Some things I've done with skin and ink

Taking appointments for 2014. I'm also going to be at a veriaty of different tattoo conventions around the glob. E-mail traviswycofftattoo@gmail.com for appoinment inquires. -TW

Bear skull print release.

The Bear Skull print is now available. By much request I have desided to release a print of the Bear Skull painting. Printed on high quality gloss paper. $20 plus shipping. The original oil painting is also still available on www.dogmeatartcollective.bigcartel.com

Original and prints for sale. "Office Space"

First of prints available is "Office Space" on high quality gloss paper. $20 pluse shipping. The original is still available for sale also. You can order via www.dogmeatartcollective.bigcartel 

Thank you. 

Time to get out more.

So I have had opportunity's to go on the tattoo convention circuit and for reasons here and there have had to decline a few times. But recently I have been talking to several artist that are on the circuit and have been ask to join them at a few conventions. So to benefit and grow as an artist and to get my name out there more I will start doing more conventions. I will be looking for people to tattoo in different city and states so if interested please let me know. I will have the privilege pod sharing a booth with some pretty amazing artist. I am looking forward to getting out there on the road. Thank you for all the love and support. 

Quality Time

I love spending quality time with each of my children. Sometimes it hard to separate that time between each one and with busy schedules it kind of hard sometimes. But lately I have been blessed with being able to spend time with them. I have gotten to attended a painting class with my oldest daughter which has brought us close together again. It is always good to spend as much quality time with your kids and always make that time. Remember it Family First. 

Here is a pic of me and my oldest daughter at our painting class with our projects we are working on. 

Live painting and More. DMAC on the road

I am going to be taking Dog Meat Art Collective on the road. We will be selling  original art work, prints and more at street fairs, out door markets and swap meats. I will also be doing start to finish live paintings at each one. I will have different artist joining me to also sell there art work. We hope to see some of you out there and remember to support the arts. For those that don't know DMAC is a collective of artist that travel around and sell there art, collaborate on art shows and online art sales. It is also to keep my art and tattooing separate. So please check it out.  

A great write up on Meditation

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Lately, I’ve had a lot of people who are unfamiliar with meditation ask me what it is and how to do it, so I wanted to write this post with some information about the what, why, and how of meditation.

Below is an explanation of meditation in a nut-shell, and how to apply the ideas into practice. Meditation doesn’t have to be an esoteric pursuit. It can be a simple practice that works for almost any activity. Meditation can take place while taking a walk, when praying, or while washing the dishes. It all depends on the development of a meditative attitude and a willingness to practice.

Why Meditate?

There are many benefits to meditation, though the four main reasons someone would meditate are for emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual development.

The benefits include everything from:

• Stress reduction
• Increasing creativity
• Pain management
• Emotional healing
• Raising consciousness
• Relaxation
• Being closer to God
• Peacefulness
• Increasing energy
• Mental clarity
• Greater self-awareness

It can be very useful to determine why you want to meditate. Choosing a purpose for meditating offers direction when experimenting with new types of meditation, and increases the chances of having a fulfilling and positive experience.

Determine what results you want to get from meditation.

Where to start? Two basic types of meditation

There are two main types of meditation that provide a framework to begin developing greater attention and discipline. These are concentration meditation and mindfulness meditation.

Concentration meditation:

Simply put, this is where attention is focused on a single object. Any object of focus can be used, such as visualizing an image or repeating a word. You can focus on breathing, recite a mantra, listen to music, or view a picture as a central point of focus. The goal is to use this as an anchor so you can bring your attention back to the meditative object whenever the mind wanders.

Mindfulness Meditation:

This is a little more advanced form of meditation and can be more difficult without initially practicing concentration meditation. In mindfulness meditation the meditator passively observes the workings of the mind, any feelings that arise, or bodily sensations that emerge.

As opposed to focusing a single point of concentration, the meditator focuses on mental states, moods, and feelings that occur spontaneously, while keeping a nonjudgmental frame of mind. The goal is to reach an objective level of consciousness where we’re able to let-go and maintain presence and peace of mind.

5 simple steps for concentration meditation

These steps below are a type of concentration meditation, where a mental device or point of focus will be used. It’s recommended to start here before practicing mindfulness meditation.

1) Pick a focus for concentration

To stay in a meditative state it can help to have a mental device to keep your mind anchored and occupied. I suggest using a mantra or word of some sort. There is a wide range of mantras or sayings that can be used, so make sure it is something you can connect with emotionally.

Types of mantras or focus words could be something from your religious or spiritual tradition, or simply something that brings you comfort. Experiment with different words of phrases, for example, using the word “peace” or “love” or silently reciting a short prayer.

2) Find quiet environment and comfortable position.

Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. As you progress, using the same environment can limit your ability to meditate in other settings, but for a beginner, a quiet environment will help to develop a routine and maintain focus.

Make sure you are physically comfortable. You can lie down or be in a sitting position, though a good starting technique is to sit in a comfortable position. It can be easy to fall asleep while lying down.

The important thing is that you’re comfortable and not distracted and fidgety. Make sure your body is relaxed and you’re free of tension. Stretching can be done before meditation begins to prepare the body.

3) Breathe slowly and naturally

Begin by breathing slowly and naturally through your nose focusing on your breathe. Gradually begin incorporating your focus word as you exhale, or repeat a longer mantra along with inhalation and exhalation.

The breathe can also be used as a focus of concentration separate from a mantra, though, a mantra or word can help to maintain concentration and avoid the wandering mind. It also offers an emotional connection to the experience and a way to enhance spiritual development if that is a goal.

4) Don’t worry about how you’re doing

This is one of the most important points to emphasize. Meditation can be a difficult practice to establish because of the perception that there’s a right and wrong way to do it. The intention to meditate is the most important aspect of the practice and keeping an open-mind to the process makes it more enjoyable and fruitful.

This is part of learning mindfulness, as thoughts come and go we are able to continue meditating without becoming mentally and emotionally attached or frustrated. Don’t worry if you’re doing it right, just know it will become more natural as time progresses.

5) Continue for 10-20 minutes

In general, to gain the benefits of mediation it’s important to meditate for at least 10 minutes or so. It depends on the reason you are meditating, but often for any health or relaxation benefits the body needs to time to adjust.

Though, don’t push yourself and try to meditate longer than feels natural or comfortable. If you’re having a tough time, you can always stop and try again later. Forcing mediation to happen will make the practice more difficult and less enjoyable. If you’re falling asleep you can use shorter breathes to stay more alert.

After 10-20 minutes remain seated for a few minutes and recall and reflect on your meditation experience.

How do you feel different? What images or thoughts were going through your head?

It can be helpful to have a journal or something to write about your experience to help with recall.

Take a few moments to stretch and balance your energy.

Work to keep a regular routine for a few weeks and keep practicing to discover what works for you.

I would love to hear from you! What is your experience with meditation? If you meditate, how do you incorporate it into your life? What questions do you have, or what tips can you offer to others with their practice? Please chime-in below!

I hope you enjoyed this post, and if so, please share it with others, or subscribe below to get updates straight to your in-box! You will also receive a free copy of the eBook “Think Big Act Now”

 

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Categories: Meditation

Tags: healthy habits, managing anxiety, meditation,mindfulness, stress management

The future is now

So I have decided to start a new company called Dog Meat Art Collective. It will be a brand that sells and shares art of like minded artist such as my self. I will have originals, limited

Prints among other stuff that you can purchases. And in time collaborate with other artist On future projects.  So keep an eye out for Dog Meat Art Collective. Right now I have some some originals and prints on sale for 1/2 off at www.dogmeatartcollective.bigcartel.com

"I LOVE CA"

The "I LOVE CA" is a group art

show  coming up

September 14th and runs

Until October 8th, At 2nd Floor Tattoo and Art Gallery. It is a themed show show casing California culture and life style.  The opening reception is on September 14th and is invite only to artist there close friends and family which includes live music, food and drinks, and a car show by Low Down Kustoms. After that the show will be open to the public until October 8th. 

The list of art is amazing and a

Show flyer will be posted

Closer to September with artist names. Super excited about this one so be sure to stop by 2nd Floor Tattoo and Art Gallery located at 20786 Bear Valley RD Apple Valley CA 92308 and enjoy this art show. 

My Grand Opening and Art Show

Don't miss out on this. 

Tattoo and art Instagram and face book page.

Be sure to check out my tattoo and art Instagram. Thank you. If you are not on Instagram check out " the art of Travis Wycoff page on face book. 

Phoenix cross breed

Did some line work in this today. Client sat like a camp. Up next some color.......

In Greek mythology, a phoenix or phenix(Ancient Greek φοίνιξ phóinīx) is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. The phoenix was subsequently adopted as a symbol in Early Christianity.

In his study of the phoenix, R. van der Broek summarizes, that, in the historical record, the phoenix "could symbolize renewal in general as well as the sun, time, the empire, metempsychosis, consecration,resurrection, life in the heavenly Paradise,Christ, Mary, virginity, the exceptional man, and certain aspects of Christian life".^[1]

The Machete. New music video

http://youtu.be/Zm2PSZLDVPQ check out my homie The Machete's new music video Save My Soul from his upcoming cd. Much respect 

2nd Floor Tattoo and Art Gallery's web site

Thanks to Adam Tourgeman for hooking up the web sight. Home page photo credit goes to Sarah Alvarado. Be sure to check it out. www.2ndfloortattoo.com I make sure to update the events so make sure to check those out and we still have some stuff to add for the art gallery page.  But thank you for all the support and love. 

