A Norwalk tattoo artist and a man who is no stranger to the tattoo pen, have set what will likely be a new world record for the longest tattoo session. Robin H.M. and Jeff Garton spent 48 hours and 26 minutes in the 546 Tattoo Studio in Norwalk as Robin created a large and complex tattoo design on Jeff's thigh. They started their challenge at 9:05 a.m. Friday and ended Sunday about 9:30 a.m., breaking the world's record by 11 minutes.
Jill Garton, Jeff's wife of 17 years says her husband and Robin managed to get through the process by sheer determination and lots of endorphins and adrenalin. "I only had to go out get more bananas and orange juice once." According to the Guinness rules, they were allowed to take occasional 2 minutes breaks, but could not sleep.
Robin, who has been a tattoo artist for the past 14 years originated the idea as a way to generate donations and raise awareness for the current and baffling cancer cluster in the nearby area of Clyde. A case that has affected scores of lives, including many children. "It just seems like there are more and more of them all the time, and something needs to be done." says Robin who has been frustrated with the tragic medical mystery for years. Meanwhile, Jeff Garton, says he was doing the event to raise awareness for a local rehab center in the Norwalk area.
When Robin and Jeff finished their session Sunday morning, Jill Garton says there were quite a few people packed into the tiny shop who took part in a big celebration. "It was a very emotional time." She says Robin and Jeff were exhausted, but pleased they had been able to go the distance. Jill says she will now put together all the documentation needed to get their achievement recorded by the Guinness World Record folks.
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