To all my amazing clients: Thank you, it’s been 12 years since opening my studio Awaken Tattoo & Gallery in 2013 here in Chicago. It’s wild to think that I will have to leave this space after I put so much work into it. I always thought that there would be a time when it would come to an end. And that time has come. Don’t worry! While this space has closed, I am still looking for a new space to relocate the studio. Although I am taking my time in this journey and when the right space arrives it will come at the right time. I compare this experience to the metaphor of the Buddhist sand mandala where monks spend days creating art from beautiful colored sand only to deliberately destroy it. This symbolizes the temporary nature of all things as I practice non-attachment. This is a powerful reminder for me that even the most beautiful creations of our lives are transient and will eventually fade. (But tattoos are permanent, hahaha!) With this process I am experiencing new growth in my journey. Thank you for your support and being a part of this journey. For the meantime you can find me at Oleander Tattoo in Ravenswood, Chicago. For inquiries, you can contact me via website, email, cell and DMs. Yours truly, Joseph aka BAGWIS NG LAWIN!