06/03/2026
For his 55th birthday, he decided it was time for a new tattoo, the first one he had gotten in many years.
He and his wife made the trip from Kansas City and spent hours in my studio while we brought this intricate piece to life. Every detail was intentional, and every conversation we had during our time together brought me more understanding of this man who has truly lived.
This is the tattoo of someone who has collected stories, adventures, and experiences in a way few people ever do. A larger-than-life personality with an equally large heart and, as the tattoo suggests, a wonderfully sharp sense of humor.
His wife happens to be someone I went to high school with, and together they have walked through an extraordinary journey. The kind of journey that spans continents, challenges expectations, and includes overcoming what should have been a fatal illness. They faced it together and came through the other side with remarkable grace, resilience, and perspective.
They are two of the most genuinely caring, curious, and big-hearted people I have had the privilege to know. The way they see the world is entirely their own, and spending time with them is always an adventure in itself.
Creating this piece was an honor. Not just because of the tattoo, but because of the person wearing it.
Grateful for the time, the stories, the laughter, and the opportunity to create something meaningful for a man who has already lived a remarkable life. It was a privilege to spend the day with this wholly unique creature. ❤️
StorytellingThroughInk TattooJourney VanCleaveAesthetics