S.O.G. ONLINE LOG

NAILED IT!

2010-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

I can only imagine the stroke of genius required to conceive of such an original product as press-on tattoo nails. I'm sure the ad exec responsible for this one was rewarded heftily in vacation time and hand jobs...

SAC-TOWN IV

2010-06-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Get ready people for the magic... right here is where the art is happening folks. Timpac's solo portrait series,

This is Wysuph dropping his best "Blue-Steel"

Handsome Bobby!

last but not least, yours truly,

SAC-TOWN III

2010-06-22T08:56:00.001-07:00

So cruising around the show I ran into my friends Tony and Steve from Rock of Ages Tattoo out of Austin. Tony happened to be working on this:

Apparently the guy who got this tattoo asked Tony to put a Hot Stuff devil on him. Being the proud Frenchie parent that he is, Tony sought inspiration elsewhere. I guess the kid went for it and the rest is history! All I knew was that there was no way I was leaving Sac without getting one of my own...SO first thing sunday morning Tony took care of me,

GAWD! She's freaking CUTE!!!

SAC-TOWN II

2010-06-22T08:51:00.001-07:00

Here are the action shots captured on the floor:

SAC-TOWN

2010-06-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

On our way to the convention Colin and I realized that he grew up in Sac-town. What an appropriate title for the city that would spawn our little Colin. In other news I can't believe this was actually my seventh year in a row doing this convention! I have gotten to watch all my friends at Forever Tattoo grow up and become such great tattooers and awesome guys! Please excuse me, I think I'm getting a little nostalgic here...
Anyway, my friend Timpac, from Forever, was getting all sorts of artsy fartsy and took so many great photos that I need to share with you, Ok, here we go:

I love the Hogan family so much! and baby Phoenix is one, seriously, adorable baby

Look! It's my two favorite Mikes!

SAKESANJOSE

2010-05-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Sake San Jose combines sake tasting with a walk through Historic Japantown.
When: May 27, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Japantown, San Jose
On Jackson Street Between 3rd and 7th Streets

The Yu-Ai Kai Senior Community Center hosted this benefit. A sake tasting and walk through Japantown with local businesses offering different types of sake for guests to sample. Some of the sakes for tasting were daiginjo, ginjo and junmai grades of premium sake. It provided a great opportunity for connoisseurs and novices to sample and learn about a variety of sakes. Proceeds from Sake San Jose benefit Yu-Ai Kai Senior Services nonprofit center located right here in Japantown.

To kick off the event our very own Horitaka was invited, alongside other local business owners, to break open the first cask with a mallot:

Yay boss! and I think Phillip consumed at least thirty shots of sake in all, making it to twenty-three of the twenty-eight booths! Good times!

INCONCEIVABLE

2010-05-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Oh my little friends out there in Blog-land, the times they are a changing. With oil leaking out into the gulf at a record pace and ice caps melting I foresee the end is near, enjoy it while it lasts, folks, the apocopalypse is surely upon us...In the snip heard 'round the world, Willie Nelson has chopped off his braids!

Yikes!

But thanks to Dan Wysuph, we can enjoy the braided man a little bit longer,

SWEET!

यू पिचक आईटी: मास्टर्स एडितिओं

2010-05-26T00:58:00.000-07:00

YOU PICK IT! MASTERS' EDITION:

Challenge 2!

Alan Belcher has finally gotten his other half sleeve completed. Here is the glorious end result:

But who the fuck is it supposed to be? You choose,

A. The Dalai Lama

B. A ring tailed lemur

C. Chuck Norris

D. Don't see what you're looking for, post it in the comments!!!

BLOGS OF EPIC PROPORTIONS...

2010-05-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

OK, before I continue please press play before scrolling downwards, to properly experience this important news I have to tell you...

Here it is:

BOB ROBERTS Book releases and ships August, 2010. Only 1000 hardcovers will be made. Each will be signed and numbered. Softcovers will be available next year. Cash presale starting in June at the Long Beach and Sacramento conventions. 10" X 13", 304pgs, hardcover sleeve, $300 postage/sales tax incld. US sales available at www.stateofgracetattoo.com in late June.
COMING SOON!

She's BAAAAA-AAAACK....

2010-05-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

what? Where have YOU been...
Well, anyway, here it is. The much anticipated two page travel journal that I drew on our amazing shop trip to Japan (care of our loving boss Horitaka) I pretty much recorded the entire week in these 2 small pages; in food, fun, jokes and good times. Enjoy!

You Pick It!

2010-03-25T00:48:00.001-07:00

Ok, my buddy Bill sent me this amazing photo and he told me who it was supposed to be a tattoo of, but I am going to leave it up to you, my little bloggers, to figure this out.

This tattoo is supposedly a portrait of :

A. Larry Flynt

B. The Elephant Man/ an homage to this Grez tattoo

C. A beluga whale

D. Don't see what you're looking for? post it in the comments

Look...tattooed children!

