gogue

Lady Luck 09

2009-03-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I went to the Lady Luck show in Reno to hang out. First time I've gone to a show without working it in my entire career. I have to say, It was cool... kinda weird. Got to talk to a lot more artists than usual, which was really cool. There's so many great people out there doing their thing. Got to hang out with some really good friends, my sister Gina, her husband (also named Jeff), and Kim, (my wife). Tony Ciavarro and Bunny gave me some Roulette lessons, hit my number a few times. My good friend Randy Scott Howell (Silverback ink, and Hot Stuff Tattoos Hollywood, CA) tattooed a sweet Traditional rose on my sis. Got to hang with one of my greatest influences and good friend, Robert Hernandez. I taught a small Oil Painting seminar where I did these two paintings as demos. Had to finish the machine painting in my room. Seminar was only a couple hours. Got to donate a sweet trophy for "Best of Day" tattoo. and got to have dinner with my loving Antie Rosie and my Uncle Victor from guam. To everyone who stopped me to talk, my seminar attendees, peeps who bought my issue of TAM, and my "brushtrokes" dvd... My deepest thanks. Every conversation was great. This is the best industry in the world... don't ever take this dream job for granted...

Ashley

2009-03-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Painting of Ashley. 24"x48" oil on canvas $1800

just a thought...

2007-10-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

I walked through Sheffield this morning drinking my cappuccino. After a great week of tattooing and painting, a great show in London, with a best of show for Friday and Saturday, and looking forward to an interview for a feature article with the number one selling Tattoo magazine in Europe. I sat down in the city center, and heard the sweetest sounding jazz guitar being played. It a was a guy playing for pocket change on a fender strat through a little practice amp. Here's the thing... I've been playing music for 17 years, I have like six guitars, a drum set, a piano and two basses. I've worked at it and never got past mediocre. Here's a guy playing for pocket change... and he'd blow me out of the water, every day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Playing for change. He was so good. and playing for change. The thought overwhhelmed me of the "definition of success." I often quote, " There is nothing more common than unsuccessful men with talent." What is success?... Money? Recognition? Fame? Travel? Compliments and ass kissing?... Maybe a little... maybe... All I know is this guy was ten times more successful than I have ever been at playing the guitar. I love playing the guitar. I love writing songs. I have practiced and practiced, and I couldn't do what he was doing today.

Point being... True success can't be measured by the masses, but by that inner voice that says you have done all you can do to reach as far as you can, fulfilling your full potential... That sounds like a life long journey, doesn't it?

Salvadore Dali said, "A true artist is NOT one who is inspired, but one who inspires others... I encountered a true artist today... playing for change, he changed my life with a few chords and a, "cheers" as I dropped my pocket change into his flimsy guitar case.

To the "jazz player"... thanks,

jeff

Last day in Sheffield.

2007-10-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

last day in Sheffield.

Hey... had nothing but ideal clients, felt very welcome, and taken care of. They fed me, cleaned up after me and even did my laundry. Lookin forwrd to coming back soon. Here's a few more pics, including a couple of town and the street where the shop's at... and a freehand tattoo I did today on Brian from Scotland. I did the little painting in my hotel room in london and the tall one here in Sheffield. The interview with Niel, (editor of Skin Deep Magazine) went great and had an awesome dinner. Heading to Jo Harrison's shop in the morning.

Thanks for checking it out!

Scheffield..

2007-10-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

I’m staying in Scheffield which is in northern England. It’s pretty big... there are about fifty thousand students alone here. “Thou Art Tattoo” is an amazing shop. Great staff, great location, great energy. I’m having a hard time, when I think about leaving. I think I should work here a few months a year. I stayed tonight after work to paint with Tancho, an artist here in the shop. He’s never oil painted before. We got some food and beer and went to town. It was a great time. He’s an awesome guy with an amazing attitude and way about him. He’s originally from Argentina,a dn has worked in Spain too. I’m glad I met and got to work with him. He spacializes in Japanese and Americana. Real nice atyle. I’m hoping to bring home a little watercolor from him. I did a demo for him to see how I paint. I’ll post a pic of it. I’ve done eight paintings over here so far and will post all the pics soon. Here’s a few... tattoos too. Everyone so far has really been unbelievable. Great food... great everything! Thanks Thou Art Tattoo. Two more days here. Skin Deep is coming on Saturday to do a feature on me and my work... excited about that! and then I’m off to Birmingham to tattoo Jo Harrisonand spend a day in her shop. I’ll keep you all posted. Enjoy the pics!

