New Exhibit Featuring Art by Rob Benavides and Jackie Dunn Smith

On Friday, July 14th we are celebrating the opening of our newest art exhibit featuring new works by Tattoo Artists Jackie Dunn Smith and Rob Benavides.
Join us from 7-11pm for what’s sure to be a wild good time, with lots of beautiful art and an open bar sponsored by Flying Dog Brewery.

 

About the Artists

Rob Benavides & Jackie Dunn Smith

In 1999 Jackie and Rob met at a venue while The Business was playing and became fast friends. The two grew close over the years, sharing a love of art and tattooing. They began working together in 2005 at San Diego’s Flying Panther Tattoo. Jackie has since moved to Texas, and is very excited to collaborate on this art show with Rob in a space not limited or defined by theme or content.

Tattoo Artist Rob Benavides mastered his craft by learning from legends of the tattoo industry. His work is heavily influenced by classic tattoo imagery and is anchored in American traditions. In 2006 Rob opened Flying Panther tattoo shop in California and today it’s San Diego’s premier custom and classic tattoo shop.

Jackie Dunn Smith tattoos is Dallas, Texas at Saints and Sinners Tattoo. Jackie’s art is rooted in whimsical imagery, often featuring curvaceous ladies, magical mermaids, and sea creatures, as well as creepy yet cute monsters. We’re delighted to have Jackie as a regular guest artist and friend of the shop!

 

 

“Keepsake” by Zoe Bean

“The heart, like the mind, has a memory.  And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

On Friday, May 12th, 2017 we’re excited to open a new show  – “Keepsake,” featuring new works by resident artist Zoe Bean.  Comprised of over 70 pen and ink drawings on paper, “Keepsake” is Zoe Bean’s first solo show in over 4 years.  A self described collector, Zoe juxtaposes everyday objects, oddities, and personal memorabilia to create feelings of nostalgia.  “Keepsake”  is a collection of seemingly simple objects that house bittersweet memories, a reflection of the cures for a homesick heart.

Zoe Bean is a long time resident artist at Eight of Swords, known for whimsical subject matter and her hyper detailed mark making style. Zoe studied photography and painting earning a BFA from University of Illinois, and an MFA from Pratt Institute.  She began tattooing in 2007 and quickly fell in love with the medium.  She lives in NJ with her husband, the artist Sweety, her son Emmet, her Dog Margot Tenenbaum and her cat Suki Saperstein.

Take this opportunity to view and purchase beautiful new artwork from a local artist. The opening reception will be open from 7-11pm and hosts free admission with an open bar sponsored by Flying Dog Brewery and Sailor Jerry Rum.

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Art Show & Silent Auction to Benefit Best Friends Animal Society

We’re so excited to host a benefit art show for Best Friends Animal Society!

On Friday, March 10th from 6P-11P we will be hosting the benefit art show in support of Best Friends. This will be a silent auction with bidding starting at $40 — bidding ends promptly at 10P. Best Friends will have cats and dogs on site available for adoption (Probably 6P-8P) as well as a sign-up sheet for fostering, with representatives to answer questions and share information about their shelters. This evening’s festivities with also include an open bar and photography by Ann Marie Amick.

About Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

At the heart of Best Friends is the Sanctuary, where, at any given time, about 1,600 animals are turning their lives around, receiving the medical help they need, and getting love and acceptance to help them overcome their past. While searching for their forever homes, they live in a scenic, healing environment among human and animal friends.

Best Friends owns nearly 3,700 acres, and lease another 17,000 acres of state and federal land. Nearly 30,000 people visit every year to meet the animals and tour what has become the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Learn more about the Sanctuary.

Participating Artists

We have over 100 participating tattooers! Some of the artists include: Jackie Dunn Smith, Matt Craven Evans, Juan Puente, Destroy Troy, Becca Genne Bacon, Justin Harris, Doug Hardy, Megan Massacre, Dave C. Wallin, Hillary Fisher-White, Jeremy Sutton, Justin Weatherholtz, John Reardon, Woodz, Drew Linden, Guy Ursitti, Lorena Morato, Nathan Evans, Anya Gladun, Amy Shapiro, Richard Harding, Tron, Sweety, Alice Carrier, Joseph Bryce, Steve Huie, with poster art by Christina Hock.

Betty Rose & Zoe Bean — Curators

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Eleven: Drew Linden & Squire Strahan

OUR GALLERY IS PLEASED TO HOST

ELEVEN: Drew Linden + Squire Strahan

On Friday, September 9, we’re excited to open a brand new exhibit on the walls of our shop – “Eleven,” featuring resident artist Drew Linden and visiting artist Squire Strahan of Trilogy Tattoos in Florida.

