My mom really loves me and supports me. She swore for most of her life that she would never get a tattoo… that is until her son started tattooing. Now she keeps pondering her next one. Here’s her first tattoo. We decided to incorporate her favorite flower (calla lilly) with her favorite hobby (quilting needle and thread). Apparently she loves it, but then again she may just be saying that to be encouraging hahaha.
Love you Mom.
Did this little ditty on a pretty hardcore chick the other day. She took it like a smiley to the face. ouch.
This was a really fun piece to do. For some reason I have been doing a lot of realistic birds lately, but this was a chance to mix it up a bit and do something a bit bolder. This eagle was Mr. Fink’s first tattoo and sure not to be his last. He sat like a champ for such a tough spot. Mr. Fink even brought a delicious batch of homemade hard cider to share when we were done. Fantastic.
Had the chance to visit some friends down on Long Island. Spent a few days working and a few days playing. Kirsten had been thinking about a large tattoo for awhile so we decided the time was right to start it. So we pulled out the sharpie markers and went to town.
She sat like a rock (except when she had to pee every 5 minutes). The Cherry Blossom is taking shape. We have another session to go to crisp up some color and detail, but we wanted to keep it very soft and painterly.
I recently started working with my old college roomate and long time friend on a piece that carries significant meaning for him. Budge, is a member of the Anishinaabe (which I believe translates to “original peoples”) from Canada. He has always been fascinated by the rich histories and traditions of his people and this current piece is one He’s been thinking about and we’ve been discussing for quite some time now.
The tattoo is realistic representation of the “seventh fires prophecy belt”. The original belt was created before the arrival of Europeans in North America. The prophecy speaks largely of respect for humanity, but I’m learning more as I talk with Budge. This belt was made of individually hand carved purple and white shells (wampum) that were then woven together to create a nearly seven foot long piece of art.
To stay as true to the original as possible I spent far too many days mathematically counting beads and creating schematics that would help us fit the belt around Budge’s shoulder, down his ribs and eventually wrap around his legs and finish on his foot. Yes he’s definitely in for a treat. I’m also going blind while shading in each individual bead. Now I truly feel some of the patience his ancestors must have possessed while crafting such an object.
I’ll post more pics as we get more sittings. But here’s the start. I hope you enjoy. Thanks Budge.
Damnit. And yes that’s a machete. (Taken with instagram)
Brandi getting her arm surgically attached to her leg at the shop. (Taken with instagram)
Obey the signs or reap the consequences. (Taken with instagram)
Did u know you can turn your nose into a ninja turtle?! (Taken with instagram)
Finished my pal grease’s chest. (Taken with instagram)