jeff

2007-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

2007-10-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

Finally... Here’s some photos from the show. Funny... As I type this... I’m hearing it in my head in a brittish accent....that’s loads of fun. I’ve got some pics of the line outside... it down two blocks a couple hours before the show. I have some of the street after the show, (blurry but wanted to show you all the trash), There awas a wall there heading to BrickLane, Where the show was, that had some cool graffity. And finally a couple of the tattos I did.

Enjoy... Oh... and Scheffield is a really cool city. I’ll take some photos tomorrow and get them up asap. Had the best Thai food of my life tonight. I think I might be moving to this place... unbelievable!

four a.m.... Saturday night

2007-10-07T01:10:00.000-07:00

Ok... so... It's Saturday, well actually, it's Sunday, like three a.m. I just got into my hotel room... What a day! I got four hours sleep, woke up late, got to the show late hadn't drawn anything for my client, freehanded a dragon on him, (John from Scotland) and ended up winning "best of Show" for Friday and Saturday! Wow... but I need to explain something. I was all worried about all my friends and people who are watchig my career. I got second and third last year here. I know everyone wanted me to come back with a first place this time. I did it... and I have to be honest. Right after I did the tattoo and I was cleaning up, I met a japanese artist, (can't spell his name), Yoko, a friend who has a full body suit from Shige, (one of my role models), introduced us. He bought a shirt from me and told me he really liked my work. I also have been able to meet one of the world's most respected tattooers, Aaron Bell, and paint with him in his hotel room, I also had a half hour conversation tonight with filip Leu, probably thee most revered, respected, and idolized tattoo artist in the world today, from Lausanne, Switzerland, about oil painting, (he was asking me questions about painting... crazy.) All of those things, not to mention the fact that I changed someone's life today... they all meant more than getting some trophy, or first place. That's what it's really about. It's about being my best, and affecting people I come in contact with. I have so much to learn, about everything, and I'm just grateful, for everyday that I have here to do just that. To learn... to learn who I am, and to learn who I need to be. Thanks for all the support from all of you. I will post pics soon... It's four a.m. and I have to try to sleep for a few hours and do it all again tomorrow. I appreciate your patience on the photo posting.

jeff

1st day in London...

2007-10-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

So it’s 2a.m. On Friday, and I can’t sleep. Had a full day riding the big red buses, and the tube (subway for the americans) going to art museums, and drinking too many cappucinos. I saw Aaron Bell and Ed Lott from Slave to the Needle, Seattle Wa. on the plane and hung out with them today. After all our running around we decided to hit the art store down the block from our hotel and do some oil painting in their room. Got nine paintings done altogether. Was a real good time. Can’t think of a much cooler time than painting in London with world class tattooers. Maybe tattooing in London with world class tattooers... that’s in a few more hours, if I can get to sleep. I’ll take some photos in the morning and post ‘em. The food’s good, the company’s good... let’s hope the tattooing will be good. I’ll keep you all posted on what’s happening in London town!

Cheers

jeff

Off to London!

2007-10-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm heading out to London Town, today. Will be back on the 18th. I'm going alone so pray that I don't get lost. I'm not the quickest thinker when it comes to directions and cacthing the right tube train. I should be able to keep you all posted while I'm there. I'll be working the London show this coming weekend and then doing a guest spot for a week in Sheffield, (north of London) at a shop called "Thou Art Tattoo", then stopping by Jo Harrison's shop in London the last couple days of the trip. I hope to pick up some canvases... I brought my paint and brushes.

Check back for updates!

jeff

expanding my horizons...

