The london Convention kicked me in the ass.

So this trip forced me to look at myself and my approach, in a way that I absolutely needed. Everywhere we went, from the visit to the Tate Britain to the pubs across town, all the way to the convention itself; I was forced to realize it’s time to step up my game.
The Tate was an inspiration for all of the obvious reasons. Anyone that has seen these paintings in books and collections that doesn't sit back and curse to themselves when they see the real thing, will get nothing out of this post. The part I want to go into with this post, is the overwhelming repeated presence of the thought, "why the hell aren't I producing with the focus and intensity that these folks are?"
When looking at the work in the museum it is easy to point out that many of those folks were paid handsomely to do just what they did. But there are as many, or more, that did what they did because they simply had to. Their drive and focus was unwavering and it showed throughout. That same attitude was as clear all over the city. Even the pubs contained examples of what an individuals passion when directed and realized can accomplish. I absolutely do not limit that to fine art. When the drive is applied to a fellows pub, or shop it shows in every way. From the beer, to the choices in food presentation, all the way to the more obvious decor. One pub we visited had cobwebs and dust on every picture and odd decoration... But the fellow running the place had so clearly put his heart into the place and the people in it you would have to be a stone to remain uninspired.


As for the convention it was of course motivating as hell. Seeing folks that I respect, and watching their approach was overwhelming. Especially when I was forced time and again to ask myself, "why the hell aren't I producing with the focus and intensity that these folks are?"
I recognize I am good at what I do. My biggest issue is when I view my approach as compared to the folks I respect. I am absolutely not fishing for anyone to tell me anything uplifting. I am not upset or questioning myself that way. This is simply to point out the fact that I recognize my need to embrace more fully my goals, ambitions, and really... my passions.

The folks I got to spend my time with this week were the perfect storm to humble me, and make me think so solidly about my approach. The fellow I traveled with, Turk was absolutely a catalyst for lighting a fire under my ass. We were both equally humbled and inspired by the sights and conversations of this past week. The place where I win is that I got to be humbled and inspired by him as well. It was good being able to discuss just what can be done to find and embrace the drive to be the best we can be. Much of it comes down to making the time to focus on each individual piece of work. I have the tendency to get caught in routines and they inevitably lead to ruts. That needs to change.
The other folks that I was lucky enough to sit with over dinner and drinks were more than inspiration. Safwan, Jee, Stef, Demetri, and Eric are each a fine example of what realized drive and passion can accomplish. I can only hope to get across the feeling of awe when looking at the quality and volume of work they put out. It is humbling to say the very least. If you follow the links I attached to their names you can at least get a feel for what they are about.
So to sum all of this up... I plan to make some changes in my life, my work, and my drive to embrace them. This certainly is not solely the result of this single trip, bit this week absolutely crystallized this feeling that has been building for a while now. So thanks to the folks I listed already, thanks to the others that don't even realize the impact they had on me this week, and lastly thanks to my girl for putting up with and supporting this realization.
I'll keep you posted.
-Scott

Below are some Photos from the trip...

Me and the Tower Bridge

Turk and a belly full of pig

Jee, Safwan,Turk, and a sexy beast

Eric, Turk, and Safwan

New anatomy book from the Tate and goodness at The Nag's Head
They were playing Johnny Cash and a ton of other great music the entire time we were there.

Dinner at Black Friars' Steak Pie = awesome

Turk and I along the Thames.

Outside the Tate

A meal uneaten.

Sewing machine in a window.

Turk in the booth.

One of the tattoos I did there. The other photos all are lousy. I'll post em when i get good ones.

Me at Black Friars.

landed in London this morning

Turk (http/::www.lhblk.com) and I got in this morning. It was an uneventful flight over, which is to say a fine flight. After a slight hangup at customs we got to our hotel just fine. It's not too bad, but it is indeed small. We got in to find their idea of two twin beds was a bit off from ours. Two tiny beds pushed together like we are an old married couple. Add to that I'm 6'3" and Turk is 6'9" it is sort of comical. Needless to say the beds were moved immediately. They're still tiny, but there will be no unexpected cuddling.
We will be headed out for some drinks and walking around town this evening. Not much more to report beyond saying I'll have more interesting additions later.

