Today we’d like to introduce you to Gypsy Rose Becker.
Gypsy Rose, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have never lived anywhere long enough to be from there. My alcoholic father and heroin addict mother divorced when I was 4. They both moved around from state to state every few months, and neither had any family involved in their lives. I was abused and neglected. I became a ward of the court-legally orphaned- at 13. I have had zero family love or support in my life. After a stint in foster homes, I was homeless from 14 to 16. I became an exotic dancer at 16, and I did that for 20 years. It studied business and art at University but never graduated. I traveled around and danced from the South Pacific to Alaska and all over the states. I studied Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro. I carpe diemed life to its fullest and found myself drunk every day on the beautiful island of Guam. I realize now I had become a train wreck, but at the time thought I was just living life to its fullest. I met a handsome sailor and came to be loved for the first time ever in my life, which completely changed me. Ali gave up dancing and studied hypnotherapy but fell into face painting for festivals and parties for a few years. I got into tattooing in 2014, and now I own one of the highest rated tattoo shops in Houston.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I mostly tattoo. I focus on black and grey illustration style- particularly botanical subject matter. I feel honored when people trust me to decorate their skin, and I take it very seriously that it is forever. I put my very best into every single tattoo I do. I am empathic and feel like this helps me capture my client’s wishes in their tattoo design.
I dabble in painting, where I try out different themes and styles but usually tend toward lifelike, illustration style. I draw a lot, but it is primarily for my tattoo clients. They keep me busy designing custom pieces.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Persevere and commit to improving your skills. I personally feel that It’s not about your natural talent as much as your ability to learn and get better. Art is like music in that not everyone is a virtuoso, but we can all learn and get better and better. I find that self-doubt holds many artists back from committing to their art and making it work. Will Smith said something that really struck me; “Being realistic is the most common path to mediocrity… don’t ever let the idea of being realistic hold you back. Being realistic doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take risks. It shouldn’t scare you! Don’t be mediocre. Work hard for what you want, even if what you want seems crazy to others.”
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My tattoo shop is where all my art resides.
Gypsy Rose Studio 16514 Sea Lark Rd. Houston, Tex 77062
www.GypsyRoseInk.com
Contact Info:
- Address: Gypsy Rose Becker
16514 Sea Lark Rd
Houston TX 77062 - Website: www.GypsyRoseInk.com
- Phone: 832-216-3039
- Email: art@gypsyroseink.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/gypsybecker
- Facebook: Instagram.com/gypsyrosehouston
Image Credit:
Gypsy Rose Becker
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