This is a personal one. A touchy subject that brings tears to my eyes. My hero, my Dad, the reason for my cultural pride. And just pride in general. It was time for a memorial tattoo piece for him, to represent his favorite things, and mark myself with a way for him to find me someday in the unknown, or the other way around, through time and space.
I was researching artists, flipping through pictures on Yelp, finding any signs I could that would tell me my Dad is watching through the veil. And low and behold, Dad's favorite scripture, tattooed by Kevin here at LAS Ink, with the cleanest lines, and artful Polynesian influence, it was clear I was being pointed his way. So I got in contact with him, told him my ideas, sent a few pictures for inspiration, visited the shop which felt very comforting, and he got back to me with a sketch that felt like he had plucked it from my brain. It absolutely floored me (see sketch!). That is my father's handwriting, "A Hui Hou" means "until we meet again" in Hawaiian. IN HIS HANDWRITING, Kevin had taken the letters from a birthday card my Dad had sent me last year.
We made an appointment, and I stared at the sketch every moment I could until the day came. Kevin is kind, and calming, sort of like a doctor. Knowledgeable, meticulous, very laid back, and extremely conscientious. Always ensuring if I was ok, but straight to the point in his masterful way with the gun. This man is a true artist in every shape of the word. I would visit this shop over and over again, and be happy to be tatted by any of the artists.
I felt my Dad with me that day. I know he'd be so proud of the work that was done on my arm. And now when I look at it, I feel like I have a piece of him with me always. A Hui Hou Daddy. And Mahalo nui loa Kevin. Cant wait to start on my shoulder! Chahoo!!