Hello all...
I'll start this blog with a bit of good news. I was recently given a wall at a tattoo shop to paint a mural and hang prints for sale Woohoo. I just need to come up with a theme for a mural now haha.
I thought I had more to write but I guess that's all for now. I'll leave you all with a drawing I posted in my last blog that you may have missed. It's of a very elegant hopeful by the name of Nekta
Nekta
Here are afew pictures of Masuimi Max that I'm concidering rendering into a side piece tattoo. I plan on covering both sides so I'll be useing two different poses. They will each have a full color background. Let me know what you would use and for what reasons. Also if you have an idea for a background I'm all ears 
For the first one I was thinking of incorperateing the wallpaper pattern as the background
For this one I'm thinking of useing the fluffy blanketty thing as a base and keeping a similar pattern for the curtain
The Geisha was recomended to me by a friend and I'm thinking it would look good with an oriental backdrop
And for the last one (which is my first choice) I'd use a flame background. I really want to do this one to incorperate her back tattoo
I have concidered this one as well...I could do a flame backround on this and with the previous one I could have two sides that are burning up with Masuimi haha
Three of these will be eleminated and only two will be used in the end.
For the first one I was thinking of incorperateing the wallpaper pattern as the background
For this one I'm thinking of useing the fluffy blanketty thing as a base and keeping a similar pattern for the curtain
The Geisha was recomended to me by a friend and I'm thinking it would look good with an oriental backdrop
And for the last one (which is my first choice) I'd use a flame background. I really want to do this one to incorperate her back tattoo
I have concidered this one as well...I could do a flame backround on this and with the previous one I could have two sides that are burning up with Masuimi haha
Three of these will be eleminated and only two will be used in the end.
Hello all,
Well I started this morning off right. I went for a run in the cold. There was a dusting of snow and a light mist of rain but it was worth it. I'm starting to get back into shape and it feels good.
If you've been following my blogs lately you would know that I'm discovering new family members that I never knew. It started with my father contacting me a little over a week ago. I found out that he's a successful tattoo artist and moderator on the web site inked nation. I have chatted briefly with a half sister and half brother and found out that I have two other brthers and two other sisters that I have yet talked to.
I also have an Aunt that is 28 and lives about an hour away. She's really cool. She has a son who's 8 and she's devorced so she raises him on her own. We planed out this comming weekend to meet and get to know eachother. She's a social buterfly and plans to break me out of my comfort zone haha. It's kinda funny how we've only talked for about a week but we already know so much about eachother. We are alot alike and have similar stories to tell from the past. I guess familly traits have a lot to do with it lol.
Also this week I'm going to Baltimore with a friend. That is if she doesn't end up working. She's a bit younger than me but we have a good time talking to eachother. We share the same type of humor which is awesome. It doesn't hurt that she's very pretty too
If I had more to offer than just pretty pictures on paper I'd chase after her. 
Well that's about it for now. I'm still working on more artwork. I havn't finished anything in awhile but I hope to post something soon. I have fan art in the works as well...but sadly they're not priority at the moment.
I do however want to thank Acacia for allowing me to use her as a subject model in some reccent works. I'll post those when finished along with some paintings I'm working on.
Have a great morning everyone...and in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night
Well I started this morning off right. I went for a run in the cold. There was a dusting of snow and a light mist of rain but it was worth it. I'm starting to get back into shape and it feels good.
If you've been following my blogs lately you would know that I'm discovering new family members that I never knew. It started with my father contacting me a little over a week ago. I found out that he's a successful tattoo artist and moderator on the web site inked nation. I have chatted briefly with a half sister and half brother and found out that I have two other brthers and two other sisters that I have yet talked to.
I also have an Aunt that is 28 and lives about an hour away. She's really cool. She has a son who's 8 and she's devorced so she raises him on her own. We planed out this comming weekend to meet and get to know eachother. She's a social buterfly and plans to break me out of my comfort zone haha. It's kinda funny how we've only talked for about a week but we already know so much about eachother. We are alot alike and have similar stories to tell from the past. I guess familly traits have a lot to do with it lol.
