The tattoo

Anonymous has pointed out that I have not, in fact, posted a picture of my completed backpiece.  Which is, of course, true-- unless you count these photos.  So here it is, freshly finished, courtesy of Stephanie's website... head on over there for more awesomeness.  Maybe you'll see my next piece there as well!  ;)
Thanks for the nudge, Anonymous.

Stephanie is now at Saved Tattoo!

News flash!  (Ok, it was a news flash a few months ago, but I am slow on the internets these days... )

If you're hoping to have Stephanie tattoo you, you won't find her at NY Adorned any longer.  She's now at Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn, along with former NY Adorned-ers Chris O'Donnell + Thomas Hooper.  Sounds like a magical place to be these days...  

Also check out her updated website for more info and gorgeous pics of her tattooing + paintings.  

It's ovah!

Why yes, it has been over 7 months since I've updated here!  How 'bout that.  Life has been a tad complicated over the past year, but things are starting to even out + feel really good again.

And hey - my back is finished!  My last appointment was #17 on August 5th.  The final three sessions were dedicated solely to re-outlining a great majority of the design, since my skin ate up a lot of those fine lines the first time around.  And now, 3 months later, it's holding up beautifully!  What a relief.  

What I've learned:  stress wreaks havoc in funny ways.  Yes, I am blaming my skin's healing issues on stress.  Stress + wheat + sugar.  Once I finally opened up to some big truths about myself + released an escape valve for my stress, my skin started cooperating with me again.  F'ing amazing. 

This backpiece took over 30 hours + a decent (but happily-spent) bit of my savings.  It showed me that I have an abundance of patience, strength, and love.  And the process helped me see myself more clearly + discover more of what I want from my life. 

I don't have any pictures of the finished tattoo.  That will happen when it happens.  In the meantime, I leave you with my last view of the gorgeous Brooklyn skyline outside the shop. 

Many, many thanks to Steph.  Not only is she a kick-ass tattoo artist, but an amazing human, to boot.  As anyone who knows her will attest.  And thanks also to  everyone at Adorned!  Fabulous people, every one of 'em.

Next (and last?) appt

Coming up on May 6th!  Hopefully it'll give me time to gain a little weight... give me some padding under those needles.

Nothing to do with my back

BUT my friend Diana found a little picture of me + the amazing Tamez in last month's Inked Magazine (we're in the upper right).

The photos (scanned copy courtesy of Needles and Sins) are from the September release party for Marisa Kakoulas' excellent Black Tattoo Art book. Fun!

Bryce Ward: Portraits with Tattoos

A few months ago I was lucky enough to sit for Bryce Ward, photographer extraordinaire + good friend of my tattoo artist's. I kinda hate having my picture taken, but working with him was a dream.

These two photos are from the shoot, and there's a preview of the project on his site. I am loving all the great people I've met since starting this backpiece!

Chris O'Donnell interview on VBS TV

A super-cool video interview with the man who works across the aisle from my tattoo artist. A great guy AND amazingly talented.