2007-09-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful client from New York. I tattooed some leaves across her back, and around her hip. When I photographed her tattoo, I stumbled on a great pose which displayed both reservation and modesty, along with vulnerability, and courage. I've wanted to paint it for a while but was a little intimidated to tackle a human subject. I'm not quite done. I'd like to add a little glazing to add depth, but I'm happy with it and wanted to show everyone. Check back for updates, and let me know if you're interested in it's purchase.

Thanks so much,

jeff

London show banner... original oil painting available.

2007-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

I painted this for the London! Oil on canvas. It will be there and available to take home at the end of the show. $1600 u.s. Hope you like it. Can be purchased pre-show, will ship if you're not able to pick it up in person.

thanks,

jeff

2007-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't do "myspace"... I thought I'd show you one of my new paintings. I did a tattoo of a death moth on a friend of mine and was inspired to do this painting. It's on a gallery wrapped canvas so it doesn't need a frame. The price is $1200 plus shipping costs. Also canvas wrap and paper prints will be available soon, in a very limited number. Probably 25. I apologize for not having my painting gallery up on the site. I'm working on it. Thanks for your patience. If anyone is interested in this painting or any other painting, give me a call and leave a message, or email me.

Thanks so much,

jeff

541.291.0525

appointments?... if you have emailed me...

2007-08-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

I want everyone to understand... I have a clientele list of close to a hundred current projects. Close to sixty are one to two year projects (i.e. a back piece averages 40 hours, which adds up to an average of ten appointments, equaling one to two years, assuming an appointment every month or two.) The rest need multiple sessions. I work on one to three clients a day, five days a week. That means there are a max of sixty appointments a month. with over a hundred current people to try to service... that means it takes at least three months to see everyone just one time. I get tons of emails, and phone calls, and people coming by the shop, everyday, in spite of my blogs, and phone messages stating that I am currently not taking any new clients. It is nothing personal, if I haven't returned your calls or emails. I am unable to. It would add two hours to my, already busy day. If you want me to work with you... check back every couple months or so, realizing it could be a year before we connect. There is no waiting list. There is no back door. there are no exceptions. If it's not worth the wait... There are tons of amazing tattoo artists out there... Of course, if they're that good, you're going to encounter similar circumstances with them.

Bottom line is, good work takes time. Be patient, don't compromise, and don't take it personal.

I'm deleting all my emails to date and starting fresh. I'm going to try and respond daily to all inquiries.

My sincere apologies, if I've given you any false hope for something sooner.

Thanks SEATTLE!!!

2007-08-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Wanted to say thanks to all who attended and stopped by the booth at the Seattle Tattoo Convention... Gloria, Damon and Staff, Crash and Kent from Tattoo Artist Magazine, Jones Soda Company. Thanks to everyone who let me tattoo them. This was one of my best shows! I loved every piece I got to do, and am just so honored each time someone trusts me to leave my mark on their body.
I got 1st place for "tattoo of the day" on Friday and Sunday, which are going to be on the new "Jones Soda" bottles... look for them in stores soon! Also got 1st place for "best Leg" Thanks for coming Dawn! Crash, the Editor in Chief of "Tattoo Artist Magazine" picked me for a feature in the spring issue!!! What an honor! They're launching their public version of the trade magazine, "Tattoo Collector" look for that in stores too. Got lots of encouragement and of course was humbled by all the good work being done. Keeping me on my toes!

Next Stop... LONDON!

Pics: Rubber worm 'n' bass, (3rd place "tattoo of the day" for Saturday.
Lemur on skull, (1st place "tattoo of the day" for Sunday, Jones soda label)
Freehand skull, (1st place "tattoo of the day" for Friday, Jones soda label)
Star Gazers, First session on Gloria, about half way there.

Thanks, "Skin and Ink"!

2007-07-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Bob Baxter, and his awesome wife Mary, came and did a feature shoot and interview last week for an upcoming article in Skin and Ink. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to be photographed. You were all so patient. The Article should be out in November, (Jan. issue). I was also asked to do the cover art for one of next year's issues. I'm so honored!

Speaking of new art... Here's a sneak peak at the Milan, Italy show poster and magazine add. I just finished it on July 1st. Take a close look at it. you might be surprised at what you see. It's somewhat of a self portrait. Ask me in person, and I'll tell you about it. It's a 24"x36" oil on canvas. Not for sale at the moment. I'll let everyone know if it comes available.