Also this week I'm going to Baltimore with a friend. That is if she doesn't end up working. She's a bit younger than me but we have a good time talking to eachother. We share the same type of humor which is awesome. It doesn't hurt that she's very pretty too
If I had more to offer than just pretty pictures on paper I'd chase after her. Well that's about it for now. I'm still working on more artwork. I havn't finished anything in awhile but I hope to post something soon. I have fan art in the works as well...but sadly they're not priority at the moment.
I do however want to thank Acacia for allowing me to use her as a subject model in some reccent works. I'll post those when finished along with some paintings I'm working on.
Have a great morning everyone...and in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night
Well I took the advice of Acacia and called my father. Here is what I found out...
He's known as Rusty Gordon to most. He's a tattoo artist and he has even been interviewed by SG for his achievments. Here is the post of his interview...
Inked Nation's Rusty Gordon
By Jean-Francois Laverdiere
Aug 27, 2008
It all started in 1977. Rusty Gordon got his first professional tattoo at a tattoo parlor in Washington D.C. and was hooked from there. He struggled hard in the beginning, with a few good teachers along the way, but after 30 years here he sits, loving this business more than ever.
Several parlors and five states later, Gordon works in Knoxville, Tennessee, doing what he loves to do everyday -- painting permanent pretty pictures on people. Gordon wouldn't say he’s an old whore stuck in a rut, but everyday is an adventure with new techniques, new styles, and new artists to keep up with. His tattooing has progressed in the last 10 years just watching the evolution of the craft.
Gordon owes most of his career to people he’s met and artists he enjoys. They know who they are and he thanks them all for what he has today. For if it weren't for them, he might be stuck digging ditches or living the rock star life in the Playboy Mansion, swimming naked with angels. “Oh wait a minute,” Gordon laughs. “I shouldn't be thanking you guys, I should be kicking your asses.”
The following interview consists of InkedNation user submitted questions.
Kornut: Rusty, at what age did you decide you wanted to be a tattooer?
Rusty Gordon: I was 13 when I realized that my grandpa’s tattoos would wiggle [laughs]… he had a hula girl with g-ma’s name on it and used to drink his Black Label beer and call me over to watch her wiggle... that was about my first contact with tattoos. I got my first tattoo done by Joe Farrar in Washington, DC at 14 and was hooked.
Kornut: Do you have a favourite style, or one you feel most comfortable with?
RG:I like traditional ‘cause it was what we had when I started and it’s all basic tattooing. I enjoy all styles except portraits... they boggle the mind.
dave419: What was the first tattoo you remember doing?
RG:An eagle.dave419: What do you think of tribal and kanji?
RG:It still pays the bills.
Imortalkiss: Who has inspired you the most in the industry?
RG:I can't put my finger on one artist but I would have to say my heroes in this business when I first started were Randy Adams, Paul Rodgers, Sailor Jerry Swallow, and Brian Everett… and, no, I don’t like Pina Coladas, but the rain is always good... [laughs].
Tantrix: Rusty, how many of us retards have you now met on InkedNation and do you plan on meeting more of us?
RG:I hope to meet as many people as time will allow… and I'm a weetodd too... so I'll fit right in.
Tiedyedcorset: After having been in the business for hundreds of years, do you feel the tattoo industry has changed due to popular tattoo related television shows and the ability people now have to find information on the Internet?
RG:The popularity of tattooing, to me, started in the MTV generation where it was thrown in the face of all the video watchers. I do think it got glamorized and overrated as far as the new tattoo related shows. I don't watch any of them, as I don’t have the time or the will to see this business trashed anymore than it already is. But yes, I do believe the popularity has skyrocketed and the amount of people seeing "the glamorous” life we lead has made the influx of scratchers get out of control.
Tiedyedcorset: How do feel about the growing number of new artists and new shops opening? How is it different from the "old days"?
RG:Being different from the old days is exactly that. I remember two artists shooting at each other and going out to lunch the same afternoon. I don't believe the camaraderie is still here anymore. Unlike the conventions of several years ago, I think egos have taken control
eatmybrocolli: If you were given the chance to tattoo whatever you wanted on Dave, what would it be and where?
