Black Diamond Tattoo

 Tattoos have always been symbols of our shared human experience. Indelibly marked into our flesh as constant reminder of our winding journey through  life. Often inked at key points. Fears conquered. Personal struggles. Found love - Lost love. Talismans symbolic to the holder. Symbols of power. Through empathy, I hope to bring these symbols to life to my best of my ability.

 

 My personal journey has lead me down many roads. Since childhood, I was drawn to art. It calmed me through the storm. I enjoyed the symbols of snakes, skulls, etc. The people wearing them always seemed so cool, rebels amongst us. As I got older I was always fascinated with the older masters of European art, the Pinnacle of artistic endeavors.

So as young man I set out on a journey to Europe. There I really fell in love with the art. When I found Rome - I spent serval months there over the years. Soaking it all in. In the Austrian Alps - I lived for a season near where they found the Otzi; the Iceman, a mummy from 3000BC, covered in tattoos. This certainly peaked my curiosity. In France I found my paradise over several summers in the Ardeche. I worked alongside the river at the Pont D'arc, where the Chauvet Cave was discovered.  Chauvet Cave housed Paleolithic paintings from 32000 years ago. My journey meandered on and I eventually had to come home.

 

 When I got home, it was time to properly find my way in life. It was time to find my path to tattooing. I was extremely fortunate to get an apprenticeship nearly as soon as I sought it. It was fairly traditional trial by fire. I learned a lot in a busy shop, amongst numerous different artists. There was a variety of work and styles, where I could hone my skills.
 
  Eventually, the opportunity presented itself to bring me back to my childhood home of Jasper. I have been always drawn to the power of the mountains.  This is where I realized the name Black Diamond. From a sign for the most difficult runs on the ski slopes. As life carried on, I came to a series cross roads. During this time I took the plunge to start my body suit. To mark my journey across my body, to realize my story. During this time life's circumstances drew me back to my home outside Edmonton. Closer to family. 

 

 An opportunity in the city brought me to a prestigious shop I am grateful to have been a part of. I spent many more years there, where I brought my craft to a higher level.  As life went on an opportunity presented it self once more.  It brought me back to my second childhood home town of Stony Plain and this is where you can find me now. Where all my years of hard work, exploration, and education came together - and my vision of the ideal studio became reality. 

 

At Black Diamond, I have created a space to safely express creativity, to find solace, and to find spirituality within ourselves. I hope to bring life to your vision through this right of passage of tattooing..