Taz Jr's Koi Tattoo

If anyone wants to see my son Nathans' Neo traditional Koi go to... www.myspace.com/bullangel...click on pics...lower right hand Little shits gettin the idea I think!

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yeah I noticed it when I was on your page...Awesome .......tell him to come show me a few things will ya!!!!!

To bad you guys can't see it in person! Nutty really did one hell of a job!

I am proud of him!...T

Yeah, like I said on the my space, that's a good one Nutty! Really nicely done.

Wow, a chip off the old cinder block!!!!!!!!!!! You got some nice stuff yer self..................... Now that I've seen your site, my whole image of you is blown. I thought you'd be this all knowing Jerry Garcia type, and then you turn out to be fairly good looking. Goddammitt!! WTF!!! Hey, I never said I WASN'T GAY, but who's the lady? TCE

Taz, had to go thru a few changes to check out your son's Koi (I always have problems w/MySpace,dammit) but, hey, it was worth it, the youngun done good, congrads. Of course it ain't 'traditional style' and I understand it was not meant to be but it definitely is a good and good looking tattoo, I trust you're proud (as ya should be)...Doc

Well hell yes I'm good lookin Tim...Jeesh!!....Jerry Garcia my ass! And its ok if yer gay...be proud! Tee Hee! Attention! coming next week...new tattoos by TAz...two full backs,a giant gorilla and Jwerks sleeves! By the way any tattoo you see from Painted Angel is 100% FREEHAND....we do not own a sheet of stencil paper PERIOD! And yeah...we are freehand elitist pricks...we can do dat!!...TAz

Sheeiiit!!! I wish I could be gay, at least then I'd understand how the other mind thinks.............and I wouldn't have to worry about the marriage issue ever coming up.............and have to keep moving. EEEEEEEEEE....LOL!!!! Yer boy is quite the prodigy, you better put him in another studio someplace. He's gonna steal your clients. TCE

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couldnt find this, to post a reply.... found it right after i posted... but again.... Great work man keep it up, you are going to be a great asset to the Tattoo community. by the way, how old is the artist?? Mortis

Nutty is 24 I believe.... Taz?

Ummmm I dunno!

From the work I saw on your page, I really wasnt feeling either of the 2 tattoos or designs. They actually look like new-age biker style tattoos. There is quite a good chance that your an experienced and knowledgeble guy when it comes to tattoos and aspects of tattooing, but I get tired of the way kids jock you on this forum. Although your advice is sincere, its rarely ever educated. There is a big world of tattooing out there. Ive known guys who have been tattooing for 2 years who produce cleaner, and more thoughtful designs. By any means, Im not downing Taz. But his myspace page solidified who I thought of him as a person. I guessed pretty accurately who he might be and what his work might look like, and the tattoos I saw on the site proved me correct. If you show me some groundbreaking stuff, then I'll consider listening to your advice. By all means though, somebody experienced needs to help these kids with they're wierd questions. They are trying to learn like everyone else. The rate they learn at or how much research they pursue, is the bigger question. The koi fish was not that good, really. Besides, new skool koi fish are really hard to pull off in a good looking and somewhat traditional manner. That girl could have probably payed the same price, and went somewhere and got a much nicer tattoo she is happier with. The flow of the piece, colors, and overall design wasnt that good. But, its better than a lot of stuff Ive seen, so on that note, it deserves respect. Taz is like the giant of the tattoonow forum...kids...look in more places than one. thanks