 Drew Linden is a beloved resident artist at Eight of Swords, known for her romantic floral designs inspired by both traditional tattooing and folk art. Drew began working in a tattoo shop at age 19, quickly falling in love with the industry and apprenticing at Flesh Skin Graphics in Imperial Beach, CA not long after. She has been tattooing for eight years.  For this show, she’ll shy away from tattoo flash, her primary form of painting, towards liquid acrylic on paper. She wants to illustrate her own spiritual journey through mystical and religious imagery, reimagined with an esoteric, wood-carving style and incorporating bits of tattoo influence.

 Squire Strahan is a co-owner and resident artist at Trilogy Tattoos, a young but promising shop in Brandon, Florida. Squire began tattooing nearly ten years ago, but has been creating art for much longer. With this show he’ll translate his eye for brilliant neo-traditional imagery onto paper in a retro-futuristic style born out of a penchant for 80s Sci-Fi films.

Experience talented artists creating something outside their comfort zone. This show represents a meaningful and personal journey shared between two creative minds. Each artists’ work complements the others under a shared theme. Complimentary drinks will be served and renowned NYC photographer Igor Smith will be capturing the event. Take this opportunity to view and purchase beautiful new artwork from local artists. 

Warriors Fund Benefit Show

The 2nd Annual Tattoo Art Auction to Benefit the Wounded Knee District School, Friday March 11, 2016

Eight of Swords Gallery announces plans to host a second fundraiser to benefit Lakota students from the Wounded Knee District School (WKDS) on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge reservation. The event, called The Warriors’ Fund, is slated for Friday, March 11th at 7:00 PM and will showcase original artwork from nearly fifty top-notch tattooers, including New York City veterans like Timothy Hoyer, Virginia Elwood, and Stephanie Tamez. Work from Cheyenne Randall, a native artist who has gained popularity in recent years with his “shopped tattoo” photographs under the name @IndianGiver, will also be featured, as well as Wounded Knee Skateboards, a group that was instrumental in building a skate park on Pine Ridge, and raises awareness through artwork and skate decks.

Last year, the Warriors Fund raised $10,000 to support the WKDS; specifically, to stock its food pantry and fund training for suicide prevention counselors. The WKDS serves 134 students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. Reservation schools throughout the country are often geographically isolated, contend with a severe lack of funding, and have some of the highest dropout rates in the nation. Adults and children alike are faced with addiction, crime, and suicide –– but one of the most immediate issues for the students at WKDS is hunger. While every child qualifies for free meals during the school day, the need is greater at home.

With only a single convenience store on the reservation and the nearest grocery store a staggering 70 miles away, Principal Alice Phelps took matters into her own hands and started a food pantry that she runs out of the school for families that are the most in need. And that is what the Warriors Fund aims to keep stocked.

  To view more artwork click here for our online gallery!

About the Organizers

The Warriors’ Fund is organized by Patrick Sullivan, along with tattooers Dave C. Wallin and Betty Rose, Eight of Swords’ owner and manager, respectively. Wallin, a Dallas native, has been tattooing for twenty-three years, with over half of them spent in New York. He opened Eight of Swords in 2011. Betty Rose is a ten year veteran of the business and began working at Eight of Swords in 2013. She has since helped organize previous events and is the creator of LadyTattooers.com, an online community spotlighting women in the tattoo industry.

Contact
Patrick Sullivan pat@thewarriorsfund.org (347)563-6651
Instagram @warriorsfund
Visit www.thewarriorsfund.org

Nicoz Balboa GOES PORN

Eight of Swords is proud to present “Nicoz Balboa Goes Porn” featuring new works by Roman artist Nicoz Balboa. Nicoz is a painter, tattooer and moleskine journal addict who lives in France. She is mom to a smart and funny daughter. She has exhibited internationally including; Gallery Nucleus in LA, Strychnin Gallery in Berlin, Mondo Pop Gallery in Rome, and MF gallery in New York.

Nicoz has always been intrigued by erotic art. At 18 her idea of beauty and sexuality was informed by the discovery of Richard Kern’s “New York Girls”. In her past artwork Nicoz has been quite shy about incorporating this sexuality and her characters have often been portrayed as child-like and naïve. In this new series Nicoz pushes her own boundaries and confronts the awkward place of nakedness. The resulting paintings and drawings are simultaneously vulnerable and powerful, leaving the viewer with a sense of being both voyeur and participant.

View all Nicoz’s works at our gallery in Williamsburg until December 11, 2015!

Tryst – A collaborative effort between Sam Sieger & Bill Connors

Our latest art show Tryst is NOW on display until September 17th. Numerous originals and prints are available for purchase. Stop by the studio to see the show and take home a unique piece from Bill Connors and Sam Sieger.

