Ok... so... It's Saturday, well actually, it's Sunday, like three a.m. I just got into my hotel room... What a day! I got four hours sleep, woke up late, got to the show late hadn't drawn anything for my client, freehanded a dragon on him, (John from Scotland) and ended up winning "best of Show" for Friday and Saturday! Wow... but I need to explain something. I was all worried about all my friends and people who are watchig my career. I got second and third last year here. I know everyone wanted me to come back with a first place this time. I did it... and I have to be honest. Right after I did the tattoo and I was cleaning up, I met a japanese artist, (can't spell his name), Yoko, a friend who has a full body suit from Shige, (one of my role models), introduced us. He bought a shirt from me and told me he really liked my work. I also have been able to meet one of the world's most respected tattooers, Aaron Bell, and paint with him in his hotel room, I also had a half hour conversation tonight with filip Leu, probably thee most revered, respected, and idolized tattoo artist in the world today, from Lausanne, Switzerland, about oil painting, (he was asking me questions about painting... crazy.) All of those things, not to mention the fact that I changed someone's life today... they all meant more than getting some trophy, or first place. That's what it's really about. It's about being my best, and affecting people I come in contact with. I have so much to learn, about everything, and I'm just grateful, for everyday that I have here to do just that. To learn... to learn who I am, and to learn who I need to be. Thanks for all the support from all of you. I will post pics soon... It's four a.m. and I have to try to sleep for a few hours and do it all again tomorrow. I appreciate your patience on the photo posting.
jeff
4 comments:
You know what Jeff, It's hearing things like that, that inspire us all to be better than who we are. I love that you care so much about what you do, and I love how much you appreciate what you have. I'm proud to be part of your journey, and proud to tell people about the guy that gave me all these bad-assed tats. Congrats on the trophy. Have fun in Europe. I'll see you in November.
Sean
Hey Jeff! was nice meeting and talking to you. Hope we stay in touch whenever time and demands allow, take care and enjoy!
Markus
Jeff,
Congrats on the London show!!
It thrills me to no end to hear that you are doing well, you absolutely deserve it. Your work is incredible and you must be one of the nicest people I've ever met, nevermind gotten tattooed by.
In your post you describe meeting some of the most respected tattooists in the industry and I just wanted to agree on how inspiring it is to meet people like that. I wake up every day grateful that I have the portrait of the family member that is held closest to my heart, my grandmother, etched into my skin by someone who is quickly turning into one of the most respected artists in the tattoo industry and known across the globe. (meeting of the marked '06)
I'm honored to wear your work, and hopefully we will be able to meet up again and get a second portrait done. I'm reserving a spot on my shin for you!
Keep up the good work and just remember that while you are inspired and motivated by the people around you, you also motivate and inspire people like me. Stay well!
~faye ryan
Well I read your post and it sounds like a dream. I know about Leu but Shige too. Jeez, just a incredible time for ya, Congrats and hope to see ya in the future.
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