What is Devils Gun Tattoo?
Devil's Gun Tattoo was created to promote art in the communities and spread the awareness of suicide. The reason that I created this was because in December of 2008 a very close friend of mine committed suicide. Devils Gun Tattoo is just another approach with no guarantees. No, art projects won't reach out and grab hold of the pills that someone tries to swallow, or toss the gun that someone wants to use. Art has its own power, and the power to change a life, save a life, is certainly within its reach. Without art, life is immeasurably diminished. So how does the tattoo aspect come in to play? My friend Adam that committed suicide was a tattoo artist in Los Angeles, C.A. About seven years ago he got his apprenticeship for tattooing and has been doing it ever since. We use to talk all the time about opening our own Tattoo studio called "Devils Gun Tattoo."
As I'm sure the name of the Tattoo shop we dreamed of creating is a bit misleading, it does have it's meanings. My friend Adam's mother Jeanette did not like the fact her son was a tattoo artist. Having a background largely influenced by religion she would refer to the tattoo gun as "The Devils Gun."
Be sure to check out the online store to show your support. All the proceeds will go to help contribute making a difficult dream to become realized. If you are not interested in purchasing items at the store but still would like to help please use the donate button to the right. Thank you for your contributions and support. Every little bit helps. I understand that its difficult in these hard economical times, but anything you can do to help is appreciated.
The reasons behind Adams suicide are still up to speculation. There was left behind no note, no cause, no hint of evidence as to why he had decided to choose to end his life. Although a bit grim, the details of his death were very common. He had taken a box cutter repeatedly vertically along his wrists. He was found two days after his passing by his girlfriend when she went to check on him to see why he had not been responding to her phone calls and text messages.
What do I hope to accomplish?
The main goals behind Devils Gun Tattoo are help stimulate and promote suicide awareness through tattoo and design venues. My ultimate goal is to open a tattoo shop (Devils Gun Tattoo) in conjunction with a apparel store. The apparel store will include clothing designs from local designers and artists to help them promote and market their artwork in fashion form. Although a bit ambitious, I feel these goals will help show support for suicide awareness, help artist and designers get exposure and create jobs in these fleeting economic times. Hopefully with your support and financial contributions I can make these dreams become a realization.
- Development and implementation of a tattoo studio.
- Suicide Awareness.
- Promote local artists.
I thank you again and hope that you will check back often to the blog and see how things are progressing.
What can you do to help?
If you or someone that you know is considering suicide. You owe it to yourself and the those who care about you to seek help, or have them seek counseling. There are organizations out there that have the necessary staff and knowledge to assist with outreach and help in tough times. Most of these services are free.
If you would like to contribute artwork for a shirt design please email the design in a high res format (tiff, pdf) to billy@devilsguntattoo.com.
Please be sure to check out the online store with the link on the top right of this page. I know the pricing is a little high however I only see about 7% of the total cost. The rest goes to printing, inking and shirt cost.
If you have a buisiness and would like to have a link to your website put up please email your information to: billy@devilsguntattoo.com.
Suicide is the 3rd leading killer of young people. Awareness & counseling works.
Hotlines: 800 SUICIDE or 800-273-TALK will connect with a local crisis center.