Golly Stop the nonsense..or whatever your real name is ( you ever notice when someone has bad stuff to say they never use a real name?...wonder why?)... Anyway I appreciate your post and thanks for your opinion...if you are expecting me to come back at you all tooth, fang and claw...I gotta disappoint bya pal...thats what this forum is all about ...I value your opinion even though I don't agree with it.....Your post was polite and to the point ....you didn't resort to silly name calling and other childish crap that people who aren't "TAz enthusiasts" usually think they must do....Haven't seen you on here before , ast least under THAT screen name...but I hope to hear more from ya.. I do however have a quick question or two....you said that you could tell "what kind of person I am" by looking at the myspace thing.. ummm...would ya share that secret with me?....Hell I don't even know what kind of person I am....and I would sure like to be able to magically know what kind of people some of the people I have on myspace are!!...That would be handy...so tell me how ya do that will ya?... And you say my advice is never educated?.....hows that pardner?....I ain't saying I know everything but I have been in the tattooing business for 35 years so I think I have a little to share...apparently so do a lot of other people . Then you say that there is a good chance I am a knowledgeable and educated guy and in the same sentence you say that you don't like the way "kids jock over me"...could you explain that?...most of the people , regulars here, are anything but "kids'...anyway you are kind of contradicting yourself there aren't you...If I am a knowledgeable guy what problem do you have with me answering their questions on here?...Plus I've said it a million times ...when it comes to something as important as tattooing...nobody should listen to only one source of information....the web is a BIG place and I encourage people to do their homework!..I do not bill myself as the be all and end all to the tattoo world...but in my humble way I do try to help New age biker style?....I LOVE IT!!!!! I have been called far worse...I think I am gonna put that on my cards...thanks!! So ...where can we see your work?...Fair is fair now!...You are a tattoo artist right?....step up to the plate and lets see some tattoos pal! Again thanks for the post and the "new age biker"comment Hope to hear from ya soon...TAz

After I re-read over what I said, I can see how you think Im contradicting myself. While in all reality, Im trying to be a nice guy and make a point at the same time. I dont think your a flaming idiot, I just think you have an old school style of mentality that bridges the gap with the younger generation of tattoo artists. Its not that you produce "bad" tattoos so to speak, but you dont produce exceptionally good tattoos. I remember one time, introducing a friend of mine who was interested in tattooing, to a great and well respected tattoo artist known for setting a standard in his style of work (I will leave the guys name out) The guy....who could be called a jerk in some aspects...looked at me and said, "Im not interested in even looking at her stuff unless its better than this rock of ages drawing". Of course his drawing was stellar.......so........its unfortunate, but it taught me a lot. I dont know your background of tattooing, and everybody has to produce crappy tattoos, in order to do so-so stuff, then move on to nice tattoos, then finally great and exceptional work. But it just seems like all the energy you generate into this place, you could be learning new techniques, practicing on painting or different mediums, broadining horizions and constantly excelling. That may not be in your list of things to achieve though. Tattooing is a serious issue. Tattoo artists often take it so lightly for the fact that plenty of people are willing to get tattooed, and get shitty designs at that. But..... If you think about the impact it could have on someones life, I think it should be taken a little more seriously than it is. There are exceptional tattoo artists who can draw stuff up within 30 minutes, that ends up being a well put-together piece. These guys are great, and have the time to spare and fuck off. The rest of you, who tattoo, DOESNT however. Your like minor league players, whether 20 or 50 years old, who is happy taking peoples money and not giving them the most for their dollar and time. No.....I am not a tattoo artist. Im just a collector of tattoos. I learned all this stuff the hard way, but I was fortunate to speak with a lot of different artists. Some of them dont feel like I do, this is just my opinion on where tattooing is headed and needs to go. For the most part, Im glad there are scratcher tattoo artists out there, because in a sense, if a person isnt knowledgeable enoough to do the research, then he or she deserves a shitty, or so-so tattoo. Even good artists sometimes produce so-so tattoos. Not every painting a painter does will have that "feel" to it. Some of them will have all the elements of a good painting, but miss the mark. Tattoos are the same way. Back to your statement Taz, I dont remember everthing Ive ever seen you post. I dont feel like digging it up or trying to prove my comments to you. Because we hide behind computer screens, we try to imagine what the other person may be like. A myspace page gives us a little more information, and although I didnt think a lot about how you represent yourself as a person, my measures werent waaay off. I havent seen a lot of your work, so hey, you could very well surprise the shit out of me with some real clean, witty, well drawn and applied tattoos. But, until then, I believe to speak for everybody when I say your doing a justice to this forum by educating people about your experience in tattooing.

