Holy freakin moly, what a year its been. We opened up Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in October 2019. With stars in our eyes, and hope in our hearts that this was going to be something special. Well… who could have predicted one of the craziest events in modern history.. you know the whole Covid 19 thing. Well, despite the obstacles, we have pushed on and leaned into the wind as it were. While it hasnt been easy for anyone of us, it sure will be memorable.
My personal philosophy was that this was the best thing for small businesses. It created an opportunity to grow and innovate in new ways. The playing field has been leveled and while others wait for a return to normal, Im playing offense and pushing harder than ever before.
Our shop is growing with new energy from our shop helpers (soon to be tattoo apprentices) and new clients!
We are working on making everything we do the best it can be…. which reminds me of a quote… How you do anything is how you do everything. And we are setting the bar higher for ourselves in everything.
October will be 1 year of many. That isnt even a question. But our first year is a testament to our resolve.
Im working on figuring out how we can celebrate the shops birthday together and really make it special. Which, given the circumstances, it will undoubtably be.
If you would like to participate shoot the shop an email artandsoltattoo@gmail.com
If you want to be featured in our birthday video, send us a happy birthday video to artandsoltattoo@gmail.com
Hey all, great news, for the 3rd year in a row, I’ve been included as a finalist in The Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson. Its something that truly makes me proud. I love Tucson. And to be included with really amazing tattoo artists is quite an honor. I love to make Tucson a better place by making tattoos for the people of this community.
Its that wonderful time of year! The Tucson Weekly is accepting nominations for the best of Tucson. Ive been fortunate to be nominated in the top 5 for Best Tattoo Artist the last couple years and would love to keep the streak alive! If youve been lucky enough to have been tattooed in my new shop Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery, then you know all to well that it is the best place to get tattooed in Tucson. If you haven’t, well, we eagerly await you coming down. Not only is the shop super clean and inviting, we also host amazing local artists every month (pandemic permitting) in our gallery space.
So as of today we are officially closed for appointments until at least the 17th of April.
Johnna and I plan to shoot some texts to everyone that will be affected between now and then.
Our plan as of now is to get all of our drawings and design work done, so when this is leveled out and we can have you back in the shop, we will fit you in however and wherever we can!
I am still doing virtual consultations for tattoos, but am booking for august as of now. we can use skype ,google hangouts, messenger, or IG as of now.
So thats the main news here. Im hoping that you are doing well and are able to stay safe if you have to work or stay sane if you are stuck at home.
Our little family just discovered how much we love rock climbing and its killing us not to get over to the rock gym. But we arent sick so we have to be grateful for the right things instead of bummed about the things we cant do.
You have to know that I am a chronic optimist. I try to find the opportunity and drive in most instances…. and this no different. My wheels have been turning for weeks now.
Ill be bringing back The Tattooers Podcast next week, so stay tuned for that…( send me questions youd like to have answered or tattoo artists youd like to know more about)
We want to do everything we can to stay open after all of this.
What kinds of things can we do for you? Limited run T-shirts? Hats? live drawing? Drawing tutorials?
Send me any and all suggestions. I am game to work on things that will make you happy!!
Johnna will be teaching online yoga classes out of the shop too! you can find her on Instagram for now but a youtube channel is in the near future.
Ill wrap this thing up for now, but just know that we are so grateful for you. Art and Sol is a big part of my life, and it wouldnt exist if people like you didnt support it.
So for now, on behalf of Johnna, Molly and Myself, Thank you for everything, and we will see you soon.. online or in person!
Dave
L-R: Johnna Warren, David Meek, Molly Jaffee in front of Tucsons best tattoo shop Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery
Hi Tucson, how are ya? have you been well? thats great… me too. 2019 has been one heck of a ride. Ive been able to do some really fun things this year. One of which was planning and marrying my sweetheart of the last 11 years. Hard to think we could squeeze any more into a 12 month period but I’m trying hahaha.
No signs yet but heres the building and home of Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
In fact, its already happened. We made the decision to expand our private studio and create a bigger environment that many artists could use to cultivate their artistic and personal dreams.
Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery is just that. Our little utopian tattoo studio. But not only that. We will also host new local artists each month.
Heres the inside view of Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery. So comfy and cozy…. Check out those floors!
Tucson is filled with 2 of my favorite things. Art and Sunshine ( and tacos)… hence the spelling of sun in our name. So maybe its like 3 things but it doesnt roll of the tongue the same way.
We’ve also added a new website, instagram, Facebook blah blah blah your favorite social media. Ill link to them so you can follow the ones you love.
what else? oh, i almost forgot… We are now offering permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing by appointment. In my opinion she is one of the best cosmetic tattooers in the tucson and you know how picky I am. or if you don’t, just know that i am.
