A Forte of Sacred Geometry
Normally in Venice, CA or in the Bay Area, Dillon Forte etches the ancient miracle of the world's design on an expectant tattooees to the sound of Buddhist prayers, or trap music. That is, when California isn't under statewide self isolation. A true professional, he states, "our current shelter in place act prohibits the capability of resuming business at the detriment to small and medium sized businesses."
The working world is largely on pause, but the metaphysical is still hard at work. It "doesn’t rely on faith, it’s an objective truth that can be observed and measured," says celebrity tattoo artist and native Californian Forte about his specialty art: sacred geometry. According to math and science writer Julie J. Rehymeyer in periodical Math Trek, the samurai who were responsible for creating the sangakus, or "mathematical tablets" that were the beginnings of sacred geometry, were "isolated from the development of calculus taking place in the West," resulting in "a kind of home-grown geometry with a uniquely Japanese character."
The Western version of the term, "was popularized during the 20th century to represent the religious, philosophical, and spiritual beliefs surrounding geometry...In its most common conception, sacred geometry is then a metaphor for universal order...it is itself a practice for enlightenment or self-development, similar to meditation, prayer, or artistic techniques," Rehymeyer explained. According to Rehymeyer, recognizing sacred geometry is more about tapping into facts than faith. The principles of these ancient mathematics are equal parts lore and law, with its visually proven thesis that nothing is random.
It is no wonder, then, that Forte's artwork has prevailed in his native land, spiritual and artistic heartland of the U.S.: California. The Golden State's mysticism is a pedestrian part of its culture; more stoners in the state probably have psychedelic, awakening imagery on their walls than those who don't. Forte elaborates on shapes like the floral Seed of Life and Germ of Life, in addition to more intensely geometric patterns, like the tetrahedron. While advertisements constantly show bodies in parts, Forte's philosophy is looking at the body as a whole, planning not just for the area of the tattoo, but how it will move and metamorphosize across the body. His website showcases bodyscapes that are, line by line, so precise, they seem to be not drawn by the human hand, but channeled.
While his work on celebrities like Kat Von D and Chris Hemsworth deem him a celebrity tattoo artist, the phrase almost doesn't resonate, as his artwork is such a great equalizer. The magic deepens upon discovery that the images themselves are a form of visual meditation. While the entire kaleidoscope of the art is worthy of a gaze, one need only stare at the center of the yantra, an ornate piece of sacred geometry that is said to rouse the divine oneness within, according to the "Sacred Geometry Meditations" by Ivan Rados. This instruction book recommends focusing on the center of the yantra for 15 minutes, the center dot representing the ultimate truth, the "divine nucleus." Imagine a future of reaching the highest state of existence through looking at one's own skin.
For the less-committal, For Now Ink, Forte's temporary tattoo line is available on Inkbox.com. For those ready to take the plunge and get a tattoo, Forte's advice is to not be afraid to let the tattoo artist play God, as "Trust them. The best way to achieve an amazing design is to let the artist do what they do best."
