Stoney Knows How

Directed by Alan Govenar and Pacho Lane

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About

Details: 1981, 29 minutes, color, Producer: Documentary Arts, Inc., Directors: Alan Govenar and Pacho Lane, Cinematography by: Les Blank

Amazon Prime | Les Blank Films

Stoney Knows How is a visit with a master of the Oldest Art In The World - Tattooing. Disabled by arthritis since the age of four, confined to a wheelchair, his growth stunted, Stoney St. Clair joined the circus at 15 as a sword-swallower. A year later, he took up tattooing, and traveled with circuses and carnivals for 50 years. As we watch him at work, we see the determination which led Stoney to use his crippled hands in an art where mistakes are permanent, and we realize Stoney has overcome his handicap to heal himself and others with the magic of symbols. Awards include CINE Golden Eagle; London Film Festival; Filmex; Museum Of Modern Art; Cinema du Reel (Paris); Edinburgh Film Festival; Ann Arbor.