Happy sweet 16 to my baby girl

Today is a big day for me and my oldest daughter. She has turn 16 today. Wow, where has the time gone. I usually don't post about my private life and family on here but this to me is a big deal. Happy birthday to my baby girl. I am so proud of you and the young lady you have become.  

New Beginnings and new visions

As of April 2013 Rebellious Tattoo Studio will no longer be. My business partner and I are going our separate ways. I will be going off to do my own ventures. This is something that had to be done. I wish him all the luck on what ever it is he decides to do. I myself need to be in and around a sober environment. I want to grow as an artist and be around like mind artist. I want to maintain a respectable place for both artist and clients alike. I am still taking on all my clients and taking tattoo appointments. I will not be stopping tattooing durning this transition. I will still be tattooing out of a Professional tattoo studio and will still be local. I want to thank each and everyone of you that has been supportive and has been there for me. Thank you. With much love and respect.

On another note:
2nd Floor Tattoo and Art Gallery
Well be open this week!!! (the new shop I'm at)
located in Applevalley CA.

We are also hiring tattoo artist right now!
So if interested contact 760-403-2584 or email at 2ndfloortattooandartgallery@gmail.com

My piece of art for the plastic smile art show

About two years ago. My friend bobby (who played guitar for a band called Loot N Rok) approached me to do a painting on a old guitar he was given by his dad. This guitar had been used to write a lot of songs so it had some sentimental value to it. I had started on it and re-started on it several times with a few different but similar designs for the painting. Then I thought just keep it simple and have fun. I decide that I was going to have an art show at my shop and what better piece to display then my buddy's guitar. The idea behind the painting is that of the love between his wife and him (if you know them then you know what I mean). The rose represents her and the skull him. The droplets are the connection between the two. I used real references of a skull and a rose that I had for the painting. I hope you all enjoy this piece.

PLASTIC SMILE ART SHOW

Please join us sunday the 24th from 6pm tp 9pm for the plastic smile group art show. all are welcomed and it is free.

Sketchbook get together

I am wanting to get with other artist an have a weekly get together were we meet up and bring our sketchbooks and draw or paint or what ever your thing may be. We would meet at a public place such as a coffee shop, restraint, bar or even a park. We would meet up draw, talk art and just vibe off each other and hopefully learn and just have a good time. If anyone is interested please contact me through my e-mail at traviswycofftattoo@gmail.com
I look forward to this.

The Codes

James Gurney is one of my favorite artist. I have been in to is art and have started to study it as well. I have learned a lot by reading his books and blogs among many articles he has written and buy looking at his art for hours at a time. I have also learned that he has a lot to offer. Her are the codes takin from Dinotopia. Which in a lot of ways are great to live by.

THE CODES

1 - One raindrop raises the sea.

2 - Survival of all or none

3 - Weapons are enemies, even to their owners

4 - Give more - take less

5 - Others first - self last

6 - Observe, listen and learn

7 - Do one thing at a time

8 - Sing every day

9 - Exercise imagination

10 - Eat to live, don't live to eat

11 - FIND THE LIGHT

Music that changed my life

Back in the early nineties I was into all kinds of music, just as I am today. But I was looking for something different and something I could call my own. I remember staying at my grandmothers one summer as I did most summers and I was up late laying in bed listening to a small College radio station. They played some of the craziest music I'd heard to date. I remember hearing this band come on called Mookie Blaylock. They played this realy bad recording of this song that was later to be called Alive. I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever heard. I could not get it out of my head. I went down to Claremont where rhino records was an went in search for more info on this band. But know one seemed to know anything except they where from Seattle and San Diego and that they didn't have a album out yet. That year when I went back to school. I ended up finding what I was looking for from a friend of mine. I had found that song, a lot better recorded and more songs to go along with that song. It was on a cassette tape called Ten and the band was now known as Pearl Jam. There music had changed my life.

Art Show update

As most of you know the "Plastic Smile" group art show was postponed. Good news is the new date is sunday February 24th 6pm to 9pm at 2nd Floor Art Gallery (same location as Rebellious Tattoo Studio) 20786 BearValley rd Apple Valley CA. We have about 20 artist already lined up but we do have room for just a few more. We ask that artist keep it to a 2 piece max and have your art work to us 2 days prier to the show. If interested or have any further questions pleas feel free to e-mail me at traviswycofftattoo@gmail.com
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you there.