about me

I grew up in New Jersey as the fourth of five siblings. I went to a transformative residential high school called United World College in New Mexico from 2002-2004. I attended Haverford College in PA from 2004-2008 where I studied political science but spent most of my time painting, drawing murals, and experimenting with acid bath techniques in the etching studio.

I started my tattoo apprenticeship in 2009 and earned my Philadelphia Body Art Artist License in February 2013.

I opened my private studio, Rabbit Ear, in September 2021.

Now I live in West Philly with my girlfriend, Alexis, and our cats. My parents live in New Jersey and are hard workers and loving supporters. My siblings are geniuses, and I’m an uncle to seven genius kids. I feel blessed to be part of a community of outstanding thinkers and doers and not-doers. Outside of tattooing, I’m interested in social justice, live music, hand painted signs, doughnuts, coffee, house plants, Buddhism, and tow trucks.

about holistic tattooing

Holistic tattooing is a creative project that developed out of a reverent approach to this art form. It involves careful consideration of each stage of the process as well as careful consideration of the well-being of the client's body and mind while receiving a tattoo.

Holistic tattooing is an acknowledgement of the interconnection of the parts of the experience of getting a tattoo, and it is a belief that offering a safe, considerate, and collaborative environment lays the foundation for the most compelling tattoo possible for each client.

All of our actions impact and define who we are. With a tattoo, one has the opportunity to actively and deliberately change their body with art. We witness an almost instantaneous transformation, the result of which may help us become who want to be. 

This experience can elucidate the condition that change is possible. We all have the ability to make decisions that impact our bodies and our environments. As our tattoos heal, we witness another transformation: our body recovering from its trauma and ultimately accepting and becoming one with the new tattoo. How we take care of our tattoo has another direct impact on our body. As we age, our tattoos will continue to change, though more subtly and gradually. 

Tattooing has existed for thousands of years, but we find ourselves at a unique point in history in which we as wearers of tattoos are completely free to choose what tattoos we have and what they mean to us. I find myself inspired by this opportunity to decide my destiny as well as sometimes overwhelmed by it.

We have the opportunity to choose the artist that makes our tattoos. The choice has a huge impact on the outcome, both aesthetically and emotionally. You may want to have a piece custom designed for you. It is your prerogative to choose an artist who will care as much about the success of the tattoo as you do, and who is thoughtful and deliberate about the experience you are going to have when getting tattooed.

I am committed to holistic tattooing. I use vegan inks and pigments. I believe your tattoo will come out best and you will feel best about your tattoo when you have understanding and agency throughout the planning stage, the day of the appointment, and the healing process. When you're getting tattooed, you can choose if you want to breathe silently, bring a friend, or listen to music. I will try to be clear about the process and any information you may need.

Tattooing is old, and it is not my intention to sanitize the mystery inherent in any tradition so deep. It is my goal to have a fair and mutually-beneficial relationship between the tattooer and the client.

Many other tattoo artists are also respectful and compassionate people. I specify these goals for my practice because I believe this will enable me to make the best tattoos I can.