RG:Fried sperm on his ass.
Downskindrome: What is the best thing to happen to tattooing in the last 10 years?
RG:Hey Chris... you are the best thing that has happened to tattooing in the last 10 years, of course.
Downskindrome: What is the worst?
RG:The worst is stupid suppliers that sell to anyone just to pad the pockets from our beloved corps… and go eat cupcakes.
Jfoerster: With all the drama, the complications, the hardships, the scratchers, and the other bullshit, and with having spent as much time in this business as you have, the question remains: how do you manage to keep such a level head, a good sense of humor, and not be burned out?
RG:I love what I do and it keeps me sane... I tried walking away several times, and I have been told I should have stayed away. But seriously, I will tattoo ‘til my eyes or hands just give out.
Kohai: Do you think with all the fantastic work artists are turning out these days that old school still has a place in the industry?
RG:Traditional will always have a place in this business; it’s the basics of all we do. Some artists just choose to embellish on it and make it their own... that’s why we are artists we are, and the bar is set really friggin’ high, too high for me to reach.
Bodamic: Is there anything you learned years ago from your mentors which you feel was extremely important, but today isn't taught?
RG:RESPECT FOR THIS BUSINESS.
Ianmckown: I know I've got that one artist who I think is just the "bees-knees" when it comes to this industry. Do you have one as well, and would you care to share who it is?
RG:In my opinion, Dan Hazelton.
Troydunn: Do you feel that the changes in styles that seem to come more frequently in tattooing (such as "newskool" or the "lineless color portraits") are necessary evolutions? Or are they precocious flashes in the pan compared to more traditional styles of tattooing?
RG:I like challenges too but I can't keep up with the artistry some of these guys and girls are putting out.
Troydunn: Do these present new challenges to a veteran artist such as yourself, or are they merely fashionable nuisances?
RG:The popularity of the tattooing of my early days, I hope that shit stays in the basement… besides the traditional. I think that the early ‘80s was a time for experimentation just like today’s popular portraits and no line bifocals...
Fizzylizzy: Do you have one tattoo that you've done that was just really memorable, and why?
RG:Really memorable? I would have to say a rose bud on a clitoris... It was like a small penis, about 3/4" long... freakin’ huge actually.
Check out Rusty Gordon’s InkedNation profile here: http://www.inkednation.com/rustygordon.
He's known as Rusty Gordon to most. He's a tattoo artist and he has even been interviewed by SG for his achievments. Here is the post of his interview...
Inked Nation's Rusty Gordon
By Jean-Francois Laverdiere
Aug 27, 2008
It all started in 1977. Rusty Gordon got his first professional tattoo at a tattoo parlor in Washington D.C. and was hooked from there. He struggled hard in the beginning, with a few good teachers along the way, but after 30 years here he sits, loving this business more than ever.
Several parlors and five states later, Gordon works in Knoxville, Tennessee, doing what he loves to do everyday -- painting permanent pretty pictures on people. Gordon wouldn't say he’s an old whore stuck in a rut, but everyday is an adventure with new techniques, new styles, and new artists to keep up with. His tattooing has progressed in the last 10 years just watching the evolution of the craft.
Gordon owes most of his career to people he’s met and artists he enjoys. They know who they are and he thanks them all for what he has today. For if it weren't for them, he might be stuck digging ditches or living the rock star life in the Playboy Mansion, swimming naked with angels. “Oh wait a minute,” Gordon laughs. “I shouldn't be thanking you guys, I should be kicking your asses.”
The following interview consists of InkedNation user submitted questions.
Kornut: Rusty, at what age did you decide you wanted to be a tattooer?
Rusty Gordon: I was 13 when I realized that my grandpa’s tattoos would wiggle [laughs]… he had a hula girl with g-ma’s name on it and used to drink his Black Label beer and call me over to watch her wiggle... that was about my first contact with tattoos. I got my first tattoo done by Joe Farrar in Washington, DC at 14 and was hooked.
Kornut: Do you have a favourite style, or one you feel most comfortable with?