Our first gallery artist is a dear friend that I happen to have 3 paintings in my personal collection Wallace Book… so it was a no brainer to have him show in our gallery first. You need to come down to the gallery to see his work, or if you cant make it, check him out on social media.
view from the entrance of Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery in Tucson Arizona
Painting by Wallace book the 1st artist displayed at Art and Sol Tattoo Gallery
painting by wallace book
paintings by wallace book
Painting with the Surly Wench and The Rocky Horror Picture Show by Wallace Book
Ill keep you posted here but you can also check out our new shop site to get to know the other artists and all the activities we have planned each month. Ill let you know when thats ready. Til then you can follow all the news @artandsoltattoo on Instagram and Wallace Book @wbookart as well as our new artists @off_tatt_molly and @raemorgan315
Hope we see you soon… like real soon. like October 25th at 6pm soon.
Im Back. Wow, what a trip. The whole month of July has just flown by. In fact this whole year is cruisin.
The honeymoon was a huge success. We started with a day trip to Disneyland which is probably no surprise to some of you. After all, we did get engaged in the elusive Club 33 and got married on Walt and Lillians wedding anniversary, so why not start the honeymoon with a guided tour in Walts footsteps ending in Walts famed apartment above the firehouse.
It was incredible. To be able to share that space with other Walt enthusiasts was pure Disney Magic. We also checked out Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which left me vibrating after my smugglers run adventure. The whole area is a must see.
Great shot of the Carnival Splendor with Lee your Cruise Director somewhere aboard
We followed it up with a 7 day Mexican Riviera Carnival Cruise. Its both relaxing and quite demanding. Im still trying to recover from a small cold I had on the honeymoon, while my wife feels like shes still on the boat….
Once I get more pictures from both of our phones Ill post a bit more.
The Tucson Weekly Best of Tucson 2019 Best Tattoo Artist Nominee David Meek
But alas, the rest of this post is a reminder that today is the last day to vote for Best Tattoo Artist in the Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson. Im lucky to have been nominated to the top 5 for 2 years in a row but c’mon, winning would be so cool hahaha.
You can cast your votes by clicking here or you can click the button below.
No matter the outcome Im so happy to be home, Im so happy to have so many wonderful clients that trust me to make fun tattoo memories, and Im so happy to be married.
Now its time to get back to work!
Did you take any trips this summer? Im thinking maybe a mountain getaway next? any recomendations?
Belle from Disneys Beauty and the Beast Tattoo by David Meek Tucson Arizona
What a month. I just got married and Im a finalist in the Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson for Best Tattoo Artist for the 2nd year in a row. Im blown away. Its such an honor that my friends and customers think so highly of my work. As an artist its hard to see what others see, as Im always questing for improvement. Always wanting each piece to be better than the last. Not to say that my work isnt fantastic… Its just the plight of an artist. Never settling for “ok”. Staying up at night worrying about the small details that most never see.
Tucson Weekly Best of Tucson 2019
Its truly an honor to be recognized in my community. I learned how to tattoo here back in 2006 and 07. And to be among such amazing artists in the top 5 is mind blowing for sure.
Black and Grey Realistic bear half sleeve arm tattoo by David Meek Tucson Az
My goal then and now has been to make great tattoos that stand the test of time! True collaborations between artist and collector.
Its my first day back at the studio since I was married on Saturday. There is this crazy haze I’m walking around in… Nothing seems to bother me.
I walked into the tattoo studio this morning to discover there had been a little flooding from our first few monsoon storms of the season ( the first of which occurred during our ceremony) and the power is out on the entire back wall of my studio.
Ill have to rearrange so I can tattoo from a different outlet if we don’t get it fixed soon…. But thats it… Thats the worst case scenario. and its not that bad.
I feel like normally I would be in a state of panic.. Not the kind of panic that creates more problems, but the kind that distracts me from getting the right things done in the right order… Im married now. Which outlet I use to make tattoos is a very small issue. My wife has entrusted her heart to me…. That.. is a very big responsibility that I will handle with the highest urgency and regard.
I’ve heard of Pregnancy brain.. You know…. where you kind of get a little spacey… My wife has even exposed me to yoga brain after I’ve taken one of her classes at Yoga Oasis…. But this. This feels different. Or maybe its the same.. Im just content with all things good and bad. There is a peace that has washed over me…
Is this Honeymoon brain? Is this ” thank god the stress of the wedding planning is over” brain? Perhaps a little of column A and little of column B? Who cares? I sure dont.
Ive got a couple weeks til the honeymoon actually takes place. Which is nice. A little more time to relive the memories of one of the best weekends of my life.
Mr and Mrs David Meek dancing the night away at Historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson
Weve been pouring over the pictures all of our guests have taken. I could look at them all day long…. My wife and I were stunning ( she was 1000% out of my league then and now). The Hotel Congress was a main character in our wedding story as well, and she looked marvelous. Not bad for being 100 years old either!
