On Stage with The Roots

As some of you may know from last weeks posts on Instagram for those following me, that the Roots were in town performing at Studio Square's Beer Garden in Long Island City, Queens. It was my first time there for a performance and was pleasantly surprised at all the open space yet intimate surroundings making for easy access to the stage. Knowing at least that much, I launched a plan the night before to create a piece of art in honor of them and somehow get close enough to present it to them, with the possibility of chopping' it up with them as I had once upon a time in my open mic days) after the set.

Unfortunately after staying up all night completing the project and with a heavy appointment load the next day, I wasn't able to stay for the whole set. However, I was able to get back stage, with the assistance of some understanding, 3 times my size, security staff members who seemed eager to help me complete my mission.

So, there I was waiting with the piece held high, for Black Thought's (the lead vocalist/MC) attention.
As he sipped water at the top of the stage stairs, he glance over and I saw the excitement in his face as he motioned for me to hand to him on stage. And the rest is in the slideshow pics. Check it!

Slide Show

Black Thought receiving the painting, "Illadelph"

                     

Black Thought on stage in front of the piece.

Another Element Has Fallen into Place.

First, I'd like to thank all my loyal clients and faithful followers. I truly could not have gotten this far without your support and encouragement. But up until now, I've only been preparing for all the ideal elements to fall in place.

Some of you may know that I live in Brooklyn, but originally from Cleveland (the home of this year's NBA ring bearer, I might add), and like "Bron-Bron," I too, had to seek my champion ship ring elsewhere.  Cleveland for me was like a boot camp training style of living if you were in the art community. It let you know right away if you were cut out to be ANY kind of artist or if you should just settle down and work for Cleveland Clinic Hopsitals or Progressive (which by the way, are great jobs there IF you can get one).

New York has been the proving ground I had to perform in and prove something to myself in before I decide to take on the world...

As far as those elements? Well, I think another may just have fallen into place... A studio! Thas major for me. I definitely need a place I can stretch out all my talents, not just tattooing, and accomplish a specific mission which was the overwhelming motivation to move here.

So without bending your ear too much. I'd like to introduce the THINK BEFORE YOU INK STUDIO members..      

                      

For more information on what we're up to this Summer in the lab, check the TBYI link on your right or email me at sky759@thinkbeforeyouink.com for questions and scheduling.

The tattoo loft right above the art gallery and merchandise area.

  Born in Cleveland and raised as an only child, much of my time was spent creating imaginary worlds of colors, words, and characters that replaced the presence of sibling. Therefore, I am connected to my work as if nourished creatively through a socially sensitive umbilical cord. It's the lens through which I invite the viewer to see beneath the common perceptions of everyday things and events. My process of bringing ideas into fruition is multifaceted in that inspiration for my paintings is never forced and is usually comprised of actual objects that may or may not be directly associated with the developing theme. My work is typically motivated by social observation and it's emotional and physical outcomes in general. It also serves as a sounding board and punching bag for the affects of my “unique mental processing ability."

  The influence of this uniqueness is often represented by lucid flows of geometric constructs, text, and color splashes resulting in art that reflects the intensity of core feelings both good and otherwise. Because I holdmyself to no rules when painting, my instruments usually become anything within reach. Although much of my canvas work can be categorized as "painting," it sometimes calls for a mixed medium of acrylic paint, enamel aerosol, masking tape, pencil, and media clippings.  This same enrichment that influences my paintings, also carries over

into my illustration and graphic work.

  Formally trained as a product and graphic designer, I took to painting as an exercise in unrestricted sometimes spontaneous expression. Granted, this is in direct contradiction to the rigid confines of applied art.  Not until recently, have I revealed these painted visual biographies publicly. Now, I use my fine art as an unspoken language for my audiences to decipher and enjoy.

Graphics:

Illustrations:

 Celebrity Amalgamations:

"Asap (Rocky) Jackson"

"Napoleon Jackson"

"Dick Fonzarelli"

  "Pope Marshall"

"Ma & Pa Carter"

                                                

"Red Krueger & Meth Voorhees"

"Mother Minaj"

"Kanye Ceasar"

"King Tupac & Hannibal B.I.G."

                                                      

Tattoos

"Dash"

"If the Sky's the limit, why are there foot prints on the moon."

"Sayre"

"Adian"

"Ink Junkie"

"Laugh Now. Cry Later"

"Hope"

"Hood Dreams"

"Jean"

"Tiger Butter Fly"

"Welcome to New York"

"Listen to Your Heart"

"Back Blossom"

Paintings:

"Invisible Pain"

"Teach"

"Pece (Peace)"

"Supa Soul"

"Alive"

"Alien Breath"

"Veteran Addict"

"Sometimes"

"No Sex in the City"

"TV Time"

Black Book - Images from the Urban Vol. 2

In this book, you will find over 25 elaborate
images with line work included for easy transfer 
to skin for tattooing. Like volume 1, these
images are inspired by urban and (hip hop) 
street art culture as well. These works may
be used as whole tattoos or in part to complete 
that perfect concept for your clients.



$40.00 USD
soft cover

   * not intended for use other than as tattoo reference and application

Black Book - Images from the Urban Vol. 1

                            

In this book, you will find over 30 elaborate
images inspired by urban and (hip hop) street
art culture designed to be applied as whole
tattoos or using pieces to complete that perfect
concept for your clients.

$35.00 USD
soft cover

* not intended for use other than as tattoo reference and application