Blondie
My phone rang. I received one of the most important request of my career. I was asked to the makeup for a legendary musical icon...Debbie Harry. I almost pass out.
Not only am I a fan of Debbie Harry and Blondie they have also been one of the biggest inspirations for my art and personal fashion. Throughout my career I have worked with many celebrities but this one was an awe inspiring moment. Debbie did not disappoint...she is smart, funny, sweet, easy going and fun. We talked about movies and fashion while I did her makeup for two separate shoots.
Featured above is the video is the German/French channel ARTE documentary "Queens of Pop". Take a glimpse of my makeup for Debbie Harry.
If anyone speaks German or French...I would love a translation!
Blue Ganesha
Very often custom tattoos are needed in film and television to complete the look for an actors character. I received a request to design a few tattoo designs for a very special episode of Nurse Jackie in the new season airing March 2012. Utilizing a new technique that I recently learned, I completed the process of the sketch to my first all blue mono-toned painting. The designs are then turned into a professional tattoo transfer to recreate the look of an authentic tattoo. Stay tuned for more details about the tattoos on Nurse Jackie!
Skin Signals
As a kid, drawing on your hand was a simple as two eyes and lips so you had your classic hand puppet. In the November issue of O Magazine, I created a much more complex version of the traditional hand puppet in the article "Skin Signals". After 2 days of preparation, 6 hours of hours of painting and a lot of patience...this pretty little lady was born. This was a lot of fun and one of my biggest artistic challenges.
Tattoo Fashion From Legs To Toes
The double page spread of "Pump It Up" in the October Issue of Interview Magazine features some of my new Japanese inspired tattoo designs. With the majority of the tattoos drawn by hand and lots of Dura Ink, it took several hours for the fully covered tattooed legs to be ready for some sexy shoes! Fully tattooed legs and high heel patterned pumps...a hot combination for the cool fall season!
Hail Hydra!
Much to my parents disdain, my fascination of skulls and it's representation has been with me since an early age. I have a sincere obsession with skull art, toys, tattoos, books and jewelry with my steady collection on a constant rapid growth.
Continuing on my venture of merging comic characters with tattoo influence into a series of paintings, it should come as no surprise that I would choose one of the most iconic villains...The Red Skull.
A branch off of my Captain America interpretation for Comics Gone Rogue, I revisited Marvels skeleton-esque bad guy and one of the leading members of HYDRA, Johann Schmidt a.k.a The True Red Skull.
Pursuing my love for skulls, villains, tattoos...I have decided to throw them all into one for my new version of the HYDRA symbol.
Tattoo Gallery Show In Mexico
I am very excited to have been invited to be apart of the show "DEL TATUAJE A LA ILUSTRACION"- Illustrations of Tattoos in Mexico! The piece that I have entered into this fantastic tattoo homage is seen in my last blog entry, Prayer to Our Zombie Lady of Guadalupe. I have a great love for Mexican art and have used this as an influence in my tattoo designs. This will be my first show in Mexico and hopefully not the last.
*Illustration by German Orozco
Prayer to Our Zombie Lady of Guadalupe
Our Zombie Lady of Guadalupe, Mystic Zombie Rose, who eats those that implore on to you in their hour of need. You that are Mother of the true Zombies, intercede before your son the grace I need to guard my brains, sweet hope among the bitterness of being eaten, warm blood and precious organs of final perseverance (ask for the desired axe, gun, or shovel and pray a Holy Zombie Mary.) Amen.
The Last Laugh
Two Ace's and 2 Eight's with a Joker-Dead Man's Hand...but for Batman or The Joker?
The vigilante Batman and his archenemies, The Joker have been at war for over 70 years and no where ready to give up the fight.
From his original appearance as a goofy, mischievous criminal with a sadistic sense of humor, The Joker is a highly intelligent psychopath who murders people for his own amusement and with no other reason than to introduce anarchy into Batman's world. Batman wants nothing more than to put the Joker away and will stop at nothing to interrupt the Joker's plans for mayhem.