Oh and the Turk quote of the day...
" I'm reassembling a pig in my belly "
While we both enjoyed a breakfeast with black(blood) pudding, sausage, and bacon.
More later...

http://www.lhblk.com

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Too much.

Ok so it’s been quite a while since my last blog. It sure as hell hasn’t been a result of slacking off. There have been some pretty major changes around the shop. Some changes came via drama, and some the way of renovation and progress.

The progress is the important part of the story. Drama is best kept in the realm of daytime television. As soon as 2 of the 4 tattooists at the shop were gone, all of the tension and self-absorbed attitude got washed away literally and figuratively. It opened up the opportunity to start long planned renovations. I’ll post photos when it is all completed but I must tell ya, it really is starting to look like the shop I have wanted for a long time. New floors, new reception area, new windows, new lights, new paint, and a few good friends to help make it all come to life. There’s still a bunch of cleaning and finishing to be done, but it really makes coming into the shop a great feeling. It’s hard not to be motivated when your surroundings just feel right.

All the while I have been tattooing a ton, and trying to keep on top of drawings and preparations for my appointments. There have been some really serious customers with super intriguing ideas coming in lately. From Halloween themed sleeves, to tiki gods creating the heavens and the seas, I have definitely had some fun ideas to run with. Oh and did I mention zombies, lots and lots of zombies. Burning zombies, flesh eating zombies, and even a pile of zombies being run over by a tank driven by a cigar smoking poodle. So yeah, I’ve had some fun ideas to play with.

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With all that has been going on it’s crazy to think of all that is coming up. We are having a dear friend, Turk, return to the shop for a week of guest artist stunts from Sept. 15 through the 20^th. He was around in the spring and worked on yours truly as well as Holly and a bunch of friends. I’m not going to spend an entire paragraph praising the guy, but suffice to say I can’t wait to have my arm finished. Hopefully while in town we can get out and see the area a bit. There is a ton of history and art around here to be seen, and I rarely take the chance to appreciate it. Visitors really can make you appreciate where you call home.

After the guest spot, Turk and I are off to London for the London Tattoo Convention. We will be in London for a week, and that trip can’t get here soon enough. It was a great show last year, and I’m sure it will be at least as much fun this year. I look forward to seeing some friends I really only get to see a few times a year. And beyond that it will be nice to get some quiet time. Last year I had a day walking throughout the city going from pub to pub. That may have to be revisited.

After the convention, we will be planning the 4^th Pushing up Pumpkins Halloween art show. It should be a perfect way to kick off the new look at the shop. The opening night will be Sunday October 25^th. Just sayin’.

So that is enough update for now. I’ll post photos as soon as I get the opportunity. Till then, be well!

-Scott

A month Unfinished

(Dont forget you can click on the photos to enlarge them)

So I’ve been slow to update lately. No specific reason beyond lack of time. When I have found myself with that precious few moments of time to myself, I have avoided the computer completely. That said, there are a few photos to post on here. Most of them are a testament to the fact I have an ungodly amount of unfinished/work in progress tattoos floating around out there. To add to to that, Holly and I took a trip to New Hampshire to visit friends (Hobo’s Tattoo Shop in Portsmouth)… and start even more works in progress. I am honestly not that slow, there is just a ton of work wrapped up in these pieces…. And maybe a little slow to boot. Haha

Anyhow here are the photos from the past little bit…

This concept to this Thigh tattoo is the girl is sleeping, her dream self is being attacked by the demon, and there will be a Shoki on his ribs going after the demon. Thats about as condensed as i can make the explanation.


This is a color sitting on the "Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" rib tattoo.

This is a section of a leg sleeve I've been working on. We are finally nearing completion on it, and I can't wait to be able to get photos of the finished product. It has been every bit of two years in the making. Wow it is strange to think it has been that long.


This one is the start of a sleeve representing Lourdes in France. This part is St. Bernadette doing as she was instructed by bringing a candle, and she presents her rosary. The upper arm will be Mary in the stones with the healing spring flowing down. We finished the lower part on the last sitting, and I’m looking forward to starting the next section.


