maturity and meanings within the patterns

The natural growth of the fern relates appropriately to family life. At its early stages in life, the fragile and delicate fern enjoys the protection and support from surrounding, more matured ferns to the extent that it develops the ability to continue to nurture new life itself. Therefore, a person enjoys protection from surrounding family and upon reaching maturity, also plays a part in the continuation of life.
Hepi Maxwell

Found this flyer in Bongs restroom in his shop. It reminded me of my Humble Beginnings when I first moved to Hawaii about ten years ago. I remember my friend Orly help open this shop in Waikiki with Po' oino and Aisea called New Tribal tattoo. I started tattooing 1999, but stopped due to some circumstances, while my other friends continued doing the art of tattooing. I stopped for many years to continue another journey. I decided to go soul searching for a couple years and travel the world searching for my call in life. I didn't finish my apprenticeship till 2010. It's been a long road for me and to many don't know half the story. I am grateful to all my tattoo family that were willing to take me under there wing and teach me through discipline and be patient with me even though I wasn't patient with the process. We all need to go through the fire to get refined and come out stronger with character that cannot be shaken. Apprenticeship shouldn't be taken lightly and it's an ongoing lesson that is learned until we die. I will always be an apprentice, learning to serve others daily with the gift that's been given.

Tattoos By Bong
1210 Dillingham Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808)841-BONG

Going through my beginning stages as a tattoo artist, I am reminded about my responsibility with keeping culture alive, and actually studying the patterns and learning the meaning and learning to tell a story through the art of tattooing.

Ta Moko with Rangi Kipa from cheryl colan on Vimeo.

time to recollect my purpose in this world
Aloha
Eukarezt