Whale of a Tattoo (Jesse’s Arm), Pastel on paper, 13 by 22 inches. 2014.
I made this drawing of my friend Jesse Slade just a couple weeks before he got married last year. Jesse is a gentle man, always ready with a quick laugh and bright smile. That bushy beard he’s got is iconic. He’s got a talent for making seemingly simple statements that have – when you think back on them – striking depth. Such a good dude.
~
On being a big fish in a small pond:
“That idea is totally wrong; you’re always a small fish in a big pond.”
On hard experiences:
“It’s all growth, man. Every day, every second of every day. Just growth. And it’s growth that may look like it’s decay for a while… it’ll definitely rekindle.”
On the whale tattoo:
“Did I ever tell you the reason I got the whale? Jonah. The whale in this story is a beautiful sort of temporary savior, obviously speaking of Christ. Jonah only had the whale for that time, and then it was gone. Christ stays. I got the whale as a reminder of that love. I’m excited to get a moon next.”
On single-digit temperatures:
“It is days like this I am especially grateful I have a beard. #AllDayScarf”
On his favorite band:
“Trampled by Turtles.” Here’s one of their songs: “Are you behind the shining star?”
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Thanks for letting me draw your tattoo, Jesse!
You have cool friends:). Thanks for introducing them to us.
Love, Tammy