Japanese Tattoos Will Always Be My First Passion…

As I’ve entered into my thirteenth year of tattooing the time between beginning and now feels both eternal and instantaneous.

The days of pressure and second guessing, placing those first tentative lines into the skin are a vivid memory yet very much of the past. I continue to be humbled by tattooing. I am sure this will continue to be the process as the decades ahead unfold.

Having said this, I continue to immerse myself in learning and practice. Each day the projects I get to work on are exciting, challenging, and an overall pleasure. I will not forget the privileged spot of getting to hone my craft in the areas that I find most inspiring.

Japanese style tattoos have always been my first passion. From my days in art school devouring and studying the master prints of the Ukiyo-e the first spark was kindled. Finding my self in Taiwan and acquiring a good bit of tattoo coverage as well as a depth of knowledge from Master Diau-An (through watching him work) fostered this interest ever more. Returning to Canada, beginning to tattoo, acquiring more tattoos over the years and more knowledge from mentors I hold in high esteem (especially Aaron Bell, many thanks for the backpiece and the friendship), letting the years pile up and the experience accrue. Through all of this, hopefully I’ve gained a bit of a footing and some competence in what I’ve been creating.

There is always more to learn, more to refine, subtle shifts which can make all the difference. It’ll be nice to check in after another thirteen years or so, see where I’ve come and what is being produced at that point.

For today, here are a few examples of my work. Again, I express gratitude to my amazing clients. Thanks for the trust, the deception, and the journey.