Check Out Jordi B’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordi B.

Hi Jordi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an artist has been an incredible adventure filled with travel, exploration, and personal growth. It all began in Israel, where I spent the first 20 years of my life. Seeking new experiences and inspiration, I embarked on a life-changing trip to the far east, immersing myself in the vibrant cultures of India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Taiwan, and more.

During my travels, I lived as a local, embracing the day-to-day life of each place. From couch-surfing to camping, I absorbed the essence of these diverse cultures. Along the way, I sought out artist mentors who shared their insights and guided me through the art forms unique to each region.

Upon returning home, I felt transformed. The trip had opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that life holds and ignited a deep passion for travel and artistic exploration. My next destination was Greece, where I had the privilege of learning from an exceptional mentor who taught me the values of resilience and persistence.

Continuing my journey, I ventured to Italy, where I guested in multiple tattoo studios, expanding my artistic repertoire and honing my skills. Thailand beckoned next, where I tattooed in bustling cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, even managing a studio for several months.

Europe became my playground as I traveled through France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Greece. Each place enriched my artistic vision and provided invaluable experiences. Eventually, I found myself in the United States, following the path of good friends I had met along the way.

In the U.S., I encountered unique opportunities and valuable lessons. I contributed my art to events promoting the African American community in Seattle and participated in a lingerie modeling session in New York, where fate introduced me to my future husband. The onset of the pandemic brought uncertainty, forcing me to return to Israel briefly and later fly to Greece for a tattoo seminar that unfortunately got canceled.

After weathering the storm of the pandemic, my husband and I made the bold decision to settle in Los Angeles. The past two years have been a whirlwind of gallery exhibitions in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and DTLA. I’ve also had the privilege of tattooing at numerous parties, primarily within the LGBTQ community. Despite my frequent travels to Seattle for work, Los Angeles has become home, a place where acceptance and genuine connections have warmed my heart.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to live a life filled with passion, doing what I love. Each step of my journey has shaped me as an artist and as a person, reminding me that boundaries are merely illusions and that embracing the unknown leads to profound growth and fulfillment.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming an artist, especially a tattoo artist, has been far from a smooth road for me. When I initially decided to pursue art full-time, it was a significant challenge to make a sustainable living from it. I explored various avenues, from accepting commission works for portraits at meager prices to doing body paint at festivals and anything I could sell. However, these endeavors didn’t provide the financial stability I needed.

It was during this period that I made the pivotal decision to become a tattoo artist. Thankfully, I had a family friend who was an experienced tattoo artist in Israel. I approached him with a request to teach me the art of tattooing, and what followed felt like a modern-day Karate Kid scenario. I lived on his couch, dutifully cleaning his studio and apartment and even preparing meals. It was an intense immersion into the craft.

Living in a rough neighborhood in Haifa, Israel, surrounded by drug dealers, prostitutes, and criminals, I persevered in my training. Once my mentor deemed me proficient enough, I returned home and stowed away my tattoo machine, uncertain if I would ever use it. However, fate had other plans. One day, a friend of my brother’s approached me, having heard that I had begun tattooing, and requested his daughter’s name be inked on his arm. Without hesitation, I invited him to lie down, and I embarked on my first official tattoo.

Buoyed by this experience, I took a leap of faith and opened my own studio in my small town, utilizing every penny I had to make it happen. As the only tattoo studio in the area at that time, I faced unique challenges and opportunities. However, after six months, I realized that I yearned for growth and a deeper understanding of the art form. Determined to become a better artist, I reached out to studios worldwide, sending approximately 400 Instagram messages in pursuit of an apprenticeship.

Miraculously, Basmir, the owner of “House of Pain” studio in Rhodes (now known as “Wild Pear”), responded to my inquiry and became an invaluable mentor. He graciously provided me with a place to stay in Rhodes and dedicated his time to teaching me the intricacies of tattooing and art. I spent countless hours by his side, absorbing his knowledge, taking meticulous notes, and pushing myself to excel. This experience propelled my skills to new heights, making me ten times the tattoo artist I had been before.

Through these trials and transformative experiences, I have come to appreciate the incredible resilience and determination required to pursue a career in tattooing. While the road has been challenging, each obstacle has fueled my passion and commitment to my craft. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the mentors who have shaped my journey, ultimately making me the artist I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a multi-media artist, I specialize in creating large-scale paintings that often feature female figures, particularly portraits. My work is a celebration of the beauty and strength embodied by women, drawing inspiration from their ability to give life and the profound connection to the cycle of life and death. Nature elements frequently find their way into my tattoo designs, reflecting the interconnectedness of all living things.

In the realm of tattooing, my style can be described as Fine Line, characterized by its delicate, gentle, and aesthetically pleasing qualities. I take great pride in the deep connections I establish with my clients. It is not uncommon for a session to evolve into a post-tattooing experience, where we share a meal or engage in conversation over a drink. This personal connection fosters trust and allows for a collaborative and meaningful tattooing experience.

One aspect that sets me apart and fills me with pride is the exceptional retention rate among my clients. Many individuals who initially come to me for their first tattoo end up returning for multiple pieces, often becoming long-term patrons. It is a testament to the trust they place in me and the satisfaction they derive from my artistry. Witnessing clients embrace the art and choose to adorn their bodies with my creations is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Overall, my ability to establish deep connections, coupled with my signature Fine Line style and thematic focus on the beauty and circle of life, sets me apart as an artist. I am dedicated to providing exceptional artistic experiences and creating lasting memories through my work.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes, there is something important I would like to share with our readers. It is crucial for us to remember that our time on this Earth is fleeting, just like the tattoos I create that will eventually fade away, we too will return to the Earth. This serves as a poignant reminder to seize the opportunities that come our way and pursue our desires and passions with unwavering determination. It is not merely a slogan but a profound reality.

I acknowledge that many of our readers, like myself, are fortunate to have been born in the right place at the right time in the Western world. This grants us countless possibilities and endless potential. However, I have encountered individuals from distant villages who spend their lives toiling away, breaking stones for structures they will never inhabit. Recognizing the immense privilege of being born in a time and place of opportunity, I not only view it as a personal privilege but also as a moral obligation to chase after my dreams.

In honoring the dreams and aspirations of those who are not afforded the same opportunities, I strive to make the most of the possibilities before me. I invite each reader to reflect on their own passions and goals and to embrace the responsibility we have to pursue them wholeheartedly. Let us be a force of inspiration, not only for ourselves but for all the women and men worldwide who are unable to pursue their own dreams.

Pricing:

• Tattoos – 300-1500
• Print 40’X60′ – 600
• T-shirt – 40
• Painting – 2000-5000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jordib.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordi.b_tattoo

Image Credits
Andres Cordoba Philly Wenderoth