I started tattooing in Sept. 1999 after a ten year prison term as a corporate zombie. Yes thats right I wore a suit and tie every day until I reached enlightenment via the power of tattoo. I had been collecting my own tattoos for 12 years and knew I would go postal if I didn't have a release to do art. So I quit my job, grabbed my motorcycle and went cross-country. Upon my return my calling was evident.
Fast forward to 2010. After several trips to Japan I can say that I am in the learning process of studying "TEBORI" (traditional hand poke technique). I have taken on the name title Horikei as a clam to my dedication to Japanese tattooing.I plan on helping to keep this dying art alive as long as I am alive.
My favorite style of tattooing is definitely Japanese but I am fully capable of other styles. I don't have a flashy art degrees to wave in your face to prove anything. What I have is nose to grindstone, day in and day out, every day to become a better tattooer!