Not trying to be too PC (or popular)... Just honest.

It was hot today, Cherie worked late again, I’ve been a summer-cold-suffering, phlegmfilled zombie for the last few days and the kids had just endured another pummeling at their soccer game - so nobody is exactly in the greatest of moods. But we still headed out to grab supper at a newly opened burger joint nearby.

Parked in front of us at a light is a pretty nondescript import type car with a rather large decal on the back window. As I get closer I see that the decal appears to be of a militant looking middle-eastern man holding a large spear or blade. I don’t who the decal actually depicted but he does have an ‘Ayatollah’/angry sort of look to him and I’m pretty sure the spear wouldn’t be intended for impaling broccoli. And I may not be sure the exact overall message intended to be sent by this decal - but can be pretty sure that it wasn’t “got milk?”

I could feel myself getting suspicious, judgemental, and even angry...

I started the whole inner monologue of ‘how could this terrorist possibly live in country like Canada, a city like Edmonton, and be pulling into a frikken IKEA harboring such hatred, ignorance and fear’? It makes as much sense as those spoiled suburban rich kids going to school dressed as though they were straight outta south Chicago.

I was actually surprised (and now somewhat ashamed) at just how automatic and knee-jerk my prejudices were. I don’t know who this guy pictured is - he could be the president of the International Fluffy Puppy Association (the IFPA), I certainly don’t know the driver of the car, and, most importantly/kidding aside, we live in a free country!!

So even if this sticker guy is the worst person on the planet. And this dude driving the car has his every word tattooed microscopically onto his nipples - I’m pretty sure that is legal and a ‘right’ we possess (though likely quite painful.) And I don’t think I’ll ever want to be the guy who supports hatred or oppression of liberties - on either side of the argument.

Obviously, if that hatred or oppression is his actual intention; then he is a douchebag plain and simple (and if his actions are ever illegal - the laws need to be enforced.) But, at a prejudicial first glance, he’s no more of a douchebag than the idiot I have pictured below.

Have a great weekend! I’m gonna go look for Nyquil (or Canadian Club) now.

Rod

P.S.
I think I need to enlarge a big picture of Leahy for my back window. Not sure if I’ll be inscribing his teachings onto my nipples any time soon tho...

Feeling Unexceptional?!? We have a panel for that!

I’ve been obsessing for a while now about a blog I read on another artists website. It centered around him taking a trip to meet with a group of professional artists to address ‘exceptionalism’ (or the apparent lack thereof) within his industry.

From what I gather he, being a tattoo artist, was being consulted by a panel of his peers about what to do about the rampant emergence of poor work and improper or nonexistent instruction that was plaguing and denigrating his chosen and art form. And while I am not privy to the actual discussions that occurred - or any resolutions that could have possibly come from a summit such as this; it really did cause an internal debate within me.

I’m not about to name names as I don’t feel that to be entirely pertinent. Allow me just to say that he is an extremely capable professional with a portfolio that displays both fascinating tattoo ability and artistic merit.

So… The debate continues as follows:

- Yes. He has paid dues. Respected his peers and ancestors early on - and gained recognition through integrity and achievement. Though an innate artistic predilection is a given, it has been fostered through painstaking study, hard work, endless practice and commitment. His work stands out because of this and his results soar far above par as a result. He has every right to look down upon and discourage every hack, scratcher and copycat that has bypassed respect for the art form and proper instruction for the sake of making a quick buck while tattoos are trending. It frankly threatens the legitimacy of the art form and slanders those who are trying to do it properly. It should be discouraged or dismissed on sight - never encouraged.

And.

- What a dick! A summit? Does that mean it was a group of dicks stroking each other - and to what end??? (sorry - couldn't help it...) A panel discussing who deserves to be recognized as ‘Tattoo Kings’ and who is to be pissed upon from the high and almighty throne of arrogance they are perched atop? Everyone’s circumstances are different and people will inevitably fall into a broad spectrum of abilities within any pursuit. In most, if not all, cases the cream will rise to the top. And maybe, just maybe, these ‘kings' could start taking on more apprentices, teaching, lifting the secret veil and actually expose proper techniques to those who want to learn!!!

The people expecting the Mona Lisa for $50 will be disappointed - plain and simple. It will just be a bit more permanent of a reminder that they should have done a little more research before getting that “Perfect Angle” tramp stamp after doing those body shots at a party.

… So…

No formal conclusion as of yet (though I do welcome input!) I just keep remembering the conversations I had with Mike (Learn) where I would often go off on a tangent of opinions and bold statements. And when the convoluted fog of my sermon had lifted, I would see him sitting back with his arms folded; nodding and smiling with a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. It was a subtle wake up call that came with the impact of a 2 x 4; the realization that I still have A LOT to learn, I don’t know everything - and that I look like a royal idiot when I act like I do.

So, thanks again for the perspective, Mike. I think I will continue on my quest to be ‘exceptional’ and passionate in my pursuits… But, for me, it is a personal journey and I don’t really see any greater benefit to imposing unsolicited opinions on anyone else while they are on theirs. And if ever asked to speak to a panel, I think I will say exactly that.

Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend,

Rod

　
　

Marshmallows would NOT have been competing for cooler space.

I’ve taken more than my share of kid-behavior-induced mental ‘time-outs’ this week. Their antics have been escalating and they’ve been finding ever more ways to push limits and luck - and my grip on sanity continues to thin. I’m definitely not dealing with it in the most effective ways and sincerely fear that the road I’m on ends with some variation of breakdown.

So, I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy more than a cooping myself up with them for a road/camping trip for the next three days! ( ß seething sarcasm) Visions of cholera infested outhouses, public showers and National Lampoon-esque episodes are sending chills up and down my spine.

Kidding aside, I do think it might do me some good to get away and air out a little. And while I would definitely prefer a childless romp in Vegas, I suppose we’ll give the dinosaur alley region of Alberta a shot. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the area and will admit the dinosaur loving 4 year old kid inside of me is really looking forward to it. I just hope I can somehow convince the kids to shut the hell up for a few hours and share my enthusiasm - dammit! Or, if nothing else, maybe I can just set them loose to create some childhood memories of their own.

But yes… oh yes… there will still be a cooler packed full of beer - and I do fully intend to do a weekend long ‘Cousin Eddie’ impression (too bad ‘Busch beer tallboys’ are kinda hard to come by up here but I do feel confident in my ability to improvise.)

-

Work continues to be steady - and customers continue to, well… be customers.   (The 'karate dreamcatcher' project was about as invigorating as you'd expect a 'karate dreamcatcher' project to be.)  But, on the bright side, in the lead up to summer shows, I can’t help but be optimistic and excited and have been enjoying the hell outta my personal projects lately/again! I’ve been reworking a few that had hit walls/blocks - and running full speed ahead on several others. All in all I think I have 9 or 10 at various stages right now.  I absolutely love being able to work on whatever project best suits your mood at the time - and have been spoiled for choice lately.

And I even figured the kids might get a kick outta having some painted pants to wear when I decide to take the duct tape off of 'em.  (Yes, temporary mental stability can come in the form of a silver roll.)

Thanks for reading!!! Have a great weekend!

Rod