Stop the Nonsense.... Interesting. Whomever you are, this was a fairly well constructed, very eloquent and mildly amusing post... the word "Jock" not withstanding... Thank you for honoring my invitation a day or two back to become involved, and make your opinions known to the greater forum. I think you will find Taz to be a rather open, honest and transparent individual... that must have been what you picked up on from his myspace page... not much pretense there. I agree with Taz... Now that we've become acquainted, you can see my tattoo at www.myspace.com/fatherofroses. Please feel free to have a look at my artwork, and post any likes or dislikes that you wish. All opinions, positive and negative are welcome. I will be openminded to your commentary. Now, where can we see your artwork or tattoos? Cactus

Cactus Al... One quick comment on what you said. Just because I dont tattoo or draw or produce art, doesnt mean that I can accurately gauge a persons art or tattooing. I got a good grasp of the insides of tattooing and what goes into applying a good tattoo. I have been tattooed enough to know that. Much like a boxing coach doesnt have to box, to be able to say that a boxer looks sloppy, lacks good technique or isnt excelling. Shit, even educated enough fans should be able to tell that. Im no wizard when it comes to tattooing, so just cause you can draw better, or have more experience or shop stories, doesnt make up for the fact that other guys are producing stellar tattoos.

Now hang on man, no one is dogging you. Do you see anything in my previous post that is trying to get you upset? Your english goes downhill when you are feeling defensive. Keep it level dude. What I asked is if we can see some of your art, or your tats... how about the ones on you? By your own admission, you have a pretty good handle on tatooing, (though from your post I will infer that you don't draw, and are not a tattoo artist) because you've been through a few tattoos in your day. Well, I know a lot of people that are covered with some really dogshit tattoos that they think are wonderful... and you'd think after the first really lackluster effort they'd get it figured out, but they never seem to catch on. I went to a tattoo convention here in Denver not long ago which in my opinion was loaded with some of the most poorly constructed artwork I've ever seen in my life... But those folks thought their stuff was the finest in the land. And, Well, maybe ultimately that's the point. Maybe your stuff is fantastic... or maybe you want to recommend people that you know who are fantastic. So, back to the topic at hand. Now you know who Taz is... And you don't seem to think too much of his work. Fair enough. Now, we'd like to have a baseline of your work or likes or dislikes to compare it to. Seems fair, doesn't it?

you must also keep in mind that just because a tattoo does not look wonderful to you, it may be exactly how the client wanted it to look. There is a difference between good quality and good art...quality is quality, no matter who is looking....art is in the eye of the beholder, and you should not be so quick to judge so squarely on that.The whole one man's trash is another man's treasure theory.

Incidentally, I've never met a boxing coach that didn't begin his career as a boxer. or football player, etc.

Taz. I couldnt find or open any pics on that site it seems without joining myspace. However, I would NOT have judged you or your professionalism here based on the artistic quality or lack off that I may have observed. knowing youv'e had 35 years in the buisness I take it for GRANTED that you have much to offer. AND YOU DO it here constantly. Even though this guy said his peace in a polite way I think his post would have been better had he actually CONTRIBUTED himself....rather than put down one of the main paople who do.KEEP ON BUDDY! (Just a thought???? Wonder what he thinks of Joe C's work?)lol signed: (PaleoJohn) John Cianfarani North Granby, CT 06060

I know I shouldn't....but ....but...but....UHHHHHH Doesnt this guy Stop the nonsense remind you of the guy sitting in the stands at the baseball game screamin and swearin at the players for what a shitty job they are doing but he himself never even touched a bat or a ball?? Just because you watch a lot of baseball and have been to a lot of games DOES NOT MEAN YOU KNOW SQUAT ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PLAYER....capisce maybe it's just me.....I know, I know he came off polite...and he's entitled to his opinion.....Still doesnt change the fact that some of the stuff he said CAN BE TAKEN OFFENSIVELY......... and besides, how many tats does Taz have on his myspace??....2....3.. hardly enough for you to judge his work....

Thanks guys for the props....I don't reall understand what the guy is saying for the most part....He says he doesn't like how the kids treat me on here or something to that effect...then goes on to say something about how Ishould spend more energy improving my tattooing ( this after seeing only one of my tattoos ( a full back that when finished won 7 first place awards by the way) than spending time talking on this forum....he obviously doesn't know that I am retired...ok semi retired and if I want I can be on here all damn day long....and I DO learn something every day...I have never been one to think I know it all and never will be... I dunno what he is tryin to say about my personality.....I don't think my personality has a fuckin thing to do with anything....how can he possibly judge my personality by the little information on myspace?...Ludicrous at best But Hell everyone is welcome...even the ones who don't make a lot of sense... And thanks everyone for the great positive comments on Nathans Koi tattoo....except for this guy EVERYONE...including a couple of heavyweights in the industry was very positive and just for this stop the nonsense person ...the girl who got the tattoo was so pleased that she has now contracted with Nathan to do her WHOLE back!!!! and she has a pretty good eye...she has work from some TOP artists and this one is her favorite!!! So thanks guys......TAz...A very proud daddy!!!