2010-03-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

what no toddler fundoshi????

one more thing...

2010-02-26T21:14:00.000-08:00

You guys are stoked, your day is about to get so much better... This is another photo from the Musink afterparty and I think it might be the best thing I've ever seen in my life.
I know I have a new happy place to go when times are rough!

AWESOMENESS

2010-02-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

Now, I've been to my fair share of afterparties during tattoo conventions and, well, to be honest after a long day of tattooing and dealing with convention goers usually the last thing I want to do is head to a crowded bar filled with convention goers, waiting half an hour pushing your way to the bar to just get a beer... sounds fun, huh.

Well, I have to stand corrected because we headed down to the Detroit bar after the Musink show last weekend, and yeah it was packed with the usual hipsters and bar flies, but this one popped off!

The guys at Gold Rush in Costa Mesa put the night together and there were DJs spinning...

or maybe it was the exhaustion maybe it was the fact that since the line at the bar was so long Colin and I were double fisting drinks, whatever, all I know is that the party jammed and we danced our butts off!

Good Times!

Soundtrack of our lives...

2010-02-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Colin and I just got back from the OC and this was the song we kicked off the trip with...

don't know who these dudes are, they are not the Avett Brothers, but their video rules!
Stay tuned for photos from the trip...

UGLAR

2010-02-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

If you guys get a chance you need to go down to Pasadena and check this out! The UGLAR guys totally out did themselves with the presentation of the LA River show.

I mean serious props go out to Chris Brand and Evan and the rest of the crew that put it together.

Juxtapoz magazine did a nice feature on it and there are lots of cool photos, check them out HERE!

ATTN: good citizens of OC

2010-02-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

Colin and I are making the trek down south for the annual MUSINK hosted by Small Paul, festival this week. It's going to be awesome, Oliver Peck, Juan Puente, Scott Sylvia, Horitoshi family, Leu Family, Mike Wilson, Tokyo Hiro...

the list is actually pretty insane. Not to mention we're going to go visit our good friends from Gold Rush in Costa Mesa. Besides for tattooing there will be some skateboard ramp with demonstrations by pro-skaters and a bunch of haggard old punk bands reuniting... and THE CULT! Hopefully some of you guys can make it, see you there!

something for your friday...

2010-02-12T07:47:00.000-08:00

yep, this is probably the most non tattoo related posting ever, but this stop animation flip book is too awesome not to share...

cooool!

2010-02-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

Johhny Winters, aka Texas Guitar Slim, is one of the earliest brave musicians to proudly wear tattoos on stage.

This guy jammed with Jimi Hendrix and even with Muddy Waters at age 19. I'm not 100% sure but I think Cliff raven tattooed his chest,

Seriously, what could be more mezmerizing than a brilliant Texas-blues guitar playing cross-dressing albino tattooed rock n' roller!

Support the Arts!

2010-02-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

Attention SoCal blog buddies:

CHECK IT OUT!!!!

Shirts Off!

2010-01-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

What is a "shirts off!" photo are you asking, well basically your hanging out just chillin' with a bunch of your tattoo artist friends and then someone wants to take a photo of you guys and boom! Next thing you know someone screams "shirts off!" and all of your friends are topless and mean mugging the camera. It's pretty amazing to say the least and a photography trend and I am personally all for. I don't think anyone really knows the origin of the "shirts off!" tattoo photos, I just know it is generally the opportunity for a bunch of dudes who sit around all day to rip their shirts off and bare their tattoos for all to see. I know Chad Koeplinger is a big fan of "shirts off!" and so is Horitaka. I also know everytime a group of heavily tattooed guys get together, cameras present or not, clothing will probably start peeling off. The old "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours..." go figure. After writing the last blog, I started thinking...because this is definitely my first "shirts off!" experience...thankfully the yoga's really paying off, I mean did you see my abs? and being surrounded by a dozen dudes, Rubendall excluded, who mostly don't work out probably also helps... Since this is clearly NOT Taki's first "shirts off!" photo I thought I would take this moment to look back and reflect on some of my favorite "shirts off!" moments of Taki and the gang...

shirts off! at the nation's capital!

shirts off! at the National convention in Reno!

shirts off! at Asaksa with Horiyasu

shirts off! at the San Jose tattoo Convention!

PS I'm taking all submissions if you have "shirts off!" photos to add!

State of Grace takes it off!

2010-01-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

Check out these beautiful photos that Suzuki of Soft Machine took of us after the convention.

This piece was done for FLJ magazine. FLJ is out of Tokyo and showcases street wear and mens fashion. Of course we are quite the fashion plates over here and clearly fit right in,

as the stylist on the shoot, Horitaka felt it would best represent our shop style to do these pics as he says "shirts off!" So enjoy the extra skin and have a killer weekend!

Thanks to Kosuke and Soft Machine for making this happen!

