I am Ian.

Hello, and thanks for taking an interest in learning a little about me. Here’s a brief look at my relationship with art.

I’ve been interested in art my entire life, it’s always been what I gravitated toward. I began my professional art career in 2003, after completing my tattoo apprenticeship, and I’ve been tattooing full time ever since. In 2012, I opened my own studio, Safe House Tattoo in Nashville, TN.

For years, I was drawn to oil painting but intimidated by it. I watched tutorials, attended workshops, and absorbed everything I could, yet always found reasons not to start. In 2013, I broke my wrist in a scooter accident and couldn’t tattoo for a while. With no excuses left, I began painting for hours every day. Once I had a few paintings under my belt, I realized how forgiving, and how fun, oil paint really is.

That experience led me into teaching. I kept meeting people who were curious about art but hesitant, often saying things like, “Oils seem scary.” I started teaching to break down those myths and invite people into the beauty of not just oil painting, but art as a whole.

I see art as a very literal “If I can do it, anyone can do it” space. You do have to put in the work but that’s all it takes. Just the work.