Visual Art – San Diego
I spent the majority of my life on the big island of Hawaii and Oahu.
Although Guamanian by nationality, I identified with the traditions and legacy of the Hawaiians.
Art was a part of my everyday life, but simply a hobby when I was younger. Family ties and pride of Chamorro (Guamanian) traditions were a strong influence in my upbringing, with my grandmother the subject of one of my favorite early pieces. It wasn’t until I started as a tattoo artist that I truly developed my signature style and started a company called Island TAT.
My first tattoo was on my dad.
He handed me a homemade tattoo machine and told me to finish his tattoo by filling in the outline of a Guam seal. With no prior experience, I practiced on oranges, before feeling comfortable enough to actually honor my dad’s request. This would be the first of thousands of tattoos and the start of a career in spreading the Polynesian culture in which I always loved.
When I was 18, I joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego. This is where I started the company Island TAT which is a clothing brand along with Tattoo shop.
My art has evolved through the years and I have been blessed to be able to create art on different mediums including skin.
And still after 14 years, I strive to learn from every individual that walks through my shop doors.