"Viral" video

2010-01-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you watch a video and, as hard as you try, you cannot unwatch it. So, um, enjoy...
*for those of you at work don't worry, it's pretty PG.

Thanks Kelly, Dari and creepy unicorn guy for making this blog possible. And I have no idea nor care who did any of these crappy tattoos!

STORMY WEATHER is here

2010-01-21T00:58:00.000-08:00

Here's sister Rosetta Tharpe jammin' on her sick SG to help us get through the rain... let's dance!

"Down By The Riverside"

Sister Rosetta Tharpe | MySpace Music Videos

Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.

-Langston Hughes

*first two images Horizakure, followed by Kaz, lastly Horitomo.

for those of you who couldn't make it...

2010-01-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the video that Jon Agcioli, our full time photo/videographer put together after Horitaka and I lectured at the Asian Art Museum,

Samurai: Asian Art Museum SF from John Agcaoili on Vimeo.

check it out!

Why children, why?

2010-01-15T07:12:00.001-08:00

Sorry guys, I am about to ruin your day. It is my job at the SOG Log to bring you the best in the worst. I personally waste numerous hours scouring the internet for the absolutely most terrible tattoo related shit imaginable. Trust me I bypass a lot of marginally lame stuff. So, I actually found this treasure on a website worth wasting a few hours on called Look at this Fucking Hipster, not a bad name or a bad site for that matter... anyway back to business,

Dude, Chad Koeplinger called he wants his glasses back!

Feast your eyes on this...

2010-01-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

This footage of the immortal finger pickin' banjo player Earl Scruggs playing accompaniment to The Byrds cover of Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Going Nowhere" might be the most precious gem I have ever discovered on youtube to date and what better way to share it with you guys than posting it with some bad ass photos from my friend Heath Preheim...

Heath not only gets the "rough and rocky" side of tattooing but has a deep understanding of art and great respect for tattoo history.

Buy me a flute and a gun that shoots
Tailgates and substitutes
Strap yourself to a tree with roots you ain't going nowhere

Ooh we ride me high tomorrows the day my brides gonna come
Oh oh are we gonna fly down in the easy chair

just a lil' procrastination...

2010-01-11T14:06:00.001-08:00

Right now I am editing the interview Taki and I did with Oliver Peck this past summer on his RV while speeding through the streets of Sacramento... What a blast! We LOVE Oliver...

For some reason can't seem to shake this song from my brain...

yep...that's me tattooing my name on Oliver in a moving vehicle, hitting every speed bump, hard turn and gay pride parade along the way!

dedicated to Colin...

2010-01-04T01:06:00.000-08:00

This is the soundtrack to Colin's life today.

Press play and check out some other things that Colin loves,

Did you feel that...I think we all just got a little bit closer to Colin!

TONITE>>>

2009-12-26T15:52:00.001-08:00

check out Colin's amazing contribution...

Please go check this out and BUY STUFF!!!

Stitch Presents...

2009-12-25T23:41:00.000-08:00

Stitch wanted to take this moment to say Happy Birthday baby Jesus and put together some of her favorite Jesus inspired tattoos,

top to bottom Chuey Quintanar, Ben Grillo, Pint, Juan Puente, and Chuey Quintanar.

Festivus for the rest of us!

2009-12-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Forget all of the commercialism, consumerism, and greedy children today and remember the family and friends that make it all worth it... FEEL THE LOVE!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS bloggers!

हैप्पी होलिदय्स फ्रॉम स्टेट ऑफ़ ग्रास!!!!!

2009-12-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays You Guys from State of Grace!!!!!

SoCAL this weekend...

2009-12-10T03:11:00.000-08:00

Well, it's 3 am, I just finished my painting for this art show in So Cal and I'm shipping it out first thing in the morning!

My good friend Chuey Quintanar of Tattooland is putting it together and you know I'll never turn Chuey down, so if you guys can make it please check it out and support the show! Not to mention the list of sick artists participating...

5 days 'til we get some Willie...

2009-12-01T23:55:00.000-08:00

It's midnight and I am editing the Richard Stell interview I did a few months ago daydreaming about Texas and I remembered... Sunday night , we're taking a shop trip to see Willie Nelson, ANOTHER legendary Texan. FUCK YEAH!
Richard, this song is dedicated to you,

AND this is Philip's first concert, can't wait!

Stitch Presents

2009-11-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a minute since Stitch has formally presented her favorite tattoo of the week. Well, I'm sure you guys have been anxiosly anticipating this one. This gem by Scott Harrison was voted "Best Tattoo of the Day" on the Saturday night of the Convention by celebrity judges Mike Rubendall, Grez and Myself.

When we walked over to give the trophy to Scott he was shocked and declared, " I never expected that anyone I tattooed would ever enter a contest!" For the rest of the weekend Rubendall would periodically take out his Iphone and look at this picture and just start laughing to himself, awesome.

KMEL...jams!

