Doctor Sax and the Great World Snake

 

I'll be damned, the universe disposes of its own evil!


-J. Kerouac

My mind is continuously blown by...

           HORITOMO.

What can I say, people constantly ask me why I commute 2 hours a day down to San Jose. "There aren't any shops closer?" they ask. My answer: HORITOMO*. I have the opportunity to work with one of the most ingenious and inspiring people I've ever met in my short time on this planet. His tattoos are constantly evolving; utilizing his vast knowledge of Japanese culture and myth, virtuoso artistic talent and unbounding creativity. What can i say... he's a cool dude.

So when Horitomo asked me to participate in his new book Immovable I was ecstatic. 2 long, hard years in the making, Horitomo has worked tirelessly, cancelling numerous appointments and forfeiting such of his earthly pleasures as fishing and riding his motorcycle, the work he put in on this project is almost unimaginable for the short time in which he put it together. I learned so much working with him on this project about the history of Esoteric Buddhism, it's founders and of course about Fudo Myo-o and his impact on the Japanese subconscious.  

His idea was to create a guide for Westerners to understand the Japanese god Fudo Myo-o. Fudo Myo-o sort of defies what westerners imagine about Japanese Buddhism. Many people hear the word Buddha and think of peace, happiness and meditation. Love and compassion blah, blah, blah, well Horitomo focuses on Fudo Myo-o, the Buddha's angry manifestation that destroys and consumes the evil passions of mankind. 

The book contains drawings that are direct copies of masterpieces of Japanese art and a series of backpiece and arm designs that were inspired by his in depth researches. There is also a font of information contained in the text, it is such a unique project and it is so beautifully drawn, I can't wait til you all get to see it. It will be released at the SFO tattoo convention we throw in October.
(these are some of Horitomo's sketches for the book, photographed by Molly Skobba)

We also have just announced that at the convention Horitomo will be conducting a seminar on drawing backpieces, needless to say I'm pretty excited to check it out! Working at State of Grace I get to draw and get critiqued by Horitomo regularly and it always completely blows my mind and helps me find resolution where it is needed as well as change my perspective and see things in ways I am unable on my own. Sharing his gifts with the world is definitely not an opportunity to be missed! Check it out here: http://www.stateofgracetattoo.com/SJConvention/info.html

Not to mention you get a copy of the book with the seminar, so just a heads up because there is limited spaces available in the seminar. Hope to see all of you there!

*To Taki, Colin, Horiken Dan and Rob: although you guys are also cool I was going for big drama with this statement. 

Happy Anniversary to us

Today State of Grace turned, 9!* Taki reminded me of how Chad Koeplinger and I sat on the floor of the old shop painting the original State of Grace sign til late into the night trying to get it done in time for our big opening.  Here it is:

Man it was so rotten when we took it down, seven winters getting rained on will do it. We tried to hang it in the new shop but it was too smelly!  Here's an oldie but goodie, Taki tattooing the Milazzo, those were the days.

And of course my old station, too, a girl gets sentimental trotting down memory lane!

Anyway as the boss man messaged me this morning, what a long strange trip it's been! Can't wait til we hit the big 10!

*custom official State of Grace jean jackets are still available for purchase at the shop.