This was done in Portsmouth on a good friend Kim. She and her husband Jason Scott own Hobo's Tattoo Shop. It was nice to actually start and finish a tattoo in one sitting for a change.


This was started on Cody, the apprentice at Hobo's. He liked a series of my paintings and wanted to apply several of the elements into his tattoo. It's hard to tell in this photo, but he got it on the back of his knee. He sat like a rock. I can't wait to color the rest of it... tho I'm sure Cody may be just as happy to wait a bit. The real hard part to doing this was the fact that it is surrounded by some pretty damned amazing tattoos. No pressure like looking at a Jeff Whitehead piece that was technically perfect Just above this one. I wish i took a photo of that one just to show you what a good tattoo looks like.

Ok well thats all the photos it looks like i can upload. Lucky you.

Thanks for taking the time to look at this stuff.
Take care of yourselves, and by all means, let me know what you think.
-Scott

Hobo's final artwork, and more on sleeve

This week I finished the illustration for Hobo's anniversary party. The sketches and concept art were posted in a previous post here. The final line work was scanned and made as a giclee print on watercolor paper. Then i stained the paper with tea and coffee, and its good to go.
It will be part of:

Hobo’s Anniversary Party/Art Show featuring Micah Blue Smaldone
Date/Time:	Saturday May 30, 2009
Time:	8:00pm - 12:00am
Entry Type:	Anniversary
Location:	Loaf and Ladle
Street Adr:	106 Penhallow
City:	Portsmouth
State:	New Hampshire
Zip:	03801
Notes:	Celebrating over 25 years in Portsmouth! Come celebrate with us. No cover charge, free food, and an art show and music

As for the tattoo...
This is the 3rd sitting on this sleeve. The overall concept is to have ghost pirates being pulled into the underworld through a gateway. Today's sitting was this ghost. There is a swirling pattern to continue from one ghost to the other, with a flame pattern whirling throughout as well. It was about 2 1/2 hours worth of line and shading. The entire thing will be colored in a later sitting. I've been really lucky to have the chance to work on some pretty damn fun tattoos lately. The fella that is getting this one drives up from Baltimore for each appointment. With dedication like that to his tattoo, it really makes it easy to put my all into it as well.

More zombie stunts... Hells yeah

Today i got to add on to a zombie themed forearm 1/2 sleeve i started a few weeks ago. It all started with the guy in the suit. That was the only specific character the fella wanted to work in to the scene. He described it as a Zombie in a suit, reaching out... so that's what he got. That one still needs color in the face and hands. He was happy enough with that part so far, that he is letting me finish out the rest however i see fit. Awesome!

The game plan is to have a full street scene. Ill post photos of the layout for all of that when it gets fully figured out. As for today's sitting, I drew up the girl that got her arm pulled off by the feeding redneck in the background. We got the line work and most of the color on that section today. All in all its a challenge, but fun as hell trying to make all of it into a coherent scene. I drew it all on to be sure things would fit together, and read well... but i lost the photos to a camera problem. Ah well.
Heres what i have for now...




Thanks for checking this stuff out. The whole goal to this blog is to motivate, myself and anyone that happens to check out the page. By all means let me know what you think.
Be well
scott

Workin' on a shirt and painting

So the plan is for a Tshirt design and a painting of the same graphic to be sent up to a dear friend for his shop's anniversary. I'll get to that, but first check out my buddy's deal...

Hobo's Tattoo Shop in Portsmouth New Hampshire will be celebrating their 27th year in business, and it's 10th owned by my good friend Jason Scott. Jason is a hell of a tattooer, and a badass painter as well. He has been busy as hell working on the shop, painting, putting on shows, and oh yeah, tattooing full time as well. somewhere he found the time to paint all of these in the past few months... click on the photo to check out Hobo's myspace page...


As for the artwork I'm putting together for their show, it's in the works. So far here is what ive got rolling. The idea is to go with the New Hampshire state motto of "Live Free or Die" the rest of the toast that became the motto is "Death is not the Worst of Evils" Pretty much the most badass saying ever. So the main part is pretty obvious, the Zombie revolutionary soldier is going inside the frame. It all works in theory, ill post more photos when its finished.