My name is Summer and I began my apprenticeship in 2008 with Billy Jack Trivett in Bristol, TN. Learning from Billy Jack was truly entering the Wild, Wild West of tattooing feet first. Though our personalities were on opposite ends of the spectrum, I learned many foundational skills, the most important of which being how to survive in the tattoo industry. A decade and a half later, I have achieved more than I ever thought possible not only because of my mentor's rolling of the dice but additionally the many talented artists that have played a part in my success. The world of tattooing can often be cutthroat and combative but more often than not the artists around me have chosen to lift up rather than cut down. I'm grateful for their advice and lessons as I would not be where I am without their contributions.
Today, I have the immense pleasure of working at Now or Never Gallery in Kingsport, TN. Joe Maye and Brandy Patterson have pulled together an incredibly talented group of artists and allowed us the freedom to grow in our own individual direction. My focus at this time is balancing family life and pursing higher level tattooing. Many artists spend the majority of their careers, despite their talent, simply trying to keep their heads above water. This is because our society does not truly value its artists. Through persistence and a serendipitous amount of opportunity, I'm now fortunate enough to be the captain at the helm of my own creative pursuits. I have found myself flourishing in the direction of black & grey work and continue to further my skills in this field. What keeps me in tattooing is chasing the limits of how human expression can be communicated through this art, as well exploring the realm of possibility that stretches within it. Busyness, notoriety, and social media have little hold on me. What interests me is the idea that we create something that expresses your own deep and complicated human experience and allow it to speak for you over your lifetime and beyond. If you are interest in stepping outside the walls of conventional tattooing, then I may be the artist for you. |