RG:I like traditional ‘cause it was what we had when I started and it’s all basic tattooing. I enjoy all styles except portraits... they boggle the mind.
dave419: What was the first tattoo you remember doing?
RG:An eagle.dave419: What do you think of tribal and kanji?
RG:It still pays the bills.
Imortalkiss: Who has inspired you the most in the industry?
RG:I can't put my finger on one artist but I would have to say my heroes in this business when I first started were Randy Adams, Paul Rodgers, Sailor Jerry Swallow, and Brian Everett… and, no, I don’t like Pina Coladas, but the rain is always good... [laughs].
Tantrix: Rusty, how many of us retards have you now met on InkedNation and do you plan on meeting more of us?
RG:I hope to meet as many people as time will allow… and I'm a weetodd too... so I'll fit right in.
Tiedyedcorset: After having been in the business for hundreds of years, do you feel the tattoo industry has changed due to popular tattoo related television shows and the ability people now have to find information on the Internet?
RG:The popularity of tattooing, to me, started in the MTV generation where it was thrown in the face of all the video watchers. I do think it got glamorized and overrated as far as the new tattoo related shows. I don't watch any of them, as I don’t have the time or the will to see this business trashed anymore than it already is. But yes, I do believe the popularity has skyrocketed and the amount of people seeing "the glamorous” life we lead has made the influx of scratchers get out of control.
Tiedyedcorset: How do feel about the growing number of new artists and new shops opening? How is it different from the "old days"?
RG:Being different from the old days is exactly that. I remember two artists shooting at each other and going out to lunch the same afternoon. I don't believe the camaraderie is still here anymore. Unlike the conventions of several years ago, I think egos have taken control
eatmybrocolli: If you were given the chance to tattoo whatever you wanted on Dave, what would it be and where?
RG:Fried sperm on his ass.
Downskindrome: What is the best thing to happen to tattooing in the last 10 years?
RG:Hey Chris... you are the best thing that has happened to tattooing in the last 10 years, of course.
Downskindrome: What is the worst?
RG:The worst is stupid suppliers that sell to anyone just to pad the pockets from our beloved corps… and go eat cupcakes.
Jfoerster: With all the drama, the complications, the hardships, the scratchers, and the other bullshit, and with having spent as much time in this business as you have, the question remains: how do you manage to keep such a level head, a good sense of humor, and not be burned out?
RG:I love what I do and it keeps me sane... I tried walking away several times, and I have been told I should have stayed away. But seriously, I will tattoo ‘til my eyes or hands just give out.
Kohai: Do you think with all the fantastic work artists are turning out these days that old school still has a place in the industry?
RG:Traditional will always have a place in this business; it’s the basics of all we do. Some artists just choose to embellish on it and make it their own... that’s why we are artists we are, and the bar is set really friggin’ high, too high for me to reach.
Bodamic: Is there anything you learned years ago from your mentors which you feel was extremely important, but today isn't taught?
RG:RESPECT FOR THIS BUSINESS.
Ianmckown: I know I've got that one artist who I think is just the "bees-knees" when it comes to this industry. Do you have one as well, and would you care to share who it is?
RG:In my opinion, Dan Hazelton.
Troydunn: Do you feel that the changes in styles that seem to come more frequently in tattooing (such as "newskool" or the "lineless color portraits") are necessary evolutions? Or are they precocious flashes in the pan compared to more traditional styles of tattooing?
RG:I like challenges too but I can't keep up with the artistry some of these guys and girls are putting out.
Troydunn: Do these present new challenges to a veteran artist such as yourself, or are they merely fashionable nuisances?
RG:The popularity of the tattooing of my early days, I hope that shit stays in the basement… besides the traditional. I think that the early ‘80s was a time for experimentation just like today’s popular portraits and no line bifocals...
Fizzylizzy: Do you have one tattoo that you've done that was just really memorable, and why?
RG:Really memorable? I would have to say a rose bud on a clitoris... It was like a small penis, about 3/4" long... freakin’ huge actually.