Growing up, I have always loved the stories and villains from the Batman comics but none intrigued me more than his rival, the Joker. In coming up with the concept for this piece, I retraced my steps back to gambling tattoos and I remembered the deadly poker hand. It was fitting considering the relationship between Batman and the Joker always seemed to be like a never ending game.
In this on going battle for good and evil and control over the dark city of Gotham, The Joker reminds Batman during their encounters that they are nothing without each other.
"I've been thinking lately. About you and me. About what's going to happen to us, in the end. We're going to kill each other, aren't we?" -Batman "The Killing Joke"
So who will have The Last Laugh?
Tattoo for the Today Show
When The Today Show called me and said they needed a temporary tattoo for a gag as part of the tattoo story, I was immediately intrigued.
NBC's Co-Anchor Jenna Wolfe was featuring a story about more women getting tattooed much later in life. After visiting a NY local tattoo shop to get the scoop on these tattooed grannies, Jenna hits the chair to receive her own permanent ink and is ready to reveal her very own "I Love Matt"(as in Matt Lauer) traditional anchor. Of course, I would design and apply the temporary tattoo using Temptu Pro Dura Inks just for the fun of the story since Jenna explained she is not quite ready for the real ink yet. Waiting to get your tattoo until you are older is one option, but you can always try out a temporary tattoo before hitting the needle!
Check out the Monday morning tattoo story on The Today Show.
A Woman of Wonder
Wonder Woman has become the perfect symbol of a strong, independent woman with the best indestructible accessories. Since the 1940's, this Amazon princess has been striving to bring the ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn apart by war and hatred while wearing a tiara. Created in WWII when the world needed hope and heroes, the country received a heroine. Considered one of the first female superheroes created, Wonder Woman continues to be feminist icon after 70 years and inspires women and men all over the world.
This Glamazon princess has always been my personal favorite comic heroine and already have her inked onto my leg. In reading the recent reissued Wonder Woman comics, I felt compelled to honor her with a portrait with my own tattoo twist. I had so much fun with this piece, I will continue to produce my favorite comic heroes and villains.
Limited Edition prints with be available for purchase soon....
Wonder Woman
Ink and Paper
6"x7.5"
Comix Gone Rogue "Captain America" Edition
The new all white, blank Marvel Variant covers present many opportunities for a creative outlet. Some purchase the covers to bring to Comic Cons and have their favorite artist do a quick sketch or autograph while others decide to keep the crisp white cover untainted. On the other hand, Edwin Vazquez saw the opportunity to get his friends and favorite artists together to create their own covers. When presented with the invitation from Edwin to submit for an Unofficial Marvel Comics cover show (still in progress) I couldn't resist the chance to combine my love for comics and tattoos. The original idea came to me at lunch and I scribbled the idea down on the chalkboard table where we ate. The idea finally grew and developed into the full colored cover that will be in the 'Comix Gone Rogue' show....more details to come!
Rebellious Beauties
Always an admirer of strong, independent women who are not afraid to make waves in the common pool of society, I started looking at the women of the 1920's-The Flappers.
Stepping out of their traditional roles in society with their short skirts, bobbed hair, wearing heavy makeup, public drinking, and even having casual sex, they set out to break the rules and create a few of their own. These rebellious women where the first of many to advocate voting and women's rights as well as working outside of the home all while listening to jazz and dancing the 'Chareleston'.
This is the beginning of a painted tattoo flash series that I will be developing over the next few months. Stayed tuned for the next piece!
'Flapper Girl'
ink & paper
5.5" x 6"
$100 Butterfly Tattoos
Heat up the summer with some bare skin and a hot new tattoo. These pretty little butterflies will flutter right onto your shoulder, back or even your ankle for only $100! The bright, beautiful and bold wings are unique and completely custom original art. Perfect for any butterfly collector or for your very first tattoo. Make your tattoo appointment today! Limited time only!
(*$100 per tattoo as is. Each butterfly size varies between 2-3 inches. Size and color may be altered for additional cost)