2009-11-27T15:12:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos from Taki and I's morning at KMEL...

I tattooed Dame the Intern and Chuey Gomez's sidekick Lady Ray, while Taki and Chris Guido chopped it up with Chuey about the convention. Thanks to everyone, it was a blast!

Happy Thanksgiving? part II

2009-11-26T01:34:00.000-08:00

"Long before the European and English colonists arrived, native Amerindians celebrated the harvest with festivals & ceremonial dances, out of thanks and appreciation. The Wampanoag tribe shared this day with the Plymouth pilgrims, knowing the white man knew not how to grow corn for himself. Despite the fact that their survival had depended upon Indian benevolence, the Pilgrims went on in the years that followed to wage genocidal wars against the NATIVE nations around them. The first "thanksgiving celebration" to be proclaimed in the colony was in honor of their great victory in 1637 that virtually exterminated the Pequot Nation. Out of remembrance for the fallen peoples of native blood, first of this country, born of this land, red skinned, they are the people we should thank, not a white mans god, who allows the careless hands of his followers to take without thanks and curse the land without decency for the next generation. Teach compassion for this land, for it's beauty, the earth was first, even the scripture of the Hebrews says that.
May we walk with grace and mercy in our steps today."
-Eric Jones

*images from top to bottom: Eric Jones, Heath Preheim, Eric Jones, Grez, Zeke Owen

Happy Thanksgiving?

2009-11-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

So, I rarely use this blog as a personal diary but in this instance I am feeling it is necessary. Early this morning I woke up screaming from a terrible nightmare. Sweating, grinding my teeth and anxiety levels soaring I sat up in bed and grabbed in the dark for my dog Stitch. I dreamt I was in some sort of cooking class and we had an assignment, my dreams are nonlinear and hazy so bear with me many of the details were left out, but we were cooking bats in the class, I kept repeating the word "bat guano" over and over, I don't think that's a very important part of it I just remember it, but I decided they didn't need to waste bat or guano on what I was making and decided to cook Stitch instead. There was no image of death or the process of cooking, I just knew what I had done. At that moment of realization I screamed and moaned and cried. I knew I couldn't take it back or undo it! I felt I chose to cook her out of convenience and the regret weighed heavy on my heart. That is when I fought the dream and woke up disgusted with myself. Laying in bed I sorted out the details of my dream. It is Thanksgiving and I have volunteered to roast a turkey for a homeless teen center in the Tenderloin, I offered my services to help others have a "Happy Thanksgiving" but haven't eaten any animal flesh in over a year. I think the guilt overcame me, equating the turkey I will be roasting with the love and companionship of my best bud, Stitch. Man, that vegetarian guilt is a b****!

Thank you Urban Paul

2009-11-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

At my lowest moment of ignoring my blogging responsibilities like a shining beacon, a lighthouse in the storming tempest of my procrastination, my number one follower sent me this photo as if to nudge me back into a flurry of blogging. Thank you paul,

Not since Star-face girl have we seen tattooing with such reckless abandon; such selfish disdain for the wearer. Literally redefining the word "effacing." It reminds me of a very enthusiastic client who once came to me wanting to tattoo the word "PUSSY" inside his lower lip with arrows pointing inward. He was so cocksure that the plan he had devised would guarantee a permanent unending stream of sexual adventures; declaring to the women of the world his love of oral sex. Unfortunately, I had to burst his bubble and explain that if he had the word "PUSSY" with arrows pointing at himself it might evoke a response unlike the one he sought.

One more thing...

2009-11-24T18:25:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah I almost forgot our friend and amazing photographer Jon Agcioli caught some beautiful shots of Mike Giant doing his live drawing, which was nothing short of spectacular!

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T18:18:00.001-08:00

I hope you guys enjoyed these.. can't wait to see you there next year!!!!!!!!

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here's some tattoos that happened...

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

And now for some sweet costumes...

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T18:01:00.001-08:00

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T17:56:00.001-08:00

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T17:53:00.001-08:00

SJ CON 5

2009-11-24T17:48:00.001-08:00

i've been a bad blogger...

2009-11-24T17:39:00.001-08:00

So guys I have officially awoke from a deep post-convention slumber and I bet by now you loyal blog followers are at your wits end with me! Well... LET THE ONSLAUGHT OF CONVENTION PHOTOS COMMENCE!!!!

SAN JOSE TATTOO CONVENTION 5 YEARS AND RUNNING STRONG!

2009-10-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the convention this weekend I found this sweet clip on youtube from last year's show,

enjoy!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-22T19:16:00.001-07:00

HOLY SHIT!

YUP! That is Colin's frenchie Conan in his "tattoo boy" costume, and yes those are tattooed sleeves poking out of his baseball jersey! YUP!

Turn on, tune in, drop out

2009-10-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

MORE... MORE... MORE!

