Archive for August, 2009
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Phoenix in process...
Building onto an existing tattoo is a challenge I enjoy, particularly when the client I’m working with is game to relax in to the journey by trusting the creative process. While our first tattoos are each significant to us, often times they are unrelated to one another which can result in a patchwork appearance. When the desire to wear an extensive piece of art comes upon us, we are faced with a two fold design process: planning the new piece itself as well as strategizing about how to incorporate the existing art in a way that is consistent with the overall design. This requires creativity as well as an openness to allowing the process to unfold.
In this week’s photos you’ll see the first two steps in the creation of a half sleeve that is building onto an existing tattoo. “Before” shows the existing work that we needed to work in and work around. The “stencil” is the freehand sketching and stenciled outline of the custom Phoenix, smoke and flames that will become the focal point of this piece. And “in process” means this story is to be continued once the piece is completed. Stay tuned…
Friday, August 21st, 2009
Eaglets taking flight
Two weeks in the north woods does spirit, body and mind good. I felt blessed by an ongoing presence of Bald Eagles around me this trip, having the opportunity to observe parents encouraging their young to practice flight skills. I sat in the canoe for nearly an hour watching take offs and landings over… and over… and over.
Another particularly awe inspiring moment was experiencing one of the adult eagles soar low overhead, circle around, and then slowly and gracefully swoop down to forage a dead Walleye from the water surface not twenty feet from my canoe. What a humbling experience. Thank you, Eagle.
I always look forward to time spent in the north woods as time for unwinding and gaining a fresh perspective on whatever aspects of life are at hand. It is an added gift then, to experience wildlife so personally and then return to the studio and apply that energy and experience to a piece of art.
On Wednesday of this week I began a half sleeve of a Phoenix rising from the flames (which was an interesting experience since there was a tornado going on outside… at the time we didn’t know…). Creating this extensive Phoenix piece with the Eagles and the elements so immediate in my mind was inspiring. I look forward to finishing the piece. I’ll post photos soon. In the meantime, enjoy the Eagles.
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
I always get excited about having the opportunity to tattoo a portrait. It’s a style of tattooing that isn’t often requested, is extremely challenging, and incredibly distinctive. When tattooing a portrait, it’s important to have multiple clear photos to work from in order to most accurately render the subject. However, as you’ll see here, even when working from one photo an accurate photo realistic representation is possible.
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
John Troyer (AKA Dr Death) and Awen discuss Memorial Tattoos
Wednesday evening’s event provided thought provoking conversation and insight that I’ve been reflecting on in the days since. For example, how fine a line we walk when defining Memorial Tattoos as separate from tattoos that mark life’s various transitions. All transition requires an end as well as a beginning, and often times these include struggle and grief, along with joy and celebration. Another example; while some images are instantly recognizable as traditional memorial motifs, many others are not. How then are we to know, when looking at a tattoo, that it’s a Memorial Tattoo? We may not know… but we do know that the art being worn is meaningful. When we choose what is meaningful for us and then express that meaning by indelibly inking it with intention, we are transformed. Thank you to everyone who attended, and for your willingness to share your stories, your perspectives and for posing terrifically unanswerable questions!