Not to mention taz will give you his last piece of toilet paper even if he has to take a really really bad dump....

NO I WON"T!!!!

I read, then reread the posts from 'stop' and still can't understand exactly what point he's struggling to make, other than slamming Taz, his son's very good Koi and perhaps 'old school'in general. I guess I respect his right to think whatever he wants but I too would like to know what he's basing his comments/opinions on as what he says doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I too would like to see the work he's using as a measure, which, I assume, must be some of this 'stellar' tattooing he alludes to. To each his own and all that but I'd sure like to see what he considers 'stellar'. We all know that some people are blown away by what some think of as crap and that some wouldn't understand good art if it bit 'em, guess that's life but again, beauty is (supposedly) in the eye of the beholder. Like Legacy, I think this sounds like the 'armchair quartback' Keep up the good work, Taz and Nutty....Do

Hey Doc...I want you to know that you made my son a VERY happy man!...I don't wanna embarrass him but hey whats a dad for?...he IDOLIZES you man!...He says you are the SHIZZNITT...whatever the fuck THAT means and is already buggin me to let him tag along when I come up to visit in a month or so...do ya mind if I bring him? He is house trained... well almost...just lay down some papers! Anyway you made the little fucker VERY happy with your kind comments...Thanks man....TAz

STOP THE NONSENSE....guess all the props Nutty and Taz got for some of the top artist in the field, someone is chewin on words.. What was said...to the best I can recall was that Taz should spend more time drawin, then talkin...so to speak. Well my friend I think you owe the man an apology. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be on this road we call "art". Taz has been an inspiration, mentor, guide, brother, friend, confidont (sp), uncle, cord holder, (feel free to join the word wagon people) and so many other words I can describe. Without his guidance I would be scratchin away in some kitchen because I didn't know better. BTW, I am not a "kid" as you so called it. I am a 37 year old father of three who did not have a spoon fed life. I grew up extremely poor in a single parent home...and hell I even ran with a Carnival for a year (Taz didn't know that). If I had had money for art supplies, or had a ligitimate studio in town I would have scrubbed toilets, ran errands, or whatever just to learn...but that isn't what life handed me my friend. Now I am doing what I have dreamed of!!! By insulting Taz, his son, and their work you insult all of us who respect the man. He is a EXTREMELY VALUABLE asset to this forum and up and coming artists!!! You know the ones you so admire!! So your a collector....well this industry, trade, & lifestyle is built solely on trust and respect (i.e. you trust your artist and respect their work, correct?) and you should show BOTH of those when you are on here. I am not trying to shoot you or your opinion down...I am just saying that you talk smack but we are all still waiting to see your work. You know the ones you speak so highly of???!!! So put down the books, grab you sack and show us your work!!! You know your fantastic work....hmmmmmmm Enough said, Mike Barron County Tattoo Co.

Okay, I can see my work here is finished. Nobody can see my point of view, well, its quite simple. I read this forum from time to time and have looked at what Taz has had to say. I judged (even though Im not supposed to) a long time ago what his work and attitude may be like, consisting of what he posted on the forum. When I saw the back piece, it solidified my thoughts. Hey, show me great work, and I'll applaud you. Until then, your not going to be my kids hero, and I dont care if you gave the world your entire toilet paper collection. You guys resorted to some low comments. You really think I dont know what good work is? Well, when it comes to new skool koi fishes, I would honestly say James Kern pulls them off the most consistantly. Tons of other great artists pull them off all the time, but a lot of them look real cheesey. Like the one I saw on your page. And you said do I think Joey C's work is any good?? Of course I do, you fucking shmuck! The whole Hope Gallery shop is banging out great tattoos. Mike Rubendall, Troy Denning, Marcus Kuhn, Scott Syvia, Tim Lehi, Jeff Whitehead, Grime, Aaron Coleman, Aaron Bell, Nick Rodin, Seth Cifferi, Chad Kopelinger, Guy Atchison.....these are who I believe to be really good artists. I dont care if they win awards, or post on forums, or even get featured in magazines. Like I said, Im done here. I just didnt find anything special about the Koi Fish tattoo.....THERE, I said it. Taz has a fanbase, and that cool, Im sure its with good reason. People are entiled to get whatever they want. I was just expressing myself and my opinion. BTW......THERE ARE TONS OF BOXING COACHES WHO NEVER FOUGHT. Stop watching Rocky and Million Dollar Baby, and go to gyms.