In the second installment of Horitaka's media blitz, we will also be making a guest appearance on 106 KMEL's morning show this wednesday at 8am until maybe 10 or so. I'll be tattin and Taki will be chattin, CHECK IT OUT!

ATTN: LA!

2009-10-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend please come down and support us at CANVAS gallery in downtown LA!!!!
We are celebrating the release of our two newest books, the sketch collections of legendary black and grey, Chicano and Los Angeles native tattooer PINT and the Japanese dynamo from Three Tides Tattoo ICHIBAY.

Come down to CANVAS this Saturday night at 8PM...
see ya' there!

THIS IS RADIO CLASH

2009-10-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

HORITAKA is beginning his radio media BLITZ tomorrow morning promoting the 5th annual San Jose Tattoo Convention! You can catch him from 6am to 9am on LIVE 105 with Chris from Tattoo Energy/Tattoo Life on the No Name morning show.
Also check out NoNames tattoo gallery and tattoo TV!

2009-10-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!!
check this shit out

REBEL 8, Mike Giant's cothing company made this dope shirt special for the convention, here's a link to their BLOG!

and

Mike Giant will be at the show doing live painting, HELL'S YEAH!

LUH-UN 009, part IV; Harry Balsagna

2009-10-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, excuse the glare.
Lindsey Carmichael painted this banner for himself, Eric Jones and Tim Hendricks. It is the classic pharoah's horses design with a matching tattoo drawn on each horse to coordinate with the tattoos each of them has on their faces. Great idea, great banner and now, also,

the greatest photo of all time.

LUH-UN 009, part III; tats we did

2009-10-14T17:16:00.001-07:00

me

colin

me

colin

me

(musical interlude)

2009-10-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

LUH-UN 009, part II; at the show

2009-10-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

This awesome guy is named Steve Willett. He is a tattooer in Portsmouth, England. He inherited Ron Ackers shop when he passed. He was all buttoned up when he came by our booth, but we could tell he had some cool old tattoos under wraps. Check out this Pinky Yun!

This one is by Bob Roberts, 1978! Fuck Yeah!!!

Here's some Eric Jones from Gold Rush, Costa Mesa.

Can't remember who did these, but still cool as fuck. There were a LOT of cool old tattoos at this show!

LUH-UN 009

2009-10-10T13:51:00.001-07:00

Sorry loyal readers for the long break; London hit me pretty hard, I moved, got a new car, yadda yadda...
Anyway, I am sure you guys have been anxiously awaiting our London trip diary so here it is. First off here is some of the amazing sites of the fine city of London that we stumbled upon our arrival. The plane landed at 7 am and with no sleep we met up with some friends and ventured out into the city,

I told you,Liz agrees, oooooh OFFICE shoes...

Colin has found his Shangri-la

mmm, Jamaican non-alcoholic Ginger beer!

LONDON CALLING

2009-09-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Colin and I are heading out to London tomorrow for the tattoo Convention this weekend. So far this is what we we have learned about London, I know it is the shoe capital of Europe and Colin has learned they serve Guiness in three different temperatures. Throw in tea time and everyone talking like Stewie from Family Guy and we are on our way! So I am leaving you guys with some awesome Britishness to pass the time until I return,

did I mention...

2009-09-22T08:53:00.001-07:00

Couldn't resist posting one more Mr. T picture of Urban Paul,

Oh, yeah that reminds me, have I mentioned the costume contest we're having at the convention this year? Told ya' to get ready!

PEOPLE GET READY!!!!!

2009-09-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

That's right with halloween just around the corner I hope all of my little blog buddies are anxiously preparing their costumes! In anticipation of the season I wanted to share with you guys an amazing anomaly of nature, that's right two, I tell you, TWO of my clients have boasted to me about the best costume they have ever done. Here they are,

I am taking photo submissions if any other of my clients have ever dressed up as Mr. T!

HARDLY HYPHY

2009-09-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

You know you are big time when hyphy rapper album covers don your name in a ghetto spoof,

sweet tee, Walmart or Ross?

Wow, I am on a roll tonight!

Douches hate pain.

2009-09-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

Apparently if your paintball armor, Oakley goggles and sick abs can't protect you from pain, Face and Body Professionals have the solution,

I also love the addition of the suffix "aine" in creating clever titles for pain preventing products.

It's coming....

2009-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Can you believe the San Jose Convention will be turning 5 this year???? crazy
anyway, we have officially released the new poster design and it is DOPE! Horitomo took the reigns on the poster this year and did an AMAZING job, alright, enough with the italicized capitalized adjectives here it is...

don't forget to save the date, Oct. 30th, 31st and Nov. 1st!

Sometimes you just find things you never knew you were looking for...

2009-09-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

I found this gem and many others here at People of Walmart.

SOG does SFAAM

2009-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Asian Art Museum! We filled that lecture hall and the museum was so pleased with the event. Our friend Jon Agcioli of Darkside of the Moon Photography was there to document the whole thing and he set up this Flikr page for us, with a selection of his images from the event, go here to view it!

