The Commitment of Large Tattoos: Adam’s Full Back Journey

Completing a tattoo of this scale is nothing short of a monumental achievement—for both the client and the artist. A full-back piece requires an immense commitment. It demands unyielding dedication to endure each session. Patience is needed layer by layer until the vision is fully realized. The areas we tackled spanned the back and thighs. They even included the sensitive skin of the lower back and butt. Each area brings a unique set of challenges. For every client, this journey is particularly intense. It is tough to appreciate the tattoo’s evolution because it’s always behind you.

We began this project in Lewes shortly after I returned to the UK in 2021. Our shared concept centered around a deep, almost primordial connection to both ancient sea life and the vast cosmos. The design is infused with elements that evoke a mythical consciousness, something greater than our own limited understanding. Every line and shade was a deliberate step. They aim to express the mysteries of life that lie beyond reach. Yet, they feel intimately close.

The process wasn’t just about enduring physical pain; it was a journey of trust and transformation. Adam showed remarkable resilience and patience, coming back session after session, as we brought this vision to life. Each visit added to the story. It marked not only on his skin but also in the camaraderie. Mutual respect grew with each session.

Thank you, Adam, for your unwavering commitment and trust in this journey. Completing a tattoo of this scale is a testament to both your spirit and dedication. I’m grateful for clients like you, who see their projects through to fruition.

Warmest regards,

Thomas

Tomm Li, skull shifting across multiple realities ( A Back Piece)

Tomm Li, skull shifting across multiple realities ( A Back Piece)

Yesterday we finished the main section of this crazy one, then outlined the back of both thighs down to the calves, Tomm LI is a great Tattooer originally from Hong Kong, that now lives and works in Leeds with his family, he guested with me @nowhere_tattooing on Tuesday then got tattooed for two days in a row 🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾.
The swirling abstract patterns are inspired by the first person I ever saw doing anything like this on the body, sumigashi abstract black work tattoos by @roxx_____ done so incredibly, I wanted something that was representative of things being off balance and warped and to not imitate ROXX’s work, so instead I took concentric circles in illustrator and warped and twisted them, printed them out and dragged them on the flatbed of a photocopier to warp them even more, then had some fun stencilling em.
Thank you Tomm for your trust on this one and the freedom to get a little wild.

4 x 5 Film shots of Ryan’s Back

My posts on this blog are sporadic to say the least…..

In an attempt to share some photographs of my work and keep posting…….

Here is Ryan’s back photographed on Ilford 4×5 hp5 film, using my Graflex Speed Graphic with a Schneider Xenar 210mm f3 Lens, taken last month whilst in Texas.

Thank you for looking, and thank you Ryan for getting this work done and sitting through all of it.

A slow crawl through chaos to find order.

Creating art is something that I have found to be a necessary way to feel at peace and ease with myself and my surroundings, creating art and ornamental decoration for the human body is a complete privilege and a total honor. It is something I constantly marvel at, it feels magical and is a totally surreal occupation for both the artist and canvas. Ted has been coming to get tattooed by me since 2012, we started at Saved tattoo in Brooklyn and continued in Austin Texas, at Rock of Ages, he is one of only a few customers who only get tattooed by me, a stoic and kind man who has constantly followed through, completing each stage of his body suit with a keen integrity. His level of commitment traveling from Port Perry in Canada to get tattooed is nothing short of incredible. As we round the corner to the final stages with only one session left on his legs and his sleeves to start and complete, I wanted to take a moment to thank him and share some images of our last two sessions that we just finished up this week whilst I was guesting at Saved Tattoo.

Thank you Ted for sticking with it on this journey, I really can’t put into words how grateful I am.