paradise tattoo gathering

I don't even know where to begin... I've been on the road for the last month or so. feels like the last year. everything goes so fast. London was amazing for me. To work the room with the likes of Shige, Juan Puente, Tim Hendrix, Scott Sylvia, Jack Moser, Robert Atkinson, Henning Jorgenson, Mo capoletta... etc., having good friends like Jo Harrison, Joe Capobianco, Bob Tyrell, Robert Hernandez... It's really weird. When I started, I would have asked for these people's autographs, not really, but almost. I'd definitely have them sign anything I got from em... But I'd do that anyway. What I'm saying is, I'm beyond grateful for the fact that I'm surrounded by such amazing, inspiring people that make me want to strive to new places personally and artistically. Along that thought... I'm writing this on the plane ride back home from From Gabe Ripley's Paradise Tattoo gathering in Hancock, Massachusetts, just outside of Albany New York, and all I can say is, it was unbelievable. An incredible line up of world class artists, and visionaries. I got to speak on a panel with Tom Strom, Sweet Laraine, Carson Hill, Mike Cole, and Chris Dingwell, to a room full of true seekers of excellence. It was led by Joe Cap. discussing artistic vision and longevity in tattooing. Truly an honor. I also had the privilege of sharing my seminar with a room full of sixty incredible tattooers, including Joe Cap, Jime Litwalk, Chris Dingwell, and so many other respected tattooers. I honestly was pretty nervous for the first few minutes. to be sharing my thoughts and vision with some of my own role models. It really humbled me and caused a deep introspection. The tattoos I got to do flowed amazingly, I'm sure because of the level of inspiration surrounding. I was honored to share a booth with my good friend Joshua Carlton. I tried to get Nikki and him to let me tattoo their new baby... it was a no go. I'm not giving up on my dreams though. someday I'm giving a baby a dragon backpiece. Jeremy (Joshua's apprentice) Is the coolest guy, maybe in the world, with the best attitude. I need friends like you man! The alpine sled ride was pretty sweet too!

If any of you do any show next year... attend this one, but expect to be challenged and humbled. It was incredible. Even the drunken talks in the pub at night were on a different level than anything else... well until Tom Strom and Brett from Pulse had a dance off... a true battle. it blew my mind. I knew Tom Strom was a bad ass, but didn't know he was next to immortal! Probably the coolest guy in the world. Sorry Jeremy, you're close. Seriously, it was a true "convention" or gathering together of an unbelievable group of amazing artists, and people in general. Every one of my clients were awesome, and I loved every single piece I did! Thank you. This next week in Pittsburgh may be my last seminar I do for a while. I'm working on a painting demo workshop for a year from now. Maybe after a few three day painting workshops at my studio and gallery in 09. Ever on the move towards higher ground. go check out the paradise gathering website and plan on being there next year, if you got the balls big enough to let them be broken... It will kick your ass and leave you wanting more out of your life! Off the Map, Gabe and staff... Thank you for stepping out of the box and putting us in a new place.

Thank you... everyone!

And Joe... you're no average joe... Top notch man!

jeff

p.s. I would post some pics but was addicted to my video camera and didn't get any good snapshots.