Check out Rusty Gordon’s InkedNation profile here: http://www.inkednation.com/rustygordon.
For anyone who missed my blog from last week...My father contacted me on myspace recently. I've never known my father. I never even got so much as child support or even a birthday card lol. I never really felt that I was missing out on anything growing up. I still played ball and got in fights like every kid growing up. It just seems odd that he would try to contact me now, after 25 years.
He said he's been looking for me my whole life, but we never moved or anything. I've been in the same place since he left. The phone number is still the same and everything lol.
He said I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. One of my brothers contacted me. He is 22 and going through a divorce. He has never met our father either.
The guy's(my father)name is Scott but everyone calls him Rusty. Rusty wants to teach me how to tattoo since he himself has been doing it since 1985. I want to learn ink but I don't think I want to learn from him. It just all seems really weird to me.
Why now? Why try to be nice?
I'm not sore at him or anything...but it just seems like he's not being completely honest when I ask him about the past. His story is completely diferent than my mom's and my grandfathers. i trust what my family tells me over anything Rusty says.
He said numerous times to my mother that he wanted nothing to do with me. He got his wish and I guess now he wants to change his mind? haha...From what I'm told about him, I'm 10 times the man he ever was. I don't sleep around like he did(that's just a cowardly thing to do to anyone). I take responability for my actions(he never once took resposability). I served in the infantry an deployed with both a bad back and a broken ankle that I kept from the doctors. He joined the army but was behind a desk and discharged for a heart condition. I got blowed up lol. I feel that I got my talents from my mom more than him. My mom taught me how to draw when I was a little kid. She's the one that's told me to pursue my art when other family told me my art is pornography.
What I'm trying to get at is, I don't really know the guy and I don't feel anything towards him. I don't feel that he owes me anything such as teaching me ink. I can't decide what happened between him and my mother but it does seem as though he's the one that bailed. I'm just going to have to give this one time to sort out. Who know's, I might just go to see him after all.
Someone tell me something good
He said he's been looking for me my whole life, but we never moved or anything. I've been in the same place since he left. The phone number is still the same and everything lol.
He said I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. One of my brothers contacted me. He is 22 and going through a divorce. He has never met our father either.
The guy's(my father)name is Scott but everyone calls him Rusty. Rusty wants to teach me how to tattoo since he himself has been doing it since 1985. I want to learn ink but I don't think I want to learn from him. It just all seems really weird to me.
Why now? Why try to be nice?
I'm not sore at him or anything...but it just seems like he's not being completely honest when I ask him about the past. His story is completely diferent than my mom's and my grandfathers. i trust what my family tells me over anything Rusty says.
He said numerous times to my mother that he wanted nothing to do with me. He got his wish and I guess now he wants to change his mind? haha...From what I'm told about him, I'm 10 times the man he ever was. I don't sleep around like he did(that's just a cowardly thing to do to anyone). I take responability for my actions(he never once took resposability). I served in the infantry an deployed with both a bad back and a broken ankle that I kept from the doctors. He joined the army but was behind a desk and discharged for a heart condition. I got blowed up lol. I feel that I got my talents from my mom more than him. My mom taught me how to draw when I was a little kid. She's the one that's told me to pursue my art when other family told me my art is pornography.
What I'm trying to get at is, I don't really know the guy and I don't feel anything towards him. I don't feel that he owes me anything such as teaching me ink. I can't decide what happened between him and my mother but it does seem as though he's the one that bailed. I'm just going to have to give this one time to sort out. Who know's, I might just go to see him after all.
Someone tell me something good
Where to begin...Hmm, well I had a great trip. I didn't take a lot of pictures but I made a lot of memories. The most memerable was a stop in Florida where I met an older man by the name of Aurthor(or Art as he calls himself). If you'd like to read that story I'll re-post it below, but I'll spare those whome have already read it by posting it in a spoiler.
I stoped in every State in the south east. I ate at diers and talked with waitresses. It seems alot of people like to ask me about my tattoos. I can't say that I don't like the attention though
Here are some of the pics I took in passing. They're not of the greatest quality but they help illustrate my journey a bit.