2009-09-08T10:51:00.000-07:00

Last night Colin and I actually painted from 9:00 pm to 5:30 am!!! We listened to The Velvet Underground, Gram Parsons and then finished the night off with some Bob Dylan.

We were getting ready for this,

see you there?

http://www.111minnagallery.com/2009/08/indian-summer-art-exposition/

wait did you say something...

tired

BLOG4LIFE

2009-09-05T21:44:00.001-07:00

If I could connect my brain, right now, to your computer monitor this is the soundtrack that would be playing and the images you would be seeing. So here's some old painting and new music; my gift to you, Thomas Hart Benton and the Felice Brothers to help you through the weekend,

The Ballad of the Jealous Lover of Lone Green Valley, 1934

The Sowers, 1942

The Wreck of the Ole '97, 1943

Trail Riders, 1964-65

The Sources of Country Music, 1975

enjoy!

Stitch Presents

2009-09-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

My little dirty dog had one more to add to her section this week,

thank you lil' dave for this one!

SOG hearts KK!

2009-09-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

So as you guys already know, Taki's little sister Katie wrote an incredible first novel and it is receiving RAVE reviews!
We are so proud of her that I can't help but keep you guys up to the minute on the book's successes, so please check out this wonderful write up in the Boston Globe.

***and of course if there are any of you left reading this that haven't picked up a copy of The Longshot, here is the link to Amazon.

What are you doing Thursday night?

2009-08-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

Last year the Asian Art museum contacted Taki about organizing an event dedicated to celebrating Japanese tattooing. He presented to a crowded room while Horitomo, Horisou, myself, and Shige did live tattooing in the Grand Entrance of the museum. This year they have asked him to lecture on the subject of Samurai, relative to Japanese tattooing. We are so flattered to be part of this and feel the museum is really taking brave steps towards elevating Japanese tattooing to a "high art." It is amazing for such a conservative institution to want to have events like this and if you want to see these types of events continue you guys are going to have to come down and support us!!!!!! Thanks!

SUNSET Livin'

2009-08-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Man, a few days ago me and the dogs were walking on the beach.

I saw a headless corpse of a beached sea lion lying on the sand by the shore.
It was hard to tell what it was at first because it was caught in a net of sea weed.
The body had shark bites all over it,
the rank stench ran the beach.
The dogs didn't even go to it.
Huge beach crows hopped along the decaying body and picked at the remains.
There must have been a dozen crows eating it.

*tattoos: Thomas Hooper, Grez. Sunset photo taken with my cell phone from my bedroom window.

WEE OOO- WEE OOO... Cute Alert!

2009-08-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

How have I not posted pics of Colin and Tasha's babies yet?

This is Sweet Lime,

and here is Conan.

Fucking cute little terrors.

Why is my dog such a perv?

2009-08-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

This week in the Stitch Presents section, my little dog went a little nuts...

This little number by Daniel Santoro is dirty and awesome,

but I know this piece by Darcy Nutt will be an instant classic. Enjoy!

Stitch chose some really UNIQUE tattoos this week

On the road again and many others

2009-08-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Colin and I are driving down to la for the tattoo Hollywood convention this weekend. I am blogging from colin's I phone! We have the best car mix playing ever. I feel like a mac ad jeez!
We are listening to
the felice brothers
creedence
the Kentucky colonels
arcade fire
bob Dylan
the pretenders
the boss
mason Jennings
taraf de haidouks
dolly pardon
Emmy Lou Harris
pepe romero
Aretha
ralph Stanley...
Cat stevens
seu Jorge
Gillian welch
What can you not take a long drive without?

The Longshot

2009-08-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

Katie Kitamura, a young Asian ballerina, is the last person you’d expect to write a book about “ultimate fighting.” But her novel, The Long Shot, may be the sport’s best publicity yet.
-The Daily Beast

As you all know Taki's little sister Katie just had her first novel published and as expected it is AMAZING! The buzz about it is growing. The Daily Beast a hip NY blog just interviewed her and we couldn't be more proud! Here is the link.
Also, if you haven't grabbed a copy yet, here is the link to AMAZON.

Rest in Peace

2009-08-16T17:15:00.001-07:00

Bernie Perez, East Coast tattooer and graffiti artist.

My sincerest condolences to the Perez family.

"A Simple Rose" by Kevin Mends

2009-08-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

A simple rose I have found
It's not the flower that grows from the ground,
Its beauty is one of such delight ...
This rose is soft to the touch in all its perfection.

The envy for all the flowers in this garden
Its fragrance will consume your every obsession.
This rose must be a gift, a gift from above
A gift from Heaven to show us love.

Every morning I wake to see its petals glisten
Its easy to see how one could be so smitten
If love was a rose it would shine so bright
Because all I need is this rose in my life.

