Over the last decade, Chicago artist Ryan Henry has received national recognition for his artwork. He uses a common artist’s tool: ink. His canvas? Skin.

“The last 15 years, tattoos have grown to be so much more socially acceptable,” Henry said. “People are being more understanding that it’s artistic expression.”

WTTW arts correspondent Angel Idowu visited Henry in Pilsen for an up-close look at the art of tattooing. After getting her first, and only, tattoo, she had a better understanding of the art form.

“Tattooing is a culture of people expressing themselves,” Henry said. “We have an entire culture of artists and art connoisseurs and lovers.”

That’s why Henry works with community partners, like Red Bull and the company’s Doodle Art contest, to help tattoo lovers explore the craft as a mainstream art form. The national contest is described as perfect for tattoo artists.

“They might not know art, but they know what they like,” Henry said. “The same way you display art on your wall, you display art on your body. Expressing yourself.”

It was about halfway through his 14-year career that Henry garnered national attention when he and his artwork were showcased on the VH1 show “Black Ink Crew Chicago.”

For more information on the Red Bull Doodle Art contest, click here. Applications close Thursday.

Follow Angel Idowu on Twitter: @angelidowu3

Angel Idowu is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.