Tick: An Artist’s Statement and Recent Work

TICK | AN ARTIST’S STATEMENT

When I create a tattoo, my first interest is how the tattoo will read on the body. I want it to become an extension of the person’s body and not a hinderance there. It should feel right, first and foremost. Execution of the tattoo is the secondary goal. The process of tattoo is a very strong and personal binding of two people: the artist and the client. The bond and collaboration informs what the tattoo will become.

This tattoo was a collaboration with a wonderful human and Tebori tattooer who has become a friend over the years. I was humbled to be asked to tattoo her, and I think we captured something beautiful in both the tattoo and the picture of the tattoo. I’m hoping that the composition of the picture gives the viewer an exciting and ephemeral understanding of the tattoo itself, even if the tattoo might feel very simplistic. Every tattoo holds importance.

40 Volume 16 • 2021