Gabby

"Gabby" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Ink & Oil is a series of portraits in progress inspired by people and their art. Once relegated to sailors, combat veterans, and the counter culture, tattoos have become ubiquitous. Whether to commemorate a life event, to satisfy an impulse, to make a bold statement, or as a private talisman, … Read More medium: oil on canvas size: 30″x 40″ status: available, inquire below history: Nov 1 – …

Joelle

"Joelle" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Joelle — The Free Spirit: “I grew up in a highly religious, repressed upbringing, I had a passion for tattoos from a young age. My secret that I couldn’t share. Now I live my life for me and I make the most of it. I set myself free with tattoos and taking that step has opened up an entire new …

Lou

"Lou" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Lou — The Guardian: “Each tattoo relates to a significant life changing event or achievement in my life, and each has its own meaning for me. The tattoos are a visible representation of the chrysalis, the change, a representation of how even though an experience may be painful or difficult, something beautiful and meaningful comes through in the end. It …

Chad

"Chad" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Chad — The Forgiven: “Our bodies are a temple so paint the walls. I feel that each of my tattoos represents a different time period of my life.” — Chad L. Ink & Oil is a series of portraits in progress inspired by people and their art. Once relegated to sailors, combat veterans, and the counter culture, tattoos have become ubiquitous. Whether to …

Justine

"Justine" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

“Tattoos are my form of expression because they show people I am powerful. I may be a tiny girl but I can take some pain and the pain is beautiful and well worth it.” — Justine D. Ink & Oil is a series of portraits in progress inspired by people and their art. Once relegated to sailors, combat veterans, and the counter culture, …

Henry

"Henry" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

“They represent different levels of immaturity in my 20’s [laughs]… As a kid growing up with an authoritarian dad, I always wanted to push against him… And so, thought one day I’m gonna stylize the chassis, I’m gonna get tattoos… I joined Black Flags. I had a $20 bill in my pocket and I walked to Hollywood Tattoo… I walk …

Sarah

"Sarah" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Sara— The Mother: “I use tattoos as a reminder of the growth I’ve experienced and the way I’ve evolved. I could never regret a tattoo of mine because I love myself. All that I’ve been through, I had to go through to get to where I am now… and to get to where I’m going. My life is a journey …

Cheryl

"Cheryl" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Cheryl — The Phoenix: “I chose tattoos as my form of self expression because they are a permanent reminder of fleeting moments and memories in time. They tell a story that is worn rather than told.” — Cheryl S. Ink & Oil is a series of portraits in progress inspired by people and their art. Once relegated to sailors, combat veterans, and the …

Emma

"Emma" by Brian McClear | Ink & Oil

Emma — The Curious: “I am covered with tattoos of the conceptual to the literal, the silly to the memorial, the whim shop-min to the multi year project. There is no other form of art that I know of where the canvas protects the medium. Can you think of a better way to memorialize a beloved soul, remind yourself of a …