Around my studio, there's always something interesting going on, whether it's people working in their own spaces or others visiting the businesses nearby. One of my neighbors is Luis, a tattoo artist who works in a storefront right in front of my studio. There are several other tattoo artists in his shop, and I’ve had the chance to paint a few of them.
The Studio Area
We’re located in a large area with about 18 light industrial spaces, all with big roll-up doors. Luis’s tattoo studio is one of the few actual storefronts here. It’s an eclectic mix of businesses, and over time, I’ve gotten to know many of the people who work here.
Life-Sized Portraits
I’ve made it a habit to paint the different business owners, creating life-size portraits either on paper as big drawings or with black paint on canvas. I started this project when I first moved into the studio eight years ago. It was my way of meeting my neighbors and learning about the community.
A Changing Neighborhood
When I first moved in, this was a rougher part of the city. Some of the spaces were occupied by bikers, a couple of chop shops, a few artists, and homeless people who found it cheaper to live here than in local apartments, and definitely better than living on the street. Over time, the neighborhood has evolved, but those early days shaped the way I approached my art and my connection with the people around me.