Sorry to see you go....we are not trying to push you away but words are just that words. Yes Taz does have a large following and no its not fan based, just based on respect. Yes Joe and crew are outstanding artists and I am inspired to be to that level. That is what drives me everyday to get better and learn. You are more than welcome on this forum my friend. And you totally entitled to your opinion but some of take the offensive when it comes to Taz because of the generous help he offers this industry. Stick around, talk to Taz, call his shop...and you'll see that you truely mis-judged him...this I am sure of! Hope you stick around....as said in earlier posts...comments are welcome, just keep in mind negativity can breed negativity Mike

I appreciate you guys ..I really do....and all the great comments on the koi....but this person is entitled to his opinion...although it sounds as if he had his mind made up BEFORE he even looked at the pics... One negative opinion out of the bunches of positive ones ...that tell ya anything?...I think it speaks VOLUMES as Mesiano would say! Still and all " Stop nonsense"...I DO appreciate your input even if I , the client and loads of people in the industry and in the know disagree...thats what a public forum is all about....I am still not sure where all the "personality" things are coming form but that doesn't matter...I want to personally wecome you to the forum and hope to hear from you again.....the world would be a boring shade of gray if we all agreed on everything would it not? So just because the majority didn't agree with you don't tuck tail and run...stick around and get to know me (us?) a bit better...we have some damn fine arguments on this forum but we try to do it with respect for each other...sometimes it gets a bit heated but thats cool too...we are humans and are allowed to disagree and even once in a while throw a little temper tantrum Again thanks for your comments and opinions...we really ain't a bad bunch....you are welcome here!...sincerely ,TAz

Naw, get lost ya pussy. You can dish it out, but you can't take it. Everyone else on this forum has had some really knock down, drag out discussions, and wether they were right or not, they all stayed and backed their opinion up, and earned the respect of the other regulars on the forum. Or, in the case of myself and many others, apologized when an apology is due. I asked you very nicely if we could see your work to find out what your baseline is. You answer back with "My work here is done". Too bad really, because actually, you sound like a fairly articulate, and intelligent individual. Just the kind of person that could really benefit this forum. But alas, you can't hang. Hey Taz, I heard you may know that "Guy Atchison" dude. Anyway, I've never been to a gym, but spent a lot of time in the ring. Retired undefeated in '94, no pads, no gloves, no shit. Put that in your proverbial pipe and smoke it.

And now, "stop the nonsense" it looks like I owe you an apology. I'm not sure everything I just said was called for. You deserve better. I apologize. That was a bit immature. Sorry Taz and everyone. Guess it's been a long night.

Ummmm...I got FANS? Can I have groupies? I would like three please...with great big ol ti.....OUCH!!! Dammit #2...put down that set of knucks!..Somebody could get hurt...I was just kiddin about the big ol ti...OW! Sonuvabitch that hurts! Guess that means I can't have any groupies?...Not even ones with little ol ti....FUCK ME!...pain is my friend..................

Hearing that my opinion mattered so much to your son leaves me sorta speechless (not a simply task, I assure ya) But, I meant what I said, I think it's a very good 'too. I'm a tight ol fart when it comes to compliments, I don't give 'em out easily- they got ta be EARNED. I'm way past trying to be a crowd pleaser, I'm very outspoken and belive in 'telling it like it is' and yes, I'm as 'old school' as they come (although I do try to keep up with the modern tattoo techniques and health regards, of course.)I'm blown away by some of the stuff I see some of these youngsters putting on the skin (though I have some reservations about how it's going to hold up over the years) although some of it, I personlly do not like at all but hey,as long as it's done properly and safely, who the hell am I to dictate what people want to wear. As to Nutty wanting to come along when ya visit, by all means bring him. For one thing, I've always had an open door policy for any SERIOUS and DEDICATED TATTOO ARTIST in my studio, so, obviously, you are both welcome. Again, give me a little advance notice so I won't book any appoints for that day. Hope Nutty didn't let that opiniated moron's posts rattle him, we both know that's part of the 'fun' of being a Tattoo Artist, especially in today's world. Belive me Taz, I too miss the 'good ol days' and I KNOW ya KNOW what I mean....Do

Amen Brother. I miss the old days too Mortis

I cant miss the old days, Im a youngster. I sure love thesedays, though, and cant wait to see what the next ones will evolve to!

oh, lemme re-phrase that, I can wait, dont need anything happening too quickly now.. heh. Im patient.

