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Hopefully some of you in the greater Los Angeles area are planning on attending the Ladies Welcome show opening on July 31st. While you have a whole month after to drop into Known Gallery and check out the art of Bert Krak and Bob Roberts, I have a feeling opening night is the time to be there. Details below!

Opening: July 31st, 2010 | 8-11pm
Show runs: July 31st – August 21st, 2010
Wednesday thru Saturday: 12 – 7pm
Sunday: 12 – 6pm

Known Gallery
441 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
310-860-6263

The man, the myth, the legend: Bob Roberts. Few people have had the impact on tattooing that Bob Roberts has. His sheer artistic genius is sublime, and his biography reads the same way. For over thirty years he has been part of the vanguard of talented tattoo artists who, unbeknownst to them at the time, have pushed tattooing from a craft to an art form.
The list of artists Bob has worked alongside reads like a star-studded who’s who of the tattoo artist hall of fame, of which Bob would no doubt be a member if such a thing existed. He apprenticed with Colonel Todd and Bob Shaw at the infamous Pike and then worked alongside Cliff Raven, Greg Irons, Paul Rogers, Jack Rudy and Don Ed Hardy. His own shop, Spotlight Tattoo, continues to house a roster of talented artists bent on following in Bob’s footsteps.
Bob’s creative genius is not limited to tattooing and painting, he is also an accomplished musician. His musical career reads much the same as his tattoo resume. Bob has played with Ruben and the Jets, Hot Tuna, The Offs, New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders, to name a few. His life has been “rock and roll” as well; Frisco, New York, LA, Europe, Japan, Bob has done the world tour. He’s also ridden across most of the United States on a Harley, and he’s “ridden it like he stole it.” That is how Bob lives his life, and his artwork reflects it.
But the thing that stands out the most to me about Bob is his persona. Ungovernable, fiercely independent, Bob does not compromise…. He does it HIS way. And thankfully for us, Bob Roberts has forever changed tattooing for the better.

-Takahiro “Taki” Kitamura
State of Grace, June 2010

Did you know it’s highly unlikely that a wolf will ever attack a human being? Experts say while it’s possible – you’re more likely to be attacked by a bear or cougar. Apparently a majority of wolves will run away, or only attack if they’re cornered. After the initial attack, they tend to run away.

On the other hand, if a cougar (in the wild, not in a bar) attacks you – good luck.

Tattoo by: Grant Cobb at Spotlight Tattoo in Los Angeles, CA

We’re not going to beat around the bush. You’ve seen Jim Sylvia’s work on our site before, and you already what a talented artist he is. We recently sat down and spoke to Jim about art school, travel, tattoos, and his ‘54 Chevy Bel Air.

For the sake of my checking account, I’m thankful I don’t live anywhere near Black Anchor Collective. If I did, I would have already cleaned out my bank account and put a deposit down for a piece by Billi Murran.

I’m not sure how long he’s going to be there, so if you’re interested in scheduling something, act quick.

Tattoo by: Billi Murran at DC Arte in Firenze, Italy

I just booked my flight to Las Vegas where I’ll be meeting up with Andi. From there, we’re going to drive out to Ink-N-Iron Festival, and hang out with a bunch of hot chicks in lingerie.

How in the world am I going to survive?

Pictured: Andi
Photograph by: Kumiko

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything from the guys at Coil Tattoo Gallery in Los Angeles. I happen to really like this piece from Nathan Kostechko. So sue me, I’m a sucker for a high quality bird tattoo.

Tattoo by: Nathan Kostechko at Coil Tattoo Gallery in Los Angeles, CA.

The newest art gallery in the Los Angeles area is Timeless Art Gallery, opened by Corey Miller. The first exhibit is titled “Take it on the Arches” and features the work of Amber Carr.

Details online are sparse, but here is the gallery location and phone number:

126 N. 2nd Ave.
Upland, California 91786
(909) 949-0157

Big Gus managed to cover Darnell Dockett, defensive tackle of the Arizona Cardinals.

I’m glad to see that there’s at least one pro athlete that spends some money to get quality work done. It’s always been mind blowing they make so much money, but a majority of them have the worst tattoo work ever.

Tattoo by: Big Gus at Demented Image in Los Angeles, CA

Several months ago, Chanel announced they would be selling temporary tattoos from their runways–five sheets featuring 55 designs–for a mere $75 on their website. Looks like Grant Cobb’s client took this runway trend to a whole new level. Nicely done, ma’am!

Tattoo by: Grant Cobb at Spotlight Tattoo in Los Angeles, CA

Be careful, all sense of time is lost when you’re starring at this picture.

Tattoo by: Mark Dupp at Unbreakable Tattoo in Studio City, CA