The first night I met my dear husband I knew he was a "body artist"...tattooist. It never made a rats poo to me. I have never been one to go for a man for how much he is worth financially...which is only evident in my past relationships. I only knew that he was an artist and glad that he was not sporting the stereotypical tattooist image.
Quite honestly I have never really paid that much attention to his artwork in our early years together. I knew it was good, but it was just a part of who he was. Artwork has always gone hand in hand with Toby. If he is not drawing on someone's body, he is drawing on paper.
A few years ago he started selling some of his artwork (flash) online. It takes months for him design and color a sheet of his work. It's tedious and time consuming and takes a lot more patience than I could ever conjure up.
The other day as I walked through the living room I caught a glimpse of a sheet of flash that he was working on. I was amazed at the line he is currently working on. I can't believe someone can do such great linework without tracing. All of his designs are original. I took a couple of pics that I'm sure will do them no justice, but will give you a general idea of some of the stuff he does while he is not at work permanently marking someone's body.
Here are some pieces that he is working on right now. This one is mostly ready to be submitted...
A tattoo chick I am not, even though my husband would love nothing more than using me as a human canvas. I am only sporting two from my younger days that can be hidden pretty well underneath clothing. At least I was smart enough to do that. If I ever did want to brave another tattoo on my old sagging skin, I really like the bird at the top right. If I was a religious person, the cross with wings is pretty cool too.
Here are a couple that he has only started the linework on....
There are a few more that he is currently working on. If you want to check out some of his other work go here.
For any of you that may have an obsession with "decorating your temple" and has plans to be in the Austin, Texas area, you can also check out some of his tattoos at Atomic Tattooing and Body Piercing.
Thank you for giving me a glimpse of the creative process of a tattoo artist. I admire your husband's talent and patience.
ReplyDeleteYou said you do not have talent but I say you do. Your talent lies in appreciating art. Without someone to appreciate art; there is no point to having artists.
And don't discount the fact that your obvious pride in his work, your support and encouragement contribute hugely to his art.
His artwork is beautiful...I love the colors and creativity. I love the way the colors just kind of pop off the paper...very cool!
ReplyDelete"IF" I were a tatoo sporting momma, I'd totally go for the cross with wings!
Oh! How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy DH is an artist as well but what a fantastic way to have your talent bring home the bacon! I wish we would have thought of this years ago.
One of the most interesting field trips we've done is visiting Toby at his shop when y'all lived in Mobile.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to get a tattoo, I would without hesitation come to Austin to have him do the work. He does beautiful work!