To Cactus Al, Lord Mortis, Doctor John, Paleo John, TCE, Mike, Legacy, anyone else that was supportive and most of all my father Taz, thank you for your comments and critiques. I know damn well that im not Guy Atchison, James Kern or Joe C and may never be one of those big names. I am, however, striving daily to be a better tattoo artist and all i can do is my best. I think thats all any of us can do. Again thanks everyone for the support. Nutty

That's all you can ask man... that's all you can ask....

You know what I think?? I think that this stop the nonsense guy was someone that HAD to have some quarrel with Taz in the past...I mean why else was he checkin up on him so much? His myspace, this forum and wherever else he was lookin for him......could be a stalker... But in any event he had some stuff to get off his chest...which he did..and after all that talk about seeing the best, knowing the best, and getting tattooed by the best he couldnt offer not one single solitary photo of his "impeccable" work....just goes to show that if you talk a good game but dont show any proof of that talk...then we will let you know that your word means absolutely nothing....And you can NOT be taken seriously ....At least thats how I look at it...say all you want but if you can't prove what you say then it's all irrelevant and he just said all that for nothing... And instead of encouraging Taz's son, he absolutely tried to discourage him....He acts as if this kid has been tattooing for decades......And whether he likes it or not this kid IS gonna be one of the greatest....mark my words... So stop the nonsense until you offer some proof of your great knowledge, you're right your work here is absolutely FINISHED.. Legacy

Id like to say that everyone is intitled to thier opinions. Thats fine. I would think that an opinion based on what you percieve over ONE piece should probably better be left to yourself. At least NOT be brought to the point where you want to publically use your opinion to publically put down someones artwork, tattoos, credibility etc etc etc. I think this went far and beyond a comentary on what you thought of one peice. It was more a search and destroy kind of thing as I see it. I personally dont CARE to see your work, even though many times you have been asked to produce these magnificent gifts to the tattoo world. Your failure to produce them already speaks volumes. Taste is taste. If you dont like what someone is doing....go somewhere else.Its THAT simple. I would LOVE to have known what YOUR profession was.....and judged you on YOUR abilities compared to others in the same profession. THEN stand on a soapbox and proclaim to all in your area what an incompetant you are. Are you a brain surgeon? Cant I judge and coach you even though I never went to school for Medicine???? No diff. than the Boxing

Gabe...You do a lot of work I'm sure to keep this forum going ,all at YOUR expense...Ya know I razz you a lot ( I hope ya know that its all just in fun)...but I really admire what you are doing here...I commend you and just want to say thanks for having us and I think I speak for all of us regulars and newbies alike...This is a marvelous forum with an amazing amount of information freely given for those who ask... In a few short years ( and they pass sooo quickly)...YOU are going to be one of us "old farts" and you will be sittin in the rockin chair sayin shit like"I remember when....."and when ya do...remember us REAL old guys and have a chuckle or two! You are right where you need to be at this point and time buddy. Again...thanks for giving us this opportunity to bitch, moan,argue and yell and sometimes maybe even make a difference. You may not hear it a lot but YOU ARE APPRECIATED! TAz,and the crew at Painted Angel!

I second that. And I agree with Legacy. Where did he go? Where did he go?