All American Tattoo Fest!!! Sacramento, CA

2007-06-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

The show this year was a lot of fun! I tattooed Some great people, met some great people, and saw some old friends. The sushi was unbelievable! Mikunis kicks ass! My good friend, and veteran tattoo artist, Jen Schichi got a tiny little "California" tattoo, (Poppies and a quail) She's got like a thousand hours on her body. Mostly by Guy Aitchison, so it's always a little unnerving to tattoo her. I also did a portrait on Francesco, from Fat Cat Tattoo in Sac. I'm glad I worked the last two shows with Nikko!!! I've learned a bunch from him about color portraits. I also tattooed Alan, Julie, and Al. Thanks so much to all of you. I'm honored to do your work! I won "Best Back piece", "Best Full Leg", 2nd for "Best Traditional", (Cory Norris got 1st.) and Treavor Barnes and I did a collaboration on Bruce that won "Best Chest"! That was sweet. I'm honored to work with Treavor and it was a true privilege to do that piece together. Got to hang out with the crew from The Phoenix Tattoo Company, John Highland, of 12 Monkeys, Nick and Cory from Classic Tattoo Grass Valley, Jen from the Mermaid's Tale, Jason and Andy, from Metamorphic Tattoo, Orly from Humble Beginnings, Claire, Megan and Carson. I also got to meet Grime for the first time and show him a few of my paintings. CRAZY! What an inspiring artist. Last but not least, I showed Miki (puts on the London, and Milan show, along with this show, he's also the editor of Tattoo Life and Tattoo Energy, both European magazines) my sketch for the Milan poster next year. He gave me the go ahead, and I'll be painting the final draft this week. Check back for that later.

Queen Mary Show!!

2007-06-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Long beach was a lot of fun! Finished a cover up of a tribal dolphin armband that I started in Detroit this last March. Got to freehand a ghost dragon on Victor's stomach, and Did a fun little pin-up. Didn't get any sleep and met a lot of really cool people. Hung out with some old friends and made some new ones.

getting an appointment...

2007-05-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

So my phone message box is full... I get ten to twenty emails a day asking for appointments... and people are coming by my shop daily asking for appointments. I'm not complaining... I'm just overloaded. I have around fifty large scale projects going right now, so if I were to give everyone the appointments they need to finish, I'd be booked over a year. Needless to say, I'm not taking on any new clients or new pieces for the rest of the year, for sure... maybe a little longer. There's no waiting list, and I can't book next year. It's just too much. If you still want me to tattoo you... check back in a few months. Keep in touch, and please be patient. I want to be there for everyone, but I can only do so much. I'm already at my shop twelve hours a day, making needles, preparing, and doing the art necessary for my current projects. I hope you all understand.

Thank you so much, for all the support and encouragement. I love what I do, and want to keep doing it as long as I can. Hopefully, the rest of my life!

Boise, and Long Beach.

2007-05-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Boise show was over Mother's Day weekend, and I shared a booth with Nikko, From Apple Valley, CA. Here's his Site: http://www.myspace.com/nikkotattsu and http://www.ignitiontattoo.com/ Did some really fun pieces. Check them out on my myspace. I'll be sharing, again with Nikko, at the Longbeach show in the beginning of June. Stop by and say hi to us.

Website's in progress.

2007-05-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

I just want to let everyone know that this site is still under construction. Please keep checking back and be patient. I'm grateful for all the help I've had, so far, on it. There should be paintings up soon.

upcoming shows!

2007-05-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking this out!!!

"Queen Mary show", Long Beach, CA second weekend of June. No appointments available.

"All American Tattoo Festival", Sacramento, CA. Third weekend of June. No appointments available.

"Seattle Tattoo Convention", Seattle WA. August. No appointments available.

"London Tattoo Canvention", UK. October. http://www.thelondontattooconvention.com/info.html No appointments available. Possible guest spot. ??

"Saipan Tattoo Conevntion", Last weekend in October. Some available spots.

"Milan Tattoo Convention", Milan, Italy. February, 2008. No appointments available.