I was born on the hawaiian island of oahu, in a small town far from the busy streets. As long as I can remember, I had the ability to draw, but through the years i realized that duplicating photographs didn't make me an artist. with a few classes in high school and countless nights tucked away in small rooms with flickering lights and half broken pencils my passion for art flourished. and it has never stopped

In 2003, I approached a local tattoo shop with a folder of some sketches, and to my own amazement got hired. with no serious experience tattooing,and with my new co workers unwilling to share much with me I found myself again in a familiar place where i needed to figure things out quick and on my own.

It was a rough start, after some time i met a traveling tattooist from europe who would help me through those akward stages and occasionally I would meet other people who would help me a bit along the way and for that I will always be greatful.

Today, art like life, is constantly evolving. with my head low and my eyes forward I press on, never forgetting the small rooms and half broken pencils.

- Richie Lucero, 2009