Congratulations to Roman and Suzy and the rest of the Enriquez family on their beautiful baby Rose Francis,
Mazel Tov, she's beautiful and I love you guys!!

paintings in order; Eiland Hogan, C.C. Askew, Chad Koeplinger

RR

2009-08-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Press play to start the soundtrack for this entry:

american cloud songs from puddin aylward on Vimeo.

My friend Robert Ryan stopped by last week to visit the new shop after a week of painting with some of his friends in a cabin in Mt. Shasta. We always have amazing discussions about spirituality and art. Here are some of his paintings and tattooing. He tattoos in Asbury Park New Jersey, the home of the Boss.

He is a well rounded artist, musician, and thinker. All of his varied work connects in some way, American Cloud Songs is also one of the music projects he is involved in.

When I interviewed Robert a while back I asked him about where he finds inspiration, he responded,

I draw from years of experimentation with psychotropic substances, a vast record collection and, A strong library. My instantaneous daily interactions and constant dreaming provide a pretty wide spectrum of inspiration.

I also asked him about what draws him to the American traditional side of tattooing? He responded,

Its sheer power when executed properly.

Something to spice up your Tuesday.

2009-08-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

My girl Nikki Lugo and I have sent each other awesome YOUTUBE clips over the past couple of years. She just sent me this clip, and I must say it is pretty freaking amazing! This blog comes with a warning:
***If you find dry-humping inappropriate to watch while at work, my I suggest pressing play when you get home!***
Remember, you've been warned.

TURKEYS OF THE WORLD UNITE!

2009-08-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

What if all of the livestock in captivity united and rose up against humanity...

It seems they may have found their energetic leader.

Gypsy Summer

2009-08-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

The Wanderlust has lured me to the seven lonely seas,
Has dumped me on the tailing-piles of dearth;
The Wanderlust has haled me from the morris chairs of ease,
Has hurled me to the ends of all the earth.
-Robert William Service

It's the middle of summer and that urge is kicking in to hit the road and move.

...and I shambled after as I've been doing all my life after people who interest me, because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn...
-Jack Kerouac

Theo Mindell

Eli Quinters

Behind us lay the whole of America and everything Dean and I had previously known about life, and life on the road. We had finally found the magic land at the end of the road and we never dreamed the extent of the magic.
-Jack Kerouac

Mike Wilson

Jef Whitehead

The all-but-fluid silence, -- yet the longing grows and grows,
And I've got to glut the Wanderlust again.
-Robert William Service

SHONEN KNIFE, San Jose October 30th

2009-08-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

We just got word from our buddies down at the Blank Club that Japan's infamous, all girl, punk rock trio will be headlining Friday night after the Tattoo Convention!

We are psyched, if you are around my age (let's say thirty-something) then you probably remember these bad bitches from the first Lollapalooza, or maybe second but you get my drift. They are like an all female Mod Ramones from Osaka, mixing raw punk with a heavy dose of cute.

Well, these ladies have a new line-up (two original members and a new bassist) and are touring the world promoting their new album Super Group. For some reason San Jose made their busy touring schedule, seriously, what could be more perfect for the SJ afterparty????

See you guys there!

STITCH PRESENTS

2009-08-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

Stitch and her pals were snerfing around myspace and wanted to take this moment to show some love for Timothy Hoyer,

his oil paintings are so amazing but these water colors really are some next level shit! Timothy is just one of those artists whose work evolves so rapidly and whose repertoire expands with such leaps and bounds it can be difficult to keep up. His paintings completely defy tattooing. What a talent,

and now, for Stitch's Tattoo of the Week

LOVE IT!

Support the arts!

2009-08-03T19:01:00.001-07:00

Alright, so Taki's little sister Katie's new novel The Longshot is available for pre-order on Amazon. com. Click here to preorder. We are so proud of her, she is amazingly talented and is already receiving accolades and it isn't even out yet! An avid MMA fan herself, she has written numerous journalistic pieces for a host of newspapers and magazines over the last few years on the subject. With first hand understanding of the sport and an empathy and fascination for the fighters themselves she has delved into the competitive world of fighting as the backdrop of her book. I can't wait to read it!

If those hands look familiar it is because they belong to Taki. He can now officially add "professional hand model" to his roster of achievements! Our good friend Jon Agcaoili shot the photo and Dan Wysuph actually tattooed the name of the book on Taki's knuckles. How's that for supporting your baby sister! The whole event was documented in this video,

Making a cover "The Longshot" a novel by Katie Kitamura from John Agcaoili on Vimeo.

you rule Katie!

HATSHATSHATS

2009-07-30T15:30:00.001-07:00

I finally finished my State of Grace trucker hats! Thanks to the guys for modeling them, too. Come by the shop and check 'em out!

Hogan Family Visit

2009-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Eiland, Robyn and Annie came and had lunch with us yesterday. Annie's such a sweetheart and we all went and ate at Sushi Maru,

"Look like you're having FUN!"