I will most definately take another trip in the near future. Next time I'll stop in more interesting places and hopefuly have better pictures to share. I want to visit New Orleans for afew days. I want to meet some of the beautifuly interesting people I've had the pleasure of talking with on SG. Anyone that wants me to stop by in the future I'll be glad to chart the road acordingly
In other news:I've been doing a bit of painting. The lovely Skoosh has inspired me once again with some of the projected images she kindly sent me This one is a projection of the coca cola logo. It's a subtle yet well pronounced peice. I hope you all like it.
I'm new to oil painting so it needs a bit of refineing, but that come with time and expeirience.
Also in the spirit of art...I'm planing new ink. I have a good and evil pin up theme planed for my sides. The good will be posed very elegantly and lady like with a cloud background. The evil will be a very seductive pin up in a not so lady like pose. The background will be flames with a combination of drifting souls and skulls. I plan on covering most of my sides along with a bit of my stomach and back. The models will most likely come from the inspiration of the site lol. I have afew ladies in mind that have the look I'm going for.
Last but not least I recieved an odd email on myspace tonight. I hardly ever get mail on there anymore unless it's from Acacia or Hopelessadict(Not so much hopelessadict lately, since I had the pleasure of meeting her, and I came off as pretty boring lol). It was from a man in Tennessee. His name matches that of my fathers, and he asked me if my mothers name is Helene. He said he was looking for the son he never knew. He's 45(same age as my mom) and his nickname is Rusty(which I've been told my fathers nickname was Rusty). Also he's a tattoo artist to boot haha. I'm not saying he is my father just yet but he certainly fits the discription.
I don't really feel anything towards the guy so I'm not going to rush to have a reunion. It would be nice to know if I have any family illnesses to look out for though lol.
Well that's it for tonight SG land. Sleep well...or if you're reading this at some other time Good morning, Good afternoon, and Good evening.
Today I stoped at a little red trailer food stand just inside Florida. I ordered a hamburger and a chocolate milkshake from an older man wearing a straw cowboy hat. I asked him if I could sit with him for a bit while I ate. He steped out of the trailer and said "pull up a chair" as he gestured to a metal folding chair to his right. It was partialy shaded by a tall wooden fence and a palm tree(oddly enough palm trees arn't indiginous in that part of Florida). I sat down and we procceded to talk about anything and everything. He asked me about myself...where I was from and where I was headed. I told him I was out for a bit of a drive that started in Maryland on Tuesday. I've made it through Virginia, and Tennesse, parts of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. I stoped in San Marco Texas and New Orleans. "I'm just passing through" is what I told him. I found out a little about him as well. His name is Art. Well that's what he call's himself anyway. Except when he say's it, it sounds like Ott. He was in Viatnam, and he has a son. He lived in Rhode Island untill he retired five years back. We talked about my time over seas, and my possible future in art. He mentioned that he has a niece that works for Tommy Hilfiger. She went to art school in Rhode Island.
I showed him my portfolio that I had with me in my car. He was impressed with what I showed him. I told him a little about each drawing. Afew of my fan art peices are in there too. He enjoyed the old pin up style of Acacia and the movie tribute to Indiana Jones.
After about an hour I decided that I needed to get back on the road. He told me to wait a minute as he steped back into the red trailer. He put together a bag of snacks; a root beer and two bags of chips. He told me "it's on the house" as he handed me the bag. I couldn't have been more greatful to his generosity. I shook his hand and was on my way again. Who know's what other stories I'll live tomorrow.
Goodnight SG
I showed him my portfolio that I had with me in my car. He was impressed with what I showed him. I told him a little about each drawing. Afew of my fan art peices are in there too. He enjoyed the old pin up style of Acacia and the movie tribute to Indiana Jones.
After about an hour I decided that I needed to get back on the road. He told me to wait a minute as he steped back into the red trailer. He put together a bag of snacks; a root beer and two bags of chips. He told me "it's on the house" as he handed me the bag. I couldn't have been more greatful to his generosity. I shook his hand and was on my way again. Who know's what other stories I'll live tomorrow.
Goodnight SG
