Yup, that's me scaring the hell out of small children daily and causing accidents on route 80 in New Jersey. All due to my pal @danLorenzock and the Inked Out Tattoo Show in New Jersey, put on by tattooer, Mario Barth. I can't thank these guys enough for the exposure. See you all soon
Event: Inked Out Tattoo Show
When: September 11-13 2015.
Where: Meadowlands Convention Center
Howdy ya'll. Come by the booth and say hello at the Ink Life Tour booth. I will be tattooing. Handing out stickers, Selling shirts and more. See live acts like The Misfits, Puddle of Mudd, Saving Abel. With our favorite host Dr. Blasphemy. Can't wait to journey to Texas!
When: August 14-16 2015
Where: Longview, Texas
Show Location: Maude Cobb Event Center 100 Grand Blvd. Longview TX
Here's a throw back from 7 years ago. Often I would go out and paint and sell art prints at street fairs or art walks. This one happened to be at the Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
In this painting I am doing a classic portrait of Salvador Dali and enjoying painting outside. This was done years before I started Tattoo Alchemy and I was working privately at the time out of my professional home studio. It's been a while since I've picked up my Iwata Micron Airbrushes. Maybe I should cleen um up and get to work.
In fact, I think I'll take on some painting commissions. Contact Me for a one of a kind piece of art.
JCD Fun Fact: Several years ago I worked for a shop in San Pedro, CA. I worked with Ethan Morgan (former owner) from So Cal Tattoo.
One day a beautiful lady walked in and asked me for a squigly tribal like design off a sheet of flash. We actually used to do flash back in those days. I believe it was around 1999.
Turns out this beauty is the daughter to the late great singer, Marvin Gaye. Her name: Nona Gaye. We got along great. Did the small tattoo and off she went into the world.
Fast forward several years to 2003. It was the opening day to The Matrix Reloaded. Me being the nerd I am guranteed me an earlybird seat. Low and behold to my surprise, I see a tattoo that is about 6 foot high on the screen. It took me a minute to remember doing that tattoo out of hundreds in the past. It was Nona playing the part of Zee in the movie. I wish she'd let me give that thing a fix up after all these years.
So there you have it. A JCD Fun Fact and life goes on. ;)
That's right! You are now viewing my new website. I for one, love it. The simplicity and smooth design will make it easy to navigate and looks great on all of your technology devices. Compliments to the designer. Richie Merritt
Now that this site is up and running, I am looking forward to sharing my life with you through my blog posts. Make sure you don't miss out.
Interested in finding out when and where I will be traveling to your town? Click on my EVENTS to see whats poppin off.
Have a view at my WORK and see new portfolio pieces being added daily.
BOOKING a session with me is simple. Just fill out a contact form and explaini in detail what you would like to get.
So please, sit back and take a "scroll" through pages of my new site. Enjoy
Hello everyone! Kansas City was such a success that I have decided to go on over to the Louisville, Kentucky Villian Arts Convention. Please come by my booth and say hello! Friday is my Birthday, so wish me a happy 41. Please and Thank You. I am looking forward to seeing what Kentucky is all about. Contact me to book an appointment.
Where: Kentucky International Convention
When: May 15-17 2015
I am starting to travel more these days. I am so curious to meet people in different areas of the US. I am looking forward to seeing Kansas City, Missouri. Please come on out and welcome me to your city. Join me by going to the Villian Arts 1st annual Kansas City Tattoo Arts Convention. Come by the booth and say hello. I will have stickers and shirts available for purchase.
Where: Sheraton at Crown Center
When: May 1-3rd 2015
A Daruma doll is a hollow and round traditional doll. This is a Japanese tradition. They are modeled after Bodhidharma other wise known as a Dharma doll. He was the founder of the zen buddhist sect. I love these little dolls. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement.
Darumas are still usually made of papier-mâché, have a round shape, weighted at the bottom so that they will always return to an upright position when tilted over. This characteristic has come to symbolize the ability to have success, overcome adversity, and recover from misfortune. This is why they make for a cool tattoo idea with a neat little meaning behind them.
The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold. The recipient of the doll fills in one eye upon setting the goal, then the other upon fulfilling it. In this way, every time they see the one-eyed Daruma, they recall the goal. There is also a burning ceremony for these dolls at the end of the year, people go to the temple where they received them and this is called Daruma Kuyo. They give thanks to the doll, purchase new ones and send them on there way burning them with all sorts of other figures and dolls.
I really love to put my little twist on these lil guy's and make them fun for tattooing. There are so many different ways to do this tattoo and I would love to do one custom just for you. Contact me to get your very own.
Chrysanthemums are popular because they are awesome! I love these ancient flowers. They start out all balled up in a symmetrical little ball and as they bloom, the petals slowly curl back as if to expose the beautiful soul of the flower and create a skirt. Very dynamic, smooth and sexy.
These flowers have a long history in art and part of royalty. They were grown in China as a flowering herb and are an honoured plant and believed to have special powers. In Japanese culture they are used as a symbol of the Emperor's crest and Imperial family. These flowers are used in all sorts of artwork.
Tattoos have always had a place for these flowers. "Mum's" are used in lot's of Japanese bodysuits and adorned all over by collectors of body art from all walks of life. I really love tattooing these flowers and all of the florets. I even have one tattooed on my left hand. I just think they look great on men or women and have a beautiful flow that can lend to many contours of the body. Chrysanthemum's make for a solid stand alone piece or a beautiful fill in to a much larger design for your tattoo.
If you would like to get a beautiful Chrysanthemum designed just for you contact me here.
The Kirin is not just a great Japanese beer. The Chinese mythological creature the Kirin, is an amazing creature to get tattooed as well. The Kirin is one of the most powerful and rarest unicorn-like regal animals of all. It is holy and highly revered, and often considered a god.
The Kirin resembles that of a deer with the scales of a dragon. It's hair is flowing and has the tail of an ox. One of the most notable features of the kirin is the brilliant holy fire it is surrounded by. The face and horns are a thing of utter beauty and serenity.
One of my favorite behaviors of this animal is that the Kirin never eats the flesh of other beings. The nature of the Kirin is to not tread on a living thing, even low level insects. It walks without damaging one blade of grass.
This Kirin image is for nobles and enlightened rulers and it is said that the Kirin only appears in times of world peace.
I love tattooing these beautiful creatures. If you would like to get one to adorn your body with, please go to my contact page and send me a message.