Robyn is the foxiest pregnant chick ever, check out those heels! Conratulations girl!

Eiland stayed and drew on the shop's new MUNNY doll...

and then I had a consultation with Eiland about his future thigh tattoo and the guys got to get me back for all of the rad photos I've been posting of THEM! This is NOT what it looks like!

5th Ave's first "Sheik Boutique"

2009-07-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

"... finally!"

Apparently NY didn't know they needed one!

Click here to read Artbiker's blog announcing an upscale "FIRST-EVER ‘COUTURE TATTOO’ STUDIO" offering mani-pedis alongside tattoo appointments.

tres chic... or tres sheik!

The Motorcycle Diaries

2009-07-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

Horitaka just came back from visiting our friend Miki in Italy. They spent most of the week riding motorcycles to beautiful places, eating great food and there were even a few days thrown in at Miki's brand new shop, Milano City Ink. Check them out!

That tiny car is the same size as the bike!

Good times!

STITCH PRESENTS...

2009-07-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Our official shop mascot has chosen her favorite tattoo this week to share with you, by Horisou

Oh, Happy Day...

2009-07-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

Today was awesome,
not only did I get to see the Salsa, but I snapped this great photo of Colin's face hovering over his crotch!

nailed it!

TRIBUTE to the M.F.K.O.P.

2009-07-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Jean Charles de Castelbajac took the time during his fashion show last week in Paris' Haute Couture Fashion Week to pay his final respects...

Nailed it!

OBON 09: part deux

2009-07-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

I was able to find these great videos of the taiko drumming, here ya go

I hope these videos really do justice to the feeling of the crowd when the drums were going. Lots of elderly people that live in the neighborhood as well as kids gathered around to enjoy the performances. Many of the festival goers dressed up in yukata, it was pretty sweet.
good times

OBON 09

2009-07-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

State of Grace has nothing but love for our new neighborhood of Japantown. This past weekend we celebrated Obon with the Buddhist Temple around the corner

I tattooed one of the kids who works over at Santo Market and he had to slice 1800 lbs of meat for skewers! There was a food court right outside our window, it was hard to concentrate it smelled so good

Horitomo and Harumi went Saturady night with some friends

There were some information booths and women making flowered leis

You can't quite see it in this picture, but the shave ice line went around the block! Our friends waited in line for over an hour

The thrill of the weekend was definitely the taiko drumming. Crowds clamored to watch the performances. It was amazing!

SOG Family Vacation: Part 3

2009-07-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Did I mention Katie had a REALLY great time!

Somewhere in between gambling and and eating we got in a few games, bowling

Horitomo and Harumi were looking good and having fun

So stoked they allowed dogs at the casino

Taki was pretty stoked, too. It wouldn't be a shop trip without her!

Filip was serious about the buffet. Too bad his eyes were a lot bigger than his stomach! As they say, "When in Reno," although who they are I am not sure.

I know we'll be back soon, though

SOG Family Vacation: Part 2

2009-07-13T18:18:00.003-07:00

Dinner was awesome. The buffet line was too long so Mrs. Kitamura chose steak and seafood, good choice!

Filip and I each got this massive platter of seafood. I've never been one to eat oysters but Filip has it down! So he hooked us all up with his technique.

Down the hatch without a scratch...

Filip and I pretty much put Siracha on everything we eat so what could be bad???

Even Taki braved the oyster shooter. I think oyster shot photos probably give Marco Hernandez's motorboat pics a run for their money:

Kaitlin did not look impressed

State of Grace Family Vacation: Part 1

2009-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

What a long, hot summer it's been in San Jose! Right before the 4th, Taki decided the shop really needed to get away, so he booked a block of suites at Reno's Grand Sierra Resort and off we went for a night of gambling, chowing down, and chillin. We each had our own king size bed and we took advantage of the resort's dining and spa services, what a relaxing get away; Thanks Boss!
First things first, straight to the casino

Within 10 minutes, Rob Struven hit it big at the slots!

Six freakin thousand bucks! Damn Playa! It was him and Ginger's first night away from their brand new baby son, Bowen, Congratulations Big Daddy!

CHEERS ROB!!!!

On the Road by Horitaka

2009-07-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a bunch of photos from Taki's camera from the last few weeks,

Taki did this tattoo on Shige to remember the great trip. The tattoo was done in Anaheim at Tattooland

Chris Brand and Brynne, our buddies from down south, came out to help at Canvas

Shopping on Oliveras St. in LA

Getting a hair cut from Tamiko, REAL professional!

Bill and Junii working on the shop's Munny doll

Lots of friends visiting

Dinner @ Hukilau in Japantown, our friend and neighbor Adrian Lee came out, too.

Shige gettin' down on the Munny doll.

Great to see our longtime friend Miki, always smiles!

Horitaka modeling Chris's homemade insulated, embroidered, face guard. With Robert and Chris in Sac