Biography

Art has been my greatest passion for as far back as I can remember. I have dabbled in any medium that I have had the opportunity to try, both two and three dimensional. These include ceramics, batik painting, and silkscreen printing, in addition to drawing with pencil, pen and ink,charcoal and pastel, and painting in acrylic, watercolor and more. In recent years I've narrowed my focus mainly to acrylic painting and tattooing, though there are influences of all of myartistic explorations in my current art endeavors.

I have a strong interest in the artistic traditions of cultures throughout the world, and feel that an in-depth study of a cultural art form will garner a deeper understanding of the overall values and traditions of the culture from which the art form originated. The art of South East Asia in particular has a strong aesthetic appeal to me, but I look to many artist's and cultures around the world for inspiration and guidance.

My tattoo style has evolved through my experience with other art forms, my cultural studies, and by absorbing influences from the other phenomenal artists I've had the privilege of working with. Most prominently among these is tattoo artist and painter Jay Strange of Dallas, TX, from whom I learned to approached each tattoo much the way I do a painting. (Conversely, each tattoo inspires ideas for new techniques to bring to my painting.). Jay has been an artistic role-model for me for many years, and I had the pleasure or working with him from 2006-2008. Prior to that I lived and worked in Vermont since 2002, beginning my apprenticeship in Burlington and later

working with Tom Tardie and Greg Wood of Body Language piercing/Leap of Faith Tattoo in White River Junction.

For me, each tattoo is a new and interesting process, since each individual I work with brings new ideas and influences to the table. For many people, the decision to decorate their bodies permanently is an acknowledgement and affirmation of one's self, as well as a way of connecting with and becoming more comfortable with their own bodies. By helping my clients create beautiful and personally symbolic tattoos, I am involved in an incredibly meaningful step in their journey of presonal growth.