Art

Nick Bubash: Warhol

After watching the Thom DeVita episodes of ViceTv’s groundbreaking Tattoo Age series, I decided that I should head to Pittsburgh this summer and get tattooed by the incomparable Nick Bubash. Earlier today I saw that he’s going to be having a solo show at the Warhol. This summer.

I like it when everything lines up.

From the Warhol Museum:

The Patron Saint of White Guys That Went Tribal and Other Works, the first solo museum exhibition of work by Pittsburgh artist Nick Bubash features a recreation of the artist’s studio which focuses on a large group of found object sculptures. These sculptures reveal a playful approach to the artist’s practices and sardonic sense of humor. Bubash has exhibited extensively across the US since 1989, with work exhibiting a wide range of media and diverse stylistic approach. Bubash is also a nationally recognized tattooist and is the owner of Route 60 Tattoo in McKees Rocks.

I think this is going to be one of those ‘worth the commute’ sort of things, so if you can make Pittsburgh part of your travel plans, you might just oughta!

Tattooers on Instagram: Josh Hoffman

For whatever reason, tattooers have flocked to Instagram to share their works in record numbers; so many amazing artists posting so many outstanding tattoos and paintings that it’s hard to keep up with everyone. So from time to time I’ll be posting my favorites- people doing kickass work that are for sure worth following.

The first is Philadelphia’s Josh Hoffman.
Josh is one of my favorite tattooers; I started getting tattooed by him in 2000 shortly after moving to Philadelphia. His work is distinctly based in traditional American style tattooing with a 1970s biker flair. Sounds like an odd combo, but it works. He’s started posting a stream of new paintings that are just stellar. I’m really glad to see him pushing out new stuff… makes me want to get something new!

Funny Hoffman story:
Josh had his jaw broken years back, when I worked around the corner from Olde City Tattoo. (the shop he was working with at the time) I’d see him every day when I’d walk to get lunch, miserable with his jaw wired shut. After a while I started picking up presents from him at the store…

Jawbreakers and Caramels came up a lot.

I’m just that kind of friend.

You can follow Josh on Instagram via: j_hoffman

Sympathy

As my latest tattoo from Robert Ryan heals (and coincidentally enough, it’s of this fella above’s arch nemesis) I find myself being very protective of the remaining skin that I have left to tattoo. I’ve posted ‘painted into a corner’ updates before; that I’m rapidly running out of available spots and that every new tattoo is one less that I’ll ever be able to get.

It makes me happy that I’m so close to being ‘done’ but there are just so many folks out there doing killer work who I know I’ll regret not being tattooed by- folks like Michael Bennett, Adam Shrewsbury and Ohio’s Jacob Des.

Every time Jake busts out a new painting (and it seems it’s daily- he’s the hardest working painter in Tattooing sometimes) I realize that saving him a little spot is a necessity.

So enjoy this one from Mr. Des. It’s the devil, and who doesn’t love the devil?

Jacob Des Central.

Holiday Help

Tattooist Mike Adams had his car stolen last night. His insurance isnt’s being very helpful, which is what insurance companies do, for the most part, so he’s selling some awesome prints to help with his car troubles.

They’re going for $30 shipped, with the originals available for $200. (which would make good holiday presents, for those who participate in that sort of thing)

You can contact Mike via the email address on the image above. I’m partial to the shadow rabbit.