A Tattooist's Perspective of Texas State Parks

(Hardback)

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Description

This book caters to all who are a fan of the arts and outdoors. The illustrations are one persons unique view of the parks. This book certainly is a great coffee table book and a conversation starter but also a great book to use as a quick reference and even take along on journeys to Texas State Parks and keep notes in it. For the tattoo enthusiasts who also enjoy the state park system, there may be inspiration in the drawings for the next tattoo work.

Reviews

"Once you have seen Steven's artwork, it is usually not a surprise to learn that one of the many businesses he has owned was a tattoo parlor. You can see his artwork is often presented as if it were layered across a shoulder blade. Having Steven's art in print is the next best canvas, for those of us not brave enough to wear his art on our biceps." Andrea Andrews Lofye, Texas Parks and Wildlife Infrastructure Division Director

"The Tattooist's Perspective project started as a way to be creative in early morning hours but then became an important avenue to healing and rehabilitation, as the author was challenged with cancer in 2022. Had it not been for this event this book would, more than likely, not exist. There is truly a reason for everything. With the completion of this book of art for the Texas Parks, Steven is thrilled to be able to share his art with everyone." excerpt from Author's Biography

"When Steven let me preview the book, I was quite simply amazed. As someone who loves nature (and tattoos) and has spent my career in several of the places featured in the book, I was awestruck by the unique way he was able to capture a piece of every park. I instantly thought, everyone is going to love this and I can't wait to get my own copy." James Adams, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Superintendent

Author Bio

Being an employee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has offered a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the conservation and preservation of Texas's diverse natural wonders, while simultaneously helping to provide recreational opportunities for millions of Texans. When I came to work at TPWD, I did so hoping my efforts would have a real and lasting impact on the state's ecological health, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment of the outdoors. I feel fortunate to have joined a team dedicated to protecting endangered species, managing fisheries and wildlife populations, maintaining state parks and
historic sites, and educating the public about environmental stewardship.
As a TPWD Construction Project Manager, I can be one of the orchestra conductors of the
building world. Construction managers wield the baton, coordinating a complex symphony of
architects, engineers, contractors, and workers to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Ultimately, I feel that if I am successful in my work it translates to
satisfied clients, thriving State Parks, and the very infrastructure that shapes our lives. A huge benefit of working for Texas State Parks has been, of course, the location of the project sites. Immersed in natural and man made beauty, how can a person not feel inspired
My inspiration for these state park drawings did not only come from developing a greater sense of the importance for public spaces, but also from the experiences I've had as a Tattoo Artist, Studio Owner and private sector Contractor. It is an accumulation of all of my experiences that have shaped the style, contributed to the medium I have chosen for the artwork, and paved the way for this book.
By creating these drawings, I have been able to unlock the unique pathway for self-expression and bypass the limitations of words. Each line, shape, and shade have become a brush-stroke on the canvas of my own inner world. Depictions of emotions I might struggle to vocalize, hidden dreams-capes of my imagination, or simply the texture of certain objects, drawing has always offered a safe space to explore and externalize my true self. Beyond my own personal exploration, drawing becomes a universal language, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
After all of the hours spent at Texas State Parks and all of the hours spent at the drawing table, I am
thrilled to share my visual stories. I extend this invitation to anyone who wants to connect with these parks in hopes that I spark empathy and understanding and provide a glimpse of this amazing state and it's diverse state park system through my own unique lens.