Love :: Life
The Ink Sisters Collection started a few years back with my best friend and art compadre from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Melissa Muller. She sent me a few designs that she was considering for a new tattoo. I was so smitten with the idea of red tribal art (red being my answer to black) as well as the fact that it was Melissa's idea. I asked her if she would mind if I used the same idea for a tattoo on myself. 99% of the time, that would seem like a strange request. But to me, it felt like Melissa and I were already blood sisters. This just made it legitimate. I got my tattoo sketched and outlined onto my body last year by Queens tattoo artist ,ALEX MCWATT and finally filled in this May Day by ERIC EDWARD. Both artists work out of True Blue Tattoo in Queens, New York. Lastly, I'd like to thank my good friend Vinnie Signorelli who is the owner of True Blue Tattoo. Without his generosity my tattoo or this collection of work would not exist. Vinnie is currently opening his 3rd tattoo salon. This one being in Tulum, Mexico.
As for Melissa's version, she would like to give credit to Jeremy Kirk, Solid State Tattoo which I believe is stationed in Milwaukee, WI. Melissa will correct me if I am wrong I am sure.
As for Melissa's version, she would like to give credit to Jeremy Kirk, Solid State Tattoo which I believe is stationed in Milwaukee, WI. Melissa will correct me if I am wrong I am sure.
Love is to Life. Can also be read as a love of life or if paired with the King of Pentacles as their Love life. Definition of Queen of Pentacles as described by Palladini deck: The essence of earth behaving as water, such as a hot spring: A warm and generous host, providing shelter and comfort for all who would seek it. A person steadfast, practical, and domestic, able to create opulence and stability in any setting. The qualities of maturity and sensibility, coupled with an innate appreciation for nature and the material world. Originals are sold as a pair.
The silhouette looks black but it is actually shades of green, gold and black. Love is to Life extends its theme into this Portrait. The canvas is a raw tan shade with a clear gesso. This is one of 2 pieces. Originals are sold as a pair. King of Pentacles: as described by the Palladini deck: The essence of earth behaving as air, such as a diamond: A true businessman, with a gift for identifying opportunities and taking advantage of them. A person well informed about the world, skilled in all things physical, and eager to encourage others. A pillar of practicality and dependability, embracing tried and tested methods, and possessing an innate understanding of the material reality. A philanthropist and devotee of both luxury and hard work, whose word is as good as gold.
Loving Blessings
Inspired by the words of poet Wolff Bowden and Rob Bresney. "You belong to love as wheels belong to roads, as grapes belong to the blossoming of taste, as corn belongs to crows, as shadows belong to the ache of heat, as happiness belongs to the capricious pangs of the soul." (Bowden) Here's the second: "May the color blue behold your body while sun washes your shoulders near the window. May your lips refuse the kiss unless your heart is home. May euphoria find you in the place where you are lonely. May you light a billion candles with your mind." (Bresney)
This should be called Dream but I already have another painting with that title. This is a waking dream though. A journey. Walking into the known that is yet subconscious.
Sort of an ode to Miles Davis' Kind of Blue. But it turned into being a piece about the illusion of beauty. Or more so... how Beauty can be elusive.
Crossroads
Crossroads
This painting depicts the Buddha at a crossroads. Higher consciousness stops to reflect before making the next step. Decisions. Inner turmoil between what is right for the Self and what is admirable but painful. Pain-no matter what. In order to find clarity we must burn through the mental, emotional and spiritual debris.
Copyright © Erika W Brown. All rights reserved. Any reproduction or distribution of the artwork or information presented here without the prior consent of Erika W Brown is prohibited.