Over time I’ve seen how many people get tattoos as a ritual to commit to certain memories, or identities, or future ways of being in the world. Tattoos can be talismans that honor the past and point the way forward. They can be a reminder of something difficult, a commitment to play, beauty and imagination, or something else uniquely yours. I think of this work as helping people tell themselves the stories they need to hear—a daily reminder. This creation of intimate containers for story sharing shows up regularly in the rest of my practice as an artist.
I will always ask for the underlying story behind any tattoo idea, and I aim to go beyond straightforward representation to find a way to make an image unique. I honor and respect all bodies and genders.
I’m happiest designing symbolic, fantastic or allegorical tattoos featuring anthropomorphic animals, everyday objects, pattern and ornament. I like dynamic movement, and a contrast of fine and bold lines. I am always happy to draw an animal in a funny hat, mutants, or anything with wheels. I love the simplicity and organic flow of black and grey work and stippling. I also love the challenge of color and the way it can make a tattoo truly “pop”.
I started out at Black and Blue Tattoo in SF in 1998, at the time the only all-dyke shop I knew of in the US and very possibly the world. I’ve done guest spots in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Key West, Spain, Australia, and Canada, for short and long stints. I’m currently working with the fine folks at Diving Swallow Tattoo in Oakland, CA. Tattooing has supported many of my other art and community projects.
See my Instagram for my most recent tattoos. More info including booking here.
