Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Garcia.
Hi Jose, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Raised in South Florida, I grew up exposed to a lot of different people and lifestyles. I slowly found my path as an artist roaming around the city starstruck by not just the art on the walls but the art on those walking the streets with me. Years later, I was neck deep in the culture and couldn’t keep myself from making art in any way possible. I quickly found my calling shortly after graduating high school tattooing by day and painting graffiti at night, long nights and early mornings, which was truly a vital moment for my art to grow. I moved to Austin in 2017 to pursue my career in art and prove to myself that this truly was my path. Working my way around Austin, I slowly developed my tattooing specializing in gothic black work that depicts occult imagery, counter culture, and street art. I am currently based out of South Austin where I dedicate my time to tattooing, painting murals, and multimedia studio arts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the main obstacles I face as an urban creative is judgment – the type of art I create is considered counter culture or normally unaccepted by “modern” society standards. Tattoos and graffiti are both art forms derived from street culture and dangerous urban landscapes, bringing along with them negative connotations. What some fail to see is that darkness breeds a need for light, for the good in life. I believe that there truly is good in urban art forms, it’s the streets shouting at the top of their lungs, the voices of everyday life. I believe with time these forms of art will be appreciated for what they truly are, authentic human experiences.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My artwork alternates constantly from really dark and moody tattoos and illustrations to really colorful and lively murals, so there’s a sense of a split personality – the light and the dark. I derived my name The Suit Of Swords from the chapter of sword cards in a deck of tarot, which depicts messages of triumph and loss, a manifesto to the tribulations of life. I allow the everyday disorder of life to inspire my artwork and its relativity to others. I feel that we all want to know that we are not the only ones living a crazy life with ups and downs.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My personal definition of success is being able to make art for a living and travel my art around the globe.
Pricing:
- Tattoo Minimum: $250
- Tattoo Hourly Rate: $200/Hour
- Murals: $15-25/sqft. (Depending On Size And Detail)
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@thesuitofswords.com
- Website: www.thesuitofswords.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesuitofswords
Image Credits
@darkmode.photo @blood_bonds @irotasone
