want something personal ? an image for a loved one who passed on or for their kids. Lettering is also the number one tattoo these days.?

At an average price of $150, Mr. Murphy said he can offer you everything from his extensive training in colour therapy, cover-ups and black and grey tattooing and needles which are new and packaged properly according to required health standards.

Mr. Hall has travelled with Mr. Murphy to North America where the new business has been flying its flag at tattoo conventions in New York and Puerto Rico.

?It?s the first time Bermuda has been represented on the world tattoo circuit, never before has Bermuda been involved since tattoo conventions started in the 1970s,? said Mr. Hall.

?We are out to change that. Tattooing is growing fast in Bermuda and we should have the same opportunities as the rest of the world as far as getting top artists working on our tattoos,? said Mr. Hall.

?We want the world to know where Bermuda is on the map and at the same time give Bermudians a chance to see what the tattoo world has to offer us.?

Serenity Tattoo is located at 79 Court Street, or call 292-5580 for more information.