I was so busy today doing "my profession" that I didnt have time to check and said who had said what on this forum. Some comments were pretty accurate, some werent. I cant remember all of them, but let me address these couple of things: First, I admire this forum, the website, and whoever is running it. However, I dont care to actively participate in most discussions. The seek and destroy comment was outta hand, but kind of accurate in the sense that, I just felt like Taz had a following on here and I wasnt familar with his work. I was curious to see if it was "all the hype", and frankly, I just wasnt impressed. His sons tattoo was "OK", but it wasn't really that awesome to me. I live in a small town with a local biker ran tattoo shop, so I travel all over to recieve work from good artists. There is a kid there, who is about the same age, who pulls off better stuff. The kid gave me my first tattoo and its now covered. I am fortunate to have talked with some guys, and been able to take my own personal standpoint on what tattooing is all about. I happen to think its a serious biz. In all honesty, with guys like Tim Lehi being mentioned.....do you think a whole backpiece by your son is even in the same league?? I certainly hope not, because thats the type of praise this tattoo is recieving. For all the other haters.....NO....Im not gonna post my tattoo work. I dont care to. Im not public about tattoos. I dont care to share or show them to every admirer. If its something I like and worked hard to get, then Im satisfied with having it on ME. If you are a cool person, met me on the street, struck a conversation and was genuenly interested, then you could see some of my work. Besides, Im not parading around claiming to have the best work. YOU FOOLS, brought that up. Not me. But....I like what I have....so why convince yall?? Next.....on to the guy who supposedly fights NHB. Dude, I trained to fight NHB for a while, and its a different world out there now. Kids are coming up doing MMA like kids come up in little league. So you retired in 94....thats great. I dont care about your tough internet trash talk. You can get clocked out tapped out like the next man. I still dont see HOW this whole thing spiraled outta control. Ive seen Taz particpate on this forum, disagreed with certain things and the way they were put, wanted to see some of his work, got the opportunity, and wasnt surprised. Big deal?!?!?!?!? Havent you ever been to a supposed 5 star resturant, and you just didnt like it? It wasnt your taste? For example...... I just read a post the other day about Taz and his shop being "custom tattoo etilist pricks that dont use stencils" Thats cool.....one of the best guys Ive ever been tattooed by loves doing flash, and he can draw his ass off. With no ego I may add. Taz....I gotta give it up to you. Your particpating in this conversation really well. It shows your mature and experienced in this biz. I dont mean to come off wrong and I didnt want to have to rectify myself 1000 times. To all those guys talking trash.....its cool....you can bash me....beg to see my work.....tell me to leave or stay.....but remember....this is a public forum. Its like walmart. As long as I dont break any laws, I can visit this place as much as I like. Peace

Which is just what I said my friend...I have extended the hand of friendship and made it known that although we do not agree and I think you are a bit of a prick...thats all ok...hell I'm a prick sometimes and I ( and my son...who also asked me to tell you thank you for your post) just have no problem with your having an opinion in opposition to ours....I think you may have chosen your words more wisely but thats ok too....I also think that your opinion was based more on some sort of personal thing but even THATS ok Now ...we have all said that you are welcome here...anyone who is articulate and so obviously as intelligent as you is ALWAYS welcome...not that you need our ok but we ARE tryin to be nice guys...so ya didn't care for our stuff...hell can't please everyone...but we must please a lot of people...we do pretty well..I am not and never will be what I consider to be a GREAT tattoo artist...when it comes to this art I refuse to have an ego...but I am a damn GOOD tattoo artist. So I'm gonna leave it there ...do what you want .... Thanks again for your post...TAz PS...just wondering...what do you have against bikers?...I am not a biker myself but it seems you are a "biker hater"...whats up with that?

I dont have anything personal against bikers. Except this area used to be ran by them, and they paraded around my neighborhood like they could kill anybody. They started trouble, one of my cousins got involved and lost his life in a stupid situation. The 2 tattoo shops in this area is owned by bikers, and they arent good shops at all. They wouldnt have a clue who Chris Trevino, Eric Merrel, or Joe Capobianco is, and wouldnt care to know. You think Im a prick....thats cool. I didnt really bash you. But hey, 2 quick questions, how long did the tattoo take and how much did it cost?? If the tattoo took 1 hour and was free, it still doesnt compare to its permanence on the skin. But Im still curious to know a true answer to these questions. I mean.....all is fair right?

