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Subject: Base Weblog |
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MY BIO |
MYKE CHAMBERS
AGE: 33
ETERNALLY BOUND TATTOO
5241 N. Lamar Blvd Austin Tx 78751
STUDIO: 512-380-0730
http://www.eternallyboundtattoo.com
I’ve been tattooing professionally for around thirteen years, however, I feel I can only truly count the last three years. The previous eleven were more about getting wasted, than focusing on the art. Tattooing at that point was really just a way for me to make money. Then i finally sobered up and pulled my head outta my ass.
I spent most of my life living on the streets of the USA homeless from age 15 . I hopped freight trains around the country, ate outta the trash, slept anywhere I could with nothing but a backpack an my dog. I’ve lived a pretty rough life from a young age. Then I found drugs an quickly became a drug addict and alcoholic by age 17. from age 17 to 30 I was pretty much in a drug induced nightmare…until I finally checked myself into a rehabilitation center wanting to die. But what I found was people just like me. they didn’t want anything from me but to help me. That was September 8th 2005. I haven’t done drugs or drank since. Today I go to prisons and tell my story to guys that are getting out soon and i try to give them help an hope. I also go out to juvenile rehabs an try to mentor young kids that are just like I was. I spent my whole life taking…I figure it’s time to give something back.
I apprenticed under a friend, Weasel (RIP), who was an amazing tattoo artist. We lived in a punk house together in New Orleans’ 9th ward together before he passed away. He gave me my start, but I only apprenticed under him for like 6 months before I thought I knew it all. That’s about the time I went out to Hollywood, CA. an bullshitted a street shop into hiring me. I ended up paying dues in a street shop for way too long. LOL!!!
9 months after I sobered up I was able to open my own custom studio here in Austin tx. I pretty much had to relearn tattooing. I had been tattooing in a haze for 10 yrs I stopped growing or even caring. It’s sad but I see it happen all the time. after sobering up I tried to tattoo an tho I knew what to do it was like I just couldn’t…so I had to relearn. Today I’m still growing an learning. I hope I continue to learn until the day I die. As soon as I think I know it all I’m done for…
Life is really good today. Traveling the convention circuit here in the US an loving every minute of it. Life is an adventure for me again. I guess I’m kinda in a love affair with life an this industry. Or better yet…a rekindled love affair! LOL!!!
I’m really having fun with the neo/traditional Americana stuff. I love bright colors an bold outlines! I’m really big on tradition an respecting where this art came from. An tattoos that will really handle the test of time. Traditional is tried an true. I do however like to put my own special spin on things.
I’m a custom artist an my studio is purely custom. I love the artist/client relationship with custom work. I try to include the client in the entire process of designing their tattoo. They know it’s original an really designed with them in mind. It becomes more like a friendship during the whole process rather than at a street shop, for instance, where it’s all about getting them in an out, at least in my experience that’s how it was.
We try an maintain a humble studio environment. No rock star attitudes. The guy that comes in for a small name tattoo will be treated with the same friendly respect as a client wanting a full sleeve or back piece. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients tell me that the feel of our studio alone just feels so much better than the other places they visited and that we were actually nice. We have 3 main areas that are a must – friendly customer service, sterilization, and very high quality tattoos/body modifications. I mean, who wants to sit in a chair for 3-30 hours getting tattooed by an asshole?
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tattoospiro
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 Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 00:35 |
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| It was interesting to read your Bio. It is good to learn that about you. I honestly had a different opinion about you, it wasn't negative, just different for some reason. It goes to show, you never know someone, until you know them. Keep working hard. Some to meet you at a show one day. |
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DJiablo
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| Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 20:43 |
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| Eventhough i havnt met u,i could tell u'r a great person just after reading ur bio and all the comments here.More power to u and keep up what u r doing.i just wish i'll meet u someday and have a sit for a decent ink and conversation. |
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cevans13
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| Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 21:05 |
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| i met myke several months ago when he started my phoenix sleeve. he is as down to earth and genuine as anyone can be, which i really appreciate. his art is distinct and has great flow, and he is always concerned about his client's well being. i'm really happy for you that you are where you are in life. you are a good & big person ("big" figuratively, of course). wuzzah! |
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cevans13
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| Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 21:03 |
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| i met myke several months ago when he started my phoenix sleeve. he is as down to earth and genuine as anyone can be, which i really appreciate. his art is distinct and has great flow, and he is always concerned about his client's well being. i'm really happy for you that you are where you are in life. you are a good & big person ("big" figuratively, of course). wuzzah! |
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JaydeRaven
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 21:04 |
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| Wow... I know I've read little bit before, but it was very cool to read it all together. Kudos on coming so far, Myke. |
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CrazyRed
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 17:04 |
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BENNYK
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 16:11 |
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There is a reason why there are so many comments left for you-
I enjoyed the read and respect the growth
Be well
Benny |
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splitlips2012
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 14:08 |
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KornNut
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 14:07 |
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Good read. Sadly, so many hacks dont have your attitude and your passion for your craft.
Never stop growing.. |
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Souixannei
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 13:31 |
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I seriously have so much respect for you, and I love Mo to death.
You are one of the most humble and kind individuals I have ever met, and your past touches me. |
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susunstar
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 09:50 |
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| wow....its great how you used your hardship to empower you....so many can't do that....love and peace to you! |
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2008inked
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 09:26 |
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| That was a very humbling read. So many people take what they have for granted. It is great that you take the time to share your experiences and try to help other human beings along the way. Good Karma :) |
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cupe22
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 09:00 |
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I really appreciate this.
I know the feeling. Lived on the streets. Then bounced around from home to home. Out of rehab September 6, 2006. Not easy.
But I'm glad you got out of it.
And the work is beautiful. |
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Vanis
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 08:41 |
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great story , thanks for sharing it.
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strawberrystar
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 05:07 |
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| you said all that with such eloquence,i love how you write. i can tell your heart is in it deeply. that's what i love about some artists. I study my artists pretty deeply as well as their art because i agree it is a friendship, and when its like that its awesome. you can have a great experience as well as be thankful for the artist who personalized you knowing you don't mind remembering them or the experience forever. I appreciate your openness. thanks for being real and for caring enough to do the very best you can. It takes getting to the bottom for some of us to see the only way out is up and when we finally get it, its so good. thanks for sharing your story. take care~ blessings to you and keep up the great attitude. ~Kristie |
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cantrunfast
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 03:00 |
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I can relate.
It's like going from understanding GG Allin to hearing Mike Ness.
my daughter saved me at 19. |
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NorthernInk
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 01:18 |
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| A great read! Thanks for sharing...would love for our paths to cross one day and to walk away with one of your pieces! |
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texasink13
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 00:34 |
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| Very cool who you were where you have been where you are now and where you are going inspirational awesome |
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ron570
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| Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 00:14 |
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| MUCH RESPECT ALWAYS MY BROTHER |
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Sweeney
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| Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 22:32 |
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Mike, That's one hell of a story bro. You deserve all the success in the world for the way you turned things around. All the best to you on your journey... may it take you further than you ever imagined. I'm glad to call you a "friend". Looking forward to our paths crossing again... See you soon bro.
Sweeney |
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sgibson98520
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| Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 22:03 |
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| my best to you...... and no one wants to sit for any length of time being tattooed by an asshole..... definately you are right with that..huggs n a big smile.susie g........ |
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