 

From Darkness to Wonderland

The Eight of Swords Gallery in
Williamsburg, Brooklyn presents an exhibition of original works by Brazilian artist Lore Morato. The exhibition explores Morato’s inspired universe through elements of nature, femininity and mysticism.
The opening reception takes place at our gallery on Friday, May 8 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. The show will run though Jul 1, 2015

About the Artist A self-taught painter and tattooer, Lore Morato has displayed her work at galleries in Germany, Brazil and in the states. She has discussed her art in interviews on two prestigious blogs: LadyTattooers.com and NeedlesandSins.com. Morato’s neo­-traditional body of work uses classic tattoo symbolism with a mix of mysticism and spirituality. She currently travels the world sharing her experiences and insights with those she meets. The elements depicted in From Darkness to Wonderland capture the universe following Morato’s first Brazilian ayahuasca ceremony. Ayahuasca is a brew commonly used in spiritual experiences in the Andean states of South America. Morato’s exposure to the ritual was followed by world travel resulting in self-awareness and the strength to embrace her darkest shadows. “Face the darkness … there is no light without darkness,” Morato says, and within darkness is a magical realm. From Darkness to Wonderland will inspire you to follow dreams” Morato adds, “then you can see the beauty.” For more on Morato visit her Instgram or like her Facebook.

The Warriors Fund Benefit Show Was A Smash!

Many thanks to the artists, patrons, organizers, and supporters who made The Warriors Fund a huge success! We are so fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to host this wonderful charity event for the students of the Wounded Kneed School District.For more information please visit The Warriors Fund

Thanks to all the participating artists!

Timothy Hoyer, Scott Sylvia, Tim Hendrick, Matt Arriola, Cheyenne Sawyer, Marina Inoue, Miguel “Uzi” Montgomery, Eric Jones, Gilbert Jumping Eagle, Jason Flanell, Skinhead Rob, Rich Smith, Derek Merritt, Amelia Martin, Michael Aul, Betty Rose, John Reardon, Tron, Beto Redfeather, Justin Weatherhotlz, DCWallin, Don & Deb Yarian, Carolyn LeBourgeois, Matt Bivetto, Bart Bingham, Cheyenne Randall, Jeb Maykut, Jake Fraser, Sonju Rattler, Andy Perez, Antonio Roque, Jen Davis, Nash Hogan, Guy Ursitti, King Ron, Tomas Garcia, Jacob Redmond, Myles Karr, Kirk Wilken, Patience Biggs,
Daryl Rodriguez, Josh Mason, Twiggy Levy Nick Leombruno, Kevin Edwards, Josh Adams, Adam Warmerdam, Drew Linden, Ahmed Eldarrat, Chilly Pete, Marissa Olney , Ethan Morgan, Jerry Ware, Jim White, Sweety, Zoe Bean, Daniel Silva, Bailey Robinson, Scott Ramsey, Becca Roach, David Sena, Jesse Strother, Julie Bolene, Talley, J. Adams, Richard Harding, Zac Scheinbaum, Steve Vonreipen, Jason Ochoa, Franco Maldonado, Chuck Donoghue, Sophie C’est La Vie, Phillip Wolves, Collin Epstein

The Warriors Fund: Tattoo art show & silent auction to benefit the Wounded Knee Warriors of Pine Ridge

Our largest group show of the year!

JOIN US on MARCH 6TH AT 7PM!

Eight of Swords Tattoo & Gallery

115 Grand St.

Brooklyn, NY 11249

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Warriors Fund is a tattoo art show and silent auction slated for Friday, March 6th, 2015, to benefit the students of the Wounded Knee District School (WKDS), home of the Warriors. View previews of the participating artists on the @warriorsfund instagram.

We’ve invited over 75 talented tattoo artists from across the country to donate an original drawing or painting that will be sold to raise money for the food pantry at WKDS. We’ll hold a silent auction for the pieces on Friday, March 6th, 2015 and the exhibition will run through the month at Eight of Swords Tattoo in Brooklyn.

The WKDS serves 134 K-8th graders on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. In her first year as principal, Alice Phelps has made huge strides at WKDS. She’s extended time for math and reading while also prioritizing cultural-based learning activities, such as Lakota language classes. Like any school, the WKDS is full of students with unlimited potential; but unlike most schools, many of its students are going hungry.

Schools on reservations across the country are geographically isolated, contend with a severe lack of funding, and have the highest drop-out rates in the nation. Often, schools on reservations must decide between repairs to the building or retaining staff members.

While each student qualifies for free meals during the day, the greater need is at home. Principal Phelps has made arrangements with Feeding America in Rapid City to come out once a month and do a food distribution for the families, but it’s simply not enough. So Alice has taken matters into her own hands. With only a single convenience store on the reservation and the nearest grocery store a staggering 80 miles away, she started a food pantry that she runs out of the school. That’s what we’re looking to fill.