Oni Tattoo!

Heres a fun one: a Japanese demon, or Oni, with a lopped of horn! Was it lost in an epic battle with some brave Samurai? Was it removed as a self-inflicted act of penance or redemption? Only the wearer may truly know...

Use Your Freedom of Choice!

In Ancient Rome there was a poem about a dog who had two bones. He picked at one. He licked the other. He went psycho- he dropped dead! Choose or Die!!!

The Timeless Flower

In a time where everyone attempts to have a meaningful tattoo experience, it never ceases to amaze me that a nice, simple flower can speak so many more words than some contrived, jumbled mess of symbols and characters ever could. If you want something deep and complex- something both vibrant and strikingly personal- I suggest you consider the timeless flower in any of it's forms. Candice and Gwen's designs are the proof in the petunia-pudding...                            

It's Not a Real Tattoo Unless There's a Knife Through It!

Someone that I learned a lot from taught me that! This sweet banger is on Dan, who has many other tattoos featured on this blog. He really can pick a nice design. Thanks, Dan!

Bodhidharma

Here is the beginning stage of what will eventually be Jason's Japanese style bodysuit, which I am very grateful to have been asked to work on. In this chest panel are the Daruma dolls on a wind background. Daruma is the Japanese name for the Indian Monk Bodhidharma, who, through his works and meditation, brought Zen to China, where it is said to have spread from, and also formed the basis of the Shaolin teachings of Kung-Fu. These dolls are used to represent goals and wishes, one eye being painted in for the initial thought, and the other eye to be filled in when the goal is completed. They are burned in great piles at the Daruma Festival each year. I admire Jason, not only for his choice of subject matter and style, but for his patients, endurance, and dedication throughout the process so far. Thank you!

Life and Death

One (or two, rather) of the best subjects for tattoo art. It's all about change.

Owl Be There

 Tonight was pretty freakin' sweet! Not only did I get to tattoo this awesome owl, but I got a better picture of this nice schooner as well! Maybe I should have shaved the leg, though.....