The weekend was fantastic… From our favorite people flying in to celebrate with us. To our closest friends doing everything in their power to make us feel as if we were the center of the universe( Bobby Cyndi/Erika Jenn/Oli Jay). To my wifes tear jerking vows ( she was unamimously voted the winner of the vows haha). Our first dance… Dancing with my daughter to the Toy Story Theme Song that she picked for us. And the epic after party that so many of my clients and friends attended. It was pure Magic. ( it didnt hurt that we actually got married on Walt Disney and Lillian Bounds wedding anniversary either)
Walt Disney marries Lillian Bounds on July 13th 1925David Meek and Johnna Warren are married on July 13th 2019
I thought for a second that I might be crazy enough to want to do it all over again (which I would in a heartbeat) but I think Ill be OK with a one and done.
Weve got some great things in store for the tattoo studio. Just had to get through this wedding business and the honeymoon and then itll be back to business.
Ill wrap up with some personal insights and a list of thank yous…
I wanted to mention what I personally took away from this… This was one of the very first times that I was able to focus on myself and my family exclusively.. Im sure you understand. In everything I do, I wonder what someone thinks about me… if they approve of what Im doing or if they are judging me. I think we can all be guilty of that from time to time… In fact, we had set expectations in our minds in regards to how the night would play out… how the family would get along, what would people wear ( semi formal was the code) and so on. I worried about that stuff… I really did.
It was all for nothing… At the end of it all. It was my wife and I floating around the room smiling and happy together.. The rest of the world didnt matter. Maybe I just needed to be married to her this whole time (11 years later).
I feel more unstoppable than ever before. and if things don’t go as planned. Im still married to my best friend. There is no downside in life anymore. We have our daughter and each other.
A huge shout out to our host, the lovely and aging so gracious Hotel Congress. It is truly my honor to be a part of your history. Specifically Melissa and her team in the Copper Hall. From day one with her we knew it was going to be her that made this day and weekend what it was. I only wish I had more events to host so I could visit with her weekly… Please do yourself a favor and consider her when looking to host any event. Thanks Melissa.
And of course for capturing all of the evenings festivities, a huge thank you to Sergio our Photographer. His skill are second to none. The most common issue we ran into while talking with other couples was their photos. We took our time and made sure to find the right person… and Sergio is hands down the best decision we made. Thanks
Jocelyn, Nate and Miriam at the front desk were incredible as well. We felt right at home for our stay. As did all of our guests. Im already planning on booking my next stay.
Matt at the Cup cafe was incredibly accommodating to my everchanging reservations for my family to join me for a post wedding brunch.
Keith and Mike in the Lobby bar were equally amazing. Making sure my cup never runneth dry haha.
All in all, the Hotel Congress and all the staff made sure our weekend and wedding day was exactly what it was supposed to be. This was the epitome of hospitality. I really can’t stress this enough. Im looking forward to enjoying this Tucson gem for years and years to come!
Have you ever stayed at Hotel Congress? What did you think? share your thoughts in the comments or this post with someone thinking about hosting there!
Its been a busy summer in the studio. Im always grateful for that. Add to the mix a wedding and a honeymoon in July and well… Im sure you can appreciate the workload.
This on top of owning a tattoo studio, being a present father, and husband to be.
But tomorrow is the 4th of July. one of my favorite holidays. A day off, yes. But also a day I get to spend with my girls and my friends all at the same time.
Ill also make sure to have The Patriot basically on repeat until I take my evening slumber, my body filled with domestic beers and meats cooked to perfection over an open flame. My eyes and ears still dancing to the sparkles that represent our freedom to drink those beers and cook those meats.
But also… The freedom to be me. To own a tattoo studio in Tucson… Hell, to be able to do tattoos for a living…
To have clean hot water at a moments notice. To have macaroni and cheese from a box, or a food truck.
Theres a ton of things Im guilty of taking for granted. But on the 4th of July, they are ever present.
So many times I hear folks talk about American Freedom, but sometimes they dont understand what we are free from. What oppression really means. How in some places I wouldnt be able to write these words, click a button and share my thoughts. Whether I could start a business. Or as simple as have hot running water on demand. Or as complicated as … welll.. as complicated as having the very real conversation that perhaps not everyone in our country shares the same freedoms.
Im gonna leave this right here on the internet. Just so my piece is said. I hope all americans have a safe and happy 4th of July. Free of oppression from any outside forces. May you embrace your family and be grateful to be living in this great nation and allow others to do the exact same thing.
Im off to the grill, there are meats that need tending, 12oz beverages that need a home and some friends that need some smiles.
Dave
Patriotic American Flag Eagle Arm Tattoo By David Meek of Tucson Arizona
The first round of voting for Best of Tucson is in and Im blown away. For the second year in a row Ive been nominated for Best Tattoo Artist in Tucson. Thanks to all who nominated me! Its a huge honor to be be in the top 5… Im happy to just make good tattoos for my amazing clientele, but a little recognition aint gonna kill me haha. So again a huge thank you to all that have gotten me this far and trust me year after year to make tattoos for you.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Arm Tattoo by Me in Tucson Arizona
