Richard came in and finished up his tribute to his spiritual side. Another Michelangelo Madonna piece, tied in with the holy spirit. Thanks goes out to Richard.

Baby Ray’s nephew Shayne Murray, who’s like an older brother who’s been watching me from the gate,  came by to get another piece to add onto his collection. This is the latest of the old school religious Jesus pieces we did-still needs few more sessions to tie into….

…this piece we did a couple months back. Big Shayne always likes the old school look of the religious icons.

This is a CLASSICK Baby Ray tatoo!! Shayne’s tribute to his uncle took ONE day at Spotlight Tattoo,( one of the most oldest and historical shops on the westcoast)  a day filled with camel smokes, ten red eye’s  and whole lot of shit talking.

Thanks goes out to the big homie Shayne, and of course, big pops Baby Ray.

I had the honor of tattooing the big homie Lucky, someone who’ve I’ve looked up to and learned from for a long time. Being that his whole upper body is already inked, nonetheless by the master himself ,Cartoon made the little blank inner bicep spot even more special and a huge honor. We chose to tattoo Michelangelo’s “Moses” aka “The Deliverer” to rep the spiritual theme of his sleeve. This is the first round, still needs one more session. 

Its all about the process. Take a look at the Devils crucifixion piece.

It’s about 5:00 am, decided to end my 4 day work binge…..and sleep. Here’s the results in my effort to manipulate light. The painting above (24″ by 36″ oil on canvas) wasn’t my usual approach in painting, staying loose. The painting below ( 12″ by 25″ acrylic on illus. board) was done for Sketching for Illustration from life. 

Like in painting, everyday I realize I got ALOT to learn in life. As much as I’m greatly THANKFUL and honored for the things that are happening I came to realize the level of sacrifice one must make. And in the effort to grow, the same people you are working tirelessly for and WITH, are the ones that turn the fastest.

It hit me this morning when the big homie Bobby Hundreds had told me that it’s going to come to a point where situations change. Understand that this is a business, but never forget the essence. He had said that this isn’t about HIM, or any of the people that “started it”. It’s about the people that support it, everything and everyone. He says “he owes it to them.”……It ain’t about me.

Its about YOU….

Thanks goes to Bobby, and all those helped thus far. Still have to keep moving.

Running around LA, and the insanity of Art Center and many events and people popping up is starting to show peoples true colors and alot about the industry with the diluted money driven shit as the foundation-not just tattooing but in everything. I didn’t expect things to roll this quickly and the FEW people that remain an unmoved foundation is people like big boss  Jose Lopez.  

It’s hard enough maintaining through the ups and downs of using your craft to support other people but try doing them without both of your legs. But on the other end, if it wasn’t for those flying bullets, Jose says he probably won’t be where he is today. And we probably would have never met. I started tattooing over three years ago….and I went to EVERY shop on the westside. And Hollywood. And there wasn’t one shop where I didn’t last more than a minute to step foot at the door. First time I met Jose, he stopped tattooing and he spoke to me for over two hours–the rest is history.

He’s been one of the most powerful teachers and people I know, and I’m sure all the other artists that ever encountered him would agree. I bring this up because it’s again, important to understand the basics. Jose, always says to me, “pay attention-your enemies are going to come with smiles, and situations are going to not always be in your advantage-so adapt. Assume control within yourself, and apply the death ground strategy.”

Jose and the fellas are working on a couple projects so stay posted to see what’s going to happen.

And for those who don’t know Jose’s work, take a look…

Thanks Jose.