Tattooers

In ’97 I served a brief apprenticeship at Ink Pot Tattoos under Jim Roosseau. Jim was a 80’s era tattooer and biker that looked the part. I scrubbed toilets and mopped floors while Jim taught me what he knew.

I met California Ralph in late ’99. Ralph offered me a job at his shop and I jumped at the chance. It was a gift to be able to learn from a true tattooer. Ralph was brought up on the Pike and that energy was alive in him. I went through sort-of a second apprenticeship with Ralph. He taught me the trade of tattooing and refined my technique. I prefer traditional, americana tattooing but I’m happy to tattoo whatever on whoever. Thanks to Jim and California Ralph.

I started my life in tattooing when I met California Ralph in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern California.I began my apprentiship with Ralph back in 1992.

In march of 1994 I moved to Asheville,NC. to work with Ralph at his newly opened “California Emporium of Tattoos” where I worked for Ralph until his passing in march 2011.

I credit my mentors Ralph, Charlie Green and Jeff Cohen for molding me into the tattooer I am today. I consider myself a “street shop” tattooer doing a mix of walk in and custom appointment tattooing. My favorite style of tattoo and painting is traditional americana and japanese influenced imagery.

I was Raised in Chapel Hill. Luckily, I found California Ralph and became his last apprentice in 2009. I’ve worked here since and enjoy doing all styles of tattooing, especially black and grey work. I’m extremely grateful to be at this shop, in this line of work. Thanks California Ralph and the crew!

I started tattooing in 2007 after an apprenticeship under Mario Bell at Two Kings. I was given a “traditional” apprenticeship, scrubbing, cleaning, tracing, tuning, errands, etc. After a decade at Two Kings, I went to tattoo in downtown Hendersonville at Revival Tattoo, where I stayed until a better opportunity arose in the form of Victory Blvd.

When not tattooing, you may find me singing and playing bass in Electric Phantom.

I aspire to give every person the tattoo they truly want, whilst maintaining the values of what makes a good tattoo.

Bold or fine line, color or black and grey. Your design or mine, choose as you may!

Artist, musician, freethinker.