all for japan 3/28/11

With everything going on these days it’s hard to keep up on all the issues. It is in fact, close to impossible. I try to take things as they come and do what I can when I can. I love being productive and moving forward so I work a lot, tattooing because I love it and that’s how I provide for my family which I love very much. I also paint as much as I can because it is who I am. I am an artist; the whole time.

The recent disasters in Japan have hit very close to my heart and soul. I have worked hard for the last 12 years to earn the privilege of working in japan. Tattooing, learning, and getting my entire backside tattooed by Shige of Yellowblaze, Yokohama. To see the people of Japan hurting and enduring the painful loss of lives, over 10,100 and 17,000 more people missing is very difficult to fully comprehend. I know people all over the world are affected by this and are contributing to some sort of relief though nothing will truly relieve what has happened. I want to thank those of you who do care, who do contribute, and who do spread the word of efforts to help. I personally know so many people who are doing what they can. Donating in all sorts of ways. We have a short attention span these days and it’s so easy to think since something happened two or three weeks ago, “they” probably have things all figured out. I don’t think this is true. People are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina which happened six years ago. Also The 7.0 earthquake in Haiti which was over a year ago, and people are still in camps made of tents and boxes. Japan will be in recovery for a long time, and I believe there will be a need to contribute for a long time.

Personally, I don’t care how people help. you can text a donation with your cell phone, you can go to your bank and donate to relief funds, you can bake cookies, wash cars or any other way possible to give and raise awareness. I just ask that you try to help. I’m not usually much of an activist, but like I said, Japan holds a very special place in my heart.

I want to thank Michelle Gilkey, (All For Japan project manager) for the help and the origami from the local grower’s market here in Grants Pass. a great reminder that we all have something to give.

thank you,

jeff

http://www.allforjapan.org/

http://www.allforjapan.org/

the site is complete. taking orders now. Please share this link with everyone you think might want to help. Thanks to everyone for all your support, and patience.

t shirt update

The shirts are becoming available today. Waiting on the paypal buttons to be uploaded momentarily. The skull design will not be available at this time. With the tragedy so evident. The imagery of a skull and waves may cause some offense or misunderstanding and we do not want that. The images of hope are more appropriate at this time. We have been advised that after things are recovered and rebuilt, perhaps then would be a good time to print the image. We are holding on to it and look forward to a time when it will be used. Thank you all for your understanding and support, especially for the people of Japan.

http://www.allforjapan.org/

Here are Mike Godfrey's and my designs for our shirts to help the victims of the disasters in Japan. Mike did a phoenix to represent rising from the ashes of death and destruction. I love this drawing and look forward to wearing it. I have done two designs the first being a japanese influenced dragon with the dragon's horns/antlers turning into a cherry tree branch with new blossoms representing new beginnings and new life with the japanese rising sun. I also have drawn a skull with waves coming out of it but the nation of Japan is rising up above and out of the reach of the death and destruction. In no way did I want to glorify the earthquake or the tsunami. I simply wanted to illustrate the determination of the japanese people to rise above them in defiance, determination, pride, strength, resilience, and humility. I will be offering the original drawings, limited edition prints, stickers, t-shirts, etc. with all profits from all sales going to the victims of the disasters through Shige at Yellowblaze, Yokohama Japan. Of course we could all just give money, but we want to give something back to everyone who gives. I have sent the images to the printer in LA, we will have shirts within days... Tattoo Artist Magazine will be posting these, and running a story; and of course we will be sending the art to Shige at Yellowblaze to include in his limited edition shirt series. This is just a preview. My originals have been drawn with Fusion Tattoo ink on illustration board. keep in touch for the final products. We are excited to do what we can for the victims of Japan.

sincerely,

Mike Godfrey and Jeff Gogue

Gogue art Studios

call or email with questions or donations;

541 218 0911

send emails to: paintings@gogueart.com

Shige-Gogue & Godfrey-Gogue, Japan Collaboration

Hey everyone. I'm scheduled to visit japan in fourteen days; to work and get my back worked on at Yellowblaze. Things are pretty bad, obviously. The U.S. Gov. is recommending I delay my trip but I am booked solid through mid Nov. I'm not sure what to do. I don't want to delay. Aside from this, Shige has asked me to do a collaboration t shirt with him for the victims of these disasters. I will be working on the design today and will be sending it to yellowblaze asap. I will most likely have a few designs by the end and am happy to donate them all to the cause. My co-worker, Mike Godfrey has offered his time and efforts as well. The art, the shirts, stickers etc. will all go to help the victims of Japan. Please keep in touch as we want to make the most impact we can to help. If we all do what we can... then that is all we can do. Thank you, jeff