I am extremely fortunate to have recently embarked upon a rather unique journey that has left me with a collaborative back piece created by two of the best artists in the world, Joe Capobianco and Eric Merrill. The experience began with a flight to Boston and a drive to New Hampshire where I spent time with my web designer, and friend, Sean Carey. After spending several days handling tattoo appointments from all over New England and selling piles of tattoo flash to nearby studios, Sean and I drove down to Connecticut to find the newly formed art studio "Hope Gallery". The studio is operated by three of the worlds most well respected and accomplished tattoo artists, Joe Capobianco, Eric Merrill, and Julio Rodriguez; all formerly of Darkside tattoo. I was absolutely amazed to find that the newly formed creative space has been shaped into the most impressive and immaculate tattoo shop I have had the pleasure of experiencing throughout my 10 year career in tattoo shops across the country. In fact it does not feel like a tattoo studio at all, living up to its name as a gallery.

Hope Gallery is the future of tattooing, as it's walls display framed paintings, stained glass, a gallery showroom and four separate work spaces for the three artists and the occasional guest. Bob Tyrell had just left prior to my trip and Jime Litwalk will be appearing for a guest spot in Nov. The environment is built for artists by artists and was amazingly warm and relaxed, while maintaining a level of artistic sophistication. Hope Gallery is located right up the street from Yale University in New Haven Connecticut. Please explore Joecapobianco.com for more info.

After taking a brief tour of the gallery we began the stenciling process which was immediately followed with a few minutes of drawing in details by hand. Feeling both Joe and Eric draw simultaneously on me, I immediately knew that this collaboration was going to be traumatic. Having the vast majority of my body already tattooed I have saved my back for years. My kneecaps, elbows and feet were to pale in comparison to the onslaught I was to endure. Being entirely drug and alcohol free, I was completely sober and rather apprehensive. I sat down in Eric's room, and Joe brought his equipment in. This tattoo was powered predominately by equipment from Pulse International, the worlds top tattoo supply company.

The tattooing began, I was completely shocked at how painful it was. Both artists flying through gigantic outlines simultaneously over both kidneys, it was almost unbearable. However I was in the hands of two incredible artists and my desire to complete the tattoo far outweighed the pain. Hours passed and I was pleasantly distracted by the relentless ridicule, Eric's portable dvd player, and Joe's never ending shit talking. The experience was photographed by Sean Carey, the creator of Brandonbond.com, and I was pleasantly entertained by a visit from Jessica of Pulse international who brought me a new tattoo machine covered in naked women. I believe that is in reference to the "private gallery" on this website, but anyways it was good to be surrounded by friends. Seven hours later, Joe ran out of coffee and our session was over for the day.

The piece is only half finished, after flying back to Atlanta I went directly to a dermatologist to have several moles removed from the foreground of the composition. Being sliced up only 48 hours after this tattoo session was incredibly uncomfortable, but the art comes first, and it was necessary for the success of the piece. I will be returning for another session in two weeks on my birthday which follows the GRAND OPENING of Hope Gallery on NOV 8t

The grand opening is a wine and cheese affair featuring paintings from the nations most talented tattoo artists. Keep an eye out for an upcoming article about this tattoo and the gallery in which it was created. The gallery opening will also be included in the coverage as well. The story will be released early next year. I want to publicly thank Eric and Joe. Joey has tattooed the vast majority of my body and put up with my consistent gibberish following long tattoo sessions, my artwork has changed dramatically as a result of watching what he does, he is a definitive genius. Eric's work has consistently proven that he is one of the worlds foremost tattoo artists, his tattooing is only rivaled by his ability to create on canvas. His work is astounding. Both artists are visionaries and neither suffers from the ego that they rightly deserve. It is amazing to wear artwork that resulted from the collaborative collective genius of these two artists. I genuinely look forward to getting much more work in the future from both of them. They are incredible influences on what I do and I consider them my close friends. Please check back with Brandonbond.com for updates on this process, and pictures of the finished piece in November.