Stop the nonsense, you have the right to think whatever you want. You have the right to your own sense of style. You have the right to your own tase in artwork, and you have the right to say whatever you feel on this forum as well... just like everyone else... wether you agree with me, taz, or anyone else. You crack me up though buddy. I have news for you. Your comments and opinions are by their very definition just as judgemental as anyone else's. You started this whole thing with a judgement. You can't get away from it... that's the nature of an opinion. It's a judgement. In my humble opinion, however, the reason that you are encountering so much opposition is not based on the fact that you hold an unpopular opinion, it's based on the fact that you come off as an elitist prick. You are going say whatever you want, but you don't feel like you owe anyone the favor of explaining anything, or showing us what you DO like, or what's on YOU, whatever. Okay. So you are above all that. Good for you. I prefer to hang with the people who are not. That's my preference. The rest of the people who are NOT above all that is what make this such an interesting place to get to know people, and learn. But you are right about one thing, nobody is ever going to get to know you, and frankly, nobody gives a fuck either. We all have "Professions" as well, just like you do bud, and this forum will exist in a positive and educational format among friends wether you decide to grace us with you presence or not. It's your choice. I for one could give a fuck either way. You don't make a hell of a big impression on my day either way. Knock yourself out or don't. Finally buddy, you are right.... on any given day, under any given circumstances, you can be tapped out at any time. It's one of the cardinal rules of being a black belt. Never underestimate your enemy... and pick your battles carefully. But alas, no one ever did take me out. Too bad. Guess we'll never know. As my Grandmaster used to say, it's of little importance... because although maybe someone will take me down someday... It won't be you, and it won't be today. Have a great day.

I am sorry you lost your cousin to senseless violence...Thats a shame....I can see why you have an attitude about them but just know that ya can't judge all bikers by a few assholes! No I said that you were a BIT of a prick and then quickly admitted that I am too....we all are sometimes...sorry I didn't make my self clearer! As for the price of the tattoo...thats between the artist and client....I will say that she was and still is VERY happy with it and except for you all comments have been VERY positive.And especially since you have no interest in showing us YOUR work I think we will keep that info confidential thanks.. And one more time I will take the high road and thank you for posting...hope to hear from you again....see/...I am not bashing you for your opinions......TAz

Cactus Al.... I dont think you get it bro. Im not up here to show my collection of tattoos. Its not that Im too good for it, its just my personal preference. You told me to check out your tattoo on myspace and you know what....I think thats a pretty killer tattoo. In fact, I think I got a good idea of who might have done it. I'd like to know if you dont MIND telling me, if not, then thats cool too. As far as my work. I dont even like showing people on the street. And the reason I dont participate in this forum isnt because I dont like it, just mostly because I dont like forums but so much. I dont feel like my voice is needed much, but when this situation arose, I voiced it. I felt it needed to be heard. Besides, I havent seen a plethora of Taz's work, so I really may be misjudging him and his work. Taz, I do owe you an apology because I did kinda want to make this personal. Now that I look back, I could have been more direct by just saying I didnt think the tattoo was worth the praise it was recieving. But....like you said, we can all be pricks sometimes. Anywho.....back to the whole thing about seeing my tattoos. What would it matter?? I go into well respected tattoo shops, and sometimes even they dont like my tattoos, or either are jealous and try not to show it. So for that reason, if I showed my work, somebody will show a supposed *better* piece, then its like, what am I standing on?? I havent seen a whole bunch of his work, but that piece on Cactus Al's arm looks like it might have been done by Mike Roper. An exceptional artist in all rights from what I know. I guess its all opinions, but the stuff that impresses me the most is the large scale japanese style. Filip Leu, Mike Rubendall, Tim Lehi, Dana Helmuth, Timothy Hoyer. Hey BTW, Taz....your skull backpiece isnt that bad. Its actually a pretty cool piece. But I still feel the same about the new skool koi. I dont really like new skool kois either.....but *some* of them are pulled off decent.

Lee Ball of Twisted Sol. And let me tell you something... This last post of yours is completely cordial, very well spoken, and really a credit to who you probably are, which is a very eloquent and intelligent guy. If you had come of like this in the first place, nobody would have ever have second guessed your opinion at all. With this one single post, you've completely changed my whole opinion of you. (Not because of the compliments, but thanks) but because you are obviously a human being, and not the snob it kind of appeared you were. I think I understand you a little better now. Friends? Cactus AL

Hey pal...It was really good to hear from you...seems like you are in a bit different frame of mind...I dunno....but anyway, I look forward to hearing from you in the future!...TAz

By the way, some very good points made in that last post as well "Stop".